Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
The signs of ADHD in adults women are more difficult to spot than in men because women tend to develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms, says Dr. Frank. Fortunately, lifestyle modifications and medication can help them improve their functioning and enhance 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 in women include difficulties keeping track of time and appointments, snagging items or being easily distracted. Women may also experience the habit of procrastination, forgetfulness or working or studying in a noisy or crowded environment. Women are often struggling with interpersonal skills. They may interrupt others or make statements that they regret later.
Women with ADHD are more adept at masked symptoms than men and boys. They might develop healthy coping strategies like relying on the daily schedule and using reminders on their phones to remind them of important occasions. These coping strategies may not be sustainable over time and are insufficient to deal with the complexities of daily life. In addition, their symptoms could be complicated by comorbid disorders like depression and anxiety.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also exhibit an impulsivity and hyperactivity. Adults may experience more subtle 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 have difficulty relaxing or finding a way to slow down, and may also have difficulty in forming and maintaining friendships.
People with mild or moderate ADHD don't have major issues in their work or relationships, but they struggle to stay organized and have a hard in executing their commitments. They may experience problems with finances, household chores or schoolwork and feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities. ADHD symptoms in adults males can cause significant disturbances in a person's everyday life. They may also experience difficulty maintaining relationships or keeping a job.
2. Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD often struggle to organize their home, work, and personal things. They also tend to lose track of important things such as their glasses, wallets, and keys. They can also be easily distracted and lose their temper. Their difficulty adhering to instructions and completing tasks also affects their schoolwork, work performance, and relationships.
Women cover up their symptoms by through their emotions to justify their actions. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat. For example women might experience low self-esteem or anxiety as an explanation for her inattention and forgetfulness. She may also blame relationship issues or somatic complaints (such as headaches and nausea) on the stress of everyday life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g. perimenopause, menopause).
If not treated, ADHD can lead to serious issues. For instance, girls and women with ADHD could be at greater likelihood of engaging in sexual activities as adolescents due to their impulsivity as well as issues with boundaries within the group and planning. They might be more likely to resort to alcohol or drugs to help themselves. Inattention could result in missed doctor's procedures and appointments. They could have unbalanced eating habits or a high BMI. They may also be prone to unhealthy strategies for coping such as excessive shopping or nail-biting, as well as skin picking.
A thorough evaluation by a health care provider or mental health professional is the best method of diagnosing ADHD. In addition, to examine the patient's physical and emotional health, the professional might seek feedback from family members and friends. They might also suggest some lab tests or a diagnostic interview. A diagnosis can be a life-changing event for many adults who realize they've been struggling with a mental health condition throughout their lives.
3. ADHD symptoms in adults males with ADHD tend to have more trouble controlling their impulses than men, and this may contribute to problems like self-injury, alcohol or drug abuse, or other mental health issues. It can also lead to relationships problems as the inability to control or be impulsive can lead to misunderstandings and conflict with family members, friends, and coworkers.
The signs of impulsivity are scribbling things out, buying something on impulse, and jumping in before contemplating the consequences. Remember that acting impulsively doesn't necessarily mean that you're a bad person. Some people need more time to think before they act. It's still important to speak to your doctor and get tested for ADHD when you notice your symptoms are becoming more severe.
Women who suffer from ADHD often have trouble managing their emotions. This can lead to depression and other mental health problems. Symptoms of depression are difficult to spot for women because they may resemble other health issues such as insomnia or a chronic headache. Some women suffering from ADHD are hesitant to seek help due to the fact that they believe 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 internal sense of identity isn't affected by the genetic characteristics that determine whether you are a man, woman or a non-binary. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to identify with their gender. This can lead them to feel shame and a sense of despair. These feelings can be further exacerbated by the anxiety of living with untreated ADHD, which may also cause an absence of support from a professional or personal perspective.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they may experience difficulties juggling adult obligations. This could lead to issues at school or at work, and strained relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have trouble managing their finances and home. They could be prone to neglecting health issues like regular checkups and exercises. They may also be struggling to manage negative emotions like depression and anxiety.
ADHD symptoms for women can include being unable to remember things, losing things, getting easily distracted, having trouble working with others, or feeling overwhelmed by tasks. They might also experience mood-related issues like lower self-esteem or a lack of confidence in themselves.
It is essential that women are aware of their symptoms and receive an assessment. It's also helpful to speak to a mental healthcare professional about your concerns and to create coping strategies for ADHD. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can aid, for instance, to alter negative thinking patterns and enhance coping skills. Joining a women's group can provide valuable information about living with ADHD, and coping techniques for everyday life.
It is also important to note that women with ADHD may experience different symptoms than men, and symptoms may differ during transitional times such as puberty, pregnancy, childbirth, or hormonal treatments during menopausal. This is due in part to hormone fluctuations, and also the fact that women have a bigger hippocampal area that plays a crucial role in the development of memory and learning. Women are also better in masked ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it harder to establish a diagnosis. Despite these challenges, it is still possible to live a fulfilling life with ADHD.
5. Anxiety
It can be difficult for women suffering from ADHD admitting they have anxiety issues, however, getting the correct diagnosis and treatment can make significant changes in their lives. It can also help them know their behavior and how it affects other people.
Anxiety can be a major indicator of ADHD in adults women and it may look like:
Distraction, such as daydreaming or appearing to be distracted. Making careless errors. Avoiding tasks that require concentration or can be boring. Having trouble focusing in the classroom or at work. Forgetting or being late to appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed by crowds or under pressure at home or at work. Finding it difficult to relax or fall to sleep. Being easily upset or sensitive to criticism and rejection.
Women with ADHD are 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 lead to a higher incidence of intimate partner violence and a higher risk of substance abuse.
It can be challenging for girls and women to get a correct ADHD diagnosis due to the fact that symptoms in women and girls differ from those of boys and men. In order to accurately diagnose ADHD, health care providers need to be aware of the distinctions. This means identifying certain traits, such a more distinct symptom-profile, difficulty in social relations and a tendency to use coping strategies to mask issues with performance or underachievement, and the relationship between anxiety and depression. It is also essential to take into consideration the effect of a woman's hormone levels on her symptom presentation.