Pay Attention: Watch Out For How Symptoms Of ADHD In Adult Women Is Taking Over And What We Can Do About It
Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Girls and women can suffer from ADHD. While men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more frequently however, it is also feasible for women to suffer from the disorder. But persistent stereotypes, referral biases internalized symptoms and comorbidities make it harder for them to be assessed and treated.
Many women develop coping strategies to hide their ADHD symptoms and to meet social expectations, but they can be unhealthy and unsustainable. Here are some of the adult women's most commonly reported ADHD symptoms.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD can be prone to feel overwhelmed by the daily tasks. It can be difficult for them to keep track of deadlines, emails and meetings. They could also be more prone to forget important dates or events. They may also find it difficult to concentrate in noisy or busy environments. This can lead to missed opportunities and a lower level of productivity.
For many adults suffering from ADHD, these challenges can feel like a reflection of their character or performance, which can lead to frustration. Many people who suffer from ADHD experience low self-esteem and a negative image of their body. They may also have difficulty maintaining stable relationships and establishing effective coping mechanisms. In some cases, they turn to unhealthy coping methods that include excessive alcohol or drug use. This can make it harder for others to understand that they're struggling, and can delay a diagnosis.
Adults suffering from ADHD may be particularly sensitive to criticism or failure. This can cause them to internalize the issue and make it difficult to seek help. They might also be afflicted by issues with relationships and may struggle to find meaningful employment. They could also be more susceptible to depression, anxiety and mood swings. In some cases these symptoms may cause the development of a mental health problem such as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which can be manifested through burning, cutting, or scratching.
While it's more prevalent in males and boys to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms can persist into adulthood and impact multiple areas of life. Women must recognize the symptoms and seek out an evaluation from a healthcare professional. A positive diagnosis can lead to better-managed symptoms and a higher quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD report feeling overwhelmed as if they are chaotic. They may miss work deadlines or have difficulty keeping up with chores at home or at work like paying bills or making appointments. They may have a disorganized home and finances, and could struggle to maintain stable relationships and an employment.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms can cause more frustration and miscommunications with friends, partners, and coworkers. These issues can result in broken or stressed connections and feelings of isolation. The inability to remember, the difficulty in listening and the tendency to "zone out" or not pay attention, can lead to misunderstandings with loved ones.
Symptoms of emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and mood swings are more common among women suffering from ADHD than men and can be disruptive to both your personal and professional. Women who are not treated for ADHD may be overwhelmed by the demands of work, family, and society. They might also be sensitive to harsh judgment and criticism.
There are ways to manage these symptoms. Treatment options for many adults include lifestyle modifications and the use of specialized organization tools, and prescription stimulant medications.
Women with ADHD may be able to cover up their ADHD symptoms better than men which could lead to being undiagnosed until later in life. They are more likely to be suffering from comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression that can increase the effects of untreated ADHD. Women can also have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships and a steady job and are susceptible to low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers a person's genetic makeup, chromosomes, hormones and anatomy; gender refers to the internal sense of self as a woman, man or nonbinary gender identity; and mental health conditions are often diagnosed on the basis of both.
3. Anxiety
Women who suffer from ADHD are more susceptible to anxiety and depression. These feelings can become more severe when you're unable to keep on top of your daily activities and appointments. ADHD in adults symptoms quiz can lead to health issues such as missed health checkups or payments that are late, or even debt. ADHD can lead to emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness which can lead to relationships problems with family, friends and colleagues.
Many women develop strategies to hide their symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to see that they're having difficulty staying focused and organized. These strategies of coping could be healthy, such as creating a daily schedule or setting reminders for phone calls, or they could be harmful depending on alcohol or drugs to help them manage or overcome their challenges. These coping skills can create an unhealthy cycle of self-doubt and anxiety for women, causing them to feel like they are not doing enough or productive, which could add to feelings of depression and anxiety.
Women with ADHD might also feel that they aren't accepted or aren't meeting social expectations. This can lead to anxiety and low self-esteem. They may also encounter issues at work, such as difficulties with organizational abilities, adhering to corporate guidelines, or adhering to a 9-to-5 routine. They may struggle to manage their finances due in part to disorganization or excessive spending. Also, they might have trouble keeping up with homework assignments or other work.
ADHD can be a chronic condition that requires continuous support, particularly when it affects girls and women. Despite its prevalence, the disorder is still misunderstood and underdiagnosed. It is also undertreated. Lingering stereotypes as well as referral biases, internalized symptoms, comorbidities, and hormonal changes all contribute to the distinctive symptom manifestation of ADHD in females.
4. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD are often unable to control their emotions and impulses. They might become easily frustrated or overly excited, lose track time, or be late to events. They also might have trouble understanding body speech or recognizing social cues. This could cause issues at work or in relationships. For instance, they could be easily entangled in arguments or they may spend too much time with hobbies and interests that aren't important to them. They may also have difficulty maintaining friendships or making connections due to their inability to keep their commitments and promises.
Women are more adept at forming ways to cope with their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for them than men to diagnose. For instance, they could create routines to help keep track of their time or use apps to remind them of their appointments. They could also alter their behavior to conform with norms and expectations set by society. They might even attempt to conceal their symptoms by using drugs or alcohol. This can have grave health consequences in the long run.
Many people who suffer from ADHD get over their symptoms, but there are some who don't. About 60 percent of women who suffer from ADHD during childhood continue to be affected into adulthood, compared to 30% of males.
If you're unable to find relief through lifestyle or medication, professional treatment can be beneficial. There are a variety of options, including career coaching, life coaching, and counseling, along with medications like stimulants. Exercise is a great way to boost your mood and boosting your energy. It releases neurotransmitters that boost attention and motivation and can also ease anxiety and stress.
5. Emotional reactivity
Girls and women with ADHD often have trouble with emotional reaction. They may find it hard to regulate their emotions and express them in a proper manner, which can cause frustration with themselves and others. A person suffering from ADHD might become angry when her partner critiques them however she may not be able calm down to discuss the matter in a rational way. She might also be unable to "pause her reaction" by recognizing body signals like a flushed face or a short breath that indicate she is overexcited or overwhelmed.
This issue with regulating their emotions can lead to more frustration and misunderstandings in relationships and it can make people with ADHD more prone to anxiety or depression. It can also lead to difficulties in social interactions as it is difficult to discern people's moods or detect social signals.
In some instances, those with ADHD may seem emotionally detached and uninterested in their peers or loved ones, even when they truly care about them. In other instances, they may withdraw from situations that trigger them to avoid feeling an intense emotion.
The nature of women's symptoms could make it easy for clinicians to ignore the effects of ADHD. Many women conceal their ADHD symptoms and when they do manifest they are more likely to be misdiagnosed as anxiety or mood disorders. It can be helpful to speak with a mental health specialist who has worked with young girls and women with ADHD in the event that you're experiencing these symptoms. They can validate your experience, teach you strategies such as self-awareness and pacing, and also provide you with psychoeducation for your family members to help you identify and manage future ADHD symptoms.