Watch Out: How Symptoms Of ADHD In Adult Women Is Taking Over And What You Can Do About It
Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women While boys and men are more frequently diagnosed with ADHD, women and girls are also susceptible to it. But persistent stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptoms and comorbidities make it difficult for them to get properly assessed and treated. Many women come up with strategies to hide their ADHD symptoms and to meet social expectations, but these strategies can be unsustainable and unhealthy. Here are a few of the most commonly reported symptoms of ADHD in women who are adults. 1. Unfocused attention Women suffering from ADHD are susceptible to feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks. It is often difficult for them to keep track of deadlines, emails, and meetings. They may also be more likely to miss important appointments or events. They might also have trouble staying focused in noisy or crowded surroundings. This could cause them to miss out on opportunities and lower quality work. These challenges can cause frustration for many adults with ADHD. They may feel that they are a reflection of their own performance or of themselves. Many people with ADHD experience an unsatisfactory self-image and a negative perception of their body. They may also have difficulty maintaining stable relationships and establishing efficient coping strategies. In some instances, they resort to unhealthy strategies for coping that include excessive drinking or drug use. This can make others less likely to recognize their issues and delay a diagnosis. Adults with ADHD are often sensitive to criticism and failure, which can cause them to internalize their difficulties and have difficulty seeking help. This is why they may experience issues with relationships and may have a difficult time finding meaningful work. They could also be more prone to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In some cases, the symptoms can lead to a mental condition, such as non-suicidal self-harm (NSSI) which can be exhibited through cutting or burning. While it's more prevalent in males and boys to be diagnosed with ADHD The symptoms can last into adulthood and can impact multiple areas of life. ADHD and adults symptoms must recognize the symptoms and seek a diagnosis from a healthcare professional. A correct diagnosis can result in more manageable symptoms and an improved quality of life. 2. Disorganization Women suffering from ADHD often complain of feeling overwhelmed and like their lives are a mess. They may miss work deadlines or have difficulty keeping the track of their household or work tasks like paying bills or making appointments. They may be disorganized with their home and finances, and may struggle to maintain stable relationships and an employment. Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can cause frustration and miscommunications in relationships between friends, partners and coworkers. These issues can result in strained or broken connections, and feelings of loneliness. The inability to remember, the difficulty in listening and the tendency to “zone out”, or stop paying attention, can cause misunderstandings with loved ones. Signs of emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and mood swings are more common among women suffering from ADHD than men, and can be highly disruptive to both your personal and professional. Women with untreated ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the demands of work, family, and society. They might also be sensitive to criticism and harsh judgment. There are methods to manage these symptoms. Treatment options for adults include lifestyle adjustments, the use of specialized organization tools, and prescription stimulant medications. Women who suffer from ADHD typically have a harder time than men to conceal their ADHD symptoms and, as a result they are often not diagnosed until adulthood. They are also more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders, like depression and anxiety, which can compound the effects of untreated ADHD. Women may also have trouble maintaining healthy relationships and a stable job, and can suffer from low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to the hormones and chromosomes. Gender is the internal belief in oneself as a man woman, a nonbinary, or other gender identity. Mental health issues are often diagnoses based on both. 3. Anxiety Women who have ADHD are at risk for depression and anxiety. These feelings can be exacerbated by the inability to keep on top of appointments and daily tasks that can cause health issues such as missing appointments, late payments, and even debt. ADHD can lead to emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and forgetfulness which can lead to relationships problems with partners, friends, and coworkers. Many women develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms, which can make it harder for others to recognize that they struggle to stay focused and organized. These strategies of coping can be healthy like making a daily plan or a reminder on the phone or even unhealthy, such as drinking alcohol or taking drugs to manage or function. These coping strategies can trigger an unhealthy cycle of self-doubt and anxiety for women, making them feel that they aren't successful or productive, which can cause anxiety and depression. Women with ADHD might also feel like they don't fit in or don't conform to social norms. This can lead to anxiety and low self-esteem. They may also encounter issues at work, like difficulties with organizational skills, following corporate policies, or adhering to a routine of 9-5. They may struggle with managing their finances due to disorganization and impulsive spending, or they might struggle to complete work-related assignments or finishing homework. ADHD can be a chronic condition that requires lifelong support, particularly when it affects girls and women. Despite its prevalence however, it's still undiagnosed, misunderstood, and untreated. The lingering stigmas and referral biases, internalized symptoms, comorbidities and hormonal changes all contribute to the unique symptom-based presentation of ADHD in females. 4. Impulsivity Women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty controlling their emotions or impulses. They may be easily annoyed or excited, lose track of time or be late for events. They may also have difficulties understanding body language and recognizing social cues. This can cause problems at work or with relationships. For instance, they may have a tendency to get into fights easily, or they may spend too much time in pursuit of hobbies and interests that aren't very important to them. They might also have trouble maintaining relationships or making new connections due to their struggle to stick to promises and commitments. Women tend to be better in developing coping mechanisms to can help them to manage their ADHD symptoms, which is why it's harder for them to get diagnosed than men are. They might, for example create routines to assist them in staying organized, or utilize apps to remind them of their schedules. They could change their behavior in order to conform to social norms and expectations. They may also try to hide their symptoms with drugs or alcohol. This can have grave health consequences in the long run. Some people suffering from ADHD do not completely overcome the symptoms. About 60% of women who have ADHD in childhood continue to suffer from the condition until adulthood, as opposed to 30% of men. Professional treatment can be beneficial for those who could not find relief from medication or lifestyle changes. There are many options available, including career coaching, life coaching, and counseling along with medications like stimulants. Exercise is also beneficial to boost your mood and boost your energy levels. It releases neurotransmitters to boost attention and motivation and can also ease anxiety and stress. 5. Emotional reactivity Girls and women with ADHD often have issues with emotional reactivity. They may have trouble regulating their emotions and communicating them in a proper manner. This can cause anger for themselves and others. For instance, a person with ADHD might become enraged when her partner is critical of her, but she might not be able to settle down and discuss the problem in a more rational manner. She also might struggle to “pause” her response by identifying bodily cues that she's overwhelmed or overexcited like flushing skin or a shortness of breath. This inability to regulate their emotions can cause more stress and misunderstandings in relationships, and it can make people with ADHD more prone to depression or anxiety. It can also cause problems in social interactions, since it can be difficult to read the mood of others and pick up on social cues. In certain situations, ADHD people may appear disconnected and uninterested in their friends or loved one even though they care about them. In certain situations they may avoid situations that trigger strong emotions to avoid experiencing them. The nature of women's symptoms can make it easy for healthcare professionals to overlook the effects of ADHD. Many women hide their ADHD symptoms, and when they do appear, they are more likely to be mistakenly diagnosed as depression or anxiety disorders. If you're experiencing trouble with these symptoms, it might be helpful to seek an expert in mental health who is experienced in working with women and girls who suffer from ADHD. They can help you validate your experiences, teach you how to apply strategies like pacing and self-awareness and provide psychoeducation for your family that can help you learn to recognize and address your ADHD symptoms in the future.