Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
The signs of ADHD in women of all ages can be harder to recognize than in men because women tend to develop strategies to cope with their symptoms, says Dr. Frank. Fortunately lifestyle changes and medications can improve their lives and function.
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
ADHD symptoms for women can include having trouble in keeping track of time, missing appointments, misplacing items or being easily distracted. Women may also have difficulty with procrastination and forgetfulness and working or studying in a setting that is noisy or crowded. Women often struggle with interpersonal skills. They may interrupt others or make comments that they regret later.
In contrast to men and boys, women with ADHD tend to be better at masking their symptoms. They might develop healthy coping strategies like relying on an agenda for the day and using phone reminders to remind them of important events. However, these strategies for coping aren't sustainable in the long run and may not be sufficient to manage the complexity of life. Additionally, symptoms of inattentive ADHD in adults may be complicated by comorbid disorders like depression and anxiety.
Many people with ADHD also show the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. Adults may experience subtler symptoms that only affect certain aspects of their lives, such as social interactions or work. Those with a hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may experience frequent fidgeting, talkativeness or trouble sitting still during conversations. They might also have difficulty relaxing or finding a way of calming down, and may also have difficulty in forming and maintaining friendships.
People with mild or moderate ADHD do not experience major issues in their work or relationships, but they struggle to stay organized and have a difficult to keep track of their commitments. They may experience difficulties with schoolwork, finances or household chores and often experience an overwhelming feeling by their responsibilities. People with severe symptoms are significantly disrupted in their daily lives. They might have difficulty keeping a job or maintaining relationships.
2. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD frequently struggle to organize their home, work and personal items. They also tend to lose track of things like their keys, wallets eyeglasses, cellphones. They are also prone to losing their temper and becoming easily distracted by their thoughts and activities. Inability to follow instructions and complete tasks negatively impacts their academic performance, as well as their relationships.
Women often hide their symptoms by using their emotions as an excuse for their behavior, making it harder to get diagnosed and treated. For example, a woman might feel low self-esteem or anxiety as a reason for her forgetfulness and inattention. It is also possible to blame relationship issues or somatic complaints such as nausea and headaches on the stress of life or hormone fluctuations (e.g. menopausal, perimenopausal or menopausal).
Untreated ADHD can lead to serious issues. For instance, women and girls who suffer from ADHD may be at a higher likelihood of engaging in sexual activities as adolescents due to their impulsivity and difficulties with boundaries between people and planning. They are more likely to use drugs and alcohol to self-medicate. Their inattention can lead to missing appointments with doctors and procedures. They may have inconsistent and disordered eating patterns or a higher BMI, in addition to unhealthy coping habits, such as nail-biting, skin picking, compulsive shopping and excessive exercise.
A thorough evaluation by a health care professional or mental health professional is the best method to determine ADHD. The specialist will also inquire with the patient about their physical and emotional well-being. They might also suggest tests for the body or a diagnostic interview. Being diagnosed can be a life-changing experience for many adults who discover they've been struggling with mental health issues throughout their lives.
3. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to have more trouble controlling their impulses than men, and this may cause problems such as self-injury, alcohol or drug addiction, or other mental health issues. It can also cause difficulties in relationships as forgetfulness and impulsive behavior can cause confusion or conflicts with friends, family and co-workers.
It is characterized by the tendency to speak loud, buy something on impulse, and act without thinking about the consequences. Remember that acting impulsively does not necessarily mean you're a bad person. Some people need more time to think before they act. However, it's still recommended to consult your doctor about this and be checked for ADHD especially when you notice that these symptoms are getting more severe.
It's also common for women with ADHD to have difficulty managing their emotions. This can cause depression and other mental health issues. Depression symptoms can be difficult to recognize in women as they can be similar to other health issues, such as chronic headaches and insomnia. Some women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time deciding whether to seek help due to the fact that they believe that their symptoms are indicative of low self-esteem or a personality flaw.
It is important to recognize that gender and sexuality are two different concepts, and that the biological characteristics that determine if you're a man, woman or a nonbinary person do not alter your personal identity. However, many people with ADHD have trouble identifying with their gender and this can lead to feelings of guilt and despair. These can be exacerbated by the stress of living with untreated ADHD which can cause the absence of support from a professional or personal perspective.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they may be unable to handle adult responsibilities and interactions. This can lead to problems at work or school, as well as strained relationships with family members, friends and romantic partners. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have trouble managing their finances or their home, and could be at risk of ignoring health-related issues like regular checkups and exercises. They may also struggle to cope with negative feelings like depression and anxiety.
Symptoms of ADHD in adults women can include misplacing things or not remembering appointments, being easily distracted by noise or movement and having trouble interacting with others, or becoming overwhelmed by the demands of tasks. They may also experience mood-related symptoms such as low self-confidence or poor self-esteem.
It is important that women recognize their symptoms and get an assessment. It's also helpful to talk to a mental health professional about your issues and develop coping mechanisms for ADHD. For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapy can help change negative thought patterns and improve coping skills. A women's club can also provide valuable information on living with ADHD, and coping techniques for everyday life.
It is also important to note that women who suffer from ADHD may experience different symptoms than men, and these may differ during transitional times such as puberty, pregnancy, childbirth, or hormonal treatments during menopausal. This is due to hormone fluctuations, and also the fact that women have a larger hippocampal region which is a major factor in memory and education. Women also have the ability to mask their ADHD symptoms better than males. This makes it harder to obtain a correct diagnosis. Despite these challenges, it is still possible to live a fulfilling life with ADHD.
5. Anxiety
It can be hard for women suffering from ADHD to admit that they suffer from anxiety issues, but getting the correct diagnosis and treatment can make an enormous difference in their lives. It can also help them gain a better understanding of their behavior and how it affects other people.
Anxiety may be a significant indicator of ADHD for women of all ages and it may look like:
Trouble staying focused or on task, daydreaming or seeming to be distracted. Making mistakes that are not made. Avoiding tasks that require concentration, or may be boring. Trouble focusing at the classroom or at work. Forgetting or being late to appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed in crowds or when under stress at home or at work. Finding it difficult to relax or fall to sleep. Being easily upset or sensitive to criticism and rejection.
inattentive ADHD in adults symptoms with ADHD are more likely to have a mood disorder that is co-existing, such as depression. They might also have difficulty to establish friendships. They might also have issues in their intimate relationships, which can lead to an increase in the amount of violence between partners and drug abuse.
It can be difficult for girls and women to receive a proper ADHD diagnosis because symptoms for girls and women differ from those of males and boys. Health care providers must be aware of these differences to make an accurate diagnosis. This means identifying certain traits, such a more distinct symptom-profile, difficulty with social relationships and a tendency to use strategies to disguise underachievement or performance problems, and the relationship between anxiety and depression. It is important to also take into consideration the impact that a woman's hormonal levels influence her symptoms.