Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Women and girls can have ADHD. While both men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more frequently but it is also possible for women to suffer from the condition. However, lingering stereotypes, referral bias, internalized symptoms and comorbidities make it harder for them to get properly assessed and treated.
These strategies can be unhealthy and unsustainable. Here are some of the most commonly reported symptoms of ADHD in women of adulthood.
1. Unfocused attention
Women suffering from ADHD are susceptible to feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks. It can be difficult to keep track of deadlines, emails and meetings. They are also more likely to overlook important events or appointments. They may also find it difficult to focus in noisy or busy environments. This can lead to missed opportunities and lower quality of work.
These challenges can cause frustration for many people with ADHD. They may believe that they reflect of themselves or their performance. They can often suffer from low self-esteem and a negative body image. They may also struggle to maintain stable relationships and develop effective coping strategies. In some cases, they turn to unhealthy strategies for coping like excessive drinking or drug use. This can make it harder for others to understand that they're struggling and delay the diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD might be more sensitive to criticism or failure. This can lead them to internalize their problems and make it difficult for them to seek help. They may also have issues with relationships and may are unable to find meaningful employment. They could also be more susceptible to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In certain instances these signs can lead to the development of a mental health problem such as self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI), which can be manifested by burning, cutting, or scratching.
While it's more prevalent in boys and men to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms can last throughout adulthood and affect various aspects of life. Women must recognize the symptoms and seek out an evaluation by a medical professional. A correct diagnosis can lead to more manageable symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD feel overwhelmed and feel as if their lives are in chaos. They may fail to meet deadlines for work or struggle to keep track of household or work tasks, such paying bills and scheduling appointments. Their home and finances could be disorganized and they may find it difficult to keep healthy relationships and a steady job.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can lead to frustration and miscommunications in relationships between partners, friends and colleagues. These problems can lead to broken or strained relationships and feelings of isolation. Forgetfulness, difficulty in listening and the tendency to "zone out", or stop paying attention, can lead to misunderstandings with loved ones.
Women with ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms of emotional instability, impulsivity and mood swings. They can be disruptive both in their personal and professional lives. Women who are not treated for ADHD can feel overwhelmed by the demands and expectations of family, work and the society, and may be particularly sensitive to harsh criticism or harsh judgment.
There are ways to manage these symptoms. Treatment options for adults include lifestyle modifications, the use of specialized tools for organization, and prescription stimulant drugs.
Women who suffer from ADHD often find it easier than men to disguise their ADHD symptoms, and as a result they are often not diagnosed until they reach adulthood. They are also more likely to have co-occurring disorders, like anxiety and depression which can exacerbate the effects of untreated ADHD. Women also have a difficult time trying to keep their relationships stable and secure and suffer from low self esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers a person's biological makeup, chromosomes and hormones, and anatomy; gender refers to the internal sense of self as a man, woman or nonbinary gender identity; and mental health conditions are usually diagnosed based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women who have ADHD are at risk of developing anxiety and depression. These feelings can become more severe if you are unable to keep track of your daily tasks and appointments. This could lead to health issues like missed appointments or payments that are late, or even debt. The emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and forgetfulness associated with ADHD can also lead to relationship issues with partners, coworkers, and friends.
Many women come up with strategies to hide their symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to recognize that they are having trouble staying organized and focused. These coping strategies may be healthy, like creating an annual schedule or setting phone reminders, or they may be unhealthy and rely on alcohol or drugs to help them perform or manage their challenges. ADHD symptoms in adulthood coping strategies can lead to a cycle of self-doubt and anxiety for women, making them feel they are not successful or productive, which can add to feelings of anxiety and depression.
Additionally, women with ADHD often experience a sense of not being accepted or meeting societal expectations, which can lead to low self-esteem and frustration. They may also encounter challenges at work, such as difficulties with organization skills adhering to company policies or sticking to a standard 9-to-5 schedule. They may struggle to manage their finances due in part to disorganization or impulsive spending. They may also be struggling to complete homework assignments or other work.
ADHD can be a lifelong condition that requires constant support, particularly when it affects girls and women. Despite its prevalence it is undiagnosed and misunderstood. It is also untreated. Remaining stereotypes, referral bias, internalized symptoms, comorbidities, and hormonal changes all contribute to the unique symptom presentation of ADHD in females.
4. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD are often unable to control their emotions and impulses. They may be easily annoyed or overly excited, lose track time, or be late to events. They also might have trouble reading body language or recognizing social signals. This can cause issues at work or with relationships. They may be prone to arguments or spend too much time with interests and hobbies that are not important to them. They may also have difficulty keeping friendships or making connections because they are unable to keep their promises and commitments.
Women are more adept at forming coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for them to be diagnosed. For example, they might create routines to help remain organized or rely on apps to remind them of appointments. They could also alter their behaviour to comply with norms and expectations set by society. They may even cover up their symptoms by using alcohol or drugs to manage and avoid serious health issues in the long term.
Some people suffering from ADHD do not completely overcome the symptoms. About 60% of women who have ADHD in their childhood have the condition until they reach adulthood, compared to 30% of males.
For those who don't achieve relief with lifestyle or medication Professional treatment may be beneficial. There are many options, including life coaching, career coaching, and counseling, along with medications like stimulants. Exercise can also be beneficial to boost your mood and boost your energy levels. It releases neurotransmitters, which increase motivation and attention. It can also help reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotional stimuli
Women and girls with ADHD are often affected by emotional hyperactivity. They may find it hard to control their emotions and communicate them effectively, which can cause frustration with themselves and others. For example, a woman with ADHD may become angry when a friend is critical of her, but she might not be able to control her anger and discuss the problem in a more sensible manner. It is also possible that she struggles to "pause" her reactions by identifying body signals that indicate she's getting overexcited or overwhelmed like flushing skin or breath shortness.
This inability to regulate their emotions can lead to more frustration and misunderstandings in relationships, and can make those with ADHD more prone to anxiety or depression. It can also cause difficulties with social interactions since it is difficult to read people's moods and social cues.
In certain situations, ADHD people may appear emotionally detached and uninterested towards their loved ones or friends, even though they care about them. In some cases they might avoid situations that trigger strong emotions in order to avoid feeling them.
The nature of women's symptoms could make it easy for healthcare professionals to overlook the symptoms of ADHD. Many people disguise their ADHD symptoms and, when they do appear 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 worked with girls and women with ADHD in the event that you're experiencing these symptoms. They can help validate your experiences, guide you how to use strategies such as self-awareness and pacing, and provide family psychoeducation which can help you understand how to recognize and address your ADHD symptoms in the future.