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, because women develop coping mechanisms in order to disguise their symptoms. Fortunately, lifestyle modifications and medication can assist them to improve their functioning and 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. Inattention
The signs of ADHD in adults women often are characterized by difficulty in keeping track of time, missed appointments, misplacing objects or becoming easily distracted. Women may also have difficulty with forgetfulness and procrastination and also working or studying in a setting which is noisy or bustling. They may have issues with interpersonal skills, which can include interrupting other people and making remarks that later become regrettable.
Unlike boys and men, women with ADHD tend to be more adept at masking their symptoms. They may develop healthy coping strategies, such as relying upon the daily schedule and using reminders on their phones to remind them of important occasions. These strategies of coping might not be sustainable over time and are not sufficient to handle the demands of everyday life. In addition the symptoms of these disorders can be exacerbated by comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety.
Many people with ADHD display impulsivity or hyperactivity symptoms as well. Adults may experience more subtle 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 may also have trouble relaxing or finding a way of calming down, as well as difficulty in forming and maintaining friendships.
People who suffer from mild to moderate ADHD may not have any significant problems at work or in their relationships, but they struggle with being organized and executing on commitments. They may have problems with finances, schoolwork, or household chores. They often experience an overwhelming feeling by the responsibilities they have to fulfill. People with severe symptoms experience a lot of disruption in their day-to-day lives and may have difficulty keeping a job or maintaining relationships.
2. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD struggle with organizing their home, work and personal things. They can also lose track of important items like glasses, wallets, and keys. ADHD adult symptoms are prone to lose their temper and becoming easily distracted by extraneous thoughts and activities. Inability to follow instructions and complete tasks negatively impacts their academic performance, as well as their relationships.
Women cover up their symptoms by through their emotions to justify their actions. This makes it difficult to identify and treat. For example, she might blame her lack of attention or forgetfulness on anxiety and low self-esteem. She may also blame relationship issues or physical complaints (such as nausea and headaches) on the stress of daily life or hormonal changes (e.g. menopausal, perimenopausal).
Untreated ADHD can lead to serious issues. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD might be more likely to engage in sexual adolescence because of their impulsivity, difficulties with boundaries between people and lack of organization. They are more likely to resort to alcohol or drugs to help themselves. Their inattention can lead to missed doctor's appointments and procedures. They may also have disordered eating habits or having a high BMI. They may also engage in unhealthy strategies for coping such as shopping excessively or nail-biting, as well as skin picking.
The most effective method to determine ADHD is through an exhaustive evaluation by an expert in mental health or health care professional. The specialist will also inquire with the patient about their physical and emotional well-being. They might also suggest some lab tests or a diagnostic interview. Having a diagnosis could be a life-changing moment for many adults who realize they've been struggling with an illness of the mind throughout their lives.
3. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time controlling their impulses. This can lead to other problems like self-injury, the use of alcohol or drugs. It can also lead to relationships problems as an impulsive or forgetful behavior can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts with family, friends, and coworkers.
It is characterized by an urge to speak loud, buy something on impulse, and act without thinking about the consequences. It is important to keep in mind that acting impulsively doesn't necessarily mean it's an indication of a bad character, and certain people require more time than others to process their thoughts before deciding to act. However, it's recommended to consult your doctor about this and to get checked for ADHD especially when you start to notice that these symptoms are getting worse.
It's also common for women with ADHD to struggle with managing their emotions, which can lead to depression, as well as other mental health issues. Symptoms of depression can be difficult to recognize for women because they may resemble other health issues, such as insomnia or a persistent headache. Some women suffering from ADHD are reluctant to seek help due to the fact that they think their symptoms are a result of low self-esteem.
It is crucial to recognize that sex is a distinct concept than gender and that your internal sense of identity isn't dependent on the biological characteristics that determine if you are a man, woman or non-binary. However, many people suffering from ADHD have trouble identifying with their gender, which can cause feelings of shame and desperation. The stress of untreated ADHD can exacerbate these feelings, and may also cause the loss of support from friends or family members.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they can have difficulties handling adult obligations. This could lead to issues at school or at work, and conflicting relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. Women with ADHD may also have trouble managing finances or a home, and may be at risk of ignoring health-related issues such as regular checkups and exercise. They may also be struggling with dealing with negative emotions such as anxiety and depression.
The signs of ADHD in women who are adults could include misplacing objects or not remembering appointments, being easily distracted by noise or movement and having trouble interacting with others, or being overwhelmed by the demands of tasks. They may also be more likely to suffer from mood-related symptoms such as low self-esteem, low self-confidence, or physical complaints like headaches or abdominal pain.
It is important that women are aware of their symptoms and receive an assessment. It's also helpful to speak with a mental health professional about their difficulties and develop coping strategies for ADHD. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can aid, for instance, to change negative thinking patterns and enhance coping skills. In addition, joining a women's support group can give valuable information regarding living with ADHD and strategies to cope with everyday life.
It's also worth noting that women who suffer from ADHD have different symptoms than men, and these are different during transitional periods such as puberty and childbirth, pregnancy, or hormone treatments during menopause. This is due to hormone fluctuations and the fact that females have a larger hippocampal area, which plays a role in memory and learning. Women may also hide their ADHD symptoms better than men. This makes it harder to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Despite these obstacles, it is still possible to live an enjoyable life with ADHD.
5. Anxiety
While it can be challenging for women with ADHD to admit they suffer from anxiety issues, getting a diagnosis and finding the right treatment for them can make their lives much better. It can also assist women to understand their behavior and how it affects others.
Anxiety is a major symptom in women suffering from ADHD. It could be as follows:
Difficulty staying focused or not being on task, focusing on the task at hand, or appearing to be distracted. Making careless errors. Avoiding difficult or boring tasks. Finding it difficult to concentrate in school or work. Being late or forgetting things for meetings and appointments. Feeling overwhelmed in crowds, or when under pressure at home or at work. Finding ADHD symptoms in adulthood to relax or fall asleep. Being easily upset or being too sensitive to criticism.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have a co-existing mood disorder, like depression. They might also have difficulty to make friends. They may also have problems with intimate relationships that cause a higher risk of intimate partner violence and a higher risk of alcohol abuse.
It can be difficult for women and girls to obtain a precise ADHD diagnosis as symptoms for girls and women differ from those seen in men and boys. Health care providers must be aware of these differences to make an accurate diagnosis. This means identifying certain traits, such as the presence of a distinct symptom profile, difficulty with social interactions and a tendency to create strategies to deal with the signs of underperformance and performance issues and the coexistence of anxiety and depression. It is crucial to take into consideration the impact hormone levels of women affect her symptoms.