Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Dr. Frank says that the symptoms of ADHD in women who are typically more difficult to identify than men, as women develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms. Fortunately, lifestyle changes and medication can improve their quality of life and functioning.
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
ADHD symptoms for women can include having trouble keeping track of time and appointments, snagging items or being easily distracted. Women can also struggle with forgetfulness and procrastination and also working or studying in an environment that is noisy or crowded. They often have trouble with interpersonal skills, such as interrupting others and blurting out remarks that later become regrettable.
Unlike boys and men, women with ADHD tend to be better in hiding their symptoms. They can develop healthy coping mechanisms that include having a regular schedule or using phone reminders for important occasions. These strategies of coping might not be sustainable over time and are insufficient to cope with the complexity of daily life. In addition, their symptoms may be exacerbated by co-existing conditions like depression and anxiety.
Many people with ADHD also exhibit an impulsivity and hyperactivity. In adults, these symptoms are less obvious and could only affect certain areas of their lives, like social or work 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 who suffer from mild or moderate ADHD don't have major problems in their jobs or relationships, however they struggle to stay organized and have a difficult in executing their commitments. They may have issues with household chores, finances or schoolwork, and are overwhelmed by their obligations. Those with severe symptoms experience a lot of disruption in their daily lives and can have trouble keeping a job or maintaining relationships.
2. Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD often have trouble organizing their work, home, and personal things. They can also lose track of important things such as their wallets, keys, eyeglasses, and cellphones. They are also prone to lose their temper and becoming easily distracted by their thoughts and activities. The difficulty they have in getting their tasks completed and following instructions also affects their academic performance as well as their work performance. relationships.
Women cover up their symptoms by with their emotions in order to justify their behavior. This makes it difficult to recognize and treat. For example, a woman might feel low self-esteem or anxiety as an explanation for her forgetfulness and inattention. She may also blame relationship issues or other complaints (such as headaches and nausea) on the stress of daily life or hormonal changes (e.g. perimenopause, menopause).
Untreated ADHD can cause serious problems. Girls and women with ADHD may be more likely to engage in sexual activity during adolescence due to their impulsivity, issues with interpersonal boundaries and lack of planning. Self-medicating with alcohol and drugs could be more prevalent. Inattention could lead to delays in appointments with doctors and procedures. They may have disordered eating habits or a high BMI. They could also be prone to unhealthy strategies for coping like shopping too much, nail-biting and skin picking.
The most effective method to determine ADHD is through an extensive assessment by an expert in mental health or health care provider. The specialist will also inquire with the patient about their emotional and physical well-being. They might also suggest tests in the lab or an interview. Many adults are shocked find out that they've suffered from a mental illness for a long time.
3. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to have more trouble controlling their impulses than men, and this may cause problems such as self-injury, alcohol or substance addiction, or other mental health issues. It can also cause issues with relationships, since the inability to control or be impulsive can cause confusion and conflicts with family, coworkers, and friends.
The term "impulsivity" refers to an urge to speak loud, purchase something on impulse, and act without considering the consequences. Remember that acting in an impulsive manner does not necessarily mean you're an unfit person. Some people need more time to think before they act. It's important to talk to your doctor and get checked for ADHD if you notice that your symptoms are becoming more severe.
Women suffering from ADHD often have trouble managing their emotions. This can cause depression or other mental health problems. Depression symptoms are difficult to spot in women, because they may resemble other health problems such as insomnia or a persistent headache. Some women with ADHD are reluctant to seek help due to the fact that they think their symptoms are the result of low self-esteem.
It's important to realize that sex is a distinct concept than gender, and that your internal sense of identity isn't dependent on the biological characteristics that determine whether you are a woman, a man or nonbinary. However, many people with ADHD have difficulty identifying with their gender and this can lead to feelings of shame and desperation. The stress of not being treated for ADHD can exacerbate these feelings and can lead to the loss of support from family or colleagues.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they can have difficulties juggling adult obligations. This can lead to problems at school or work and can cause tension in relationships with friends, family, and romantic partners. Women with ADHD might also have difficulty managing their finances or their home, and may be at risk of neglecting health-related concerns like regular checkups and exercises. They may also have trouble dealing with negative emotions such as depression and anxiety.
ADHD symptoms for women include being unable to remember things, losing things, being easily distracted, having difficulty working with others, or feeling overwhelmed by work. They are also more likely to experience mood-related issues like low self-esteem, low self-confidence, or physical complaints such as headaches or abdominal pain.
It is essential that women are aware of their symptoms and receive a diagnosis. It is also beneficial to talk to a mental health professional about their difficulties and develop strategies for coping with ADHD. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help, for instance, to alter negative thinking patterns and increase the ability to cope. 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. These symptoms can change during transitional times such as puberty or pregnancy. They can change as a result of hormonal treatments during menopausal. This is due to hormonal fluctuations, and the fact that women have a bigger hippocampal region that is a major factor in memory and education. Women are also more adept in masked ADHD symptoms than men, and this makes it more difficult to establish a diagnosis. It is possible to live an enjoyable and joyful life with ADHD despite these difficulties.
5. Anxiety
Although it can be a challenge for women with ADHD to admit they suffer from anxiety issues, obtaining an assessment and finding the appropriate treatment can make their lives so much better. It can also assist women to understand their behavior and how it affects other people.
Anxiety may be a significant symptom of ADHD in adults women and it may look like:
Distraction, like daydreaming or appearing to be distracted. Making mistakes that are not made. Avoiding difficult or boring tasks. Focusing problems at school or at work. Not remembering or being late for appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed in crowds, or when under pressure at home or at work. Finding it difficult to relax or fall to sleep. Being easily agitated or overly sensitive to criticism and rejection.
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from a mood disorder that is co-existing, like depression. They may also find it difficult to make friends. They may also have problems with intimate relationships, which can lead to a higher incidence of intimate partner violence and a higher risk of alcohol abuse.
Women and girls may be unable to obtain a precise ADHD diagnosis due to the fact that their symptoms are different from those of boys and men. Health care providers must be aware of these differences in order to arrive at a precise diagnosis. This involves identifying specific characteristics such as a distinct symptom-profile, difficulty in social relations, a tendency for strategies to disguise issues with performance or underachievement, and the coexistence between depression and anxiety. ADHD symptoms female adults is also important to think about the impact of a woman's hormone levels on the symptom profile she displays.