Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Signs of ADHD in adults women can be more difficult to identify than men due to the fact that women often have coping mechanisms that mask their symptoms, according to Dr. Frank. Fortunately, lifestyle modifications and medication can help them improve their functioning and enhance 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. Attention!
The signs of ADHD in women of all ages typically are characterized by difficulty in keeping the time, missing appointments, misplacing objects or being easily distracted. Women may also have difficulty with procrastination or forgetfulness, as well as working or studying in a setting which is noisy or bustling. Women are often struggling with interpersonal skills. They can interrupt others or make remarks that they regret later.
Unlike boys and men, women with ADHD tend to be more adept in masked symptoms. They might develop healthy coping mechanisms, such as having a regular schedule or making phone calls to remind them of important occasions. These strategies of coping might not last for long and are insufficient to deal with the complexities of everyday life. Additionally, their symptoms may be exacerbated by co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Many people with ADHD have impulsivity or hyperactivity symptoms as well. In adults, these symptoms are more subtle and may only impact some 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 find it difficult to relax or calm down. They may also struggle to make and maintain friendships.
People who suffer from mild or moderate ADHD don't have major difficulties in their careers or relationships, but they have trouble staying well-organized and have a tough time following through on their commitments. They may experience difficulties with finances, schoolwork, or household chores. They often experience feeling overwhelmed by the demands of their lives. Those who suffer from severe symptoms experience a lot of disruption in their day-to-day lives and can have trouble finding work or maintaining relationships.
2. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD frequently struggle to organize their home, work, and personal things. They also tend to lose track of important things like keys, wallets, eyeglasses, and cell phones. They are also prone to losing their tempers and being easily distracted by extraneous thoughts and activities. Inability to follow directions and complete tasks negatively impacts their work, schoolwork and relationships.
Women often mask their symptoms by using their emotions as a reason for their behavior, making it more difficult to diagnose and treated. For example, she might blame her lack of attention or forgetfulness on her low self-esteem and anxiety. It is also possible to blame relationship problems or somatic complaints such as nausea and headaches on the stress of life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g. menopausal, perimenopausal or menopause).
If left untreated, ADHD can lead to serious issues. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD might be more likely to engage in sexual activity during adolescence because of their impulsivity, issues with interpersonal boundaries and lack of planning. Self-medicating with alcohol and drugs is more frequent. Inattention can lead to delay in doctor's appointments and procedures. They might have erratic and disordered eating patterns or a higher BMI, as well as unhealthy coping behaviors like nail-biting skin picking, compulsive shopping and a lot of exercise.
The best method of diagnosing ADHD is to conduct an extensive evaluation by an expert in mental health or health care professional. In addition, to examine the patient's physical and emotional health, the professional might ask for feedback from family members and friends. They might suggest diagnostic tests or an interview. Many adults are shocked to find out that they've been suffering from mental illness for many years.
3. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD are more difficult in controlling their impulses. This could lead to other issues like self-injury, alcohol or drug abuse. This can cause issues in relationships, as the impulsive and forgetful behavior can lead to misunderstandings or conflict with friends, family and colleagues.
The signs of impulsivity are the tendency to blurt things out, purchasing something at the spur of the moment and then jumping into the purchase without contemplating the consequences. It's important to keep in mind that acting impulsively isn't always an indication of bad character, and some people need more time than others to think through their thoughts before deciding to act. However, it's still a good idea to talk to your doctor about this and get tested for ADHD especially when you begin to notice that the symptoms are getting more severe.
It is also normal for women with ADHD to have difficulty controlling their emotions, which can result in depression, as well as other mental health issues. Depression symptoms can be difficult 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 hesitant to seek help due to the fact that they believe their symptoms are a sign of self-esteem issues or a personality flaw.
It is crucial to recognize that sex is a distinct concept from gender, and that your internal sense of identity isn't affected by the genetic characteristics that determine if you are a man, woman, or non-binary. However, many people with ADHD struggle to identify with their gender and this can trigger feelings of guilt and despair. This can be made worse by the anxiety of living with untreated ADHD which can cause an absence of personal or professional support.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they might be unable to handle adult tasks and interactions. This can lead to problems at work or school and can cause tension in relationships with friends, family and romantic partners. Women with ADHD can also have difficulty managing their finances and home. They could be at risk of ignoring health issues like regular checkups and exercises. They may also have difficulty to manage negative emotions such as anxiety and depression.
ADHD symptoms for women may include forgetting things, losing things, getting easily distracted, having difficulty working with others or feeling overwhelmed by work. They are also more likely to suffer from mood-related issues like low self-esteem, low self-confidence or physical complaints like headaches or abdominal pain.
It is crucial that women are aware of their symptoms and get a diagnosis. It's also beneficial to speak with a mental health professional about their struggles and create coping strategies for ADHD. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can aid, for instance, to alter negative thinking patterns and increase coping skills. Participating in a women's group could also provide valuable information on living with ADHD, and coping techniques for everyday life.
It is important to remember that women with ADHD can have different symptoms than men. They can experience changes during transitional times like puberty or pregnancy. They can also change during hormonal treatments during menopausal. This is due in part to hormonal fluctuations, as well as the fact that women have a bigger hippocampal region that plays a key role in the development of memory and learning. Women are also more adept in masked ADHD symptoms than men, which could make it difficult to get a proper diagnosis. It is possible to live a fulfilling and happy life with ADHD despite these difficulties.
5. Anxiety
It can be difficult for women suffering from ADHD to admit they have anxiety issues, however, getting the right diagnosis and treatment can make an enormous difference in their lives. It can also help them better understand their behavior, and how it impacts others.
Anxiety is a common sign of ADHD in adults women and can manifest as:
Distraction, such as daydreaming or appearing distracted. Making a few mistakes. Avoiding tasks that require concentration or can be boring. Problems with concentration at school or at work. Forgetting or being late to meetings and appointments. Feeling overwhelmed by the crowds or under pressure at work or home. Having trouble relaxing or falling asleep. Being easily upset, or being what is ADHD symptoms in adults to criticism.
Women with ADHD may be more likely to develop co-occurring mood disorder, such as depression, and may be more difficult to establish friendships. They may also have problems with intimate relationships, which can cause a higher risk of intimate partner violence and a higher risk of substance abuse.
Girls and women can have difficulty getting a correct ADHD diagnose because their symptoms differ from the symptoms of men and boys. Health care professionals must be aware of these differences to provide a correct diagnosis. This means identifying certain features, like an individualized symptom profile, difficulty with social interactions, a tendency to develop strategies to cope with underachievement and performance problems and the coexistence of anxiety and depression. It is also important to consider the impact that a woman's hormonal levels influence her symptoms.