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, because women have coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. Fortunately, lifestyle changes and medication can improve their quality of life and function.
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
Symptoms of ADHD in women of all ages typically involve trouble keeping the track of time, missing appointments, misplacing items or being easily distracted. Women can also struggle with procrastination or forgetfulness and working or studying in a setting which is noisy or bustling. They often have trouble with interpersonal skills, such as interrupting other people and making statements they later regret.
Women with ADHD are more adept at masked symptoms than boys and men. They might develop healthy coping strategies like relying on a daily schedule or using phone reminders for 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-existing conditions like depression and anxiety.
Many people with ADHD also show the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. For symptoms of ADHD in adults , these signs are more subtle and only affect a few areas of their lives like social or work-related 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 form and keep friendships.
People with mild to moderate ADHD may not have any major issues at work or in their relationships, however they have trouble keeping track of their time and following through on commitments. They may face issues with household chores, finances or schoolwork and are overwhelmed by their obligations. People with severe symptoms are significantly disrupted in their daily lives and can have trouble finding work or maintaining relationships.
2. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD often have trouble organizing their home, work and personal things. They can also lose track of things like their keys, wallets eyeglasses, cell phones. They can also be easily distracted and lose their temper. Inability to follow instructions and complete tasks affects their work, schoolwork and 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 inattention or forgetfulness on her low self-esteem and anxiety. She might also blame relationship problems or somatic complaints--like headaches and nausea--on the stress of life or fluctuations in hormones (e.g. menopausal symptoms, perimenopausal symptoms or menopause).
If left untreated, ADHD can lead to serious issues. For instance, women and girls who suffer from ADHD may be at a higher risk of sexual activity in adolescence because of their impulsivity and issues with boundaries within the group and planning. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs may be more common. Inattention can lead to missed doctor's procedures and appointments. They could have inconsistent and disordered eating habits or a higher BMI, in addition to unhealthy coping habits like nail-biting skin picking, compulsive shopping and a lot of exercise.
ADHD adult symptoms by a health care provider or mental health professional is the best method to determine ADHD. In addition, to examine the patient's physical and emotional health, the professional might ask for feedback from family members and friends. They may recommend diagnostic tests or an interview. Many adults are shocked discover that they've suffered from a mental illness for many years.
3. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD tend to have more trouble controlling their impulses than men, and this may contribute to problems like self-injury, alcohol or drug addiction, or other mental health issues. It can also cause difficulties in relationships, as the impulsive and forgetful behavior can lead to misunderstandings or conflicts with family members, friends and co-workers.
The term "impulsivity" refers to a tendency to speak out loud, purchase something on impulse, and act without thinking about the consequences. Remember that acting impulsively doesn't always mean you're an unfit person. Some people need more time to think before they act. It's important to talk with your doctor and get tested for ADHD If you notice that the symptoms are becoming more severe.
It's also common for women with ADHD to struggle with managing their emotions, which can cause depression and other mental health issues. Depression symptoms can be difficult to identify in women because they can be similar to other health issues, such as chronic headaches and insomnia. Some women suffering from ADHD are reluctant to seek help due to the fact that they think their symptoms are the result of low self-esteem.
It is important to understand that sex is a distinct concept from gender and that your internal sense if identity is not dependent on the biological traits that determine if you are a woman, man or a non-binary. Many people with ADHD struggle to identify with their assigned gender. This can lead them to feel ashamed and a sense of despair. These can be exacerbated by the stress of living with untreated ADHD which can cause a lack of personal or professional support.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD grow into women, they may have difficulty handling adult responsibilities and interactions. This can cause problems at work or school and can cause tension in relationships with friends, family, and romantic partners. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have issues managing their finances or home, and could be at risk for neglecting health-related concerns like regular checkups and exercises. They may also have trouble managing negative emotions, such as anxiety and depression.
Signs of ADHD in adults women may include misplacing items or forgetting appointments, being easily distracted by noise or movement and having trouble interacting with others, or getting overwhelmed by work. They could also be more likely to experience mood-related issues like low self-esteem, low self-confidence, or somatic complaints such as headaches or abdominal pain.
It is crucial for women to recognize the signs of ADHD and receive a diagnosis. It's also beneficial to talk to a mental health professional about their issues and devise strategies for coping with ADHD. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can aid, for instance, to change negative thinking patterns and improve coping skills. Joining a women's group can also provide valuable information on living with ADHD, and coping techniques for everyday life.
It is important to remember that women with ADHD may suffer from different symptoms than men. They can experience changes in transitional periods like puberty or pregnancy. They can also change in response to menopausal hormone treatments. This is due to hormone fluctuations and the fact that females have a greater hippocampus, which plays an important part in memory and learning. Women also have the ability to mask their ADHD symptoms better than males. This makes it more difficult to get a correct diagnosis. Despite these obstacles, it is still possible to lead an enjoyable life with ADHD.
5. Anxiety
While it can be challenging for women suffering from ADHD to admit they have anxiety issues, getting a diagnosis and finding the right treatment can make their lives so much better. It can also help them comprehend their behavior and how it impacts other people.
Anxiety can be a major symptom of ADHD in adults women and can manifest as:
Trouble staying focused or not being on task, focusing on the task at hand, or appearing to be distracted. Making mistakes that are not made. Avoiding difficult or boring tasks. Problems with concentration at school or at work. Not remembering things or being late for meetings and appointments. Feeling overwhelmed in crowds, or when under stress at home or at work. Trouble falling asleep. Being easily upset or being too sensitive to criticism.
Women with ADHD can be more likely to develop a co-occurring disorder of mood, like depression, and may have a harder time establishing friendships. They may also experience issues in their relationships with their spouses that can result in an increased rate of violence between partners and drug abuse.
It can be challenging for women and girls to receive a proper ADHD diagnosis due to the fact that symptoms in women and girls differ from those of men and boys. Health care providers must be aware of these differences to make an accurate diagnosis. This involves identifying specific features, like the presence of a distinct manifesting symptom, difficulty in social interactions and a tendency to develop strategies to cope with inadequacies and performance issues and the coexistence of depression and anxiety. It is also essential to take into consideration the effect of hormone levels in women on the symptom profile she displays.