Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Dr. Frank says that the symptoms of ADHD in women of adulthood are more difficult to spot than men, as women develop coping mechanisms in order to disguise their symptoms. Fortunately, lifestyle changes and medication can enhance 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
ADHD symptoms in women include difficulty keeping track of time and appointments, snagging items or being easily distracted. Women can also be troubled by procrastination, forgetfulness and difficulty working or studying in a noisy, crowded environment. They often have trouble with interpersonal skills, including interrupting others and uttering remarks that later become regrettable.
Women with ADHD are better at hiding symptoms than boys and males. They may develop healthy coping strategies, such as having a regular schedule or setting up phone reminders for important occasions. These strategies of coping might not last for long and may not be sufficient to handle the demands of daily life. Additionally, their symptoms can also be exacerbated by comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Many people with ADHD also exhibit an impulsivity and hyperactivity. In adults, these symptoms are less obvious and could only affect a few areas of their lives such as social or work-related interactions. Those with a hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may experience frequent fidgeting, talkativeness or trouble sitting still during conversations. They may also have trouble relaxing or finding a way to slow down, as well as trouble making and maintaining friendships.
People who suffer from mild or moderate ADHD do not experience major problems in their jobs 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 feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities. People with severe symptoms are significantly disrupted in their daily lives and might have difficulty keeping a job or maintaining relationships.
2. Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD often have trouble organizing their home, work, and personal items. They also tend to lose track of important things like their keys, wallets, eyeglasses, and cellphones. They also are prone to losing their temper and becoming easily distracted by their thoughts and activities. Inability to follow directions and complete tasks negatively impacts their schoolwork, work and relationships.
Women mask their symptoms with their emotions in order to justify their actions. This makes it difficult to recognize and treat. For instance, she could blame her inattention or forgetfulness on her low self-esteem and anxiety. She could also blame relationship issues or physical complaints (such nausea and headaches) on the stress of everyday life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g. menopausal or perimenopausal).
If not treated, ADHD can lead to serious problems. Women and girls with ADHD might be more likely to engage in sexual adolescence because of their impulsivity, difficulties with boundaries between people and lack of planning. They might be more likely to resort to alcohol or drugs to help themselves. Their lack of attention can result in missed doctor's appointments and procedures. They may also have disordered eating habits or an elevated BMI. They may also use unhealthy strategies for coping like shopping too much, nail-biting and skin picking.
The best way to diagnose ADHD is to conduct an exhaustive examination by a mental health professional or health care professional. The professional will also inquire of the patient about his or her physical and emotional well-being. They may suggest lab tests or a diagnosis interview. A diagnosis could be a life-changing moment for many adults who realize they have been struggling with an illness of the mind all along.
3. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD have a difficult time controlling their impulses. This can cause other problems like self-injury, the use of alcohol or drugs. It can also lead to issues with relationships, since forgetfulness or impulsive behaviors can lead to miscommunications and conflict with family members, coworkers, and friends.
It is characterized by a tendency to speak out loud, buy something on impulse, and act without thinking about the consequences. Remember that acting in an impulsive manner does not necessarily mean you're an unfit person. Certain people require more time to think before they act. However, inattentive ADHD in adults symptoms 's recommended to speak with your doctor about this and to get checked for ADHD especially when you begin to notice that these symptoms are becoming more severe.
It is also normal for women with ADHD to have trouble managing their emotions, and this can result in depression and other mental health issues. Depression symptoms can be hard to identify in women because they can appear similar to other health problems, like insomnia and chronic headaches. Women with ADHD are reluctant to seek help due believe their symptoms are a result of low self-esteem.
It's important to understand that gender and sexuality are different concepts, and that the biological traits that determine whether you're a man, woman or a nonbinary person do not influence your personal identity. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to identify with their gender. This can lead them to feel ashamed and desperation. The stress of untreated ADHD can make these feelings worse and can lead to the loss of support from friends or family members.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD develop into women, they may struggle with adult obligations and interactions. This can lead to problems at work or school and strained relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty managing finances or a home, and could be at risk of neglecting health-related issues such as regular checkups and exercise. They may also have difficulty to cope with negative feelings such as anxiety and depression.
Symptoms of ADHD in women of all ages could include misplacing objects or not remembering appointments, being easily distracted by noise or movement and having trouble interacting with others, or getting overwhelmed by tasks. They may also experience mood-related symptoms like lower self-esteem or a lack of confidence in themselves.
It is crucial for women to identify the signs of ADHD and receive a diagnosis. It's also helpful to talk to a mental health professional about your difficulties and develop strategies to cope with ADHD. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can, for example, help to change negative thinking patterns and increase coping skills. Additionally being a part of a women's supportive group can provide valuable advice regarding living with ADHD and strategies to cope with daily life.
It's important to note that women with ADHD can have different symptoms than men. They can experience changes during transitional times such as puberty or pregnancy. They can also change during hormone treatments during the menopause. This is partly due hormonal fluctuations and the fact that females have a greater hippocampus, which plays an important role in memory and learning. Women may also hide their ADHD symptoms better than males. This can make it difficult to receive a correct diagnosis. Despite these obstacles it is still possible to lead an enjoyable life with ADHD.
5. Anxiety
Although it can be a challenge for women with ADHD to admit that they have trouble with anxiety, getting a diagnosis and finding the right treatment for them can make their lives much better. It can also help them better comprehend their behavior and how it affects others.
Anxiety is a common indicator of ADHD in adults women and it can look like:
Trouble staying focused or not being on task, focusing on the task at hand, or appearing to be distracted. Making mistakes that are not made. Avoiding boring or difficult tasks. Having trouble focusing in school or work. Forgetting things or being late for appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed in crowds or under pressure at home or at work. Trouble falling asleep. Being easily upset or being too sensitive to criticism.
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to have a mood disorder that is co-existing, like depression. They might also have difficulty to establish friendships. They might also have issues with intimate relationships, which can lead to a higher incidence of violence between intimate partners and a higher risk of substance abuse.
Girls and women can be unable to obtain a precise ADHD diagnosis because their symptoms differ from those of boys and men. Health care providers must be aware of these differences to make an accurate diagnosis. This involves identifying specific traits, such as the presence of a distinct manifesting symptom, difficulty in social interactions, a tendency to develop strategies to cope with underachievement and performance problems and the coexistence of anxiety and depression. It is also important to take into consideration the impact that a woman's hormonal levels have on her symptom presentations.