Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Dr. Frank says that the symptoms of ADHD in women of adulthood are often harder to detect than in men, since women develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms. Fortunately, lifestyle changes and medication can improve their quality of life and performance.
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!
ADHD symptoms in women include difficulty keeping track of time as well as a tendency to miss appointments, lose items or being easily distracted. Women may also experience forgetfulness, procrastination and having difficulty working or studying in a noisy or crowded environment. They often have trouble with interpersonal skills, such as interrupting others and uttering statements that they later regret.
In contrast to men and boys, women with ADHD tend to be more adept in masked symptoms. They might develop healthy coping strategies that include relying on a daily schedule and using phone reminders to remind them of important events. These coping strategies may not last for long and are insufficient to cope with the complexity of everyday life. Additionally, their symptoms may be exacerbated by co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Many people suffering from ADHD have impulsivity or hyperactivity 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. They might also have difficulty to relax or calm down. They may also have difficulty to form and keep friendships.
People who suffer from mild to moderate ADHD might not experience significant problems at work or in their relationships, but they have trouble keeping track of their time and following through on commitments. They may face issues with finances, household chores or schoolwork and are overwhelmed by their obligations. In severe cases, the condition can cause disruptions in a person's day-to-day life. They may also have difficulties maintaining relationships or keeping a job.
2. Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD struggle with organizing their home, work and personal things. They also tend to get lost in the details of important items like their keys, wallets eyeglasses, cellphones. They are also susceptible to losing their temper and becoming easily distracted by extraneous thoughts and activities. Their inability to follow instructions and complete tasks negatively impacts their academic performance, as well as their relationships.
Women often cover up their symptoms by using their emotions as a reason for their behavior, which makes it more difficult to diagnose and treated. For instance, she may blame her lack of attention or forgetfulness on low self-esteem and anxiety. She could also blame relationship issues or other complaints, such as nausea and headaches, on the stress of life or fluctuations in hormones (e.g. menopausal symptoms, perimenopausal symptoms or menopause).
When untreated, ADHD can lead to serious issues. Women and girls with ADHD may be more likely to engage in sexual adolescence due to their impulsivity difficulties with boundaries between people and lack of organization. Self-medicating using alcohol and other drugs is more frequent. Their lack of attention can result in delays in appointments with doctors and procedures. They could have unbalanced eating habits or a high BMI. They could also engage in unhealthy coping strategies, such as shopping excessively or nail-biting, as well as skin picking.
The best way to diagnose ADHD is to conduct a thorough evaluation by an experienced mental health professional or health care provider. The professional will also inquire of the patient about his or her emotional and physical well-being. They might also suggest some tests for the body or a diagnostic interview. Being diagnosed could be a life-changing moment for many adults who discover they've had mental health issues throughout their lives.
3. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time controlling their impulses. This can lead to other problems such as self-injury or drinking or using drugs. It can also cause relationship problems, as an impulsive or forgetful behavior can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts with family, colleagues, and friends.
The term "impulsivity" refers to the tendency to speak loud, purchase something in a hurry, and make a decision without considering the consequences. Remember that acting impulsively doesn't always mean you're a bad person. Some people need more time to think before they act. But, it's recommended to consult your doctor about this and get checked for ADHD especially when you begin to observe that your symptoms are getting more severe.
It is also normal for women with ADHD to have trouble managing their emotions, and this can result in depression, as well as other mental health issues. The signs of depression can be difficult to identify in women, because they can look like other health issues such as insomnia or a chronic headache. Some women with ADHD are hesitant to ask for help because they believe that their symptoms are indicative of low self-esteem or a personality flaw.
It is important to recognize that gender and sexuality are two different concepts and that the biological characteristics that determine whether you're a man, woman or a nonbinary individual don't influence your personal identity. However, many people suffering from ADHD have trouble identifying with their assigned gender, and this can trigger feelings of guilt and despair. The anxiety of untreated ADHD can make these feelings worse and can result in the loss of support from family or friends.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they can have issues with adult obligations. This could lead to issues at work or school and conflicting relationships with family friends, as well as romantic partners. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty managing their finances or their home, and they may be at risk for neglecting health-related issues such as regular health checkups and exercising. They may also struggle to deal with negative emotions like depression and anxiety.
ADHD symptoms in women may include forgetting things, losing things, being easily distracted, having difficulty working with others, or feeling overwhelmed by the demands of work. They may also experience mood-related symptoms such as low self-confidence or poor self-esteem.
It is essential that women are aware of their symptoms and get an assessment. It's also helpful to talk to an expert in mental health about their difficulties and develop coping strategies for ADHD. For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapies can help change negative thinking patterns and improve coping skills. Joining a women's group can also provide valuable information on living with ADHD and coping strategies for everyday life.
It's important to note that women who suffer from ADHD can suffer from different symptoms than men. These symptoms can change in transitional periods like puberty or pregnancy. They may also change in response to menopausal hormone treatments. This is due to hormonal fluctuations, and the fact that women have a greater hippocampal region which plays a crucial role in memory and education. ADHD symptoms adults male have the ability to mask their ADHD symptoms better than men. This makes it more difficult to get a correct diagnosis. Despite these issues, it is still possible to live a fulfilling life with ADHD.
5. Anxiety
It can be hard for women suffering from ADHD admitting they have anxiety issues, however, getting the right diagnosis and treatment could make a significant changes in their lives. It can also help them comprehend their behavior and how it affects others.
Anxiety may be a significant indicator of ADHD in women who are adults and it can look like:
Distractions, such as daydreaming or appearing to be distracted. Making a few mistakes. Avoiding tedious or difficult tasks. Concentration problems at school or at work. Not remembering or being late for meetings and appointments. Feeling overwhelmed in crowds, or under pressure at work or home. Not able to relax or go to sleep. Being easily agitated or overly sensitive to criticism and rejection.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have a co-existing mood disorder, like depression. They might also find it difficult to make friends. They might also have issues with intimate relationships that result in a higher rate of violence from intimate partners and a higher risk of substance abuse.
It can be challenging for women and girls to get a correct ADHD diagnosis due to the fact that symptoms in women and girls differ from those of males and boys. In order to accurately diagnose ADHD, health care providers must be aware of the differences. This involves identifying specific features, like an individualized symptom profile, difficulty with social relationships and a tendency to develop strategies to cope with the signs of underperformance and performance issues, and the coexistence of depression and anxiety. It is important to also take into consideration the impact that a woman's hormonal levels influence her symptoms.