Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Dr. Frank says that the symptoms of ADHD in women of adulthood are often harder to detect than men, as women have coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. Fortunately, lifestyle changes and medication can improve their lives and function.
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 in women include difficulty in keeping track of time as well as a tendency to miss appointments, lose items, or becoming easily distracted. Women may also experience forgetfulness, procrastination and having difficulty 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 who suffer from ADHD are more adept at masked symptoms than men and boys. They might develop healthy coping mechanisms that include relying on a daily schedule or using phone reminders for important events. However, these strategies for coping aren't sustainable in the long term and are not enough to cope with the demands of life. In addition, their symptoms may be exacerbated by co-existing conditions like depression and anxiety.
Many people with ADHD also exhibit an impulsivity and hyperactivity. Adults may experience more subtle symptoms that are only affecting 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 of calming down, as well as having trouble making and maintaining friendships.
People who suffer from mild or moderate ADHD don't have major difficulties in their careers or relationships, however they have trouble staying organized and have a difficult to keep track of their commitments. They may experience problems with finances, household chores or schoolwork, and find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their jobs. Severe symptoms can cause significant disruptions in a person's day-to-day life. They may also have difficulties maintaining relationships or holding a job.
2. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD have a hard time organizing their work, home and personal belongings. They also tend to lose track of important things like their glasses, wallets, and keys. They are also prone to lose their temper and becoming easily distracted by extraneous thoughts and activities. Their inability to follow instructions and complete tasks affects their academic performance, as well as their relationships.
Women often hide their symptoms by using their emotions as an excuse for their behavior, making it harder to get diagnosed and treated. For example women may feel low self-esteem or anxiety as the reason for her forgetfulness and inattention. It is also possible to blame relationship problems or somatic complaints--like headaches and nausea--on the stress of life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g., perimenopause or menopause).
When untreated, ADHD can lead to serious problems. Girls and women with ADHD might be more likely to engage in sexual activity during adolescence because of their impulsivity, issues with interpersonal boundaries and lack of planning. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs is more frequent. Inattention can cause delay in doctor's appointments and procedures. They may also have disordered eating habits or a high BMI. They could also use unhealthy ways of coping, such as shopping excessively, nail-biting and skin picking.
A thorough evaluation by a medical professional or mental health professional is the best method to determine ADHD. In addition, to examine the patient's physical and mental health, the professional might ask for feedback from close family members and friends. adult ADHD symptoms in men may suggest diagnostic tests or an interview. A diagnosis could be a life-changing moment for many adults who discover they have been struggling with mental health issues throughout their lives.
3. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult in controlling their impulses. This can cause other problems like self-injury and drinking or using drugs. It can also cause issues with relationships, since the inability to control or be impulsive can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts with family, colleagues, and friends.
The signs of impulsivity are blurting things out, buying something on impulse and then rushing into it without contemplating the consequences. Be aware 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 essential to talk 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 trouble 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 may resemble other health issues like insomnia or a chronic headache. Some women suffering from 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 is important to recognize that sex and gender are two different concepts and that the physical characteristics that determine whether you are male, female or a nonbinary person do not affect your internal sense of identity. Many people with ADHD struggle to identify with their assigned gender. This can lead them to feel shame and desperation. The stress of not being treated for ADHD can make these feelings worse, and may also lead to losing support from friends or family members.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD develop into women, they could be unable to handle adult obligations and interactions. This can cause problems at work or in school and can cause tension in relationships with friends, family and romantic partners. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty managing their finances or home, and they may be at risk for neglecting health-related concerns like regular checkups and exercises. They may also struggle to deal with negative emotions such as anxiety and depression.
The signs of ADHD in women of all ages may include misplacing items or forgetting appointments, being easily distracted by movement or noise, having difficulty working with others, or being overwhelmed by tasks. They could also be more likely to experience mood-related symptoms like poor self-esteem, low self-confidence, or physical complaints such as abdominal pain or headaches.
It is crucial that women recognize their symptoms and receive an assessment. It is also beneficial to speak with a mental health professional about their issues and devise coping strategies for ADHD. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy can help to change negative thinking patterns and enhance coping skills. Participating in a women's group could provide valuable information about living with ADHD, and coping techniques for everyday life.
It is also important to note that women who suffer from ADHD have different symptoms than men, and these may differ during transitional times such as puberty and childbirth, pregnancy, or hormone treatments during menopause. This is due in part to hormone fluctuations, and also the fact that women have a bigger hippocampal area that plays a key role in education and memory. Women are also better at masking their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it harder to determine a correct diagnosis. Despite these issues, it is still possible to lead an enjoyable life with ADHD.
5. Anxiety
While it can be challenging for women with 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 will also help them understand their behavior and how it affects other people.
Anxiety is one of the most prominent symptoms in women with ADHD. It could be as follows:
It is difficult to stay focused or on task, daydreaming or seeming to be distracted. Making mistakes that aren't made. Avoiding tasks that require concentration or could be boring. Problems with concentration at school or at work. Being late or forgetting appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed by the number of people around you or feeling pressured at work or home. Having trouble relaxing or falling asleep. Being easily disturbed or sensitive to criticism and rejection.
Women with ADHD can be more likely to develop a co-occurring disorder of mood, like depression, and they could have a harder time establishing friendships. They may also experience difficulties in their intimate relationships that can result in an increase in violence between partners as well as substance abuse.
It can be challenging for women and girls to obtain a precise ADHD diagnosis due to the fact that symptoms in girls and women differ from those of boys and men. In order to accurately diagnose ADHD, health professionals must be aware of the differences. This involves identifying specific features, like the presence of a distinct manifesting symptom, difficulty in social relationships, a tendency to develop strategies to cope with the signs of underperformance and performance issues, and the coexistence of anxiety and depression. It is also crucial to take into consideration the effect of hormone levels in women on her symptom presentation.