ADHD symptoms female adults of ADHD in Adult Women
Girls and women can suffer from ADHD. While both men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more frequently, it is also possible for women to suffer from the condition. However, stereotypes, prejudices about referrals and internalized symptoms as well as other comorbidities can make it difficult for them to be properly evaluated and treated.
Many women come up with strategies to mask their ADHD symptoms and to meet social expectations, but these can be unhealthy and unsustainable. Here are a few of the most common symptoms of ADHD in women of adulthood.
1. Unfocused attention
Women suffering from ADHD are susceptible to feel overwhelmed by the daily tasks. It can be difficult to keep track of deadlines, emails, and meetings. They could also be more likely to miss important dates or events. They may also have difficulty to concentrate in noisy or crowded environments. This could result in missed opportunities and a lower quality of work.
These issues can cause frustration for many people with ADHD. They might feel that they are a reflection of themselves or their performance. They can often suffer from low self-esteem and a negative image of their body. They may also be struggling to maintain relationships and come up with effective strategies to cope. In some instances they may turn to unhealthy coping methods like excessive drinking or drug use. This can make it difficult for others to recognize that they're struggling, and can delay the diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD are often sensitive to criticism or failure. This can lead them to internalize their problems and make it difficult to seek assistance. As a result, they may have issues with relationships and may have a difficult time finding meaningful work. They could also be more prone to depression, anxiety and mood swings. In some instances, the symptoms can cause a mental disorder such as non-suicidal self-harm (NSSI) which can be expressed by cutting or burning.
ADHD is more common among males and females, however symptoms can persist and impact the entire life of. It's crucial for women to identify the signs and seek a thorough evaluation from a health care professional. A correct diagnosis can result in more manageable symptoms and an improved quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD often complain of feeling overwhelmed and like their lives are a mess. They might miss deadlines or find it difficult to manage household chores, such as paying bills and keeping track of appointments. They may be disorganized with their home and finances, and could struggle to maintain stable relationships and a job.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms can lead to more anger and miscommunications with friends, partners, and coworkers. These problems can lead to broken or strained relationships and feelings of loneliness. Inattention, forgetfulness, and the tendency to "zone out" or to not pay attention, can cause misunderstandings with loved ones.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms of emotional instability, impulsivity and mood swings. They can be disruptive both in their professional and personal lives. Women who are not treated for ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities and expectations of family, work, and society, and might be more sensitive to criticism or harsh judgement.
There are ways to manage these symptoms. For many adults, treatment options include lifestyle changes and the use of specific organizational tools and prescription stimulant medications.
Women who suffer from ADHD typically have a harder time than men to conceal their ADHD symptoms, and as a result they are often not diagnosed until the age of adulthood. They are also more likely to suffer from multiple disorders that are comorbid, like anxiety and depression that can increase the effects of untreated ADHD. Women may also have trouble maintaining healthy relationships and stable jobs and may suffer from low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers a person's biological makeup, chromosomes, hormones and anatomy; gender refers to the internal perception of self as a man, woman or a nonbinary gender identity and mental health problems are often diagnosed based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women who suffer from ADHD are at risk of developing depression and anxiety. symptoms of ADHD in adults female can be made worse due to the inability of keeping track of daily tasks and appointments, which can lead to health problems such as missed appointments, late payments, and even debt. ADHD can trigger emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and forgetfulness and can cause relationships problems with family, friends, and coworkers.
Many women develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms that can make it harder for others to recognize that they are struggling to stay focused and organized. These strategies for coping could be healthy, such as setting up a daily schedule, or a phone reminder or even unhealthy, such as drinking alcohol or taking drugs to manage or function. These coping skills can create a cycle of stress and self-doubt for women, causing them to feel they are not successful or productive, which can cause anxiety and depression.
Additionally, women with ADHD frequently feel the pressure of not being accepted or meeting societal expectations and this can lead to low self-esteem and a sense of frustration. They might also face challenges at work, such as difficulties with organization skills, following corporate policies, or adhering to a daily 9-to-5 schedule. They may be struggling to manage their finances due in part to disorganization or impulsive spending. Also, they might have trouble keeping up with assignments or homework.
ADHD can be a chronic condition that requires lifelong care, particularly when it affects women and girls. Despite the disorder's prevalence, it is still undiagnosed, misunderstood, and not treated. Lingering stereotypes and referral biases, internalized symptoms, comorbidities, and hormonal fluctuations all contribute to the unique symptom-based presentation of ADHD in females.
4. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions or impulses. They may become easily frustrated or overly exuberant, and they may lose track of their time or be late for an event. They may also have difficulty understanding body language and picking up social signals. This can lead to problems at work or with relationships. For instance, they may get into arguments easily or they may spend too much time with hobbies and interests that aren't important to them. They might also have trouble maintaining relationships or creating new connections due to the fact that they struggle to keep their promises and commitments.
Women are more adept at developing ways to cope with their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult for them to diagnose. For example, they might develop routines to help them stay organized or rely on apps to remind them of their appointments. They could also alter their behaviour to comply with societal expectations and norms. They may even try to hide their symptoms with drugs or alcohol. This could lead to negative health effects over time.
Many people who suffer from ADHD overcome their symptoms, but there are some who do not. Around 60% of women with ADHD in their childhood will suffer from it throughout their adulthood. This is compared to 30% of males.
If you are unable to get relief from medication or lifestyle changes, professional treatment can be beneficial. There are many options, like career coaching, counseling and life coaching. You can also consider taking stimulants. Exercise is a fantastic method of improving your mood and boosting your energy. It releases neurotransmitters that boost the motivation and focus. It also helps reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Emotional reactivity
Women and girls with ADHD are often afflicted by emotional reactivity. They may find it hard to regulate their emotions and communicate them effectively and can cause anger with themselves and others. For example, a woman with ADHD might become enraged when her partner critiques her, but she might not be able to settle down and discuss the issue in a rational way. She also might struggle to "pause" her reaction by recognizing bodily signals that indicate she's overwhelmed or overexcited like a flushed skin or a shortness of breath.
This difficulty regulating their emotions can cause more stress and misunderstandings in relationships and it can make people with ADHD more susceptible to anxiety and depression. It can also cause difficulties when it comes to social interactions, because it is difficult to discern the mood of others and pick up on social cues.
In certain instances, people with ADHD might appear emotionally distant and uninterested in their family or loved ones, even if they truly are concerned about them. In some instances they might avoid situations that trigger strong emotions in order to avoid experiencing them.
Gender bias is a frequent feature of clinicians and the effects of ADHD on women can be easily overlooked because of the nature of their symptoms. Many of them camouflage their ADHD symptoms, and when they do appear they are more likely to be interpreted as anxiety or mood-related, and therefore misdiagnosed. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it can be beneficial to talk to a mental health professional experienced in working with women and girls who suffer from ADHD. They can confirm your experiences, teach you strategies such as self-awareness and pacing, and provide you with family psychoeducation to help you recognize and manage future ADHD symptoms.