Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
While boys and men are more frequently diagnosed with ADHD but girls and women can also have it. But lingering stereotypes, referral biases internalized symptoms and comorbidities make it harder for them to get properly evaluated and treated.
Many women devise coping strategies to cover up their ADHD symptoms and meet societal expectations, but they can be unhealthy and unsustainable. Here are a few of the most commonly reported symptoms of ADHD in women of adulthood.
1. Unfocused attention
Women suffering from ADHD are susceptible to feel overwhelmed by daily tasks. They often have a difficult time to keep track of many deadlines, email notifications 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 can cause them to miss out on opportunities and work that is less than satisfactory.
These challenges can lead to frustration for many adults with ADHD. They may feel that they reflect of themselves or their performance. They can often end up with a low self-esteem and negative body image. They may also have difficulty to maintain relationships and develop effective strategies for coping. In some cases they may resort to unhealthy coping behaviors, such as excessive alcohol or drugs. This can make it difficult for others to see that they're struggling, and can delay the diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD can be especially sensitive to failure and criticism which can cause them to internalize their difficulties and struggle to get help. They might also be afflicted by issues with relationships and may find it difficult to find a meaningful job. They may also be more susceptible to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In certain instances these signs can lead to the development of a mental health issue such as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which can be manifested through burning, cutting, or scratching.
Although it's more common in men and boys to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms can last into adulthood and impact various aspects of life. Women should recognize the signs and seek out an evaluation by a medical professional. A positive diagnosis can lead to better-managed symptoms and a higher quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD often report feeling overwhelmed and feel like their lives 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. Their home and finances could be cluttered and they may have a difficult time to maintain good relationships and a stable job.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms can heighten frustration and miscommunications with partners, friends and colleagues. These problems can lead to fractured or even strained relationships and feelings of loneliness. Inattention, forgetfulness, and the tendency to "zone out" or not pay attention, may lead to misunderstandings with loved ones.
Symptoms of impulsivity, emotional dysregulation and mood swings are more frequent among women suffering from ADHD than in men, and can be highly disruptive to both personal and professional. Women with untreated ADHD can feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities and expectations of family, work, and society, and might be more sensitive to harsh criticism or harsh judgment.
There are methods to manage these symptoms. Treatment options for adults include lifestyle adjustments as well as the use of specific organization tools, and prescription stimulant drugs.
Women who suffer from ADHD may be able to cover up their ADHD symptoms better than men and can result in being undiagnosed until later in life. They are more likely to suffer from comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression which can exacerbate the effects of untreated ADHD. Women also have a difficult time trying to keep their relationships stable and secure and suffer from low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to the person's genetic makeup, chromosomes, hormones and anatomy; gender refers to the internal perception of self as a woman, man or a nonbinary gender identity and mental health issues are usually diagnosed based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from depression and anxiety. These emotions may be exacerbated by the inability to keep on top of the daily schedule and appointments that can cause health problems such as missed health check-ups, missed payments, and even debt. The emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness associated with ADHD can also lead to problems with relationships with colleagues, partners, and friends.
Many women develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms and make it harder 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 function or cope. These coping strategies can trigger an unhealthy cycle of self-doubt and stress for women, which makes them feel they are not successful or productive, which could add to feelings of anxiety and depression.
Women with ADHD may also feel that they don't fit in or don't meet social expectations. This can lead to frustration and low self-esteem. They might also experience difficulties at work, such as difficulties in establishing organizational skills adhering to company policies or adhering to a routine 9-to-5 work schedule. They may be struggling with managing their finances due to impulsive and disorganized spending, or they might struggle to complete work-related assignments or completing homework.
ADHD can be a lifetime condition that requires ongoing support, especially when it affects women and girls. Despite its prevalence, it is still misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and not treated. Remaining 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 might have difficulty controlling their emotions or impulses. They may become easily frustrated or excessively excited, and may lose track of time or be late for an event. They may also have difficulty reading body language and picking up social cues. This can lead to problems at work or with relationships. They could be susceptible to arguments or spend too much time in pursuits and hobbies that are not important to them. They might also have trouble maintaining relationships or creating new connections due to the fact that they struggle to follow through on promises and commitments.
Women are generally better at building coping mechanisms that help them mask their ADHD symptoms, so it's more difficult for them to be diagnosed than men. They might, for example develop routines to aid in staying organized or utilize apps to remind them of their schedules. They could also alter their behavior to fit in with societal expectations and norms. ADHD in adult men symptoms may also try to hide their symptoms with drugs or alcohol. This could lead to negative health effects over time.
Many people suffering from ADHD overcome their symptoms, but others don't. About 60% of women suffering from ADHD during childhood will suffer from it throughout their adulthood. This is compared to 30% of men.
For those who don't get relief from lifestyle changes or medication, professional treatment can be beneficial. There are many options available, including counseling, career coaching, and life coaching. You can also take stimulants. Exercise is also beneficial to boost your mood and increase your energy levels. It releases neurotransmitters to boost motivation and focus. It can reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotions
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often have trouble with emotional hyperactivity. They may find it hard to regulate their emotions and express them appropriately, which can cause frustration with themselves and others. For instance, a woman with ADHD may become angry when her spouse criticizes her, but she might not be able to settle down and talk about the issue in a rational way. She might also be unable to "pause her reaction" by identifying body signals such as flushed skin or breath shortness which indicate she is either overstimulated or overwhelmed.
This issue with regulating their emotions can cause more stress and misunderstandings in relationships and it can make people with ADHD more susceptible to anxiety and 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 cases, ADHD people may appear in a way that they are emotionally detached and not interested in their friends or loved one even though they care about them. In some instances they may avoid situations that trigger strong emotions to avoid feeling them.
The nature of women's symptoms can make it easy for clinicians to overlook 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. If you're struggling with these symptoms, it might be helpful to seek a mental health professional experienced in working with girls and women who have ADHD. They can validate your experience, teach you strategies such as self-awareness or pacing, as well as provide you with psychoeducation for your family members to help you identify and address any future ADHD symptoms.