Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Symptoms of ADHD in women of all ages can be more difficult to identify than men due to the fact that women often develop strategies to cope with their symptoms, according to Dr. Frank. Fortunately, lifestyle changes and medication can improve 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
The symptoms of ADHD in women of all ages typically are characterized by difficulty in keeping the time, missing appointments, misplacing things or being easily distracted. Women may also have issues with procrastination or forgetfulness, as well as working or studying in a setting that is noisy or crowded. Women often struggle with interpersonal skills. They may interrupt others or make statements that they regret later.
Unlike boys and men who suffer from ADHD tend to be more adept in masked symptoms. They can develop healthy coping strategies like relying on a daily schedule and using phone reminders to remind them of important events. However, these strategies may not be sustainable over the long term and may not be sufficient to manage the complexity of real life. In addition, their symptoms can also be exacerbated by comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression.
Many people suffering from ADHD also exhibit an impulsivity and hyperactivity. In adults, these symptoms are more subtle and only impact some aspects of their lives, such as work or social interactions. 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 calm down. They may also struggle to establish and keep friendships.
People who suffer from mild to moderate ADHD might not experience significant problems at work or in their relationships, however they struggle with keeping track of their time and following through on commitments. They may have problems with finances, schoolwork, or household chores. They often experience a sense of being overwhelmed by their responsibilities. Severe symptoms can cause significant disruptions to a person's daily life. They might also have difficulties maintaining relationships or holding a job.
2. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD have a hard time organizing their work, home and personal things. ADHD symptoms in women adults can also lose track of important things like their keys, wallets, eyeglasses, and cellphones. They also are prone to losing their tempers and being easily distracted by their thoughts and activities. Their trouble following instructions and completing tasks can affect their academic performance as well as their work performance and relationships.
Women often hide their symptoms by using their emotions as an excuse for their behavior, making it more difficult to diagnose and treated. For example, a woman might feel low self-esteem or anxiety as an explanation for her lack of attention and forgetfulness. It is also possible to blame relationship issues or physical complaints (such as headaches and nausea) on the stress of life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g. menopausal, perimenopausal).
Untreated ADHD can cause serious problems. For instance, girls and women who suffer from ADHD might be at higher risk of adolescent sexual activity due to their impulsivity and difficulties with boundaries between people and planning. Self-medicating with alcohol and drugs is more frequent. Inattention can lead to delay in doctor's appointments and procedures. They could have erratic and disordered eating habits or a higher BMI, and unhealthy coping strategies, such as nail-biting, skin picking, compulsive shopping and excessive exercise.
A thorough assessment by a health care professional or mental health professional is the most effective method to determine ADHD. The professional will also ask the patient about their emotional and physical well-being. They may also suggest tests in the lab or an interview. A diagnosis can be a life-changing experience for many adults who realize they have been struggling with mental health issues throughout their lives.
3. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD have a difficult time controlling their impulses. This could lead to other issues such as self-injury or alcohol or drug abuse. It can also cause relationships problems as an impulsive or forgetful behavior can cause confusion and conflicts with family, friends, and coworkers.
The term "impulsivity" refers to the tendency to speak loud, buy something in a hurry, and make a decision without considering the consequences. It is important to keep in mind that acting impulsively doesn't necessarily mean it's a sign of bad character. In fact, certain people require more time than others to think about their thoughts before they act. It's important to talk to your doctor and get tested for ADHD when you notice the symptoms are becoming more severe.
It's also common for women with ADHD to have trouble controlling their emotions, which can lead to depression and other mental health issues. Depression symptoms can be hard to spot in women since they can appear similar to other health issues, such as insomnia and chronic headaches. 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 crucial to realize that gender and sex are different concepts, and that the biological traits that determine whether you are a man, woman, or nonbinary person don't alter your personal identity. However, many people suffering from ADHD have trouble identifying with their gender and this can lead to feelings of shame and desperation. These feelings can be further exacerbated by the stress of living with untreated ADHD which can cause an absence of support from a professional or personal perspective.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD grow into women, they may have difficulty handling adult obligations and interactions. This could lead to issues at work or school and strained relationships with family and friends as well as romantic partners. Women with ADHD are also prone to having difficulty managing their finances and home. They may also be prone to neglecting health issues, such as regular checkups and exercises. They may also struggle to cope with negative feelings like anxiety and depression.
ADHD symptoms in women include forgetting things, losing things, being easily distracted, having difficulty working with others or feeling overwhelmed by work. They are also more likely to suffer from mood-related symptoms like poor self-esteem, low self confidence, or somatic complaints such as headaches or abdominal pain.
It's crucial for women to identify the signs of ADHD and receive a diagnosis. It's also helpful to talk to a mental health professional about their difficulties and develop strategies for coping with ADHD. For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapies can help change negative thinking patterns and enhance coping skills. In addition, joining a women's support group can give valuable information regarding living with ADHD and strategies to cope with everyday life.
It's important to note that women who suffer from ADHD might suffer from different symptoms than men. They can experience changes in transitional periods like puberty or pregnancy. They may change as a result of hormonal treatments during menopausal. This is due to hormonal fluctuations, and the fact that women have a larger hippocampal region that plays a key role in memory and education. Women can also mask their ADHD symptoms better than males. This can make it harder to obtain an accurate diagnosis. It is possible to live a fulfilling and happy life with ADHD despite these obstacles.
5. Anxiety
It can be hard for women with ADHD to admit they have anxiety issues, but obtaining the correct diagnosis and treatment can make significant changes in their lives. It can also help them understand their behavior and how it affects others.
Anxiety may be a significant indicator of ADHD in adults women and it may look like:
Distractions, such as daydreaming or appearing to be distracted. Making careless errors. Avoiding tasks that require concentration or could be boring. Having trouble focusing in school or work. Forgetting things or being late for meetings and appointments. Feeling overwhelmed in crowds, or when under pressure at home or at work. Finding it difficult to relax or fall asleep. Being easily agitated or overly sensitive to criticism and rejection.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have an underlying mood disorder like depression. They might also have difficulty to make friends. They might also have issues in their relationships with their spouses which could lead to an increase in the amount of violence between partners and substance abuse.
It can be challenging for girls and women to get a correct ADHD diagnosis because symptoms in women and girls differ from those in males and boys. In order to accurately diagnose ADHD, health professionals must be aware the distinctions. This involves identifying specific characteristics, such a more distinct symptom-profile, difficulty in social relations and a tendency to employ ways to cope with underachievement or performance problems, as well as the coexistence of depression and anxiety. It is also important to take into consideration the effect of hormone levels in women on her symptom presentation.