The Most Common Symptoms Of ADHD In Adult Women Debate It's Not As Black And White As You May Think

Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women

While males and females are diagnosed far more often with ADHD however, girls and women may also be affected. But stereotypes, prejudices regarding referrals and internalized symptoms as well as the presence of comorbidities may make it difficult for them to be properly evaluated and treated.

Many women develop coping strategies to mask their ADHD symptoms and to meet social expectations, but these can be unsustainable and unhealthy. Here are some of the most frequent symptoms of ADHD in women who are adults.

1. Unfocused attention

Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed by the daily tasks. They often struggle to keep track of many deadlines, emails, and meetings. They may also be more likely to forget important appointments or events. They may also have difficulty staying focused in noisy or crowded environments. This can lead them to miss opportunities and work that is less than satisfactory.

These challenges can cause frustration for many adults with ADHD. They may feel that they reflect of their own performance or of themselves. They may end up with a low self-esteem and negative body image. They may also have difficulty maintaining stable relationships and establishing efficient coping strategies. In some instances, they resort to unhealthy strategies for coping like excessive drinking or drug use. This can make others less likely to recognize their issues and delay a diagnosis.

Adults with ADHD are particularly sensitive to failure and criticism, which can cause them to internalize their issues and find it difficult to seek help. They might also be afflicted by relationship problems and struggle to find work that is meaningful. They may also be more susceptible to anxiety, depression and mood fluctuations. In some instances the symptoms can cause a mental disorder, such as non-suicidal harming oneself (NSSI) which could be exhibited through cutting or burning.

Although it's more common in boys and men to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms can last throughout adulthood and affect many aspects of life. Women should recognize the signs and seek a diagnosis by a medical professional. A correct diagnosis can result in better control of symptoms and an improved quality of life.

2. Disorganization

Women suffering from ADHD often report feeling overwhelmed and like their lives are chaotic. They may miss work deadlines or have difficulty keeping up with household or work tasks, such paying bills and keeping appointments. Their finances and their home could be messy and they may find it difficult to maintain good relationships and a stable job.

Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can cause more frustration and miscommunications between friends, partners, and coworkers. These problems can lead to broken or strained connections and feelings of being isolated. Inattention, forgetfulness and the tendency to "zone out", or stop paying attention, can also lead to misunderstandings with loved ones.

Symptoms of emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and mood swings are more common among women suffering from ADHD than in men and can be disruptive to personal and professional. Women with untreated ADHD can feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities and expectations of family, work and the society, and might be more sensitive to harsh criticism or harsh judgment.

There are ways to deal with these symptoms. For many adults treatments include lifestyle adjustments and the use of specially designed organizational tools, as well as prescription stimulant medication.

Women who suffer from ADHD typically have a harder time than men to hide their ADHD symptoms and, as a consequence, may go undiagnosed until they reach adulthood. They are also more likely to suffer from comorbid disorders, such as depression and anxiety which can exacerbate the effects of untreated ADHD. Women can also have issues maintaining healthy relationships and a steady job and may suffer from low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to the hormones and chromosomes; gender refers the internal sense of oneself as a man woman, woman, nonbinary or another gender identity.  ADHD symptoms adults male  are often diagnosed in relation to both.

3. Anxiety

Women with ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These feelings can be exacerbated due to the inability of keeping on top of appointments and daily tasks and can result in health problems such as missed health check-ups, missed payments or even debt. ADHD can trigger emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness which can lead to relationship problems with partners, friends and colleagues.

Many women develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms that can make it difficult for others to notice 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 harmful, like relying on drugs or alcohol to function or cope. These coping strategies can lead to an environment of self-doubt and stress for women, making them feel that they aren't successful or productive, which could increase feelings of anxiety and depression.

In addition, women who suffer from ADHD often experience a sense of not fitting in or meeting the expectations of society and this can lead to feelings of self-doubt and anger. They may also face challenges at work, such as difficulties in establishing organizational skills, adhering to corporate policies or sticking to a standard 9-to-5 work schedule. They may struggle with managing their finances due to impulsive and disorganized spending, or they could have difficulty keeping up with work-related tasks or completing homework.

ADHD can be a chronic condition that requires ongoing care, particularly when it affects girls and women. Despite its prevalence it is undiagnosed and misunderstood. It is also undertreated. The lingering stigmas as well as referral biases, internalized symptoms, comorbidities and hormonal fluctuations all contribute to the unique symptom-based presentation of ADHD in females.

4. Impulsivity

Women suffering from ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They may become easily frustrated or overly exuberant, and they may lose track of time or be late to events. They might also have trouble understanding body language and picking up social signals. This can cause issues at work or in relationships. They might be susceptible to arguing or spend too much time on interests and hobbies that are not important to them. They might also have trouble keeping friendships and making new connections because they struggle to keep their promises and commitments.

Women tend to be better at building coping mechanisms that help them mask their ADHD symptoms, which is why it's more difficult for them to be diagnosed than men. They might, for example develop routines to assist them in staying organized, or utilize apps to remind them of their schedules. They could also alter their behaviour to comply with societal expectations and norms. They might even attempt to conceal their symptoms by using drugs or alcohol. This could lead to grave health consequences in the long run.

Some people suffering from ADHD do not outgrow the symptoms. Around 60% of women with ADHD in childhood will continue to have it until they reach adulthood. This is compared to 30% of men.

If you're unable to get relief from lifestyle or medication professional help can be helpful. There are a myriad of options available, including life coaching, career coaching, and counseling as well as medications such as stimulants. Exercise is a great way to boost your mood and increasing your energy. It releases neurotransmitters to boost attention and motivation and can help ease anxiety and stress.

5. Reactivity to emotional stimuli

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are frequently affected by emotional reactivity. They may struggle with controlling their emotions and how they express them. This can lead to frustration for both themselves and others. A person with ADHD might become angry when her partner criticizes them, but she might not be able to calm down to talk about the issue in a rational manner. It is also possible that she struggles to "pause" her reaction by recognizing bodily signals that indicate she's feeling overwhelmed or stressed like a flushed skin or a shortness of breath.

This difficulty in regulating emotions can result in confusion and anger and make those with ADHD prone towards anxiety or depression. It can also lead to difficulties with social interactions since it is difficult to discern people's moods or pick up social cues.

In certain situations, ADHD people may appear disconnected and uninterested in their loved ones or friends even though they care about them. In some cases, they may avoid situations that trigger strong emotions in order to avoid feeling them.

The nature of women's symptoms can make it easy for healthcare professionals to overlook the effects of ADHD. Many people disguise their ADHD symptoms when they do manifest they are more likely to be interpreted as anxiety or mood-related and thus misdiagnosed. If you're struggling with these symptoms, it might be helpful to seek an experienced mental health professional who has experience in working with women and girls who suffer from ADHD. They can validate your experience, instruct you on strategies such as self-awareness and pacing, and provide you with psychoeducation for your family to help you identify and manage the upcoming ADHD symptoms.