Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Dr. Frank says that the symptoms of ADHD in women who are more difficult to spot than in men, because women develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms. Fortunately lifestyle changes and medications can enhance their quality of life 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 symptoms of ADHD in women of all ages typically involve trouble keeping the time, missing appointments, misplacing things 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. Women often struggle with interpersonal skills. They can interrupt others or make statements that they regret later.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more adept at masked symptoms than boys and men. They may come up with healthy ways to cope that include using a daily schedule or setting up phone reminders for important events. However, these strategies can be unsustainable over the long run and may not be sufficient to manage the complexity of daily life. In addition, their symptoms can also be complicated by comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety.
Many people suffering from ADHD also show the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. Adults may experience subtler symptoms that affect only certain aspects of their lives, such as social interactions or at work. Those with a hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may experience frequent fidgeting, talkativeness or trouble sitting still during conversations. They may also find it difficult to relax or calm down. They may also struggle to make and maintain friendships.
People who suffer from mild to moderate ADHD may not have significant problems at work or in their relationships, however they struggle with staying organized and following through on commitments. They may have problems with schoolwork, finances or household chores. They often experience an overwhelming feeling by the responsibilities they have to fulfill. Those who suffer from severe symptoms experience a lot of disruption in their day-to-day lives and can have trouble keeping a job or maintaining relationships.
2. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD often have trouble organizing their home, work and personal belongings. They may also lose track of things like their keys, wallets glasses, eyeglasses, and cell phones. They can also be easily distracted and lose their temper. Inability to follow directions and complete tasks negatively impacts their work, schoolwork and relationships.
Women often mask their symptoms by using their emotions as a reason for their behavior, which makes it harder to get diagnosed and treated. For instance women might experience low self-esteem or anxiety as a reason for her forgetfulness and inattention. It is also possible to blame relationship issues or other complaints, such as nausea and headaches, on the stress of life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g., perimenopause or menopausal).
Untreated ADHD can lead to serious issues. For instance, women and girls with ADHD could be at greater risk of adolescent sexual activity because of their impulsivity and difficulty with interpersonal boundaries and planning. They may be more likely to turn to alcohol and drugs to self-medicate. Their inattention can lead to delays in appointments with doctors and procedures. They could have unbalanced eating habits or an elevated BMI. They may also engage in unhealthy coping strategies, like shopping too much, nail-biting and skin picking.
A thorough evaluation by a health care provider or mental health professional is the most effective method of diagnosing ADHD. The specialist will also inquire with the patient about their physical and emotional well-being. They might also suggest some tests for the body or a diagnostic interview. Many adults are surprised to find out that they've been suffering from a mental illness for many years.
3. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time controlling their impulses. This could lead to other issues like self-injury and drinking or using drugs. This can cause issues in relationships as the impulsive and forgetful behavior can result in miscommunications or conflicts with family members, friends, and co-workers.
It is characterized by a tendency to speak out loud, buy something in a hurry, and make a decision without thinking about the consequences. It's important to remember that acting in a rash manner isn't always a sign of bad character, and certain people require more time than others to process their thoughts before acting. It's still important to speak with your doctor and get tested for ADHD If you notice that the symptoms are getting worse.
It is also normal for women with ADHD to have trouble managing their emotions. This can lead to depression, as well as other mental health issues. Symptoms of depression are difficult to spot for women because they can look like other health issues such as insomnia or a persistent headache. Women with ADHD are hesitant to seek help due to the fact that they believe that their symptoms are a sign of low self-esteem or a personality flaw.
It is important to understand that sex is a different concept from gender and that your internal sense if identity is not dependent on the biological characteristics that determine if you are a man, woman, or nonbinary. However, many people suffering from ADHD have trouble identifying with their gender and this can trigger feelings of shame and desperation. These feelings can be further exacerbated by the stress of living with untreated ADHD which can cause a lack of support from a professional or personal perspective.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they could struggle with adult tasks and interactions. This can cause problems at work or school, as well as strained relationships with family, friends and romantic partners. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have trouble managing finances or a home, and could be at risk for neglecting health-related concerns like regular health checkups and exercising. They may also struggle to deal with negative emotions like anxiety and depression.
ADHD symptoms for women may include being unable to remember things, losing things, being easily distracted, having trouble working with others, or feeling overwhelmed by work. They might also experience mood-related symptoms like low self-esteem or low self-confidence.
It is crucial that women recognize their symptoms and receive a diagnosis. It's also helpful to talk to a mental health professional about their difficulties and develop strategies to cope with ADHD. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy can help change negative thought patterns and improve coping strategies. In addition being a part of a women's supportive group can give valuable information about living with ADHD and strategies for coping with daily life.
symptoms of add and ADHD in adults 's also worth noting that women who suffer from ADHD may experience different symptoms than males, and they may differ during transitional times such as puberty, pregnancy, childbirth, or hormone treatments during menopause. This is partly due to hormone fluctuations and the fact that females have a larger hippocampal area, which plays a role in memory and learning. Women are also better in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, and this makes it more difficult to establish a diagnosis. Despite these challenges, it is still possible to lead a full and fulfilling life with ADHD.
5. Anxiety
Although it can be difficult for women with ADHD to admit they have anxiety issues, obtaining an diagnosis and locating the right treatment for them can make their lives much better. It will also help them comprehend their behavior and how it impacts other people.
Anxiety is a significant symptom in women with ADHD. It can look like this:
Distractions, such as being distracted or appearing distracted. Making mistakes that aren't made. Avoiding boring or difficult tasks. Concentration problems at school or at work. Forgetting or being late to appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed in crowds, or when under stress at home or at work. Having difficulty relaxing or falling to sleep. Being easily agitated, or being overly sensitive to criticism.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have an underlying mood disorder like depression. They might also find it difficult to establish friendships. They might also have issues in their relationships with their spouses which could lead to an increase in the amount of violence between partners as well as substance abuse.
Girls and women can be unable to obtain a precise ADHD diagnosis because their symptoms differ from the symptoms of men and boys. To be able to identify accurately ADHD, healthcare professionals need to be aware of the differences. This involves identifying specific characteristics that are more distinct, like a clear symptom-profile, difficulty in social relationships and a tendency to use strategies to disguise the signs of performance issues or underachievement and also the coexistence between depression and anxiety. It is important to also take into consideration the impact hormone levels have on her symptom presentations.