Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Signs of ADHD in women who are adults can be harder to recognize than men due to the fact that women tend to develop strategies to cope with their symptoms, according to Dr. Frank. Fortunately, lifestyle support and medication can help them improve their functioning and 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. Inattention
ADHD symptoms in women include difficulties keeping track of the time, missing appointments, misplacing items or being easily distracted. Women may also have difficulty with forgetfulness and procrastination and working or studying in an environment that is noisy or crowded. They are often challenged with interpersonal skills, such as interrupting others and uttering statements they later regret.
Unlike boys and men who suffer from ADHD tend to be more adept in hiding their symptoms. They may come up with healthy strategies for coping that include relying on a daily schedule and using phone reminders to remind them of important occasions. These strategies of coping might not be sustainable over time and may not be sufficient to deal with the complexities of daily life. Furthermore, their symptoms could be exacerbated by co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Many people suffering from ADHD also exhibit hyperactivity and impulsivity. Adults may experience subtler symptoms that affect only certain areas of their life, such as social interactions or at 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 struggle to form and keep friendships.
People with moderate to mild ADHD may not have any major issues at work or in their relationships, but they have trouble staying organized and following through on commitments. They may face issues with finances, schoolwork or household chores and often experience an overwhelming feeling by the responsibilities they have to fulfill. Those with severe symptoms experience a lot of disruption in their day-to-day lives and might have difficulty finding work or maintaining relationships.
2. ADHD and adults symptoms suffering from ADHD struggle with organizing their home, work and personal belongings. They may also lose track important items like glasses, wallets, and keys. They are also susceptible to losing their tempers and being easily distracted by their thoughts and activities. Their difficulty adhering to instructions and completing tasks can affect their schoolwork as well as their work performance and relationships.
Women mask their symptoms through their emotions to justify their behavior. This makes it difficult to identify and treat. For example women may feel low self-esteem or anxiety as the reason for her inattention and forgetfulness. She might also blame relationship issues or somatic complaints, such as nausea and headaches, on the stress of life or hormone fluctuations (e.g. menopausal, perimenopausal or menopause).
Untreated ADHD can lead to serious problems. For instance, girls and women who suffer from ADHD might be at higher risk of adolescent sexual activity because of their impulsivity and difficulty with interpersonal boundaries and planning. They are more likely to turn to alcohol or drugs to help themselves. Inattention can cause missed doctor's procedures and appointments. They may have erratic and disordered eating habits or a high BMI, and unhealthy coping strategies like nail-biting, skin picking, obsessive shopping and a lot of exercise.
The best way to diagnose ADHD is to conduct an extensive evaluation by an expert in mental health or health care professional. In addition to examining the patient's emotional and physical well-being, the doctor may ask for feedback from close family members and friends. They might also suggest lab tests or a diagnostic interview. Having a diagnosis can be a life-changing event for those who discover they've been struggling with a mental health condition for years.
3. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD have a harder time controlling their impulses. This can cause other problems like self-injury and alcohol or drug abuse. This can cause issues in relationships, as forgetfulness and impulsive behavior can result in miscommunications or conflicts with friends, family, and co-workers.
Symptoms of impulsivity include the tendency to blurt things out, purchasing something at the spur of the moment and then rushing into it without contemplating the consequences. It's important to keep in mind that acting in a rash manner isn't always an indication of bad character, and some people need more time than others to think about their thoughts before deciding to act. But, it's recommended to speak with your doctor about this and to get tested for ADHD, especially as you begin to notice that these symptoms are getting more severe.
It's also common for women with ADHD to have trouble controlling their emotions. This can result in depression and other mental health issues. Depression symptoms can be hard to identify in women because they may resemble other health issues, such as insomnia and chronic headaches. Women with ADHD are reluctant to seek help due to the fact that they believe that their symptoms are a result of low self-esteem.
It's important to realize that sex is a distinct concept from gender and that your inner perception of your identity is not affected by the genetic characteristics that determine if you are a woman, man or a non-binary. However, many people suffering from ADHD have difficulty identifying with their gender, and this can trigger feelings of guilt and despair. This can be made worse by the stress of living with untreated ADHD, which may also lead to an absence of professional or personal support.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they may have difficulties handling adult responsibility. This could lead to issues at school or at work, and conflicting relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. Women with ADHD can also have difficulty managing their finances and home. They may also be at risk of ignoring health issues like regular checkups and exercises. They may also struggle to cope with negative feelings like depression and anxiety.
ADHD symptoms for women may include forgetting things, losing things, being easily distracted, having trouble working with others or feeling overwhelmed by the demands of work. There are also mood-related issues like low self-esteem or low self-confidence.
It's crucial for women to recognize the signs of ADHD and get an assessment. It's also beneficial to talk to a mental health professional about their struggles and create strategies to cope with ADHD. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can aid, for instance, to alter negative thinking patterns and enhance the ability to cope. Additionally the joining of a women's support group can give valuable information about living with ADHD and coping strategies for everyday life.
It's also worth noting that women with ADHD may experience different symptoms than men, and these may differ during transitional times like puberty and childbirth, pregnancy, or hormone treatments during menopause. This is due to hormone fluctuations and the fact that females have a bigger hippocampal area, which plays a part in memory and learning. Women can also mask their ADHD symptoms better than men. This can make it difficult to receive a correct diagnosis. Despite these obstacles, it is still possible to live an enjoyable life with ADHD.
5. Anxiety
It can be difficult for women suffering from ADHD admitting they have anxiety issues, however, getting the right diagnosis and treatment can make significant changes in their lives. It can also help them better know their behavior and how it affects others.
Anxiety is a significant symptom for women suffering from ADHD. It can appear like this:
Distractions, such as being distracted or appearing distracted. Making careless mistakes. Avoiding tasks that require concentration, or may be boring. Having trouble focusing in work or at school. Forgetting things or being late for appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed by the number of people around you or feeling pressured at work or home. Finding it difficult to relax or fall asleep. Being easily agitated or being a bit sensitive to criticism.
Women with ADHD are more likely to suffer from a co-existing mood disorder, such as depression. They may also find it difficult to make friends. They could also experience issues with intimate relationships, which can lead to a higher incidence of intimate partner violence and a higher percentage of substance abuse.
Girls and women can be unable to obtain a precise ADHD diagnosis because their symptoms are different from the men and boys. Health care professionals must be aware of these differences to arrive at a precise diagnosis. This involves identifying specific characteristics, such a more distinct symptoms-profile, difficulties with social interactions and a tendency to use coping strategies to mask issues with performance or underachievement, as well as the coexistence of anxiety and depression. It is also crucial to take into consideration the effect of hormone levels in women on her symptom manifestation.