Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Dr. Frank says that the symptoms of ADHD in adult women are more difficult to spot than in men, since women develop coping mechanisms in order to disguise their symptoms. Fortunately lifestyle changes and medications can improve their lives and functioning.
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 signs of ADHD in adults women often include difficulty keeping track of time, missed appointments, misplacing items or being easily distracted. Women may also have difficulty with procrastination and forgetfulness, as well as working or studying in a setting that is noisy or busy. They may have issues with interpersonal skills, such as interrupting other people and making remarks that later become regrettable.
Unlike boys and men, women with ADHD tend to be more adept in hiding their symptoms. They might develop healthy coping strategies like relying on a daily schedule or making phone calls to remind them of important occasions. These strategies for coping may not last long and are not sufficient to deal with the complexities of everyday life. Additionally, their symptoms may be complicated by comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression.
Many people suffering from ADHD have impulsivity or hyperactivity symptoms too. For adults, these signs are more subtle and only affect a few areas of their lives like 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 calm down. They may also struggle to make and keep friendships.
People with mild or moderate ADHD don't have major problems in their jobs or relationships, however they have trouble staying well-organized and have a tough time following through on their commitments. They may face issues with finances, schoolwork or household chores and often experience a sense of being overwhelmed by the responsibilities they have to fulfill. Severe symptoms can cause significant disruptions to a person's daily life. They might also have difficulty maintaining relationships or keeping a job.
2. Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD often struggle to organize their work, home and personal things. They can also lose track of important things such as their keys, wallets and eyeglasses. They are also susceptible to lose their temper and becoming easily distracted by other thoughts and activities. Inability to follow directions and complete tasks negatively impacts their academic performance, as well as their relationships.
Women often hide their symptoms by using their emotions as a reason for their behavior, which makes it harder to get diagnosed and treated. For instance, she could blame her forgetfulness or inattention on low self-esteem and anxiety. It is also possible to blame relationship issues or somatic complaints (such nausea and headaches) on the stress of life or hormonal changes (e.g. menopausal or perimenopausal).
Untreated ADHD can lead to serious problems. For instance, girls and women with ADHD could be at greater risk of adolescent sexual activity because of their impulsivity and difficulties with boundaries between people and planning. They might be more likely to resort to alcohol or drugs to help themselves. Inattention could lead to delays in appointments with doctors and procedures. They may also have disordered eating habits or a high BMI. They could also be prone to unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive shopping or nail-biting, as well as skin picking.
A thorough evaluation by a health care professional or mental health professional is the best way to diagnose ADHD. The professional will also ask the patient about his or her physical and mental health. They might also suggest some tests for the body or a diagnostic interview. Many adults are shocked learn that they have suffered from a mental illness for a long time.
3. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time controlling their impulses. This can lead to other problems like self-injury and drinking or using drugs. It can also cause difficulties in relationships, as the impulsive and forgetful behavior can result in miscommunications or conflicts with friends, family and co-workers.
The signs of impulsivity are the tendency to blurt things out, purchasing something on impulse and then rushing into it without thinking about the consequences. Be aware that acting impulsively does not necessarily mean you're an unfit person. Some people need more time to think before acting. It's still essential to talk to your doctor and get tested for ADHD when you notice your symptoms are becoming more severe.
It's also common for women with ADHD to have trouble controlling their emotions, which can lead to depression, as well as 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 reluctant to seek help due to the fact that they believe their symptoms are the result of low self-esteem.
this hyperlink is important to understand that sex is an entirely different concept than gender and that your inner sense of identity isn't affected by the biological traits that determine if you are a man, woman or a non-binary. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to identify with their assigned gender. This can cause them to feel shame and desperation. The stress of not being treated for 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 may experience difficulties handling adult responsibilities. This can lead to problems at work or school and tensions with family, friends, and romantic partners. Women with ADHD might also have difficulty managing their finances or their home, and could be at risk of neglecting health-related issues such as regular checkups and exercise. They may also have difficulty coping with negative emotions like depression and anxiety.
The signs of ADHD in adults women could include misplacing objects or not remembering appointments, being easily distracted by movement or noise or having difficulty interacting with others, or becoming overwhelmed by work. They could also be more likely to suffer from mood-related symptoms such as low self-esteem, low self-confidence or somatic complaints such as headaches or abdominal pain.
It is important that women recognize their symptoms and receive a diagnosis. It's also helpful to speak with a mental health professional about their difficulties and develop coping strategies for ADHD. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can, for example, help to change negative thinking patterns and improve the ability to cope. In addition the joining of a women's support group can give valuable information about living with ADHD and coping strategies for everyday life.
It is important to recognize that women who suffer from ADHD can suffer from different symptoms than men. They can experience changes in transitional periods like puberty or pregnancy. They may also change during menopausal hormone treatments. This is due in part to hormone fluctuations, and also the fact that women have a greater hippocampal area that plays a key role in the development of memory and learning. Women are also better in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which makes it more difficult to establish a diagnosis. Despite these challenges, it is still possible to lead an enjoyable life with ADHD.
5. Anxiety
It can be difficult for women suffering from ADHD to admit they have anxiety issues, but obtaining the correct diagnosis and treatment can make an enormous difference in their lives. It can also help them comprehend their behavior and how it affects other people.
Anxiety is a common indicator of ADHD in adults women and it can look like:
Distraction, like daydreaming or appearing distracted. Making careless errors. Avoiding tasks that require concentration, or may be boring. Focusing problems at school or at work. Not remembering or being late for appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed by crowds or under pressure at home or work. Not able to relax or go to sleep. Being easily agitated or being too sensitive to criticism.
Women with ADHD are more likely to develop co-occurring mood disorder, such as depression, and they could be more difficult to establish friendships. They might also have issues in their relationships with family members which could lead to an increase in the amount of violence between partners and substance abuse.
It can be difficult for girls and women to get a correct ADHD diagnosis because symptoms in girls and women differ from those in boys and men. In order to accurately diagnose ADHD, health care providers need to be aware of the distinctions. This means identifying certain traits, such a more distinct symptoms-profile, difficulties with social relations, a tendency for ways to cope with issues with performance or underachievement, and also the coexistence of anxiety and depression. It is crucial to take into consideration the impact hormone levels influence her symptoms.