Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
While boys and men are more frequently diagnosed with ADHD but girls and women are also susceptible to it. But lingering stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptoms and comorbidities make it difficult for them to get properly evaluated and treated.
Many women develop coping strategies to hide their ADHD symptoms and conform to social expectations, but they can be unsustainable and unhealthy. Here are some of the most commonly reported symptoms of ADHD in women who are adults.
1. Unfocused attention
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed by the daily tasks. It is often difficult for them to keep the track of deadlines, emails, and meetings. They are also more likely to miss important appointments or events. They may also struggle to concentrate in noisy or crowded environments. This could cause them to miss out on opportunities and produce lower quality work.
These challenges can lead to frustration for many people with ADHD. They may believe that they are a reflection of their own performance or of themselves. Many adults with ADHD have a low sense of self and a negative image of their body. They may also be struggling to maintain stable relationships and develop effective strategies for coping. In some cases, they use unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive alcohol or drugs. ADHD in adults symptoms quiz can make it more difficult for others to see that they're struggling, and can delay a diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD are particularly sensitive to failure and criticism, which can cause them to internalize their difficulties and have difficulty seeking help. In the end, they may experience relationships and have trouble finding meaningful work. They are also more prone to depression, anxiety, and mood swings. In some cases, the symptoms can lead to a mental condition that is non-suicidal, like self-harm (NSSI), that can be expressed through cutting, burning or scratching.
ADHD is more common in both boys and men, but symptoms can persist and impact all aspects of your life. It is crucial for women to recognize the signs and seek a thorough examination from a medical professional. A proper diagnosis can lead to better management of symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD feel overwhelmed as if they are in chaos. They may miss work deadlines or have difficulty keeping track of the tasks at home or at work, such paying bills and scheduling appointments. They may have a disorganized home and finances, and could struggle to maintain stable relationships and work.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can cause frustration and miscommunications in relationships between partners, friends and coworkers. These issues can cause strained or even broken connections and feelings of loneliness. Inattention, forgetfulness and the tendency to "zone out" or not pay attention, may result in misunderstandings between loved ones.
Symptoms of impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and mood swings are more prevalent in women with ADHD than in men, and can be highly disruptive to both your personal and professional. Women who are not treated for ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the demands and expectations of family, work, and society, and may be particularly sensitive to criticism or harsh judgement.
There are ways to manage these symptoms. For many adults treatments include lifestyle adjustments and the use of specific organizational tools and prescription stimulant medications.
Women who suffer from ADHD typically have a harder time than men to hide their ADHD symptoms and, as a consequence they may not be diagnosed until the age of adulthood. They are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders, like depression and anxiety, which can compound the effects of untreated ADHD. Women may also struggle to keep their relationships stable and secure and can suffer from low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers a person's hormones and chromosomes; gender refers the internal sense of self-identity as a man, woman, nonbinary or another gender identity. Mental health issues are often diagnosed based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women with ADHD are at risk for anxiety and depression. These symptoms can be worsened when you're unable to keep the track of your daily tasks and appointments. This can cause health problems such as missed health checkups or late payments, and can even lead to debt. The emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness of ADHD can also create relationship issues with coworkers, partners and family members.
Many women develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms and make it difficult for others to see that they have trouble staying focused and organized. These strategies for coping could be healthy, such as setting up a daily schedule, or a phone reminder, or unhealthy, like drinking alcohol or taking drugs to manage or function. These coping skills can create an unhealthy cycle of stress and self-doubt for women, making them feel that they aren't successful or productive, which could increase feelings of depression and anxiety.
Additionally, women with ADHD frequently feel the pressure of not fitting in or meeting the expectations of society, which can lead to low self-esteem and a sense of frustration. They may also face challenges at work, including difficulties with organization skills, adhering to corporate policies or adhering to a routine 9-to-5 schedule. They may have difficulty managing their finances, due to impulsive and disorganized spending, or they may be unable to keep up with work-related tasks or completing homework.
ADHD is a long-lasting condition that requires constant support, particularly when it affects women and girls. Despite the disorder's prevalence, it is still misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and not treated. The distinctive symptoms of ADHD in women are a result of stereotypes and referral biases, as well as internalized symptomatology, comorbidities and hormonal changes.
4. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions or impulses. They may be easily annoyed or excited, lose track of time or be late to events. They might also have difficulty understanding body language or picking up on social signals. This can lead to problems at work or in relationships. For instance, they could get into arguments easily or spend too much time with hobbies and interests that aren't important to them. They may also have difficulty keeping relationships or forming 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 get diagnosed. They could, for instance create routines to assist them in staying organized, or utilize apps to remind themselves of their schedules. They may alter their lifestyle to conform to social norms and expectations. They might even hide their symptoms by taking alcohol or drugs to deal with their problems, which can cause serious health issues in the long term.
Some people with ADHD are not able to overcome the symptoms. About 60% of women with ADHD during childhood will have it into adulthood. This is in contrast to 30% of men.
Professional treatment can be beneficial for those who can not see relief from medications or lifestyle changes. There are many options available, like career coaching, counseling and life coaching. There are also stimulants. Exercise is also a great way to improve your mood and increase your energy levels. It releases neurotransmitters that boost the motivation and focus. It can also reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotional stimuli
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often struggle with emotional reaction. They may have a difficult time to regulate their emotions and express them appropriately and can cause anger with others and themselves. A person with ADHD might become angry when her partner criticizes them however, she may not be able to discuss the matter in a rational way. She also might struggle to "pause" her reactions by identifying bodily cues that she's getting overexcited or overwhelmed like a flushed skin or a shortness of breath.
This difficulty regulating their emotions can heighten frustration and misunderstandings in relationships and can make those with ADHD more susceptible to depression or anxiety. It can also cause issues when it comes to social interactions, because it is difficult to discern the mood of others and pick up on social signals.
In certain instances, people with ADHD may seem emotionally detached and uninterested in their family or loved ones, even when they truly love them. In other instances they might withdraw from situations that trigger them to avoid feeling an intense emotion.
The nature of women's symptoms could make it easier for doctors to ignore the effects of ADHD. Many of them camouflage their ADHD symptoms, and when they do appear, they're more likely to be interpreted as anxiety or mood-related, which can lead to misdiagnosis. If you're experiencing trouble with these symptoms, it can be beneficial to consult an experienced mental health professional who has experience in working with girls and women with ADHD. They can help you validate your experiences, guide you how to apply strategies such as self-awareness and pacing and provide psychoeducation for your family which can help you understand how to recognize and respond to your ADHD symptoms in the future.