Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Dr. Frank says that the symptoms of ADHD in adult women are often harder to detect than men, as women develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms. Fortunately, lifestyle support and medication can assist them to 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. Attention
The symptoms of ADHD in women of all ages typically include difficulty keeping track of time, missed appointments, misplacing objects or becoming easily distracted. Women may also experience procrastination, forgetfulness and difficulty working or studying in a noisy, crowded environment. They may have issues with interpersonal skills, such as interrupting others and blurting out statements that they later regret.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more adept at masked symptoms than boys and men. They can come up with healthy ways to cope like having a regular schedule or using phone reminders for important occasions. However, these coping strategies may not be sustainable over the long haul and may not be sufficient to cope with the demands of real life. Furthermore, their symptoms could be complicated by comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Many people with ADHD display impulsivity or hyperactivity symptoms as well. 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 have difficulty relaxing or finding a way to slow down, as well as having difficulty in forming and maintaining friendships.
People who suffer from mild to moderate ADHD might not experience major issues at work or in their relationships, however they struggle with keeping track of their time and following through on commitments. They may have issues with household chores, finances or schoolwork and are overwhelmed by their obligations. People with severe symptoms are severely disrupted in their day-to-day lives and can have trouble finding work or maintaining relationships.
2. Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD often struggle to organize their work, home, and personal belongings. They also tend to lose track of things like their keys, wallets, eyeglasses, and cellphones. They also are prone to losing their tempers and being easily distracted by other thoughts and activities. Their inability to follow instructions and complete tasks affects their work, schoolwork and relationships.
Women hide their symptoms by with their emotions in order to justify their behavior. This makes it difficult to recognize and treat. For instance, she may blame her lack of attention or forgetfulness on low self-esteem and anxiety. severe ADHD symptoms in adults could also blame relationship issues or somatic complaints, such as nausea and headaches, on the stress of life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g. menopausal symptoms, perimenopausal symptoms or menopause).
Untreated ADHD can lead to serious issues. Girls and women with ADHD may be more likely to engage in adolescent sex due to their impulsivity difficulty with interpersonal boundaries and lack of planning. They might be more likely to turn to drugs and alcohol to self-medicate. Their lack of attention can result in missing appointments with doctors and procedures. They may have erratic and disordered eating habits or a high BMI, as well as unhealthy coping habits like nail-biting skin picking, obsessive shopping and a lot of exercise.
The best method of diagnosing ADHD is to conduct an exhaustive assessment by a mental health professional or health care professional. The specialist will also inquire with the patient about their emotional and physical well-being. They may also suggest tests for the body or a diagnostic interview. Being diagnosed can be a life-changing event for many adults who realize they have been struggling with an illness of the mind all along.
3. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult in controlling their impulses. This can lead to other problems like self-injury, alcohol or drug abuse. It can also cause problems in relationships, as inattention and impulsive behavior could result in miscommunications or conflicts with friends, family and co-workers.
Impulsivity is characterized by a tendency to speak out loud, buy something on impulse, or act without thinking about the consequences. It's important to remember that acting impulsively isn't always an indication of bad character, and some people require more time than others to process their thoughts before acting. But, it's recommended to speak with your doctor about this and get tested for ADHD, especially as you notice that the symptoms are becoming more severe.
It is also normal for women with ADHD to struggle with controlling their emotions, and this can cause depression and other mental health issues. Depression symptoms can be difficult to recognize in women as they can be similar to other health issues, such as insomnia and chronic headaches. Some women with ADHD are hesitant to seek help due to the fact that they believe that their symptoms are a result of low self-esteem.
It's important to understand that sex and gender are different concepts, and that the biological characteristics that determine if you're either a woman, man, or nonbinary person don't influence your personal identity. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to identify with their assigned gender. This can cause them to feel ashamed and desperation. These feelings can be further exacerbated by the anxiety of living with untreated ADHD which can result in an absence of support from a professional or personal perspective.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they may have difficulties handling adult obligations. This can lead to problems at work or in school, as well as strained relationships with family members, friends and romantic partners. Women with ADHD may also have trouble managing their finances or home, and could be at risk for neglecting health-related issues such as regular checkups and exercise. They may also be struggling to cope with negative feelings like depression and anxiety.
The signs of ADHD in adults women may include misplacing items or forgetting appointments, being easily distracted by noise or movement and having trouble interacting with others, or getting overwhelmed by work. They are also more likely to suffer from mood-related issues like low self-esteem, low self-confidence or somatic complaints such as abdominal pain or headaches.
It is important that women recognize their symptoms and get a diagnosis. It's also beneficial to speak with a mental health professional about their struggles and create coping strategies for ADHD. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy can help change negative thought patterns and improve coping strategies. In addition being a part of a women's supportive group can provide valuable advice about living with ADHD and coping strategies for daily life.
It is important to remember that women who suffer from ADHD can suffer from different symptoms than men. These can change during transitional times such as puberty or pregnancy. They may also change in response to hormone treatments during the menopause. This is due in part to hormone fluctuations, and also the fact that women have a larger hippocampal region that is a major factor in memory and education. Women are also more adept at masking their ADHD symptoms than men, which could make it difficult to establish a diagnosis. Despite these challenges, it is still possible to lead a fulfilling life with ADHD.
5. Anxiety
It can be difficult for women with ADHD to admit that they suffer from anxiety issues, but getting the correct diagnosis and treatment can make a a huge difference in their lives. It can also help them understand their behavior and how it affects others.
Anxiety is a common sign of ADHD in women who are adults and it may look like:
Trouble staying focused or on task, daydreaming or appearing to be distracted. Making mistakes that are not made. Avoiding tasks that require concentration or could be boring. Problems with concentration at school or at work. Forgetting things or being late for meetings and appointments. Feeling overwhelmed by crowds or under pressure at home or work. Finding it difficult to relax or fall asleep. Being easily disturbed or sensitive to rejection and criticism.
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from an underlying mood disorder such as depression. They might also have difficulty to make friends. They may also have problems with intimate relationships that result in a higher rate of violence between intimate partners and a higher percentage of substance abuse.
Girls and women may struggle to get a proper ADHD diagnosis due to the fact that their symptoms differ from those of boys and men. Health care providers must be aware of these differences to provide a correct diagnosis. This means identifying certain features, like a more distinct manifesting symptom, difficulty in social interactions and a tendency to create coping strategies that mask the signs of underperformance and performance issues, and the coexistence of anxiety and depression. It is also essential to consider the impact of a woman's hormone levels on her symptom manifestation.