Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
While men and boys are diagnosed far more often with ADHD but girls and women can also have it. But persistent stereotypes, referral biases internalized symptoms and comorbidities make it difficult for them to be evaluated and treated.
Many women come up with strategies to hide their ADHD symptoms and meet societal expectations, but these 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 with ADHD are often overwhelmed by daily tasks. It can be difficult for them to keep the track of deadlines, emails, and meetings. They may also be more likely to overlook important appointments or events. They may also struggle to concentrate in noisy or busy environments. This can lead them to miss opportunities and lower quality work.
These issues can cause frustration for many people with ADHD. They may feel that they are a reflection of themselves or their performance. Many people with ADHD experience an unsatisfactory self-image and a negative view of their body. They may also be struggling to maintain stable relationships and develop effective strategies for coping. In some cases they resort to unhealthy strategies for coping that include excessive drinking or drug use. This could make others less likely to recognize their issues and delay a diagnosis.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often sensitive to criticism or failure. This can lead them to internalize the problem and make it difficult for them to seek assistance. In the end, they may experience relationships and have trouble finding work that is meaningful. They may be more susceptible to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In some instances, these symptoms can cause the development of a mental health issue such as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which could be manifested through burning, cutting or scratching.
While it's more prevalent in men and boys to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms can persist into adulthood and impact various aspects of life. Women must recognize the symptoms and seek out an evaluation by a health professional. A correct diagnosis can lead to better control of symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD often report feeling overwhelmed and like their lives are in chaos. They may miss deadlines or have difficulty to manage work or household tasks, such as paying bills and keeping track of appointments. Their finances and their home could be cluttered, and they may struggle to maintain good relationships and a stable job.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can cause frustration and confusion in relationships between partners, friends and colleagues. These problems can lead to fractured or even strained relationships and feelings of isolation. The inability to listen, forgetfulness and a tendency "zone out" in conversations can also cause misunderstandings and arguments with loved ones.
adult male ADHD symptoms of impulsivity, emotional dysregulation and mood swings are more prevalent in women with ADHD than men and can be disruptive to personal and professional life. Women with untreated ADHD might feel overwhelmed by the demands of family, work, and society. They may also be sensitive to criticism and harsh judgment.
The good news is that there are solutions to manage the impact of these symptoms. Treatment options for adults include lifestyle changes as well as the use of specific organization tools, and prescription stimulant medications.
Women who suffer from ADHD may be able to hide their ADHD symptoms better than men which could lead to an undiagnosed condition until adulthood. They are more likely to suffer from comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety that can increase the effects of untreated ADHD. Women may also struggle to keep stable relationships and jobs and be afflicted by low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to a person's chromosomes and hormones; gender refers to the internal perception of oneself as a man woman, a nonbinary, or other gender identity. Mental health conditions are often diagnosed based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women who have ADHD are more susceptible to anxiety and depression. These feelings can be exacerbated when you're unable to keep track of your daily tasks and appointments. This can cause health problems such as missed checkups or payments that are late, or even debt. ADHD can trigger emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and forgetfulness which can lead to relationships problems with friends, partners and colleagues.
Many women develop coping strategies to hide their problems and make it harder for others to recognize that they have trouble staying focused and organized. These coping strategies may be healthy, like creating an annual schedule or establishing phone reminders or they may be unhealthy depending on alcohol or drugs to help them manage or overcome their challenges. These coping strategies can trigger a cycle of self-doubt and anxiety for women, which makes them feel like they are not doing enough or productive, which could cause anxiety and depression.
In addition, women with ADHD often feel a sense of not being accepted or meeting societal expectations and this can lead to low self-esteem and a sense of frustration. They might also experience difficulties at work, including difficulties with organization skills and adhering to corporate guidelines or sticking to a regular 9-to-5 schedule. They may have difficulty managing their finances due in part to disorganization or an impulsive spending. Or, they may be struggling to complete homework assignments or other work.
ADHD can be a lifelong condition that requires constant assistance, particularly when it affects women and girls. Despite its prevalence it is undiagnosed and misunderstood. It is also undertreated. Lingering stereotypes as well as referral biases, internalized symptoms, comorbidities, and hormonal fluctuations all contribute to the distinctive symptom manifestation of ADHD in females.
4. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD can have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be easily annoyed or excited, lose track of time, or be late to events. They might also have difficulty reading body speech or recognizing social cues. This can cause issues 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 might also have trouble maintaining relationships or making new connections because they struggle to stick to promises and commitments.
Women are more adept at developing strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for them to be diagnosed. They could, for instance create routines to assist them in staying organized, or use apps to remind themselves of their appointments. They might change their lifestyle to conform to social expectations and norms. They might even hide their symptoms by using alcohol or drugs to manage with their symptoms, which could have serious health consequences in the end.
Many people who suffer from ADHD outgrow their symptoms, but some do not. About 60% of women with ADHD in childhood will suffer from it into adulthood. This compares to 30% of males.
Professional therapy can be beneficial for those who do not experience relief from medication or lifestyle changes. There are a variety of options available, including career coaching, life coaching, and counseling, together with stimulants and medications. Exercise is an effective method of improving your mood and increasing your energy. It releases neurotransmitters that boost motivation and attention. It can also reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Emotional reactivity
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often have trouble with emotional reaction. They may have trouble regulating their emotions and expressing them appropriately. This can cause frustration for both themselves and others. For instance, a woman with ADHD may become angry when her partner criticizes her, but she may not be able to calm down and discuss the issue in a more sensible manner. She may also struggle to "pause" her reaction by recognizing bodily signals that indicate she's getting overexcited or overwhelmed like flushing skin or breath shortness.
This difficulty regulating their emotions can lead to more frustration and misunderstandings in relationships, and can make those with ADHD more prone to anxiety or depression. It can also cause problems with social interactions because it's difficult to gauge people's moods or pick up social cues.
In some cases, people who suffer from ADHD might appear emotionally distant and uninterested in their family or loved ones, even if they really are concerned about them. In certain situations, they may avoid situations that trigger strong emotions to avoid feeling them.
Gender bias is a frequent feature of medical professionals, and the effects of ADHD on women are often overlooked due to the nature of their symptoms. Many people disguise their ADHD symptoms, and when they do manifest they are more likely to be interpreted as anxiety or mood-related, and therefore misdiagnosed. It's a good idea to speak with a mental health specialist who has worked with women and young girls with ADHD when you're experiencing these symptoms. They can help validate your experiences, guide you how to use strategies such as self-awareness and pacing and provide psychoeducation for your family that can help you learn to recognize and respond to your ADHD symptoms in the future.