Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
The signs of ADHD in adults women can be more difficult to identify than men due to the fact that women often have coping mechanisms that mask their symptoms, says Dr. Frank. Fortunately, lifestyle changes and medication can improve their lives and functioning.
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
Symptoms of ADHD in adults women often include difficulty keeping track of time, missed appointments, misplacing objects or becoming easily distracted. Women may also have issues with procrastination and forgetfulness and also working or studying in a setting that is noisy or crowded. They often have trouble with interpersonal skills, which can include interrupting others and uttering statements that they later regret.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more adept at masked symptoms than boys and males. They can come up with healthy strategies for coping that include relying on a daily schedule and using phone reminders to remind them of important occasions. However, these strategies for coping can be unsustainable over the long term and do not suffice to manage the complexity of daily life. Additionally, their symptoms can also be exacerbated by co-existing conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Many people with ADHD also exhibit the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. Adults may experience milder symptoms that are only affecting certain areas of their life like social interactions or work. Those with a hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may experience frequent fidgeting, talkativeness or trouble sitting still during conversations. They may also find it difficult to relax or settle down. They may also have difficulty to establish and maintain friendships.
People who suffer from mild or moderate ADHD do not have significant difficulties in their careers or relationships, but they have a difficult time staying organized and have a hard time following through on their commitments. They may have issues with finances, household chores or schoolwork and are overwhelmed by their obligations. People with severe symptoms are severely disrupted in their day-to-day lives and might have difficulty keeping a job or maintaining relationships.
2. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD frequently struggle to organize their work, home and personal things. They can also lose track of things like their keys, wallets glasses, eyeglasses, and cell phones. They are also easily distracted and lose their temper. Their inability to follow instructions and complete their tasks can affect their work, schoolwork and relationships.
Women cover up their symptoms by using their emotions to justify their actions. This makes it difficult to identify and treat. For instance, she could blame her forgetfulness or inattention on anxiety and low self-esteem. She could also blame relationship issues or physical complaints (such as headaches and nausea) on the stress of life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g. perimenopause, menopause).
If not treated, ADHD can lead to serious problems. 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 or drugs may be more common. Their inattention can lead to delays in appointments with doctors and procedures. They may have disordered eating habits or a high BMI. They might also be prone to unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive shopping and nail-biting. Skin picking is another option.
The best way to diagnose ADHD is through an exhaustive examination by an experienced mental health professional or health care provider. The specialist will also inquire with the patient about his or her physical and emotional well-being. They might also suggest lab tests or a diagnosis interview. Having a diagnosis can be a life-changing experience for many adults who discover they've been struggling with mental health issues throughout their lives.
3. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to have more difficulty controlling their impulses than men, and this can result in self-injury, alcohol or substance abuse, and other mental health issues. It can also cause difficulties in relationships, since forgetfulness and impulsive behavior can result in miscommunications or conflicts with friends, family, and co-workers.
Impulsivity is characterized by an urge to speak loud, purchase something in a hurry, and make a decision without thinking about the consequences. Be aware that acting impulsively doesn't always mean you're a bad person. Certain people require more time to think before acting. It's still essential to talk to your doctor and be tested for ADHD when you notice the symptoms are becoming more severe.
Women with ADHD often have difficulty managing their emotions. This can cause depression or other mental health problems. Depression symptoms can be difficult to spot in women since they can appear similar to other health issues, such as chronic headaches and insomnia. Women with ADHD are hesitant to seek help due to the fact that they believe that their symptoms are the result of low self-esteem.
It is important to recognize that gender and sex are two different concepts, and that the physical characteristics that determine whether you're male, female or a nonbinary individual don't alter your personal identity. However, many people with ADHD struggle to identify with their gender, which can cause feelings of guilt and despair. The stress of untreated ADHD can make these feelings worse, and may also cause the loss of support from family or colleagues.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they might struggle with adult responsibilities and interactions. This can lead to problems at school or at work, and tensions with family and friends as well as romantic partners. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have issues managing their finances or home, and may be at risk of neglecting health-related issues like regular checkups and exercises. They may also have trouble managing negative emotions, such as anxiety and depression.
ADHD symptoms in women may include the inability to remember things, loosing things, getting easily distracted, having trouble working with others or feeling overwhelmed by the demands of work. They could also be more likely to experience mood-related symptoms such as low self-esteem, low self-confidence, or physical complaints such as headaches or abdominal pain.
It is crucial for women to recognize their symptoms of ADHD and seek a diagnosis. It is also helpful to speak to a mental healthcare professional about your difficulties and develop coping mechanisms for ADHD. Cognitive-behavioral therapies aid, for instance, to change negative thinking patterns and enhance the ability to cope. Joining a women's group can provide valuable information about living with ADHD, and coping techniques for everyday life.
It's important to note that women with ADHD might experience different symptoms from men. These symptoms can change in transitional periods like puberty or pregnancy. They can also change during menopausal hormone treatments. This is partly due hormonal fluctuations and the fact that females have a larger hippocampal area, which plays a role in memory and learning. Women are also better at masking their ADHD symptoms than men, and this can make it harder to determine a correct diagnosis. Despite these issues, it is still possible to live a full and fulfilling life with ADHD.
5. Anxiety
While it can be challenging for women suffering from ADHD to admit that they have trouble with anxiety, getting a diagnosis and finding the right treatment can make their lives so much better. It can also help them comprehend their behavior and how it impacts others.
Anxiety is a major symptom in women with ADHD. It can appear like this:
Distraction, such as daydreaming or appearing distracted. Making mistakes that aren't made. Avoiding boring or difficult tasks. Focusing problems at school or at work. Forgetting or being late to meetings and appointments. Feeling overwhelmed in crowds, or under pressure at home or at work. Finding it difficult to relax or fall to sleep. Being easily upset or being ADHD adult female symptoms to criticism.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to develop co-occurring mood disorder, such as depression, and may have a harder time establishing friendships. They may also have problems with intimate relationships, which can result in a higher rate of violence between intimate partners and a higher risk of substance abuse.
It can be challenging for girls and women to get a correct ADHD diagnosis due to the fact that symptoms in girls and women differ from those in males and boys. Health care professionals must be aware of these differences to make an accurate diagnosis. This involves identifying specific traits, such as the presence of a distinct symptom profile, difficulty with social relationships and a tendency to create strategies to deal with the signs of underperformance and performance issues and the coexistence of depression and anxiety. It is crucial to consider the impact hormone levels of women have on her symptom presentations.