Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Dr. Frank says that the symptoms of ADHD in women who are more difficult to spot than in men, because women have coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms. 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. Attention
The symptoms of ADHD in women of all ages typically include difficulty keeping the time, missing appointments, misplacing objects or becoming easily distracted. Women may also have issues with procrastination and forgetfulness, as well as working or studying in a setting that is noisy or crowded. Women often struggle with interpersonal skills. They can interrupt others or make statements that they regret later.
Women who suffer from ADHD are better at masking symptoms than men and boys. They might come up with healthy strategies for coping like relying on an agenda for the day and using reminders on their phones to remind them of important events. However, these strategies may not be sustainable over the long term and may not be sufficient to handle the demands of life. Additionally, their symptoms may be complicated by comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression.
Many people with ADHD also exhibit hyperactivity and impulsivity. Adults may experience milder symptoms that affect only certain areas of their life 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 might also have difficulty to relax or calm down. They may also struggle to form and maintain friendships.
People who suffer from mild to moderate ADHD may not have major issues at work or in their relationships, however they have trouble staying organized and following through on commitments. They may face issues with schoolwork, finances or household chores, and often feel a sense of being overwhelmed by their responsibilities. Severe symptoms can cause significant disruptions to a person's daily life. They may also experience difficulties maintaining relationships or holding their job.
2. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD frequently struggle to organize their home, work and personal items. They can also get lost in the details of important items such as their wallets, keys eyeglasses, cellphones. They are also prone to losing their tempers and being easily distracted by their thoughts and activities. Inability to follow instructions and complete tasks negatively impacts their work, schoolwork and relationships.
Women hide their symptoms by through their emotions to justify their actions. This makes it difficult to identify and treat. For example, she might blame her inattention or forgetfulness on anxiety and low self-esteem. She may also blame relationship issues or somatic complaints (such as headaches and nausea) on the stress of daily life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g. menopausal, perimenopausal).
Untreated ADHD can lead to serious issues. Women and girls with ADHD may be more likely to engage in adolescent sex because of their impulsivity, difficulties with boundaries between people, and lack of planning. They may be more likely to use alcohol and drugs to self-medicate. Inattention could lead to delays in appointments with doctors and procedures. They may have inconsistent and disordered eating habits or a higher BMI, and unhealthy coping behaviors, such as nail-biting, skin picking, compulsive shopping and a lot of exercise.
A thorough assessment by a health care provider or mental health professional is the most effective way to diagnose ADHD. The specialist will also inquire with the patient about their physical and mental health. They might also suggest tests for the body or a diagnostic interview. A diagnosis could be a life-changing moment for many adults who discover they have been struggling with an illness of the mind throughout their lives.
3. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD have a harder time controlling their impulses. This can lead to other problems such as self-injury or drinking or using drugs. It can also cause difficulties in relationships, since inattention and impulsive behavior could result in miscommunications or conflict with family, friends and colleagues.
The signs of impulsivity are blurting things out, buying something on impulse, and jumping in before contemplating the consequences. It is important to keep in mind that acting impulsively isn't always an indication of bad character. In fact, certain people require more time than others to think through their thoughts before they act. However, it's still recommended to talk to your doctor about this and get checked for ADHD particularly when you notice that the symptoms are getting more severe.
It is also normal for women with ADHD to struggle with managing their emotions, which can cause depression, as well as other mental health issues. Depression symptoms can be difficult to identify in women, since they can resemble other health issues like insomnia or a chronic headache. Some women with ADHD have a difficult time deciding whether to ask for help because they believe that their symptoms are indicative of self-esteem issues or a flaw in their personality.
It's important to understand that gender and sexuality are different concepts, and that the biological characteristics that determine if you're a man, woman, or nonbinary person don't influence your personal identity. However, many people with ADHD struggle to identify with their gender, which can cause feelings of guilt and despair. The anxiety of untreated ADHD can intensify these feelings, and may also cause a loss of support from family or colleagues.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they can have issues with adult responsibilities. 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 can also have difficulty managing their finances or at home. They could be prone to neglecting health issues such as regular checkups and exercise. They may also be struggling with coping with negative emotions like anxiety and depression.
Symptoms of ADHD in women who are adults may include misplacing items or not remembering appointments, being easily distracted by movement or noise and having trouble interacting with others, or becoming overwhelmed by tasks. They may also experience mood-related issues like lower self-esteem or a lack of confidence in themselves.
It's important for women to recognize the signs of ADHD and seek an assessment. It's also beneficial to speak with a mental health professional about their issues and devise strategies to cope with ADHD. For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapy can help change negative thought patterns and improve coping skills. Participating in a women's group could provide valuable information about living with ADHD and coping strategies for everyday life.
It is important to recognize that women who suffer from ADHD may suffer from different symptoms than men. They can experience changes during transitional times such as puberty or pregnancy. They can change as a result of menopausal hormone treatments. This is due to hormone fluctuations, and also the fact that women have a bigger hippocampal region that plays a key role in memory and education. Women are also better in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which makes it more difficult to establish a diagnosis. It is possible to lead an enjoyable and fulfilling life with ADHD despite these challenges.
5. Anxiety
Although it can be difficult for women with ADHD to admit they have trouble with anxiety, getting a diagnosis and finding the appropriate treatment can make their lives so much better. ADHD in adult men symptoms can also assist women to better understand their behavior, and how it affects others.
Anxiety is a significant symptom for women suffering from ADHD. It may appear like this:
Trouble staying focused or not being on task, focusing on the task at hand, or seeming to be distracted. Making a few mistakes. Avoiding difficult or boring tasks. Focusing problems at school or at work. Forgetting or being late to meetings and appointments. Feeling overwhelmed in crowds, or under pressure at work or home. Trouble falling asleep. Being easily upset or being too sensitive to criticism.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to develop co-occurring disorder of mood, like depression, and may have a harder time establishing friendships. They may also have problems with intimate relationships that result in a higher rate of violence from intimate partners and a higher rate 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. In order to accurately diagnose ADHD, healthcare professionals must be aware of the distinctions. This involves identifying specific characteristics, such as an individualized symptom profile, difficulty with social interactions and a tendency to develop strategies to cope with 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 the symptom profile she displays.