Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Dr. Frank says that the symptoms of ADHD in adult women are more difficult to spot than in men, because women develop coping mechanisms in order to mask their symptoms. Fortunately, lifestyle support and medication can help them improve their functioning and enhance their quality of life.
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 in women include difficulty keeping track of the time and appointments, snagging items or being easily distracted. Women may also experience forgetfulness, procrastination and having difficulty working or studying in a noisy or busy environment. They may have issues with interpersonal skills, such as interrupting other people and making statements they later regret.
As opposed to males and boys who suffer from ADHD tend to be better at masking their symptoms. They might come up with healthy strategies for coping like relying on a daily schedule and using reminders on their phones to remind them of important events. These strategies for coping may not be sustainable over time and are insufficient to deal with the complexities of everyday life. Additionally the symptoms of these disorders can be complicated by comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety.
Many people suffering from ADHD also exhibit the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. Adults may experience milder symptoms that only affect specific areas 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 to slow down, as well as having struggling to form and maintain friendships.
People who suffer from mild to moderate ADHD may not have any significant problems at work or in their relationships, but they struggle with keeping track of their time and following through on commitments. They may face issues with finances, household chores or schoolwork, and are overwhelmed by their obligations. People with severe symptoms are significantly disrupted in their daily lives. They can have trouble finding work or maintaining relationships.
2. Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD have a hard time organizing their work, home and personal things. They can also lose track of important things such as their keys, wallets and eyeglasses. They also are prone to losing their tempers and being easily distracted by other thoughts and activities. Inability to follow directions and complete tasks negatively impacts their work, schoolwork and relationships.
extreme ADHD symptoms adults cover up their symptoms by using their emotions as an excuse for their behavior, making it difficult to be diagnosed and treated. For instance women might experience low self-esteem or anxiety as an explanation for her lack of attention and forgetfulness. She could also blame relationship issues or physical complaints (such as nausea and headaches) on the stress of everyday life or hormonal changes (e.g. menopausal, perimenopausal).
Untreated ADHD can lead to serious problems. Girls and women with ADHD may be more likely to engage in sexual adolescence due to their impulsivity difficulties with boundaries between people, and lack of planning. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs could be more prevalent. Their inattention can lead to missing appointments with doctors and procedures. They may have irregular and unbalanced eating habits or a higher BMI, and unhealthy coping behaviors like nail-biting skin picking, obsessive shopping and excessive exercise.
The best method of diagnosing ADHD is through an exhaustive examination by a mental health professional or health care provider. The professional will also ask the patient about his or her emotional and physical well-being. They may also suggest tests for the body or a diagnostic interview. Many adults are shocked learn that they have been suffering from a mental illness for many years.
3. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD tend to have more difficulty controlling their impulses than males, and this could contribute to problems like self-injury or 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 conflict with family members, friends, and co-workers.
Signs of impulsivity include blurting things out, buying something on impulse, and jumping in before contemplating the consequences. Be aware that acting impulsively does not necessarily mean you're a bad person. Certain people require more time to think before they act. However, it's still an excellent idea to talk to your doctor about this and get checked for ADHD particularly when you notice that these symptoms are getting more severe.
Women who suffer from ADHD often have difficulty managing their emotions. This can result in depression and other mental health problems. Depression symptoms can be difficult to identify for women since they can resemble other health problems, such as insomnia or a chronic headache. Some women with ADHD are reluctant to seek help due to the fact that they believe their symptoms are the result of low self-esteem.
It is important to understand that sex is an entirely different concept than gender and that your inner perception of your identity is not dependent on the biological characteristics that determine if you are a man, woman or a non-binary. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to identify with their gender. This can cause them to feel shame and despair. The stress of not being treated for ADHD can intensify these feelings and could lead to losing support from friends or family members.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they may have difficulties juggling adult responsibility. This can cause problems at school or work, as well as strained relationships with friends, family and romantic partners. Women with ADHD can also have difficulty managing their finances or home. They could be prone to neglecting health issues such as regular checkups and exercising. They may also have trouble coping with negative emotions like depression and anxiety.
ADHD symptoms for women may include the inability to remember things, loosing things, being easily distracted, having difficulties working with others, or feeling overwhelmed by tasks. They may also experience mood-related symptoms such as lower self-esteem or a lack of confidence in themselves.
It is essential that women recognize their symptoms and get a diagnosis. It is also beneficial to speak with a mental health professional about their issues and devise strategies for coping with ADHD. For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapies can help to change negative thinking patterns and improve coping skills. Joining a women's group can provide valuable information about living with ADHD and coping strategies for everyday life.
It's also worth noting that women with ADHD have different symptoms than men, and symptoms are different during transitional periods like puberty or pregnancy, childbirth or hormonal treatments during menopausal. This is partly due to hormonal fluctuations and the fact that females have a larger hippocampal area, which plays a part in memory and learning. Women are also better at masking their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it harder to establish a diagnosis. Despite these issues, it is still possible to live a fulfilling life with ADHD.
5. Anxiety
Although it can be a challenge for women suffering from ADHD to admit they suffer from anxiety issues, getting an diagnosis and locating the right treatment for them can make their lives much better. It can also help them understand their behavior and how it affects other people.
Anxiety is a common symptom of ADHD for women of all ages and it may look like:
Distraction, such as being distracted or appearing distracted. Making a few mistakes. Avoiding tasks that require concentration or can be boring. Focusing problems at school or at work. Forgetting things or being late for appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed by crowds or when under pressure at home or at work. Trouble falling asleep. Being easily upset or sensitive to criticism and rejection.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to develop coexisting mood disorder such as depression, and may be less successful in establishing friendships. They might also have issues with intimate relationships, which can result in a higher rate of violence from intimate partners and a higher percentage of substance abuse.
It can be difficult for girls and women to receive a proper ADHD diagnosis because symptoms for girls and women differ from those seen in boys and men. Health care professionals must be aware of these differences to provide a correct diagnosis. This involves identifying specific traits, such as a more distinct manifesting symptom, difficulty in social interactions and a tendency to create strategies to cope with inadequacies and performance issues, and the coexistence of anxiety and depression. It is important to also be aware of the effect that a woman's hormonal levels have on her symptom presentations.