ADHD in Adult Women Symptoms
Women with ADHD may have difficulty to access the support they need. However, with medication and therapy the symptoms can be controlled.
The symptoms can include restlessness, difficulty in keeping track of daily tasks and deadlines, forgetfulness, impulsivity and mood swings. These symptoms can result in unhealthy relationships, or co-occurring disorders such as eating disorders.
1. Hyperfocus
For people suffering from ADHD hyperfocus is the tendency to completely be absorbed in a task and completely ignore any distractions. When it is used for tasks such as writing or making art, it can be beneficial. However, when it is extended to other activities, such as watching TV or using social media, the result can be less effective. In this way hyperfocus is a frequent sign of ADHD in adults women which can cause major difficulties at work or in their personal lives.
Women may also experience the inattentive-type symptoms of ADHD (difficulty staying on task or forgetting important tasks) more than they do the hyperactivity/impulsive symptoms. Because of this the female's ADHD symptoms could be more difficult to recognize. They might not be able to keep track of their schedule or bills and may struggle to make and keep friends.
Hyperfocus can lead to an inability to manage emotions, which usually causes women suffering from ADHD to assert themselves or to have healthy relationships at home or at work. Dysregulation of emotions is an indicator of ADHD for women. It is often exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopausal.
It can be difficult for others to understand when you're caught in hyperfocus. They may not know what you're talking about until you get back to them. This can be a source of frustration for everyone involved. However, it's possible to develop strategies to help you snap out of the rat race and regain control of your time. Set a 15-minute timer in order to remind yourself to not spend your time online or to switch to a different task when you're watching television. A simple wiggle of the body can also help break your focus.
Hyperfocus can be a great advantage for some people with ADHD. It allows them to accomplish amazing things, like winning gold medals at the Olympics, or completing major artistic projects. This is true only when the person is able to recognize their own impulsive behaviors and learn to control their attention and switch off hyperfocus when needed. This is difficult for most people without a supportive system that holds them accountable and help them set realistic boundaries.
2. Procrastination
Women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time getting started on tasks or projects. They often put off projects and tasks until the last minute, and then are overwhelmed by their workload and find it difficult to find motivation to get started. They may also have difficulty keeping track of their time and often underestimate the amount of time required to finish.
Procrastination can be a problem for a lot of people. However, it can be a major issue for people with ADHD. For instance, it could make it difficult to manage your finances or keep up with life admin tasks such as registration for health services, booking doctor's appointments, or responding to friends in a timely manner. It can also lead to anxiety and stress which can affect your health.
You may also be having trouble planning for future events, or doing your homework. You might get so caught up in planning that it is difficult to move forward. You might also find it difficult to communicate with family and friends or to read non-verbal signals from other people. You might talk excessively, go off on tangents or struggle to understand the social boundaries.
Some women with ADHD have difficulty forming new friendships and forming relationships. They may also struggle to maintain their jobs and complete household chores. They might have low self-esteem and may find it difficult to interact naturally with other people. Some of them aren't able to discern body language or pick up on social signals. This could make them appear distant and unapproachable.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed, but many women are still experiencing symptoms. Some have what's known as high-functioning ADHD, which is when symptoms don't cause significant disruption to their lives. Some people have mild symptoms or specific symptoms that only affect specific areas of their lives like school and work.
For ADHD hyperactivity symptoms in adults who do have ADHD, it's important to be aware that you can improve your functioning by seeking treatment. Medication and therapy are two options for treatment. There are also accommodations that you can request from your employer or educational institution. They can assist you in managing your symptoms better and help you set yourself up to be successful.
3. Impulsivity
Many people with ADHD have difficulty controlling their emotions, resulting in impulse-driven behaviors that can cause social problems. This can be manifested as a tendency to speak out in a way that is not thinking, buying on impulse or getting into arguments. The people who suffer from ADHD can also struggle to wait for their turn in conversations and have trouble understanding the boundaries of social interaction. This can cause women to experience relationship issues and lack of confidence, which can affect their mental health.
This condition is most prevalent in adults with the inattentive subtype ADHD. It can cause problems at school or work like being late to deadlines, ignoring important dates, and losing personal items. It can also create problems at home, such as struggling to complete chores and household chores, and having difficulty to start or finish projects. Women who exhibit impulsive behavior may feel overwhelmed by their daily obligations. They may feel that they're being a failure in their lives or that they aren't able to perform as well as others.
Many people with ADHD are unable to recognize their impulsive symptoms, but it's important to seek help if you have these symptoms. A consultation with a therapist is a good idea if you are experiencing mood fluctuation, low self-esteem or a lack in confidence that impacts your daily life. You can also reach out to a Salience health provider for an assessment and treatment.
Traditionally, females and girls have been diagnosed with ADHD more often than boys. It's not because girls or women are less susceptible to ADHD, but because the disorder is typically seen differently in women. This means that they're more likely to develop coping strategies that hide symptoms or have a co-morbid condition. They're also more likely to have issues with relationships, which can cause further confusion about their symptoms.
There are a variety of medications that can improve the quality of life for adult women with ADHD. There are stimulants, such as methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, amphetamine salts and Lisdexamfetamine. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine and antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) can be used by people who are unable to take stimulants due health issues or serious side-effects. Behavioral therapy, for example, group therapy or psychotherapy, can also be effective for certain.
4. Emotional Dysregulation
ADHD in adult females is often a result of emotional dysregulation. This manifests as frequent and intense feelings that are out of proportion to the circumstance. Women who suffer from this disorder have trouble managing their emotions and can result in impulsive behavior that damages relationships and careers. They may also have difficulty recognizing and expressing their feelings which can cause them to become overwhelmed by their emotions.
Adults with ADHD are less likely to understand emotional dysregulation than those with hyperactivity or impulsivity. It could be associated with difficulties with self-restraint, speaking impulsively, interrupting others and having difficulty understanding the boundaries of social interaction. It can also cause difficult to recognize and express emotions, like frustration or anger, as well as sadness, depression and anxiety.
Women with emotional dysregulation may struggle to maintain relationships and achieving their goals. They are more likely to experience stress, irritability, and low self-esteem. They are more likely to be suffering from anxiety and depression, which may also contribute to symptoms of ADHD. ADHD hyperactivity symptoms in adults are more prone to suffer from comorbid disorders like bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression.
Because women who suffer from ADHD typically experience a variety of symptoms that overlap and symptoms, they are more difficult to identify than those with similar symptoms. This is due to the fact that women have less externalizing signs than men. These are more evident for some. It is important to diagnose the patient by taking into consideration all symptoms, not just external symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are different concepts, with sex referring to one's biology, chromosomal makeup and hormones, while gender refers to a person's internal sense of self whether as a woman man, nonbinary or any other gender. The male-to-female ADHD ratio is higher in childhood but becomes more equal with age. Women who suffer from ADHD are not often diagnosed. A diagnosis can help them manage their symptoms and improve their relationships. make them more successful at home and at work and assist them in accepting themselves more fully.