Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Dr. Frank says that the symptoms of ADHD in women who are more difficult to spot than men, as women have coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. Fortunately, lifestyle changes and medication can enhance their quality of life and function.
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
Symptoms of ADHD for women who are adults typically include difficulty keeping the track of time, missing appointments, misplacing objects or being easily distracted. Women may also struggle with forgetfulness, procrastination and having difficulty working or studying in a noisy or crowded environment. They are often challenged with interpersonal skills, such as interrupting others and uttering statements they later regret.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more adept at masked symptoms than men and boys. They might come up with healthy strategies for coping, such as relying upon the daily schedule and using phone reminders to remind them of important events. These strategies of coping might not last long and are not sufficient to handle the demands of everyday life. In addition the symptoms of these disorders can be exacerbated by co-existing conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Many people suffering from ADHD exhibit hyperactivity or impulsivity symptoms as well. Adults may experience more subtle symptoms that are only affecting certain aspects of their lives like social interactions or work. 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 slow down, and may also have struggling to form and maintain friendships.
People who suffer from moderate to mild ADHD may not have major issues at work or in their relationships, but they have trouble being organized and executing on commitments. They may experience difficulties with finances, schoolwork, or household chores, and often feel a sense of being overwhelmed by the responsibilities they have to fulfill. Those with severe symptoms experience a lot of disruption in their day-to-day lives and can have trouble keeping a job or maintaining relationships.
2. Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD have a hard time organizing their work, home and personal items. They also tend to lose track of important things like keys, wallets eyeglasses, cell phones. They may also become easily distracted and lose their temper. Their inability to follow instructions and complete tasks negatively impacts their schoolwork, work and relationships.
Women mask their symptoms with their emotions in order to justify their behavior. This makes it difficult to recognize and treat. For instance, she may blame her forgetfulness or inattention on her low self-esteem and anxiety. She may also blame relationship issues or physical complaints (such as nausea and headaches) on the stress of everyday life or hormonal changes (e.g. perimenopause, menopause).
Untreated ADHD can cause serious problems. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD might be more likely to engage in sexual adolescence due to their impulsivity, difficulty with interpersonal boundaries, and lack of planning. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs could be more prevalent. Their lack of attention can result in missing appointments with doctors and procedures. They might have erratic and disordered eating habits or a higher BMI, and unhealthy coping habits, such as nail-biting, skin picking, compulsive shopping and excessive exercise.
A thorough assessment by a health care professional or mental health professional is the best method of diagnosing ADHD. In addition, to examine the patient's physical and mental health, the professional might seek feedback from close family members and friends. They might also suggest some tests in the lab or an interview. Being diagnosed can be a life-changing event for those who discover they have been struggling with an illness of the mind all along.
3. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult in controlling their impulses. This can lead to other problems like self-injury and drinking or using drugs. It can also cause problems in relationships as inattention and impulsive behavior could result in miscommunications or conflict with friends, family and colleagues.
The term "impulsivity" refers to the tendency to speak loud, buy something on impulse, and act without considering the consequences. Remember that acting impulsively does not necessarily mean you're an unfit person. Certain people require more time to think before they act. It's important to talk with your doctor and get tested for ADHD if you notice that the symptoms are becoming more severe.
Women who suffer from ADHD often have trouble controlling their emotions. This can cause depression, or other mental health problems. Symptoms of depression can be difficult to identify for women because they may resemble other health issues such as insomnia or a chronic headache. Some women with ADHD are reluctant to seek help because they believe that their symptoms are a result of low self-esteem.
It's important to realize that sex is an entirely different concept than gender and that your inner sense if identity is not affected by the biological traits that determine if you are a woman, man or non-binary. However, many people with ADHD struggle to identify with their gender and this can trigger feelings of desperation and shame. The stress of not being treated for ADHD can make these feelings worse and can lead to losing support from friends or family members.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD grow into women, they could have difficulty handling adult tasks and interactions. This can lead to problems at work or school, as well as strained relationships with family, friends and romantic partners. Women with ADHD might also have issues managing their finances or their home, and may be at risk of neglecting health-related issues such as regular checkups and exercises. They may also be struggling to cope with negative feelings such as anxiety and depression.
The signs of ADHD in adults women could include misplacing objects or not remembering appointments, being easily distracted by movement or noise, having difficulty working with others, or becoming overwhelmed by the demands of tasks. There are also mood-related symptoms like low self-esteem or low self-confidence.
It is crucial to recognize the signs and get an assessment. It is also helpful to speak to an expert in mental health about your difficulties and develop strategies to cope with ADHD. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help, for instance, to alter negative thinking patterns and enhance the ability to cope. Joining a women's group can also provide valuable information on living with ADHD and coping strategies for everyday life.
It is also important to note that women who suffer from ADHD may experience different symptoms than males, and they may differ during transitional times such as puberty, pregnancy, childbirth, or hormone treatments during menopausal. This is partly due to hormonal fluctuations and also the fact that females have a greater hippocampus, which plays a role in memory and learning. Women also have the ability to mask their ADHD symptoms better than men. This makes it difficult to receive a correct diagnosis. It is possible to lead an enjoyable and fulfilling life with ADHD despite these difficulties.
5. Anxiety
Although it can be a challenge for women suffering from ADHD to admit they have anxiety issues, getting a diagnosis and finding the right treatment for them can make their lives much better. It can also assist women to gain a better understanding of their behavior and how it affects other people.
Anxiety may be a significant symptom of ADHD in adults women and can manifest as:
Distraction, like being distracted or appearing distracted. Making Full Post that are not made. Avoiding difficult or boring tasks. Concentration problems at school or at work. Forgetting or being late to meetings and appointments. Feeling overwhelmed by the number of people around you or feeling pressured at work or home. Finding it difficult to relax or fall asleep. Being easily upset or sensitive to criticism and rejection.
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to have a mood disorder that is co-existing, like depression. They might also have difficulty to make friends. They may also experience issues in their relationships with family members that can result in an increase in the amount of violence between partners as well as substance abuse.
Girls and women may have difficulty getting a correct ADHD diagnose because their symptoms differ from the men and boys. Health care providers must be aware of these differences in order to make an accurate diagnosis. This includes identifying specific characteristics, such as the presence of a distinct symptom profile, difficulty with social relationships and a tendency to create strategies to deal with underachievement and performance problems and the coexistence of depression and anxiety. It is also crucial to think about the impact of a woman's hormone levels on the symptom profile she displays.