Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
The signs of ADHD in women of all ages can be more difficult to identify than in men, as women typically develop strategies to cope with their symptoms, says Dr. Frank. Fortunately, support for lifestyle and medication can help improve their functioning and enhance their quality of life.
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!
ADHD symptoms for women include difficulties in keeping track of time as well as a tendency to miss appointments, lose items or being easily distracted. Women may also struggle with the habit of procrastination, forgetfulness or working or studying in a noisy or busy environment. They may have issues with interpersonal skills, such as interrupting other people and making remarks that later become regrettable.
Women with ADHD are better at hiding symptoms than boys and men. They might develop healthy coping strategies like having a regular schedule or setting up phone reminders for important events. However, these strategies can be unsustainable over the long haul and do not suffice to handle the demands of daily life. Additionally, their symptoms may be complicated by comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression.
ADHD symptoms in adults females suffering from ADHD exhibit hyperactivity or impulsivity symptoms as well. In adults, these symptoms are less obvious and could only affect certain areas of their lives, such as social or work-related 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 have difficulty to establish and keep friendships.
People who suffer from mild or moderate ADHD don't have major issues in their work or relationships, but they have a difficult time staying organized and have a hard to keep track of their commitments. They may experience problems with finances, household chores or schoolwork, and find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their jobs. Severe symptoms can cause significant disruptions to a person's daily life. They might also have difficulties maintaining relationships or holding jobs.
2. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD have trouble organizing their home, work and personal items. They may also lose track important items like eyeglasses, wallets, keys and keys. They are also susceptible to losing their temper and getting distracted by their thoughts and activities. ADHD symptoms in adults females following instructions and completing tasks also affects their academic performance as well as their work performance and relationships.
Women mask their symptoms using their emotions to justify their actions. This makes it difficult to identify and treat. For instance, a woman might feel low self-esteem or anxiety as a reason for her forgetfulness and inattention. She could also blame relationship issues or somatic complaints (such as headaches and nausea) on the stress of everyday life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g. perimenopause, menopause).
If not treated, ADHD can lead to serious issues. Girls and women with ADHD might be more likely to engage in sexual activity during adolescence due to their impulsivity, difficulties with boundaries between people and lack of planning. Self-medicating with alcohol and drugs may be more common. Inattention can lead to delays in appointments and procedures with doctors. They may have disordered eating habits or a high BMI. They might also be prone to unhealthy strategies for coping such as excessive shopping or nail-biting, as well as skin picking.
A thorough evaluation by a medical professional or mental health professional is the most effective method to determine ADHD. The professional will also ask the patient about his or her physical and mental health. They might suggest tests in the lab or an interview. Many adults are shocked to learn that they have been suffering from mental illness for many years.
3. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD tend to have more difficulty controlling their impulses than men, and this may contribute to problems like self-injury or alcohol or drug addiction, or other mental health issues. It can also cause problems in relationships, since the impulsive and forgetful behavior can cause confusion or conflict with family, friends, and co-workers.
The term "impulsivity" refers to a tendency to speak out loud, purchase something on impulse, and act without thinking about the consequences. Remember that acting in an impulsive manner doesn't necessarily mean that you're a bad person. Some people need more time to think before acting. However, it's still a good idea to speak with your doctor about this and to get checked for ADHD particularly when you begin to notice that these symptoms are getting more severe.
It's also common for women with ADHD to have trouble managing their emotions, which can lead to depression and other mental health issues. Symptoms of depression can be difficult to recognize in women since they can resemble other health problems such as insomnia or a persistent headache. Some women suffering from ADHD find it hard to seek help since they believe that their symptoms are indicative of self-esteem issues or a personality flaw.
It is crucial to realize that sex and gender are two different concepts and that the biological traits that determine whether you are a man, woman, or nonbinary person don't alter your personal identity. However, many people suffering from ADHD have trouble identifying with their gender, and this can lead to feelings of shame and desperation. These feelings can be further exacerbated by the stress of living with untreated ADHD and can cause the absence of personal or professional support.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they can have issues with adult obligations. This could cause issues at school or work, as well as strained relationships with family members, friends and romantic partners. Women who suffer from ADHD are also prone to having difficulty managing their finances or at home. They may also be at risk of ignoring health issues such as regular checkups and exercise. They may also struggle to deal with negative emotions like depression and anxiety.
Signs of ADHD in women who are adults may include misplacing items or forgetting appointments, being easily distracted by movement or noise or having difficulty interacting with others, or getting overwhelmed by tasks. They may also be more likely to experience mood-related issues like low self-esteem, low self confidence, or physical complaints such as headaches or abdominal pain.
It is crucial for women to recognize the signs of ADHD and get an assessment. It is also helpful to speak to a mental healthcare professional about your difficulties and create coping strategies for ADHD. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help, for instance, to change negative thinking patterns and increase coping skills. Additionally the joining of a women's support group can provide valuable information regarding living with ADHD and strategies to cope with everyday life.
It's also worth noting that women with ADHD can experience different symptoms than men, and symptoms are different during transitional periods such as puberty or pregnancy, childbirth or hormonal treatments during menopausal. This is partly due hormone fluctuations and the fact that females have a larger hippocampal area, which plays a role in memory and learning. Women can also mask their ADHD symptoms better than males. This makes it difficult to receive a correct diagnosis. Despite these challenges it is still possible to live a full and fulfilling life with ADHD.
5. Anxiety
It can be hard for women suffering from ADHD to admit that they suffer from anxiety issues, but getting the correct diagnosis and treatment can make significant changes in their lives. It can also assist women to understand their behavior and how it affects others.
Anxiety can be a major sign of ADHD in adults women and it may look like:
Distractions, such as daydreaming or appearing distracted. Making careless errors. Avoiding tedious or difficult tasks. Trouble focusing at the classroom or at work. Being late or forgetting things for appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed by crowds or feeling pressured at work or at home. Having difficulty relaxing or falling to sleep. Being easily disturbed or sensitive to criticism and rejection.
Women with ADHD can be more likely to develop a coexisting mood disorder such as depression, and they may have a harder time establishing friendships. They may also experience issues in their intimate relationships that can result in an increase in the amount of violence between partners as well as substance abuse.
Women and girls may have difficulty getting a correct ADHD diagnosis because their symptoms are different from the men and boys. Health professionals must be aware of these differences to arrive at a precise diagnosis. This means identifying certain traits that are more distinct, like a clear symptom-profile, difficulty with social interactions, a tendency for ways to cope with underachievement or performance problems, and also the relationship between depression and anxiety. It is crucial to take into consideration the impact hormone levels of women affect her symptoms.