Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
The signs of ADHD in women who are adults can be harder to recognize than in men because women tend to develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms, says Dr. Frank. Fortunately, lifestyle changes and medication can enhance their quality of life and function.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have six symptoms from the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive subtypes lasting more than six months. These symptoms include:
1. Attention
The symptoms of ADHD in adults women often include difficulty keeping track of time, missed appointments, misplacing objects or being easily distracted. Women may also have issues with procrastination or forgetfulness and also working or studying in an environment that is noisy or crowded. Women are often struggling with interpersonal skills. They can interrupt others or make remarks that they regret later.
Women with ADHD are better at hiding symptoms than boys and men. They might come up with healthy ways to cope like using a daily schedule or using phone reminders for important occasions. However, these coping strategies aren't sustainable in the long haul and may not be sufficient to cope with the demands of daily life. Furthermore, their symptoms could be exacerbated by co-occurring disorders like depression and anxiety.
Many people with ADHD exhibit hyperactivity or impulsivity symptoms too. For adults, these signs are less obvious and could only impact some aspects of their lives, such as work or social interactions. Those with a hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may experience frequent fidgeting, talkativeness or trouble sitting still during conversations. They might also have difficulty to relax or settle down. They may also struggle to establish and maintain friendships.
People who suffer from mild to moderate ADHD might not experience significant problems at work or in their relationships, however they have trouble being organized and executing on commitments. They may have problems with finances, schoolwork or household chores, and often feel an overwhelming feeling by the demands of their lives. People with severe symptoms experience a lot of disruption in their daily lives and might have difficulty finding work or maintaining relationships.
2. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD often have trouble organizing their home, work and personal things. They can also get lost in the details of important items like keys, wallets eyeglasses, cell phones. They can also be easily distracted and lose their temper. Their inability to follow instructions and complete tasks affects their schoolwork, work and relationships.
ADHD adult female symptoms hide their symptoms by using their emotions to justify their behavior. This makes it difficult to identify and treat. For instance women may feel low self-esteem or anxiety as a reason for her inattention and forgetfulness. She may also blame relationship issues or somatic complaints (such as headaches and nausea) on the stress of life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g. perimenopause, menopause).
Untreated ADHD can lead to serious issues. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual adolescence due to their impulsivity difficulty with interpersonal boundaries and lack of planning. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs is more frequent. Inattention can cause missed doctor's procedures and appointments. They may have inconsistent and disordered eating habits or a higher BMI, and unhealthy coping habits like nail-biting skin picking, obsessive shopping and excessive exercise.
The most effective method to determine ADHD is through an extensive evaluation by an expert in mental health or health care provider. In addition to looking at the patient's emotional and physical well-being, the doctor may seek feedback from close family members and friends. They may recommend tests in the lab or an interview. Having a diagnosis could be a life-changing moment for many adults who realize they have been struggling with an illness of the mind throughout their lives.
3. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult in controlling their impulses. This can lead to other problems like self-injury and the use of alcohol or drugs. It can also lead to issues with relationships, since the inability to control or be impulsive can lead to misunderstandings and conflict with family members, friends, and coworkers.
Signs of impulsivity include the tendency to blurt things out, purchasing something at the spur of the moment and then jumping into the purchase without contemplating the consequences. Be aware that acting impulsively does not necessarily mean you're an unfit person. Some people need more time to think before acting. It's important to talk to your doctor and be tested for ADHD If you notice that the symptoms are getting worse.
Women with ADHD frequently have trouble managing their emotions. This can result in depression, or other mental health problems. Depression symptoms can be difficult to identify for women since they can resemble other health issues such as insomnia or a chronic headache. Women with ADHD have a difficult time deciding whether to seek help due to the fact that they believe their symptoms are a sign of low self-esteem or a flaw in their personality.
It is important to recognize that gender and sexuality are different concepts, and that the biological traits that determine whether you are male, female, or nonbinary person don't influence your personal identity. However, many people suffering from ADHD struggle to identify with their assigned gender, which can cause feelings of guilt and despair. These feelings can be further exacerbated by the stress of living with untreated ADHD and can result in the absence of personal or professional support.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they may experience difficulties juggling adult obligations. This could lead to issues at school or at work, and strained relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have trouble managing their finances and home. They may also be at risk of neglecting health issues, such as regular checkups and exercises. They may also have difficulty to cope with negative feelings like anxiety and depression.
ADHD symptoms in women may include being unable to remember things, losing things, being easily distracted, having difficulties working with others, or feeling overwhelmed by tasks. They may also experience mood-related symptoms such as lower self-esteem or a lack of confidence in themselves.
It is important that women are aware of their symptoms and receive a diagnosis. It's also helpful to talk to an expert in mental health about their issues and devise strategies to cope with ADHD. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy can help change negative thought patterns and improve coping strategies. A women's club can provide valuable information about living with ADHD, and coping techniques for everyday life.
It is important to recognize that women who suffer from ADHD may suffer from different symptoms than men. They can experience changes during transitional times such as puberty or pregnancy. They may also change in response to hormone treatments during the menopause. This is due in part to hormone fluctuations, and also the fact that women have a larger hippocampal area that plays a key role in education and memory. Women may also hide their ADHD symptoms better than men. This can make it difficult to receive a correct diagnosis. It is possible to lead a fulfilling and happy life with ADHD despite these challenges.
5. Anxiety
It can be difficult for women with ADHD to admit they have anxiety issues, however, getting the correct diagnosis and treatment can make significant changes in their lives. It can also help them understand their behavior and how it impacts others.
Anxiety is a major symptom for women suffering from ADHD. It could be as follows:
Distraction, such as daydreaming or appearing to be distracted. Making mistakes that are not made. Avoiding boring or difficult tasks. Finding it difficult to concentrate in the classroom or at work. Forgetting things or being late for appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed by the number of people around you or feeling pressured at work or at home. Trouble falling asleep. Being easily disturbed or sensitive to criticism and rejection.
Women who suffer from ADHD can be more likely to develop a coexisting mood disorder such as depression, and may be more difficult to establish friendships. They may also experience issues in their relationships with family members which could lead to an increased rate of violence between partners and substance abuse.
It can be challenging for girls and women to get a correct ADHD diagnosis as symptoms in women and girls differ from those of boys and men. To be able to identify accurately ADHD, healthcare professionals must be aware the differences. This includes identifying specific characteristics, such as a more distinct manifesting symptom, difficulty in social interactions and a tendency to create coping strategies that mask underachievement and performance problems and the coexistence of depression and anxiety. It is also important to take into consideration the impact hormone levels of women affect her symptoms.