Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Dr. Frank says that the symptoms of ADHD in adult women are more difficult to spot than in men, since women develop coping mechanisms in order to mask their symptoms. Fortunately lifestyle changes and medications can improve their quality of life 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. Inattention
Symptoms of ADHD in women of all ages typically involve trouble keeping track of time, missed appointments, misplacing things or being easily distracted. Women can also struggle with forgetfulness and procrastination and working or studying in a setting that is noisy or busy. They often have trouble with interpersonal skills, such as interrupting other people and making statements they later regret.
As opposed to males and boys who suffer from ADHD tend to be better in masked symptoms. They can come up with healthy ways to cope, such as relying on a daily schedule or making phone calls to remind them of important events. However, these strategies for coping can be unsustainable over the long run and do not suffice to handle the demands of life. Additionally, their symptoms may be exacerbated by comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression.
Many people suffering from ADHD exhibit hyperactivity or impulsivity symptoms as well. Adults may experience subtler symptoms that are only affecting certain aspects of their lives, such as social interactions or work. 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 calm down. They may also struggle to establish and keep friendships.
People with mild or moderate ADHD do not experience major problems in their jobs or relationships, but they struggle to stay well-organized and have a tough time following through on their commitments. They may have problems with finances, schoolwork, or household chores, and often feel an overwhelming feeling by their responsibilities. Those who suffer from severe symptoms experience a lot of disruption in their day-to-day lives and might have difficulty finding work or maintaining relationships.
2. adult female ADHD symptoms suffering from ADHD have trouble organizing their home, work and personal things. They may also lose track of important things such as their wallets, keys, eyeglasses, and cellphones. They are also susceptible to losing their temper and becoming easily distracted by their thoughts and activities. Their inability to follow instructions and complete their tasks can affect their work, schoolwork and relationships.
Women often hide their symptoms by using their emotions as a reason for their behavior, which makes it harder to get diagnosed and treated. For example women might experience low self-esteem or anxiety as the reason for her inattention and forgetfulness. She might also blame relationship problems or somatic complaints such as nausea and headaches on the stress of life or fluctuations in hormones (e.g. menopausal, perimenopausal or menopause).
Untreated ADHD can lead to serious issues. For instance, women and girls who suffer from ADHD might be at higher likelihood of engaging in sexual activities as adolescents because of their impulsivity and difficulties with boundaries between people and planning. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs could be more prevalent. Inattention could lead to missing appointments with doctors and procedures. They may have erratic and disordered eating habits or a high BMI, as well as unhealthy coping strategies, such as nail-biting, skin picking, obsessive shopping, and excessive exercise.
The most effective method to determine ADHD is through an exhaustive examination by a mental health professional or health care professional. In addition to examining the patient's emotional and physical well-being, the professional may solicit feedback from close family members and friends. They might suggest tests in the lab or an interview. Having a diagnosis can be a life-changing event for many adults who realize they've been struggling with a mental health condition all along.
3. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to have more difficulty controlling their impulses than men, and this may cause problems such as self-injury, alcohol or substance abuse, or other mental health issues. It can also cause difficulties in relationships as forgetfulness and impulsive behavior can result in miscommunications or conflicts with friends, family and co-workers.
The term "impulsivity" refers to a tendency to speak out loud, purchase something on impulse, and act without considering the consequences. Remember that acting in an impulsive manner doesn't necessarily mean that you're an unfit person. Certain people require more time to think before they act. It's still important to speak to your doctor and get tested for ADHD If you notice that the symptoms are becoming more severe.
Women suffering from ADHD frequently have trouble managing their emotions. This can lead to depression, or other mental health problems. Depression symptoms can be hard to recognize in women as they can appear similar to other health issues, such as chronic headaches and insomnia. Some women with ADHD are hesitant to seek help because they think their symptoms are a result of low self-esteem.
It's important to realize that sex is a different concept than gender, and that your internal perception of your identity is not affected by the genetic characteristics that determine if you are a woman, a man or nonbinary. However, many people with ADHD have trouble identifying with their assigned gender, and this can lead to feelings of guilt and despair. The anxiety of untreated ADHD can make these feelings worse and can lead to a loss of support from family or friends.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they can have issues with adult obligations. This can lead to problems at school or at work, and conflicting relationships with family friends, as well as romantic partners. Women with ADHD can also have difficulty managing their finances and home. They may be at risk of neglecting health issues like regular checkups and exercising. They may also be struggling with dealing with negative emotions such as depression and anxiety.
Symptoms of ADHD in women of all ages can include misplacing things or forgetting appointments, getting easily distracted by noise or movement, having difficulty working with others, or getting overwhelmed by work. There are also mood-related symptoms such as low self-confidence or poor self-esteem.
It's important for women to recognize the signs of ADHD and receive a diagnosis. It's also helpful to speak with a mental health professional about your difficulties and develop coping mechanisms for ADHD. For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapy can help change negative thought patterns and improve coping strategies. In addition, joining a women's support group can give valuable information regarding living with ADHD and coping strategies for daily life.
It's important to note that women with ADHD may suffer from different symptoms than men. These symptoms can change during transitional times such as puberty or pregnancy. They may also change in response to menopausal hormone treatments. This is partly due to hormone fluctuations and the fact that females have a bigger hippocampal area, which plays a role in memory and learning. Women are also better at masking their ADHD symptoms than men, and this makes it more difficult to establish a diagnosis. Despite these issues it is still possible to live a full and fulfilling life with ADHD.
5. Anxiety
Although it can be a challenge for women suffering from ADHD to admit that they have trouble with anxiety, getting an diagnosis and locating the right treatment can make their lives so much better. It can also help women better understand their behavior, and how it impacts others.
Anxiety is a common sign of ADHD for women of all ages and it may look like:
Distraction, like daydreaming or appearing to be distracted. Making a few mistakes. Avoiding tasks that require concentration, or may be boring. Focusing problems at school or at work. Forgetting or being late to appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed by crowds or when under pressure at home or at work. Finding it difficult to relax or fall to sleep. Being easily agitated or being too sensitive to criticism.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have a co-existing mood disorder, such as depression. They might also find it difficult to make friends. They may also experience difficulties in their intimate relationships which could lead to an increase in violence between partners and drug abuse.
Girls and women can be unable to obtain a precise ADHD diagnosis due to the fact that their symptoms differ from the symptoms of men and boys. To be able to identify accurately ADHD, health care providers need to be aware of the distinctions. This involves identifying specific characteristics, such a more distinct symptoms-profile, difficulties with social relationships and a tendency to employ coping strategies to mask the signs of performance issues or underachievement and the coexistence of depression and anxiety. It is also important to consider the impact of a woman's hormone levels on the symptom profile she displays.