Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Dr. Frank says that the symptoms of ADHD in women who are more difficult to spot than in men, since women have coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. Fortunately lifestyle changes and medications can improve their lives and performance.
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
The signs of ADHD in adults women often involve trouble keeping the track of time, missing appointments, misplacing items or becoming easily distracted. Women may also experience procrastination, forgetfulness and difficulty working or studying in a noisy, crowded environment. They are often challenged with interpersonal skills, such as interrupting others and uttering remarks that later become regrettable.
As opposed to males and boys who suffer from ADHD tend to be more adept in masked symptoms. They might develop healthy coping strategies, such as relying upon a daily schedule and using phone reminders to remind them of important events. However, these strategies aren't sustainable in the long run and do not suffice to manage the complexity of real life. In addition, their symptoms could be exacerbated by co-occurring disorders like depression and anxiety.
Many people suffering from ADHD have impulsivity or hyperactivity symptoms as well. In adults, these symptoms are more subtle and may only affect a few areas of their lives, like work or social interactions. Those with a hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may experience frequent fidgeting, talkativeness or trouble sitting still during conversations. They might also have a hard time relaxing or finding a way to calm down, as well as having difficulty in forming and maintaining friendships.
People who suffer from mild or moderate ADHD don't have major problems in their jobs or relationships, but they have trouble staying well-organized and have a tough to keep track of their commitments. They may experience difficulties with finances, schoolwork or household chores and often experience an overwhelming feeling by their responsibilities. In severe cases, the condition can cause disruptions to a person's daily life. They may also have difficulties maintaining relationships or holding a job.
2. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD have a hard time organizing their work, home and personal items. They can also lose track of important things like their keys, wallets eyeglasses, cell phones. They may also become easily distracted and lose their temper. Inability to follow instructions and complete tasks affects their academic performance, as well as their relationships.
Women often cover up their symptoms by using their emotions as an excuse for their behavior, making it harder to get diagnosed and treated. For example, she might blame her forgetfulness or inattention on her low self-esteem and anxiety. It is also possible to blame relationship issues or somatic complaints (such nausea and headaches) on the stress of everyday life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g. menopausal or perimenopausal).
If not treated, ADHD can lead to serious issues. Girls and women with ADHD might be more likely to engage in sexual activity during adolescence due to their impulsivity, difficulty with interpersonal boundaries and lack of organization. Self-medicating using alcohol and other drugs may be more common. Their inattention can lead to delays in appointments with doctors and procedures. They may have disordered eating habits or an elevated BMI. They could also be prone to unhealthy ways of coping, like shopping too much, nail-biting and skin picking.
The best way to diagnose ADHD is through an exhaustive assessment by an expert in mental health or health care professional. In addition to looking at the patient's physical and mental well-being, the doctor may ask for feedback from family members and friends. They may suggest lab tests or a diagnosis interview. Many adults are surprised to learn that they have been suffering from mental illness for years.
3. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to have more trouble controlling their impulses than males, and this could contribute to problems like self-injury or alcohol or drug addiction, or other mental health issues. This can cause issues in relationships, since forgetfulness and impulsive behavior can lead to misunderstandings or conflicts with family, friends and colleagues.
Symptoms of impulsivity include scribbling things out, buying something on a whim, and jumping in before thinking about the consequences. Remember that acting in an impulsive manner does not necessarily mean you're an unfit person. Certain people require more time to think before acting. But, it's a good idea to consult your doctor about this and to get checked for ADHD particularly when you start to notice that the symptoms are getting more severe.
It is also normal for women with ADHD to have trouble managing their emotions, and this 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 because they believe that their symptoms are a result of low self-esteem.
It is crucial to realize that sex and gender are different concepts, and that the biological traits that determine if you're a man, woman or a nonbinary person do not influence your personal identity. However, many people with ADHD have trouble identifying with their gender, which can cause feelings of shame and desperation. This can be made worse by the anxiety of living with untreated ADHD and can lead to an absence of support from a professional or personal perspective.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they may experience difficulties handling adult obligations. This could lead to issues at work or school and tensions with family, friends, and romantic partners. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have trouble managing their finances or home, and they may be at risk of neglecting health-related issues such as regular checkups and exercises. They may also have trouble dealing with negative emotions such as depression and anxiety.
The signs of ADHD in women of all ages could include misplacing objects or forgetting appointments, being easily distracted by movement or noise, having difficulty working with others, or becoming overwhelmed by the demands of tasks. They may also be more likely to experience mood-related symptoms such as low self-esteem, low self-confidence, or physical complaints such as headaches or abdominal pain.
It is important to recognize the signs and get an assessment. It's also beneficial to speak with a mental health professional about their issues and devise strategies to cope with ADHD. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can, for example, help to alter negative thinking patterns and improve coping skills. In addition the joining of a women's support group can provide valuable advice about living with ADHD and strategies for coping with daily life.
It's important to note that women with ADHD might have different symptoms than men. These symptoms can change in transitional periods like puberty or pregnancy. They can also change in response to menopausal hormone treatments. inattentive ADHD in adults symptoms is due to hormone fluctuations and the fact that females have a larger hippocampal area, which plays a part in memory and learning. Women can also mask their ADHD symptoms better than males. This can make it difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis. It is possible to live an enjoyable and fulfilling life with ADHD despite these challenges.
5. Anxiety
It can be hard for women with ADHD to admit that they suffer from anxiety issues, but obtaining the right diagnosis and treatment can make a a huge difference in their lives. It can also help them comprehend their behavior and how it affects others.
Anxiety is a common indicator of ADHD in women who are adults and it can look like:
Difficulty staying focused or on task, daydreaming or seeming to be distracted. Making mistakes that are not made. Avoiding tasks that require concentration or can be boring. Trouble focusing at school or work. Not remembering things or being late for appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed by crowds or when under stress at home or at work. Finding it difficult to relax or fall asleep. Being easily disturbed or being too sensitive to criticism.
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from an underlying mood disorder such as depression. They might also have difficulty to make friends. They may also experience difficulties in their relationships with family members that can result in an increased rate of violence between partners and drug abuse.
Girls and women can be unable to obtain a precise ADHD diagnose because their symptoms are different from the symptoms of men and boys. Health professionals must be aware of these differences to provide a correct diagnosis. This means identifying certain traits, such as the presence of a distinct symptom profile, difficulty with social interactions and a tendency to create strategies to cope with underachievement and performance problems, and the coexistence of anxiety and depression. It is also essential to think about the impact of a woman's hormone levels on the symptom profile she displays.