Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Signs of ADHD in adults women can be more difficult to identify than men due to the fact that women typically develop strategies to cope with their symptoms, says Dr. Frank. Fortunately, lifestyle support and medication can help improve their functioning and improve 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. Inattention
ADHD symptoms for women include difficulty keeping track of the time as well as a tendency to miss appointments, lose items, or becoming easily distracted. Women can also struggle with procrastination or forgetfulness, as well as working or studying in a setting which is noisy or bustling. They often have trouble with interpersonal skills, which can include interrupting other people and making remarks that later become regrettable.
Women with ADHD are better at hiding symptoms than boys and men. They can develop healthy coping strategies that include relying on a daily schedule and using phone reminders to remind them of important events. However, these strategies may not be sustainable over the long term and do not suffice to handle the demands of daily life. In addition the symptoms of these disorders can be exacerbated by comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression.
Many people with ADHD display impulsivity or hyperactivity symptoms as well. Adults may experience subtler symptoms that only affect specific areas of their lives 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 calm down. They may also struggle to make and keep friendships.
People who suffer from mild or moderate ADHD don't have major problems in their jobs or relationships, but they struggle to stay well-organized and have a tough in executing their commitments. They may have problems with schoolwork, finances or household chores and often experience feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities they have to fulfill. Those with severe symptoms are severely disrupted in their daily lives and may have difficulty keeping a job or maintaining relationships.
2. Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD have a hard time organizing their home, work and personal items. They may also lose track of things such as their wallets, keys glasses, eyeglasses, and cell phones. They are also prone to losing their temper and getting distracted by extraneous thoughts and activities. Their trouble getting their tasks completed and following instructions can affect their academic performance as well as their work performance and relationships.
Women often mask their symptoms by using their emotions as an excuse for their behavior, making it more difficult to diagnose and treated. For instance women may feel low self-esteem or anxiety as an explanation for her inattention and forgetfulness. ADHD adult female symptoms may also blame relationship issues or somatic complaints (such as nausea and headaches) on the stress of daily life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g. menopausal or perimenopausal).
If not treated, ADHD can lead to serious problems. For instance, girls and women who suffer from ADHD could be at greater risk of sexual activity in adolescence due to their impulsivity as well as difficulties with boundaries between people and planning. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs may be more common. Inattention can cause delay in doctor's appointments and procedures. They might have irregular and unbalanced eating patterns or a higher BMI, and unhealthy coping behaviors, such as nail-biting, skin picking, compulsive shopping and a lot of exercise.
A thorough evaluation by a health care provider or mental health professional is the best way to diagnose ADHD. The professional will also ask the patient about their emotional and physical well-being. They may also suggest tests for the body or a diagnostic interview. A diagnosis can be a life-changing event for many adults who realize they've had a mental health condition throughout their lives.
3. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to have more trouble controlling their impulses than males, and this could cause problems such as self-injury, alcohol or substance addiction, or other mental health issues. It can also cause relationship problems, as forgetfulness or impulsive behaviors can lead to miscommunications and conflict with family, friends, and coworkers.
The signs of impulsivity are scribbling things out, buying something on a whim, and jumping in before thinking about the consequences. Remember that acting impulsively doesn't always mean you're a bad person. Certain people require more time to think before they act. But, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about this and be tested for ADHD particularly when you notice that the symptoms are getting more severe.
Women who suffer from ADHD often have trouble managing their emotions. This can lead to depression, or other mental health problems. Depression symptoms can be difficult to identify in women because they can be similar to other health issues, such as insomnia and chronic headaches. Some women suffering from ADHD are hesitant to seek help since they believe their symptoms are indicative of low self-esteem or a personality flaw.
It's important to understand that sex and gender are two different concepts, and that the physical characteristics that determine whether you are a man, woman, or nonbinary person don't alter your personal identity. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to identify with their gender. This can lead them to feel shame and a sense of despair. This can be made worse by the anxiety of living with untreated ADHD, which may also result in a lack of professional or personal support.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD develop into women, they might be unable to handle adult obligations and interactions. This can lead to problems at school or at work, and conflicting relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. Women with ADHD might also have issues managing their finances or home, and may be at risk for neglecting health-related issues like regular checkups and exercise. They may also have difficulty to deal with negative emotions such as anxiety and depression.
ADHD symptoms in women include forgetting things, losing things, becoming easily distracted, having difficulties working with others, or feeling overwhelmed by work. They may also be more likely to suffer from mood-related symptoms such as low self-esteem, low self-confidence, or physical complaints like headaches or abdominal pain.
It's crucial for women to recognize their symptoms of ADHD and seek a diagnosis. It's also beneficial to talk to an expert in mental health about their issues and devise strategies to cope with ADHD. Cognitive-behavioral therapies, for example, help to change negative thinking patterns and improve the ability to cope. A women's club can also provide valuable information on living with ADHD and coping strategies for everyday life.
It is important to recognize that women with ADHD may suffer from different symptoms than men. They can experience changes during transitional times such as puberty or pregnancy. They can also change during menopausal hormone treatments. This is due to hormonal fluctuations, as well as the fact that women have a bigger hippocampal region that is a major factor in the development of memory and learning. Women are also more adept in masked ADHD symptoms than men, and this can make it harder to get a proper diagnosis. Despite these obstacles, it is still possible to live a fulfilling life with ADHD.
5. Anxiety
While it can be challenging for women with ADHD to admit that they have anxiety issues, obtaining a diagnosis and finding the right treatment can make their lives much better. It can also help them understand their behavior and how it impacts others.
Anxiety may be a significant indicator of ADHD in adults women and it may look like:
Distraction, such as being distracted or appearing distracted. Making a few mistakes. Avoiding boring or difficult tasks. Finding it difficult to concentrate in the classroom or at work. Being late or forgetting things for appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed by crowds or when under pressure at home or at work. Having trouble relaxing or falling asleep. Being easily agitated or being a bit sensitive to criticism.
Women who suffer from ADHD can be more likely to develop a coexisting mood disorder such as depression, and may be less successful in establishing friendships. They could also experience issues with intimate relationships, which can result in a higher rate of violence from intimate partners and a higher percentage of alcohol abuse.
Girls and women may be unable to obtain a precise ADHD diagnose because their symptoms differ from the symptoms of men and boys. Health professionals must be aware of these differences to make an accurate diagnosis. This means identifying certain features, like an individualized symptom profile, difficulty with social relationships and a tendency to create coping strategies that mask inadequacies and performance issues, and the coexistence of depression and anxiety. It is also essential to think about the impact of a woman's hormone levels on her symptom presentation.
