Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
The signs of ADHD in adults women are more difficult to spot than in men, as women often develop coping mechanisms to 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. Inattention
The symptoms of ADHD for women who are adults typically are characterized by difficulty in keeping the track of time, missing appointments, misplacing things or being easily distracted. Women may also have issues with procrastination or forgetfulness, as well as working or studying in a setting which is noisy or bustling. Women are often struggling with interpersonal skills. They may interrupt other people or make comments that they regret later.
Unlike boys and men who suffer from ADHD tend to be more adept in masked symptoms. They may develop healthy coping mechanisms that include using a daily schedule or making phone calls to remind them of important events. However, these coping strategies may not be sustainable over the long run and may not be sufficient to manage the complexity of daily life. In addition, their symptoms can also be exacerbated by co-existing disorders like anxiety and depression.
Many people with ADHD also show the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. For adults, these signs are more subtle and may only impact some aspects 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 settle down. They may also have difficulty to establish and maintain friendships.
People who suffer from mild to moderate ADHD might not experience significant problems at work or in their relationships, however they have trouble keeping track of their time and following through on commitments. They may experience difficulties with finances, schoolwork or household chores. They often experience an overwhelming feeling by their responsibilities. Severe symptoms can cause significant disruptions in a person's day-to-day life. They may also experience difficulty maintaining relationships or keeping a job.
2. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD frequently struggle to organize their work, home and personal things. They may also lose track important items like keys, wallets and eyeglasses. They can also be easily distracted and lose their temper. Inability to follow directions and complete tasks affects their schoolwork, work and relationships.
Women often hide their symptoms by using their emotions as a reason for their behavior, making it more difficult to diagnose and treated. For instance, she could blame her inattention or forgetfulness on her low self-esteem and anxiety. She could also blame relationship issues or other complaints (such as headaches and nausea) on the stress of daily life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g. menopausal or perimenopausal).
If not treated, ADHD can lead to serious issues. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD might be more likely to engage in sexual activity during adolescence due to their impulsivity difficulties with boundaries between people and lack of organization. Self-medicating using alcohol and other drugs could be more prevalent. Their inattention can lead to missed doctor's appointments and procedures. They may have disordered eating habits or having a high BMI. They could also use unhealthy ways of coping, such as shopping excessively or nail-biting, as well as skin picking.
A thorough assessment by a medical professional or mental health professional is the best method of diagnosing ADHD. The specialist will also inquire with the patient about his or her physical and emotional well-being. They might also suggest tests for the body or a diagnostic interview. Being diagnosed can be a life-changing experience for those who discover they have been struggling with mental health issues throughout their lives.
3. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD are more difficult in controlling their impulses. This could lead to other issues such as self-injury or alcohol or drug abuse. It can also cause issues with relationships, since the inability to control or be impulsive can lead to misunderstandings and conflict with family, colleagues, and friends.
Signs of impulsivity include scribbling things out, buying something on a whim, and jumping in before contemplating the consequences. It's important to remember that acting impulsively doesn't necessarily mean it's a sign of a bad character, and certain people require more time than others to think about their thoughts before they act. It's still important to speak with your doctor and get checked for ADHD when you notice the symptoms are becoming more severe.
It's also common for women with ADHD to have difficulty controlling their emotions. This can cause depression, as well as other mental health issues. 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 due to the fact that they believe their symptoms are indicative of self-esteem issues or a personality flaw.
It's important to understand that gender and sexuality are different concepts, and that the biological characteristics that determine whether you're a man, woman or a nonbinary individual don't alter your personal identity. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to identify with their gender. This can cause them to feel shame and a sense of despair. These can be exacerbated by the anxiety of living with untreated ADHD which can lead to an absence of support from a professional or personal perspective.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD grow into women, they could struggle with adult responsibilities and interactions. This can cause problems at school or at work, and tensions with family and friends as well as romantic partners. adult ADHD symptoms with ADHD may also have trouble managing their finances or home. They may also be at risk of ignoring health issues such as regular checkups and exercises. They may also have trouble managing negative emotions, such as depression and anxiety.
The signs of ADHD in women of all ages could include misplacing objects or forgetting appointments, being easily distracted by movement or noise or having difficulty interacting with others, or becoming overwhelmed by the demands of tasks. They might also experience mood-related symptoms like lower self-esteem or a lack of confidence in themselves.
It is important that women recognize their symptoms and receive an assessment. 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 can aid, for instance, to change negative thinking patterns and improve the ability to cope. Participating in a women's group could provide valuable information about living with ADHD, and coping techniques for everyday life.
It is important to recognize that women with ADHD might suffer from different symptoms than men. These can change during transitional times such as puberty or pregnancy. They may change as a result of menopausal hormone treatments. This is due to hormonal fluctuations and also the fact that females have a bigger hippocampus, which plays a part in memory and learning. Women also have the ability to mask their ADHD symptoms better than men. This can make it more difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. Despite these issues it is still possible to lead a full and fulfilling life with ADHD.
5. Anxiety
While it can be challenging for women suffering from ADHD to admit they suffer from anxiety issues, getting an diagnosis and locating the right treatment for them can make their lives so much better. It can also help them better understand their behavior and how it impacts others.
Anxiety is a common symptom of ADHD for women of all ages and can manifest as:
Distraction, like daydreaming or appearing distracted. Making mistakes that are not made. Avoiding boring or difficult tasks. Concentration problems at school or at work. Forgetting or being late to appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed by the number of people around you or feeling pressured at home or work. Having trouble relaxing or falling asleep. Being easily disturbed or sensitive to rejection and criticism.
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to have an underlying mood disorder like depression. They may also find it difficult to make friends. They could also experience issues with intimate relationships, which can cause a higher risk of violence from intimate partners and a higher risk of substance abuse.
Women and girls may have difficulty getting a correct ADHD diagnosis because their symptoms are different from those of boys and men. Health care professionals must be aware of these differences to provide a correct diagnosis. This includes identifying certain characteristics such as a distinct symptoms-profile, difficulties with social relationships and a tendency to employ coping strategies to mask the signs of performance issues or underachievement and also the relationship between anxiety and depression. It is also important to take into consideration the effect of hormone levels in women on her symptom manifestation.