Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
The signs of ADHD in women of all ages can be more difficult to identify than in men because women typically have coping mechanisms that mask their symptoms, says Dr. Frank. Fortunately lifestyle changes and medication can improve their quality of life and performance.
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
ADHD symptoms for women include difficulty in keeping track of time and appointments, snagging items or being easily distracted. Women can also be troubled by the habit of procrastination, forgetfulness or working or studying in a noisy or busy environment. They are often challenged with interpersonal skills, including interrupting other people and making statements that they later regret.
Women with ADHD are better at hiding symptoms than boys and males. They can develop healthy coping strategies, such as relying upon the daily schedule and using phone reminders to remind them of important events. These strategies of coping might not be sustainable over time and may not be sufficient to cope with the complexity of daily life. In addition, their symptoms could be complicated by comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Many people suffering from ADHD exhibit hyperactivity or impulsivity symptoms too. In adults, these symptoms are more subtle and may only affect a few areas of their lives, such as work or social interactions. 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 have difficulty to form and maintain friendships.
People who suffer from mild to moderate ADHD may not have major issues at work or in their relationships, but they struggle with staying organized and following through on commitments. They may experience problems with finances, household chores or schoolwork and find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their jobs. Those with severe symptoms are severely disrupted in their daily lives. They can have trouble keeping a job or maintaining relationships.
2. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD struggle with organizing their home, work and personal items. They may also lose track of things such as their wallets, keys glasses, eyeglasses, and cellphones. They are also prone to lose their tempers and being easily distracted by extraneous thoughts and activities. Their trouble following instructions and completing tasks can affect their schoolwork, work performance, and relationships.
Women often cover up their symptoms by using their emotions as an excuse for their behavior, which makes it more difficult to diagnose and treated. For instance, she could blame her lack of attention or forgetfulness on low self-esteem and anxiety. 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).
Untreated ADHD can lead to serious issues. For instance, women and girls who suffer from ADHD may be at a higher risk of adolescent sexual activity due to their impulsivity as well as difficulty with interpersonal boundaries and planning. Self-medicating with alcohol and drugs is more frequent. Their inattention can lead to delays in appointments with doctors and procedures. They may also have disordered eating habits or a high BMI. They could also use unhealthy ways of coping, like shopping too much and nail-biting. Skin picking is another option.
The best method of diagnosing ADHD is to conduct a thorough evaluation by an expert in mental health or health care provider. In addition to examining the patient's physical and mental well-being, the professional may seek feedback from close family members and friends. They may suggest tests in the lab or an interview. Many adults are shocked to learn that they have been suffering from mental illness for a long time.
3. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult in controlling their impulses. This can lead to other problems like self-injury and alcohol or drug abuse. It can also cause relationships problems as the inability to control or be impulsive can lead to miscommunications and conflict with family members, friends, and coworkers.
Impulsivity is characterized by a tendency to speak out loud, purchase something on impulse, or act without considering the consequences. It is important to keep in mind that acting in a rash manner isn't always a sign of a bad character, and certain people require more time than others to think about their thoughts before deciding to act. However, it's still a good idea to consult your doctor about this and be tested for ADHD, especially as you start to observe that your symptoms are getting more severe.
It's also common for females with ADHD to struggle with controlling their emotions. severe ADHD symptoms in adults can cause depression, as well as other mental health issues. Depression symptoms can be hard to recognize in women as they can appear similar to other health problems, like insomnia and chronic headaches. Some women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time deciding whether to ask for help because they believe their symptoms are a sign of low self-esteem or a flaw in their personality.
It's important to realize that sex is a distinct concept from gender, and that your internal perception of your identity is not dependent on the biological characteristics that determine if you are a woman, man or a nonbinary. Many people with ADHD struggle to identify with their gender. This can cause them to feel ashamed and despair. This can be made worse by the anxiety of living with untreated ADHD, which may also lead to the absence of professional or personal support.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they may experience difficulties juggling adult obligations. This could lead to issues at school or work and conflicting relationships with family friends, as well as romantic partners. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty managing their finances or their home, and may be at risk of neglecting health-related concerns like regular checkups and exercise. They may also have trouble coping with negative emotions like depression and anxiety.
Symptoms of ADHD in women of all ages can include misplacing things or forgetting appointments, being easily distracted by noise or movement or having difficulty interacting with others, or getting overwhelmed by work. There are also mood-related issues like low self-confidence or poor self-esteem.
It is essential that women recognize their symptoms and get an assessment. It is also beneficial to talk to an expert in mental health about their issues and devise coping strategies for ADHD. For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapies can help change negative thinking patterns and improve coping skills. A women's club can also provide valuable information on living with ADHD, and coping techniques for everyday life.
It is also important to note that women with ADHD can experience different symptoms than males, and they can vary during transitional periods such as puberty or pregnancy, childbirth or hormone treatments during menopausal. This is due to hormonal fluctuations, and the fact that women have a bigger hippocampal area that plays a crucial role in education and memory. Women are also better in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, and this can make it harder to get a proper diagnosis. Despite these challenges, it is still possible to lead a fulfilling life with ADHD.
5. Anxiety
Although it can be a challenge for women suffering from ADHD to admit they have trouble with anxiety, getting an assessment and finding the appropriate treatment can make their lives so much better. It will also help them comprehend their behavior and how it affects other people.
Anxiety may be a significant indicator of ADHD in women who are adults and can manifest as:
It is difficult to stay focused or not being on task, focusing on the task at hand, or seeming to be distracted. Making a few mistakes. Avoiding tasks that require concentration or can be boring. Finding it difficult to concentrate in school or work. Being late or forgetting things for appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed by crowds or under stress at home or at work. Finding it difficult to relax or fall asleep. Being easily upset, or being overly sensitive to criticism.
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from a co-existing mood disorder, like depression. They might also find it difficult to establish friendships. They might also have issues with intimate relationships, which can cause a higher risk of violence between intimate partners and a higher rate of alcohol abuse.
It can be challenging for girls and women to receive a proper ADHD diagnosis due to the fact that symptoms in women and girls differ from those in boys and men. To accurately diagnose ADHD, health care providers need to be aware of the distinctions. This means identifying certain traits, such a more distinct symptoms-profile, difficulties with social interactions and a tendency to employ ways to cope with the signs of performance issues or underachievement and also the coexistence between anxiety and depression. It is also essential to take into consideration the effect of hormone levels in women on her symptom presentation.