Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Dr. Frank says that the symptoms of ADHD in women of adulthood are more difficult to spot than men, as women have coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. Fortunately, support for lifestyle and medication can help 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 for women who are adults typically include difficulty keeping the time, missing appointments, misplacing objects or becoming easily distracted. Women can also struggle with forgetfulness and procrastination and working or studying in an environment that is noisy or crowded. Women often struggle with interpersonal skills. They may interrupt others or make comments that they regret later.
As opposed to males and boys who suffer from ADHD tend to be better in hiding their symptoms. They might develop healthy coping strategies, such as relying upon an agenda for the day and using phone reminders to remind them of important occasions. These strategies for coping may not last for long and are not sufficient to handle the demands of everyday life. Additionally, their symptoms may be exacerbated by co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also show hyperactivity and impulsivity. In adults, these symptoms are more subtle and may only affect a few aspects of their lives, such as social or work 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 settle down. They may also struggle to establish and maintain friendships.
People with mild or moderate ADHD do not experience major problems in their jobs or relationships, however they have trouble staying organized and have a difficult in executing their commitments. They may experience problems with finances, household chores or schoolwork, and feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities. Those with severe symptoms are significantly disrupted in their daily lives and might have difficulty finding work or maintaining relationships.
2. Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD often have trouble organizing their work, home, and personal belongings. They also tend to lose track of important things such as their keys, wallets and eyeglasses. They can also be easily distracted and lose their temper. Inability to follow directions and complete tasks affects their academic performance, as well as their relationships.
Women often hide their symptoms by using their emotions as a reason for their behavior, making it difficult to be diagnosed and treated. For instance women might experience low self-esteem or anxiety as the 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 daily life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g. menopausal or perimenopausal).
When untreated, ADHD can lead to serious issues. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual activity during adolescence due to their impulsivity difficulties with boundaries between people and lack of planning. They are more likely to use alcohol or drugs to help themselves. Their lack of attention can result in missed doctor's appointments and procedures. They may also have disordered eating habits or having a high BMI. They could also use unhealthy coping strategies, like shopping too much, nail-biting and skin picking.
A thorough evaluation by a health care provider or mental health professional is the most effective method to determine ADHD. In addition to examining the patient's physical and emotional health, the professional might solicit feedback from close family members and friends. They might also suggest some tests for the body or a diagnostic interview. Being diagnosed can be a life-changing event for those who discover they've been struggling with mental health issues for years.
3. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD are more difficult in controlling their impulses. adult female ADHD symptoms can lead to other problems like self-injury, drinking or using drugs. This can cause issues in relationships as inattention and impulsive behavior could lead to misunderstandings or conflicts with friends, family and colleagues.
Symptoms of impulsivity include the tendency to blurt things out, purchasing something on impulse and then rushing into it 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, some people need more time than others to process their thoughts before they act. However, it's still recommended to consult your doctor about this and be checked for ADHD, especially as you notice that the symptoms are getting worse.
Women with ADHD frequently have trouble controlling their emotions. This can lead to depression, or other mental health problems. The signs of depression can be difficult to recognize in women since they can resemble other health problems, such as insomnia or a persistent headache. Women with ADHD are hesitant to ask for help because they believe that their symptoms are a sign of low self-esteem or a personality flaw.
It is important to recognize that gender and sex are different concepts, and that the biological traits that determine whether you are a man, woman or a nonbinary person do not alter your personal identity. However, many people suffering from ADHD have trouble identifying with their assigned gender, which can cause feelings of guilt and despair. These feelings can be further exacerbated by the anxiety of living with untreated ADHD which can cause the absence of support from a professional or personal perspective.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they may have difficulty handling adult tasks and interactions. This can lead to problems at work or school and conflicting relationships with family friends, as well as romantic partners. Women with ADHD are also prone to having difficulty managing their finances or home. They could be prone to neglecting health issues such as regular checkups and exercise. They may also be struggling to cope with negative feelings like anxiety and depression.
Symptoms of ADHD in adults women may include misplacing items or forgetting appointments, being easily distracted by noise or movement, having difficulty working with others, or getting overwhelmed by the demands of tasks. They are also more likely to suffer from mood-related issues like low self-esteem, low self-confidence, or somatic complaints such as headaches or abdominal pain.
It's crucial for women to be aware of the signs of ADHD and seek a diagnosis. It's also helpful to speak with a mental health professional about their issues and devise strategies to cope with ADHD. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help, for instance, to change negative thinking patterns and increase coping skills. Joining a women's group can provide valuable information about living with ADHD and coping strategies for everyday life.
It is important to recognize that women with ADHD can experience different symptoms from men. These symptoms can change in transitional periods like puberty or pregnancy. They may also change in response to menopausal hormone treatments. This is partly due hormonal fluctuations and also the fact that females have a greater hippocampal area, which plays a role in memory and learning. Women are also more adept in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, and this makes it more difficult to get a proper diagnosis. It is possible to lead a fulfilling and happy life with ADHD despite these difficulties.
5. Anxiety
It can be hard for women with ADHD admitting they have anxiety issues, however, getting the correct diagnosis and treatment could make a significant changes in their lives. It can also help women understand their behavior and how it affects other people.
Anxiety is a significant symptom for women suffering from ADHD. It can be as follows:
Distraction, like daydreaming or appearing to be distracted. Making a few mistakes. Avoiding tasks that require concentration or could be boring. Finding it difficult to concentrate in school or work. Being late or forgetting meetings and appointments. Feeling overwhelmed by crowds or feeling pressured at home or work. Having difficulty relaxing or falling to sleep. Being easily disturbed or being too sensitive to criticism.
Women with ADHD can be more likely to develop co-occurring disorder of mood, like depression, and may be less successful in establishing friendships. They may also have problems with intimate relationships, which can lead to a higher incidence of intimate partner violence and a higher rate of substance abuse.
Girls and women may struggle to get a proper ADHD diagnosis due to the fact that their symptoms are different from the men and boys. To accurately diagnose ADHD, health professionals need to be aware of the differences. This involves identifying specific traits, such as a more distinct 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 hormone levels of women influence her symptoms.