Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
The signs of ADHD in women of all ages can be harder to recognize than men due to the fact that women typically develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms, says Dr. Frank. Fortunately, lifestyle modifications and medication can help them improve their functioning and 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. Attention!
The symptoms of ADHD in women of all ages typically involve trouble keeping the track of time, missing appointments, misplacing objects or becoming easily distracted. Women may also have difficulty with forgetfulness and procrastination and working or studying in an environment that is noisy or busy. They often have trouble with interpersonal skills, including interrupting others and blurting out statements they later regret.
Unlike boys and men who suffer from ADHD tend to be more adept in hiding their symptoms. They might come up with healthy ways to cope like having a regular schedule or using phone reminders for important events. These strategies for coping may not last for long and are not sufficient to handle the demands of everyday life. In addition, their symptoms can also be exacerbated by comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety.
Many people with ADHD also exhibit the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. In adults, these symptoms are more subtle and may only affect certain areas of their lives like work or social interactions. Those with a hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may experience frequent fidgeting, talkativeness or trouble sitting still during conversations. They may also have a hard time relaxing or finding a way to slow down, as well as having trouble making and maintaining friendships.
People with moderate to mild ADHD may not have any major issues at work or in their relationships, however they may have difficulty being organized and executing on commitments. They may experience problems with household chores, finances or schoolwork, and find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their jobs. Those with severe symptoms experience a lot of disruption in their day-to-day lives and might have difficulty finding work or maintaining relationships.
2. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD often have trouble organizing their work, home, and personal things. They can also lose track of important things such as their wallets, keys eyeglasses, cellphones. They can also be easily distracted and lose their temper. Their inability to follow instructions and complete their tasks can affect their academic performance, as well as their relationships.
Women often mask their symptoms by using their emotions as a reason for their behavior, which makes it difficult to be diagnosed and treated. For instance women might experience low self-esteem or anxiety as a reason for her inattention and forgetfulness. She may also blame relationship issues or somatic complaints (such as headaches and nausea) on the stress of everyday life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g. menopausal, perimenopausal).
here. can lead to serious problems. Girls and women with ADHD may be more likely to engage in sexual activity during adolescence due to their impulsivity issues with interpersonal boundaries and lack of planning. They may be more likely to use alcohol and drugs to self-medicate. Inattention can lead to missed doctor's procedures and appointments. adult ADHD symptoms men may have disordered eating habits or a high BMI. They could also engage in unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive shopping and nail-biting. Skin picking is another option.
A thorough assessment by a medical professional or mental health professional is the most effective method of diagnosing ADHD. In addition to examining the patient's physical and mental well-being, the doctor may seek feedback from family members and friends. They might also suggest some tests in the lab or an interview. Being diagnosed could be a life-changing moment for those who discover they've had a mental health condition throughout their lives.
3. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult in controlling their impulses. This could lead to other issues like self-injury and drinking or using drugs. It can also lead to issues with relationships, since the inability to control or be impulsive can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts with family, coworkers, and friends.
The signs of impulsivity are scribbling things out, buying something at the spur of the moment and then jumping into the purchase without contemplating the consequences. Remember that acting impulsively doesn't necessarily mean that you're a bad person. Some people need more time to think before acting. It's still essential to talk to your doctor and get checked for ADHD when you notice your symptoms are becoming more severe.
Women suffering from ADHD often have difficulty managing their emotions. This can result in depression and other mental health issues. Depression symptoms can be hard to identify in women because they can appear similar to other health issues, such as insomnia and chronic headaches. Women with ADHD are hesitant to seek help due to the fact that they believe that 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 biological traits that determine whether you are a man, woman or a nonbinary individual don't affect your internal sense of identity. However, she said with ADHD struggle to identify with their assigned gender, and this can trigger feelings of desperation and shame. This can be made worse by the stress of living with untreated ADHD which can result in the absence of support from a professional or personal perspective.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD develop into women, they could have difficulty handling adult responsibilities and interactions. This could cause issues at work or school as well as strained relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have trouble managing their finances or their home, and may be at risk for neglecting health-related issues like regular checkups and exercise. They may also have trouble dealing with negative emotions such as anxiety and depression.
ADHD symptoms for women can include being unable to remember things, losing things, getting easily distracted, having difficulties working with others, or feeling overwhelmed by work. They might also experience mood-related symptoms such as low self-confidence or poor self-esteem.
It is important that women recognize their symptoms and receive an assessment. It's also helpful to speak to an expert in mental health about your concerns and to develop strategies to cope with ADHD. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help, for instance, to alter negative thinking patterns and enhance 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 for coping with daily life.
It's also worth noting that women who suffer from ADHD have different symptoms than males, and they are different during transitional periods such as puberty, pregnancy, childbirth, or hormone treatments during menopause. This is partly due to hormonal fluctuations and the fact that females have a bigger hippocampal area, which plays a part in memory and learning. Women are also more adept in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it harder to determine a correct diagnosis. Despite these issues, it is still possible to live a fulfilling life with ADHD.
5. Anxiety
Although it can be difficult for women with ADHD to admit that they have anxiety issues, obtaining an diagnosis and locating the right treatment can make their lives so much better. It can also help them gain a better understanding of their behavior and how it affects other people.
Anxiety is a significant symptom in women with ADHD. It can look like this:
Distraction, such as daydreaming or appearing to be distracted. Making mistakes that are not made. Avoiding tedious or difficult tasks. Finding it difficult to concentrate in the classroom or at work. Not remembering things or being late for appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed by crowds or feeling pressured at work or at home. Having trouble relaxing or falling asleep. Being easily upset, or being overly sensitive to criticism.
Women with ADHD are more likely to have a co-existing mood disorder, like depression. They may also find it difficult to establish friendships. They may also have problems with intimate relationships that result in a higher rate of violence from intimate partners and a higher rate of alcohol abuse.
Girls and women may struggle to get a proper ADHD diagnosis because their symptoms differ from those of boys and men. Health care providers must be aware of these differences to arrive at a precise diagnosis. This means identifying certain traits that are more distinct, like a clear symptoms-profile, difficulties with social interactions, a tendency for ways to cope with underachievement or performance problems, and the coexistence between depression and anxiety. It is also important to consider the impact of hormone levels in women on her symptom manifestation.