Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Signs of ADHD in adults women can be harder to recognize than men due to the fact that women tend to have coping mechanisms that mask their symptoms, says Dr. Frank. Fortunately lifestyle changes and medication can improve their lives and performance.
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 symptoms of ADHD in adults women often include difficulty keeping track of time, missed appointments, misplacing items or becoming easily distracted. Women may also have issues with procrastination and forgetfulness, as well as 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 statements they later regret.
In contrast to men and boys who suffer from ADHD tend to be more adept in masked symptoms. They might develop healthy coping mechanisms that include relying on a daily schedule or making phone calls to remind them of important events. These strategies of coping might not last for long and are insufficient to handle the demands of everyday life. Additionally the symptoms of these disorders can be exacerbated by comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Many people with ADHD exhibit hyperactivity or impulsivity symptoms as well. In adults, these symptoms are more subtle and may only affect a few aspects of their lives, like social or work interactions. 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 settle down. They may also struggle to establish and maintain friendships.
People with moderate to mild ADHD may not have major issues at work or in their relationships, but they may have difficulty being organized and executing on commitments. They may experience problems with finances, household chores or schoolwork, and are overwhelmed by their obligations. Severe symptoms can cause significant disruptions in a person's day-to-day life. They might also have difficulties maintaining relationships or holding jobs.
2. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD have a hard time organizing their home, work and personal items. They can also lose track of things such as their wallets, keys glasses, eyeglasses, and cellphones. They are also susceptible to losing their temper and becoming easily distracted by extraneous thoughts and activities. Inability to follow instructions and complete tasks negatively impacts their work, schoolwork and relationships.
Women mask their symptoms using their emotions to justify their behavior. This makes it difficult to identify and treat. For example, she might blame her inattention or forgetfulness on her low self-esteem and anxiety. She could also blame relationship issues or physical complaints (such as headaches and nausea) on the stress of everyday life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g. menopausal, perimenopausal).
Untreated ADHD can lead to serious problems. Girls and women with ADHD might be more likely to engage in sexual adolescence due to their impulsivity, difficulty with interpersonal boundaries, and lack of planning. They might be more likely to turn to alcohol or drugs to help themselves. Inattention can lead to delay in doctor's appointments and procedures. They could have irregular and unbalanced eating habits or a higher BMI, as well as unhealthy coping behaviors, such as nail-biting, skin picking, compulsive shopping and a lot of exercise.
A thorough assessment by a health care provider or mental health professional is the best method to determine ADHD. The specialist will also inquire with the patient about his or her emotional and physical well-being. They might also suggest tests in the lab or an interview. Having a diagnosis could be a life-changing moment for those who discover they have been struggling with an illness of the mind all along.
3. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD have a harder time controlling their impulses. This could lead to other issues like self-injury, the use of alcohol or drugs. It can also lead to relationship problems, as an impulsive or forgetful behavior can cause confusion and conflict with family, colleagues, and friends.
Signs of impulsivity include the tendency to blurt things out, purchasing something on a whim, and jumping in before considering the consequences. It's important to keep in mind that acting impulsively isn't always a sign of bad character. In fact, some people need more time than others to think about their thoughts before they act. But, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about this and to get checked for ADHD particularly when you observe that your symptoms are getting worse.
It's also common for females with ADHD to have trouble managing their emotions, and this can result in depression and other mental health issues. The signs of depression are difficult to spot for women because they may resemble other health issues, such as headaches or insomnia. Some women with ADHD are hesitant to seek help due believe their symptoms are a result of low self-esteem.
It is important to recognize that gender and sexuality are two different concepts, and that the physical characteristics that determine whether you're either a woman, man or a nonbinary person do not influence your personal identity. Many people with ADHD struggle to identify with their assigned gender. This can lead them to feel shame and desperation. The stress of untreated ADHD can make these feelings worse and can lead to losing support from family or friends.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD grow into women, they could have difficulty handling adult obligations and interactions. what are the symptoms for ADHD in adults could cause issues at school or work as well as strained relationships with family, friends and romantic partners. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have issues managing their finances or home, and may be at risk of ignoring health-related concerns like regular checkups and exercises. They may also have difficulty to cope with negative feelings like depression and anxiety.
The signs of ADHD in women who are adults may include misplacing items or forgetting appointments, being easily distracted by movement or noise, having difficulty working with others, or being overwhelmed by tasks. They might also experience mood-related issues like low self-confidence or poor self-esteem.
It is essential that women recognize their symptoms and get an assessment. It's also helpful to talk to an expert in mental health about their difficulties and develop coping strategies for ADHD. For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapies can help change negative thought patterns and improve coping strategies. Joining a women's group can provide valuable information about living with ADHD and coping strategies for everyday life.
It is important to recognize that women with ADHD may suffer from different symptoms than men. They can experience changes during transitional times such as puberty or pregnancy. They may also change in response to hormone treatments during the menopause. This is due in part to hormonal fluctuations, as well as the fact that women have a greater hippocampal region which plays a key role in education and memory. Women are also more adept at masking their ADHD symptoms than men, and this can make it harder to get a proper diagnosis. Despite these challenges, it is still possible to live an enjoyable life with ADHD.
5. Anxiety
It can be difficult for women with ADHD to admit that they suffer from anxiety issues, but getting the right diagnosis and treatment can make an enormous difference in their lives. It can also help them know their behavior and how it impacts others.
Anxiety is a significant symptom for women suffering from ADHD. It can be as follows:
Distractions, such as daydreaming or appearing to be distracted. Making a few mistakes. Avoiding tasks that require concentration, or may be boring. Concentration problems at school or at work. Not remembering or being late for meetings and appointments. Feeling overwhelmed by crowds or when under pressure at home or at work. Trouble falling asleep. Being easily disturbed, or being overly sensitive to criticism.
Women who suffer from ADHD can be more likely to develop a co-occurring mood disorder, such as depression, and they may be less successful in establishing friendships. They might also have issues with intimate relationships, which can cause a higher risk of violence between intimate partners and a higher rate of substance abuse.
It can be challenging for women and girls to obtain a precise ADHD diagnosis as symptoms in women and girls differ from those of males and boys. To be able to identify accurately ADHD, healthcare professionals must be aware of the differences. This means identifying certain features, like a more distinct symptom profile, difficulty with social interactions and a tendency to develop strategies to deal with underachievement and performance problems, and the coexistence of depression and anxiety. It is also important to take into consideration the impact hormone levels of women have on her symptom presentations.