Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
While males and females are diagnosed far more often with ADHD, women and girls can also have it. But stereotypes, prejudices regarding referrals, internalized symptoms, and other comorbidities can make it difficult to get them properly assessed and treated.
Many women devise coping strategies to cover up their ADHD symptoms and meet societal expectations, but these can be unhealthy and unsustainable. Here are some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adult women.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD tend to feel overwhelmed by daily tasks. They often have a difficult time to keep track of many deadlines, email notifications and meetings. They could also be more prone to forget important appointments or events. They may also find it difficult to concentrate in noisy or busy environments. This can lead them to miss opportunities and lower quality work.
For ADHD symptoms in adult women with ADHD the challenges they face can feel like an aspect of their personality or performance and lead to frustration. They can often suffer from low self-esteem and negative image of their body. They may also have difficulty to maintain relationships and come up with effective strategies to cope. In some cases they may resort to unhealthy coping behaviors, such as excessive alcohol or drugs. This can make it harder for others to understand the signs of struggle and delay the diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD are often sensitive to failure and criticism, which can cause them to internalize their issues and struggle to get help. As a result, they may experience relationships and have trouble finding meaningful employment. They can also be more susceptible to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In some cases the symptoms can cause a mental disorder that is non-suicidal, like self-harm (NSSI) which can be expressed through cutting or burning.
ADHD is more common in males and females, however symptoms can linger and affect the entire life of. Women should recognize the signs and seek an evaluation by a health professional. A correct diagnosis can result in better-managed symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD often complain of feeling overwhelmed and like their lives are in chaos. They might miss deadlines at work or have difficulty keeping the track of their the tasks at home or at work like paying bills or making appointments. They may be disorganized with their home and finances, and struggle to maintain a stable relationship and an employment.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can cause frustration and miscommunications in relationships between friends, partners and colleagues. These issues can cause fractured or even strained relationships and feelings of isolation. The inability to remember, the difficulty in listening, and the tendency to "zone out", or stop paying attention, can lead to misunderstandings with loved ones.
Symptoms of impulsivity, emotional dysregulation and mood swings are more prevalent in women with ADHD than men and can be disruptive to both personal and professional life. Women with untreated ADHD might feel overwhelmed by the demands of work, family and the social world. They may also be sensitive to harsh criticism and harsh judgment.
There are ways to manage these symptoms. For many adults treatments include lifestyle changes and the use of specific tools for organizing, as well as prescription stimulant medication.
Women with ADHD often find it easier than men to disguise their ADHD symptoms and, as a result they are often not diagnosed until adulthood. They are also more likely to suffer from comorbid disorders, such as depression and anxiety which can exacerbate the effects of untreated ADHD. Women may also struggle to maintain stable relationships and jobs, and may be afflicted by low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers a person's genetic makeup, chromosomes and hormones, and anatomy; gender refers to the internal perception of self as a woman, man or a nonbinary gender identity and mental health problems are often diagnosed on the basis of both.
3. Anxiety
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These emotions may be exacerbated by the inability to keep track of daily tasks and appointments, which can lead to health issues such as missing appointments, late payments or even debt. ADHD can cause emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and forgetfulness, which can lead to problems in relationships with partners, friends, and coworkers.
Many women develop coping mechanisms to hide their problems that can make it difficult for others to recognize that they are struggling to stay focused and organized. These coping mechanisms may be healthy, such as creating a daily schedule or a phone reminder or harmful, like using alcohol or drugs to cope or function. These strategies for coping can make women feel stressed and insecure which can cause them to doubt their capabilities and self-confidence. This can trigger feelings of depression or anxiety.
In addition, women who suffer from ADHD often feel a sense of not fitting in or achieving social norms which can cause feelings of self-doubt and anger. They may also encounter challenges at work such as difficulty with organization skills, adhering to corporate policies or sticking to a regular 9-to-5 work schedule. They may struggle with managing their finances, due to disorganization and impulsive spending, or they might be unable to keep up with work-related assignments or finishing homework.
ADHD is a chronic condition that requires ongoing assistance, especially when it affects girls and women. Despite its prevalence however, it's still undiagnosed, misunderstood, and not treated. The unique symptoms of ADHD in women are a result stereotypes of referral biases, internalized symptomatology, comorbidities and hormonal changes.
4. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be easily annoyed or overwhelmed, lose track of time, or be late to events. They might also have trouble understanding body language and picking up social cues. This can lead to problems at work or with relationships. For example, they might get into arguments easily or they may spend too much time in pursuit of hobbies and interests that aren't very important to them. They may also have difficulty keeping friendships and making new connections because they struggle to follow through on promises and commitments.
Women are generally better at building coping mechanisms that aid in reducing their ADHD symptoms, so it's harder for them to get diagnosed than men. They could, for example, develop routines that assist them in staying organized, or utilize apps to remind them of their schedules. They could also alter their behaviour to comply with societal expectations and norms. They might even attempt to hide their symptoms with alcohol or drugs. This could have grave health consequences in the long run.
Many people who suffer from ADHD outgrow their symptoms, but others don't. Around 60% of women suffering from ADHD in childhood will suffer from it into adulthood. our source compares to 30% of males.
If you're unable to get relief from lifestyle or medication professional help can be beneficial. There are a variety of options, including life coaching, career coaching, and counseling, together with stimulants and medications. Exercise can also be a great way to improve your mood and increase your levels of energy. It releases neurotransmitters which boost motivation and focus. It can also reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotions
Women and girls with ADHD are often affected by emotional hyperactivity. They may struggle with controlling their emotions and expressing them appropriately. This can cause frustration for both themselves and others. A woman with ADHD might become angry when a friend criticizes them however, she may not be able to discuss the issue in a rational manner. She may also struggle to "pause her reaction" by recognizing body signals like flushed skin or breath shortness which indicate she is either overstimulated or overwhelmed.
This inability to regulate their emotions can heighten frustration and miscommunications in relationships, and can make those with ADHD more susceptible to depression or anxiety. It can also lead to problems with social interactions because it is difficult to discern people's moods or detect social signals.
In certain instances, ADHD people may appear emotionally detached and uninterested towards their friends or loved one even though they are concerned about them. In some cases they may avoid situations that trigger strong emotions to avoid experiencing them.
Gender bias is a frequent feature of medical professionals, and the effects of ADHD on women can be easily overlooked because of the nature of their symptoms. Many of them hide their ADHD symptoms, and when they do show up in the future, they're more likely be seen as anxiety- or mood-related, which can lead to misdiagnosis. It's a good idea to seek out a mental health specialist who has experience working with girls and women with ADHD when you're experiencing these symptoms. They can help validate your experiences, teach you how to apply strategies such as self-awareness and pacing and offer family psychoeducation that can help you learn to recognize and respond to your ADHD symptoms in the future.