Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Symptoms of ADHD in adults women can be more difficult to identify than in men because women tend to have coping mechanisms that mask their symptoms, says 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 involve trouble keeping track of time, missed appointments, misplacing things or becoming easily distracted. Women may also struggle with the habit of procrastination, forgetfulness or working or studying in a noisy or busy environment. They may have issues with interpersonal skills, which can include interrupting other people and making statements they later regret.
In contrast to men and boys who suffer from ADHD tend to be more adept in hiding their symptoms. They can come up with healthy ways to cope that include relying on a daily schedule or using phone reminders for important occasions. However, these strategies for coping may not be sustainable over the long haul and may not be sufficient to cope with the demands of real life. In addition, their symptoms may be exacerbated by co-existing conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Many people suffering from ADHD display impulsivity or hyperactivity symptoms too. In adults, these symptoms are more subtle and only affect a few areas of their lives, such as 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 trouble relaxing or finding a way to calm down, as well as having trouble making and maintaining friendships.
People who suffer from moderate to mild ADHD might not experience major issues at work or in their relationships, however they struggle with being organized and executing on commitments. They may experience problems with finances, household chores or schoolwork, and feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities. Severe symptoms can cause significant disruptions in a person's day-to-day life. They may also have difficulties maintaining relationships or holding jobs.
2. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD often struggle to organize their home, work and personal things. They also tend to lose track of important things such as their wallets, keys, eyeglasses, and cell phones. They also are prone to losing their tempers and being easily distracted by other thoughts and activities. Inability to follow instructions and complete tasks affects their academic performance, as well as their relationships.
Women often mask their symptoms by using their emotions as an excuse for their behavior, making it more difficult to diagnose and treated. For instance, she may blame her lack of attention or forgetfulness on anxiety and low self-esteem. She may also blame relationship issues or somatic complaints (such nausea and headaches) on the stress of life or hormonal changes (e.g. menopausal, perimenopausal).
If left untreated, ADHD can lead to serious problems. For instance, women and girls with ADHD might be at higher likelihood of engaging in sexual activities as adolescents because of their impulsivity and difficulties with boundaries between people and planning. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs could be more prevalent. Their inattention can lead to missed doctor's appointments and procedures. They might have irregular and unbalanced eating habits or a high BMI, as well as unhealthy coping behaviors, such as nail-biting, skin picking, obsessive shopping and excessive exercise.
The best method of diagnosing ADHD is through an extensive assessment by an expert in mental health or health care provider. In addition, to examine the patient's physical and emotional well-being, the doctor may seek feedback from close family members and friends. They might also suggest diagnostic tests or an interview. Many adults are shocked discover that they've suffered from a mental illness for years.
3. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD have a harder time controlling their impulses. This can cause other problems like self-injury, drinking or using drugs. It can also cause problems in relationships, since the impulsive and forgetful behavior can result in miscommunications or conflicts with family, friends, and co-workers.
Impulsivity is characterized by a tendency to speak out loud, purchase something in a hurry, and make a decision without considering the consequences. Remember that acting impulsively doesn't always mean you're an unfit person. Certain people require more time to think before they act. However, what are the symptoms for ADHD in adults 's still recommended to consult your doctor about this and be checked for ADHD especially when you begin to notice that the symptoms are getting worse.
It's also common for women with ADHD to have trouble controlling their emotions. This can lead to depression, as well as other mental health issues. Depression symptoms are difficult to spot for women since they can resemble other health issues, such as insomnia or a chronic headache. Some women with ADHD are hesitant to seek help due to the fact that they believe that their symptoms are the result of low self-esteem.
It's important to understand that sex and gender are two different concepts and that the biological traits that determine whether you are either a woman, man or a nonbinary individual don't influence your personal identity. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to identify with their assigned gender. This can lead them to feel ashamed and desperation. 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 become women, they may struggle with adult obligations and interactions. This can lead to problems at school or at work, and conflicting relationships with family friends, as well as romantic partners. Women with ADHD might also have issues managing their finances or their home, and could be at risk for neglecting health-related issues like regular checkups and exercises. They may also have trouble managing negative emotions, such as depression and anxiety.
The signs of ADHD in women who are adults could include misplacing objects or forgetting appointments, getting easily distracted by noise or movement, having difficulty working with others, or being overwhelmed by tasks. They are also more likely to experience mood-related symptoms such as low self-esteem, low self confidence, or physical complaints such as abdominal pain or headaches.
It's crucial for women to identify the signs of ADHD and receive an assessment. It is also beneficial to speak with a mental health professional about their difficulties and develop strategies to cope with ADHD. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help, for instance, to alter negative thinking patterns and enhance the ability to cope. Additionally being a part of a women's supportive group can provide valuable advice regarding living with ADHD and strategies for coping with everyday life.
It is important to remember that women with ADHD might have different symptoms than men. These can change during transitional times like puberty or pregnancy. They can also change during hormone treatments during the menopause. This is due to hormonal fluctuations, as well as the fact that women have a bigger hippocampal area that plays a crucial role in education and memory. Women may also hide their ADHD symptoms better than males. This can make it harder to obtain an accurate diagnosis. It is possible to live an enjoyable and fulfilling life with ADHD despite these obstacles.
5. Anxiety
While it can be challenging for women suffering from ADHD to admit they suffer from trouble with anxiety, getting an assessment and finding the appropriate treatment can make their lives so much better. It can also help them understand their behavior and how it affects other people.
Anxiety can be a major indicator of ADHD in adults women and it may look like:
Distraction, like daydreaming or appearing to be distracted. Making a few mistakes. Avoiding tasks that require concentration or can be boring. Problems with concentration at school or at work. Forgetting things or being late for appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed in crowds, or under stress at home or at work. Having trouble relaxing or falling asleep. Being easily agitated or being a bit sensitive to criticism.
Women with ADHD are more likely to develop coexisting mood disorder such as depression, and they could be more difficult to establish friendships. They may also have problems with intimate relationships that lead to a higher incidence of violence between intimate partners and a higher risk of alcohol abuse.
It can be difficult for girls and women to receive a proper ADHD diagnosis due to the fact that symptoms in women and girls differ from those in males and boys. Health care providers must be aware of these differences in order to provide a correct diagnosis. This means identifying certain traits, such as an individualized manifesting symptom, difficulty in social relationships, a tendency to develop strategies to deal with inadequacies and performance issues, and the coexistence of depression and anxiety. It is also essential to think about the impact of a woman's hormone levels on her symptom manifestation.