Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Dr. Frank says that the symptoms of ADHD in adult women are often harder to detect than in men, because women develop coping mechanisms in order to hide their symptoms. Fortunately lifestyle changes and medication 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. Inattention
ADHD symptoms for women can include having trouble keeping track of the time and appointments, snagging items, or becoming easily distracted. Women can also struggle with procrastination or forgetfulness and also working or studying in an environment which is noisy or bustling. They are often challenged with interpersonal skills, including interrupting others and uttering statements they later regret.
Unlike boys and men who suffer from ADHD tend to be better in hiding their symptoms. They may develop healthy coping strategies like relying on a daily schedule and using phone reminders to remind them of important events. These strategies for coping may not be sustainable over time and are insufficient to handle the demands of daily life. Furthermore, their symptoms could be exacerbated by comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression.
Many people with ADHD have impulsivity or hyperactivity symptoms as well. Adults may experience more subtle 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 may also find it difficult to relax or settle down. They may also struggle to form and maintain friendships.
People who suffer from moderate to mild ADHD might not experience major issues at work or in their relationships, but they have trouble staying organized and following through on commitments. They may have problems with schoolwork, finances or household chores and often experience an overwhelming feeling by the responsibilities they have to fulfill. Severe symptoms can cause significant disruptions to a person's daily life. They might also have difficulties maintaining relationships or keeping jobs.
2. Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD have trouble organizing their work, home and personal items. They can also lose track of important items like keys, wallets and eyeglasses. They can also be easily distracted and lose their temper. Inability to follow instructions and complete tasks negatively impacts their schoolwork, work and relationships.
Women mask their symptoms through their emotions to justify their behavior. This makes it difficult to recognize and treat. For instance women may feel low self-esteem or anxiety as a reason for her lack of attention and forgetfulness. She may also blame relationship issues or other 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. Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual activity during adolescence because of their impulsivity, issues with interpersonal boundaries, and lack of planning. They might be more likely to use drugs and alcohol to self-medicate. Inattention could result in delays in appointments and procedures with doctors. They may also have disordered eating habits or having a high BMI. check these guys out might also engage in unhealthy strategies for coping like shopping too much and nail-biting. Skin picking is another option.
The best method of diagnosing ADHD is to conduct an exhaustive evaluation by an expert in mental health or health care provider. The professional will also ask the patient about their physical and emotional well-being. They may also suggest tests for the body or a diagnostic interview. Being diagnosed could be a life-changing moment for many adults who realize they've had a mental health condition all along.
3. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD are more difficult in controlling their impulses. This could lead to other issues like self-injury and alcohol or drug abuse. It can also cause problems in relationships as the impulsive and forgetful behavior can result in miscommunications or conflicts with family, friends and co-workers.
It is characterized by an urge to speak loud, buy something in a hurry, and make a decision without thinking about the consequences. Be aware that acting impulsively doesn't necessarily mean that 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 to get checked for ADHD, especially as you start to notice that these symptoms are getting worse.
It's also common for females with ADHD to have difficulty controlling their emotions, and this can result in depression, as well as other mental health issues. Depression symptoms 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 ask for help because they believe their symptoms are indicative of self-esteem issues or a flaw in their personality.
It is important to recognize that gender and sexuality are two different concepts and that the biological traits that determine whether you're a man, woman, or nonbinary person don't alter your personal identity. However, many people with ADHD struggle to identify with their gender, and this can lead to feelings of guilt and despair. The stress of untreated ADHD can intensify these feelings and can lead to a loss of support from family or colleagues.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD develop into women, they might have difficulty handling adult tasks and interactions. This could lead to issues at school or at work, and tensions with family, friends, and romantic partners. Women with ADHD might also have difficulty managing finances or a home, and may be at risk for neglecting 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 may include misplacing items or forgetting appointments, being easily distracted by noise or movement, having difficulty working with others, or getting overwhelmed by tasks. They might also experience mood-related symptoms like low self-esteem or low self-confidence.
It is essential that women recognize their symptoms and receive a diagnosis. It's also helpful to talk to a mental health professional about your issues and create coping strategies for ADHD. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can aid, for instance, 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 who suffer from ADHD may experience different symptoms than men, and symptoms are different during transitional periods like puberty or pregnancy, childbirth or hormone treatments during menopause. This is due to hormonal fluctuations, as well as the fact that women have a larger hippocampal region which plays a key role in the development of memory and learning. Women are also more adept at masking their ADHD symptoms than men, and this makes it more difficult to establish a diagnosis. Despite these challenges, it is still possible to live a full and fulfilling life with ADHD.
5. Anxiety
It can be difficult for women with ADHD admitting they have anxiety issues, but obtaining the right diagnosis and treatment can make a significant changes in their lives. It can also help them better understand their behavior and how it affects others.
Anxiety is one of the most prominent symptoms in women with ADHD. It may look like this:
Distractions, such as daydreaming or appearing to be distracted. Making mistakes that are not made. Avoiding tasks that require concentration or could be boring. Concentration problems at school or at work. Not remembering or being late for meetings and appointments. Feeling overwhelmed in crowds, or under pressure at work or home. Not able to relax or go to sleep. Being easily agitated or overly sensitive to rejection and criticism.
Women with ADHD are more likely to develop co-occurring disorder of mood, like depression, and they may be less successful in establishing friendships. They may also experience difficulties in their intimate relationships that can result in an increased rate of violence between partners and drug abuse.
It can be challenging for girls and women to receive a proper ADHD diagnosis because symptoms in girls and women differ from those seen in males and boys. In order to accurately diagnose ADHD, health care providers need to be aware of the differences. This involves identifying specific features, like the presence of a distinct symptom profile, difficulty with social relationships and a tendency to develop strategies to deal with the signs of underperformance and performance issues and the coexistence of anxiety and depression. It is also important to be aware of the effect hormone levels of women affect her symptoms.