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 in men, because women develop coping mechanisms in order to hide their symptoms. Fortunately, lifestyle modifications and medication can help improve their functioning and improve 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
The signs of ADHD in adults women often involve trouble keeping the time, missing appointments, misplacing things or becoming easily distracted. Women may also have issues with procrastination and forgetfulness and also working or studying in a setting that is noisy or crowded. They often have trouble with interpersonal skills, which can include interrupting other people and making statements that they later regret.
Unlike boys and men who suffer from ADHD tend to be better in masked symptoms. They might develop healthy coping strategies like relying on an agenda for the day and using reminders on their phones to remind them of important occasions. These strategies for coping may not last for long and may not be sufficient to cope with the complexity of daily life. In addition, their symptoms could be exacerbated by co-occurring disorders like depression and anxiety.
Many people with ADHD exhibit hyperactivity or impulsivity symptoms as well. In adults, these symptoms are less obvious and could only impact some areas 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. ADHD symptoms female adults might also have difficulty to relax or calm down. They may also have difficulty to make and maintain friendships.
People who suffer from mild or moderate ADHD do not experience major difficulties in their careers or relationships, but they have a difficult time staying organized and have a hard to keep track of their commitments. They may face issues with finances, schoolwork or household chores and often experience a sense of being overwhelmed by the responsibilities they have to fulfill. Those who suffer from severe symptoms are significantly disrupted in their daily lives and may have difficulty finding work or maintaining relationships.
2. Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD struggle with organizing their home, work and personal belongings. They may also lose track important things like their glasses, wallets, and keys. They are also susceptible to losing their temper and becoming easily distracted by their thoughts and activities. The difficulty they have in getting their tasks completed and following instructions can affect their schoolwork as well as their work performance and relationships.
Women hide their symptoms by with their emotions in order to justify their actions. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat. For example women may feel low self-esteem or anxiety as an explanation for her inattention and forgetfulness. It is also possible to blame relationship issues or other complaints such as nausea and headaches on the stress of life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g. menopausal symptoms, perimenopausal symptoms or menopause).
When untreated, ADHD can lead to serious problems. Women and girls with ADHD might 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 is more frequent. Inattention can lead to missed doctor's procedures and appointments. They could have inconsistent and disordered eating habits or a high BMI, in addition to unhealthy coping strategies like nail-biting, skin picking, compulsive shopping, and excessive exercise.
A thorough evaluation by a health care professional or mental health professional is the most effective way to diagnose ADHD. In addition to looking at the patient's emotional and physical well-being, the doctor may solicit feedback from close family members and friends. They may also suggest lab tests or a diagnostic interview. Many adults are surprised to learn that they have been suffering from a mental illness for 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 problems in relationships, since the impulsive and forgetful behavior can lead to misunderstandings or conflict with family, friends, and co-workers.
The term "impulsivity" refers to an urge to speak loud, buy something in a hurry, and make a decision without thinking about the consequences. Remember that acting in an impulsive manner doesn't necessarily mean that you're a bad person. Some people need more time to think before acting. However, it's recommended to speak with your doctor about this and be checked for ADHD especially when you observe that your symptoms are becoming more severe.
Women with ADHD frequently have trouble managing their emotions. This can result in depression and other mental health problems. The signs of depression are difficult to spot in women because they may resemble other health problems such as insomnia or a chronic headache. Some women suffering from ADHD are hesitant to seek help due to the fact that they believe that their symptoms are the result of low self-esteem.
It is crucial to realize that sex and gender are two different concepts, and that the physical characteristics that determine whether you are either a woman, man or a nonbinary individual don't influence your personal identity. Many people with ADHD struggle to identify with their assigned gender. This can lead people to feel embarrassed and desperation. These feelings can be further exacerbated by the anxiety of living with untreated ADHD which can cause a lack of personal or professional support.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they might be unable to handle adult responsibilities and interactions. This can lead to problems at work or school and tensions with family, friends, and romantic partners. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have trouble managing their finances or their home, and they may be at risk of ignoring health-related issues like regular checkups and exercises. They may also have trouble coping with negative emotions like depression and anxiety.
ADHD symptoms in women may include the inability to remember things, loosing things, being easily distracted, having difficulties working with others or feeling overwhelmed by the demands of work. They could also be more likely to experience mood-related issues like low self-esteem, low self-confidence or somatic complaints such as abdominal pain or headaches.
It is crucial for women to recognize their symptoms of ADHD and seek a diagnosis. It is also beneficial to talk to a mental health professional about their struggles and create strategies for coping with ADHD. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can, for example, help to alter negative thinking patterns and enhance the ability to cope. In addition, joining a women's support group can give valuable information regarding living with ADHD and coping strategies for everyday life.
It is also important to note that women who suffer from ADHD can experience different symptoms than men, and symptoms are different during transitional periods such as puberty, pregnancy, childbirth, or hormone treatments during menopause. This is due to hormonal fluctuations, as well as the fact that women have a bigger hippocampal region that plays a crucial role in the development of memory and learning. Women are also better in masked ADHD symptoms than men, which makes it more difficult to get a proper diagnosis. Despite these obstacles it is still possible to lead a full and fulfilling life with ADHD.
5. Anxiety
Although it can be a challenge for women with 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 others.
Anxiety is a major symptom in women with ADHD. It can look like this:
Distractions, such as daydreaming or appearing to be distracted. Making careless errors. Avoiding tasks that require concentration or could be boring. Having ADHD in adults symptoms uk focusing in the classroom or at work. Being late or forgetting things for appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed by the number of people around you or feeling pressured at work or home. Not able to relax or go to sleep. Being easily agitated or being a bit sensitive to criticism.
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from a co-existing mood disorder, like depression. They might also find it difficult to make friends. They might also have issues in their intimate relationships that can result in an increase in violence between partners as well as substance abuse.
It can be difficult for girls and women to receive a proper ADHD diagnosis due to the fact that symptoms in women and girls differ from those seen in men and boys. Health care providers must be aware of these differences in order to arrive at a precise diagnosis. This means identifying certain traits, such as a more distinct symptom profile, difficulty with social interactions and a tendency to create coping strategies that mask underachievement and performance problems, and the coexistence of anxiety and depression. It is also crucial to take into consideration the effect of a woman's hormone levels on the symptom profile she displays.