Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
The signs of ADHD in women of all ages are more difficult to spot than in men because women tend to have coping mechanisms that mask their symptoms, says Dr. Frank. Fortunately lifestyle changes and medication 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
ADHD symptoms in women include difficulties in keeping track of time as well as a tendency to miss appointments, lose items, or becoming easily distracted. Women may also experience procrastination, forgetfulness and difficulty working or studying in a noisy or busy environment. Women are often struggling with interpersonal skills. They may interrupt others or make comments that they regret later.
Women who suffer from ADHD are better at masking symptoms than boys and males. 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 occasions. These strategies for coping may not last for long and may not be sufficient to cope with the complexity of everyday life. In addition, their symptoms could be exacerbated by co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Many people with ADHD have impulsivity or hyperactivity symptoms too. Adults may experience milder symptoms that are only affecting specific areas of their lives, such as social interactions or work. Those with a hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may experience frequent fidgeting, talkativeness or trouble sitting still during conversations. They may also find it difficult to relax or settle down. They may also struggle to make and keep friendships.
People with mild or moderate ADHD do not experience major difficulties in their careers or relationships, however they struggle to stay organized and have a hard in executing their commitments. They may have problems with finances, schoolwork, or household chores. They often experience feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities they have to fulfill. Those with severe symptoms are severely disrupted in their daily lives. They may have difficulty keeping a job or maintaining relationships.
2. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD struggle with organizing their work, home and personal items. They also tend to lose track of important things like their eyeglasses, wallets, keys and keys. They also are prone to lose their temper and becoming easily distracted by extraneous thoughts and activities. Their inability to follow instructions and complete tasks negatively impacts 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 instance women might experience low self-esteem or anxiety as the reason for her forgetfulness and inattention. She could also blame relationship issues or somatic complaints (such as nausea and headaches) on the stress of daily life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g. menopausal, perimenopausal).
If not treated, ADHD can lead to serious issues. Women and girls with ADHD might be more likely to engage in adolescent sex because of their impulsivity, difficulties with boundaries between people and lack of planning. They are more likely to turn to alcohol and drugs to self-medicate. Their lack of attention can result in missed doctor's appointments and procedures. They may have irregular and unbalanced eating habits or a higher BMI, and unhealthy coping behaviors, such as nail-biting, skin picking, compulsive shopping and excessive exercise.
The best way to diagnose ADHD is through an extensive evaluation by an experienced mental health professional or health care provider. In addition, to examine the patient's emotional and physical well-being, the professional may solicit feedback from close family members and friends. They may suggest lab tests or a diagnosis interview. Many adults are shocked to learn that they have suffered from a mental illness for years.
3. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD tend to have more difficulty controlling their impulses than men, and this can cause problems such as self-injury or alcohol or drug addiction, or other mental health issues. It can also cause problems in relationships, as forgetfulness and impulsive behavior can cause confusion or conflicts with friends, family and co-workers.
The signs of impulsivity are the tendency to blurt things out, purchasing something on impulse and then jumping into the purchase without contemplating the consequences. It's important to remember that acting impulsively isn't always an indication of a bad character, and some people require more time than others to think through their thoughts before deciding to act. It's still important to speak to your doctor and get checked for ADHD if you notice that the symptoms are getting worse.
It's also common for women with ADHD to have difficulty controlling their emotions, and this can result in depression and other mental health issues. The signs of depression are difficult to spot for women because they can look like other health issues such as headaches or insomnia. Some women suffering from ADHD find it hard to seek help since they believe their symptoms are a sign of low self-esteem or a flaw in their personality.
It's important to understand that gender and sexuality are two different concepts and that the physical characteristics that determine whether you're male, female or a nonbinary individual don't alter your personal identity. However, many people with ADHD have difficulty identifying with their gender and this can trigger feelings of guilt and despair. The anxiety of untreated ADHD can make these feelings worse and can cause a loss of support from friends or family members.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD grow into women, they could be unable to handle adult responsibilities and interactions. This could lead to issues at work or school and tensions with family, friends, and romantic partners. Women with ADHD may also have trouble managing their finances or their home, and could be at risk of ignoring health-related issues such as regular checkups and exercise. They may also have trouble managing negative emotions, such as anxiety and depression.
ADHD symptoms for women can include forgetting things, losing things, getting easily distracted, having trouble working with others, or feeling overwhelmed by tasks. They could also be more likely to suffer from mood-related issues like low self-esteem, low self confidence, or physical complaints such as headaches or abdominal pain.
It is crucial to recognize the signs and get a diagnosis. It is also beneficial to speak with a mental health professional about your difficulties and develop strategies to cope with ADHD. For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapy can help change negative thought patterns and enhance coping skills. A women's club can also provide valuable information on living with ADHD and coping strategies for everyday life.
It's important to note that women with ADHD may experience different symptoms from men. They can experience changes during transitional times like puberty or pregnancy. They can also change in response to hormonal treatments during menopausal. This is due to hormonal fluctuations, as well as the fact that women have a bigger hippocampal region that plays a crucial role in the development of memory and learning. Women are also more adept at masking their ADHD symptoms than men, and this can make it harder to get a proper diagnosis. It is possible to lead an enjoyable and fulfilling life with ADHD despite these difficulties.
5. Anxiety
It can be difficult for women with ADHD to admit that they suffer from anxiety issues, but obtaining the right diagnosis and treatment can make an enormous difference in their lives. It can also assist women to understand their behavior and how it affects other people.
Anxiety is a common indicator of ADHD in women who are adults and can manifest as:
Distraction, like daydreaming or appearing to be distracted. Making mistakes that are not made. Avoiding tasks that require concentration or can be boring. Problems with concentration at school or at work. Forgetting things or being late for appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed by the crowds or under pressure at work or at home. Having trouble relaxing or falling asleep. Being easily agitated or being too sensitive to criticism.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from an underlying mood disorder like depression. They might also have difficulty 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 percentage of alcohol abuse.
www.iampsychiatry.com can be challenging for women and girls to obtain a precise ADHD diagnosis as symptoms in women and girls differ from those in 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 that are more distinct, like a clear symptom-profile, difficulty in social interactions, a tendency for ways to cope with underachievement or performance problems, and also the relationship between anxiety and depression. It is also important to be aware of the effect hormone levels influence her symptoms.