Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Dr. Frank says that the symptoms of ADHD in women of adulthood are typically more difficult to identify than men, as women develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms. Fortunately lifestyle changes and medications can improve their quality of life 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 women of all ages typically include difficulty keeping the track of time, missing appointments, misplacing objects or becoming easily distracted. Women may also experience procrastination, forgetfulness and difficulty working or studying in a noisy, crowded environment. Women are often struggling with interpersonal skills. They can interrupt others or make statements that they regret later.
Women who suffer from ADHD are better at masking symptoms than boys and males. They may develop healthy coping strategies, such as relying upon the daily schedule and using reminders on their phones to remind them of important events. These coping strategies may not last for long and are not sufficient to cope with the complexity of everyday life. In addition, their symptoms could be complicated by comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression.
Many people with ADHD display impulsivity or hyperactivity symptoms as well. Adults may experience subtler symptoms that affect only certain aspects of their lives like 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 might also have difficulty to relax or settle down. They may also struggle to form and maintain friendships.
People who suffer from mild or moderate ADHD do not experience major difficulties in their careers or relationships, however they have a difficult time staying well-organized and have a tough time following through on their commitments. They may experience difficulties with schoolwork, finances or household chores and often experience feeling overwhelmed by the demands of their lives. In severe cases, the condition can cause disruptions in a person's day-to-day life. They may also experience difficulties maintaining relationships or keeping their job.
2. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD often struggle to organize their home, work and personal items. They may also lose track important things such as their glasses, wallets, and keys. They can also be easily distracted and lose their temper. Inability to follow directions and complete their tasks can affect their academic performance, as well as their relationships.
Women cover up their symptoms by through their emotions to justify their behavior. This makes it difficult to identify and treat. For example women may feel low self-esteem or anxiety as the reason for her forgetfulness and inattention. She could also blame relationship issues or physical complaints (such as nausea and headaches) on the stress of daily life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g. menopausal, perimenopausal).
If not treated, ADHD can lead to serious problems. Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual activity during adolescence due to their impulsivity, difficulty with interpersonal boundaries and lack of planning. Self-medicating with alcohol and drugs is more frequent. Their lack of attention can result in missed doctor's appointments and procedures. They may also have disordered eating habits or having a high BMI. They could also be prone to unhealthy coping strategies, like shopping too much or nail-biting, as well as skin picking.
The most effective method to determine ADHD is through an extensive examination by an expert in mental health or health care professional. In addition to examining the patient's physical and mental well-being, the professional may ask for feedback from close family members and friends. They may recommend lab tests or a diagnosis interview. Many adults are shocked learn that they have been suffering from a mental illness for a long time.
3. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD have a harder time controlling their impulses. This can lead to other problems such as self-injury or alcohol or drug abuse. It can also cause problems in relationships, since inattention and impulsive behavior could result in miscommunications or conflict with family members, friends and colleagues.
The term "impulsivity" refers to a tendency to speak out loud, purchase something on impulse, or act without considering the consequences. It's important to remember that acting impulsively doesn't necessarily mean it's an indication of a bad character, and some people need more time than others to think about their thoughts before they act. However, what is adult ADHD symptoms 's still a good idea to consult your doctor about this and be tested for ADHD, especially as you start to observe that your symptoms are getting more severe.
Women suffering from ADHD often have trouble managing their emotions. This can result in depression and other mental health problems. Depression symptoms can be hard to spot in women since they can appear similar to other health issues, such as chronic headaches and insomnia. Some women suffering from ADHD are reluctant to seek help due to the fact that they think their symptoms are a result of low self-esteem.
It's important to realize that sex is an entirely different concept than gender and that your inner sense if identity is not dependent on the biological characteristics that determine if you are a man, woman, or nonbinary. Many people with ADHD struggle to identify with their gender. This can lead them to feel ashamed and a sense of despair. The anxiety of untreated ADHD can make these feelings worse and can lead to losing support from family or colleagues.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they can have difficulties juggling adult obligations. This could lead to issues at school or work and tensions with family friends, as well as romantic partners. Women with ADHD might also have issues managing finances or a home, and may be at risk of ignoring health-related issues like regular checkups and exercise. They may also be struggling to deal with negative emotions like anxiety and depression.
Signs of ADHD in women of all ages could include misplacing objects or forgetting appointments, getting easily distracted by movement or noise and having trouble interacting with others, or being overwhelmed by work. They might 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 an assessment. It's also beneficial to talk to a mental health professional about their issues and devise coping strategies for ADHD. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help, for instance, to change negative thinking patterns and increase the ability to cope. In addition being a part of a women's supportive group can provide valuable information regarding living with ADHD and strategies to cope with everyday life.
It's also worth noting that women who suffer from ADHD have different symptoms than men, and symptoms may differ during transitional times such as puberty and childbirth, pregnancy, or hormonal treatments during menopausal. This is partly due to hormone fluctuations and the fact that females have a greater hippocampus, which plays an important role in memory and learning. Women are also more adept at masking their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it harder to establish a diagnosis. It is possible to live a fulfilling and happy life with ADHD despite these obstacles.
5. Anxiety
Although it can be a challenge for women suffering from ADHD to admit they suffer from trouble with anxiety, getting a diagnosis and finding the right treatment for them can make their lives so much better. It can also assist women to understand their behavior and how it impacts others.
Anxiety is a major symptom in women suffering from ADHD. It can appear like this:
Distraction, such as daydreaming or appearing to be distracted. Making careless mistakes. Avoiding tasks that require concentration or could be boring. Finding it difficult to concentrate in school or work. Forgetting or being late to appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed in crowds, or under pressure at home or at work. Finding it difficult to relax or fall asleep. Being easily disturbed or being too sensitive to criticism.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have a mood disorder that is co-existing, like depression. They might also have difficulty to establish friendships. They may also experience difficulties in their intimate relationships which could lead to an increase in the amount of violence between partners and drug abuse.
It can be difficult for girls and women to get a correct ADHD diagnosis as symptoms for girls and women differ from those of boys and men. To be able to identify accurately ADHD, health care providers must be aware the distinctions. This means identifying certain traits, such a more distinct symptom-profile, difficulty in social relationships, a tendency for ways to cope with issues with performance or underachievement, and the relationship between anxiety and depression. It is also essential to think about the impact of a woman's hormone levels on her symptom manifestation.