Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women<br /><br />While males and females are diagnosed far more often with ADHD however, girls and women may also be affected. However, stereotypes, prejudices about referrals, internalized symptoms, and comorbidities can make it difficult to get them properly assessed and treated.<br /><br />These strategies can be unhealthy and unsustainable. Here are some of the adult women's most commonly reported ADHD symptoms.<br /><br />1. Unfocused attention<br /><br />Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed by their daily tasks. They often have a difficult time to keep track of many deadlines, email notifications and meetings. <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.com/adult-adhd-symptoms">ADHD symptoms in adults quiz</a> are also more likely to forget important dates or events. They may also have difficulty to focus in noisy or busy environments. This can result in missed opportunities as well as a lower quality of work.<br /><br />These challenges can cause frustration for many adults suffering from ADHD. They may feel that they are a reflection of themselves or their performance. They often end up with a low self-esteem and a negative image of their body. They may also be struggling to maintain relationships and come up with effective strategies to cope. In some instances they will use unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive alcohol or drugs. This can make it harder for others to see that they're struggling, and can delay a diagnosis.<br /><br />Adults with ADHD are particularly sensitive to failure and criticism which can cause them to internalize their problems and have difficulty seeking help. This is why they may experience relationships and have trouble finding meaningful employment. They are also more prone to depression, anxiety, and mood swings. In some cases, the symptoms can result in a mental illness that is non-suicidal, like self-harm (NSSI), that can be expressed through cutting or burning.<br /><br />ADHD is more prevalent among males and females, however symptoms can last and affect all aspects of your life. It's essential for women to identify the signs and seek a thorough assessment from a health care professional. A correct diagnosis can result in better-managed symptoms and an improved quality of life.<br /><br /><br /><br />2. Disorganization<br /><br />Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed and feel as if their lives are in chaos. They may miss work deadlines or have trouble keeping track of household or work tasks like paying bills or scheduling appointments. Their finances and home may be cluttered and they may find it difficult to keep good relationships and a stable job.<br /><br />Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms can heighten frustration and miscommunications with partners, friends and colleagues. These problems can lead broken or stressed connections and feelings of loneliness. The inability to listen, forgetfulness and a tendency "zone out" in conversations could contribute to misunderstandings and arguments with loved ones.<br /><br />Women with ADHD are more likely to suffer from symptoms of emotional instability, impulsivity, and mood swings. These can cause disruption in their professional and personal lives. Women who are not treated for ADHD can feel overwhelmed by the demands and expectations of work, family, and society, and may be particularly sensitive to criticism or harsh judgement.<br /><br />The good news is that there are solutions to reduce the impact of these symptoms. Treatment options for many adults include lifestyle modifications, the use of specialized tools for organizing, as well as prescription stimulant medications.<br /><br />Women with ADHD tend to be more able than men to hide their ADHD symptoms and, as a result they are often not diagnosed until adulthood. They are also more likely to have co-occurring disorders, like anxiety and depression which can exacerbate the effects of untreated ADHD. Women may also have trouble maintaining healthy relationships and a steady job and are susceptible to low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to a person's chromosomes and hormones; gender refers the internal sense of oneself as a male woman, a nonbinary, or any other gender identity. Mental health issues are usually diagnosed in relation to both.<br /><br />3. Anxiety<br /><br />Women with ADHD are more susceptible to depression and anxiety. These feelings can become more severe when you're unable keep the track of your daily tasks and appointments. This can lead to health issues such as missed checkups or payments that are late, or even debt. ADHD can cause emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and forgetfulness, which can lead to relationships problems with partners, friends and colleagues.<br /><br />Many women develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms that can make it difficult for others to recognize that they have trouble staying focused and organized. These strategies for coping may be healthy, like creating an agenda for the day or setting phone reminders, or they could be harmful, such as relying on alcohol or drugs to help them perform or manage their issues. These coping strategies can lead to an unhealthy cycle of self-doubt and stress for women, making them feel they are not successful or productive, which can cause depression and anxiety.<br /><br />In addition, women who suffer from ADHD frequently feel the pressure of not fitting in or meeting societal expectations, which can lead to low self-esteem and frustration. They may also encounter challenges at work such as difficulty with organization skills and adhering to corporate guidelines or adhering to a routine 9-to-5 work schedule. They may be struggling with managing their finances, due to disorganization and impulsive spending, or they might struggle to complete work-related assignments or completing homework.<br /><br />ADHD can be a long-lasting condition that requires ongoing support, particularly when it affects women and girls. Despite the disorder's prevalence yet, it is often under-diagnosed, misunderstood and undertreated. The distinctive symptoms of ADHD in women are the result of stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptomatology, comorbidities and hormonal fluctuation.<br /><br />4. Impulsivity<br /><br />Women with ADHD can have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be easily annoyed or excited, lose track of time or be late for events. They may also have difficulty reading body language and picking up social cues. This can lead to problems at work or in relationships. They may be prone to arguments or spend too much time in pursuits and hobbies that are not important to them. They might also have trouble maintaining friendships or making connections because they are unable to keep their commitments and promises.<br /><br />Women tend to be better at building coping mechanisms that help them mask their ADHD symptoms, making it difficult for them to be diagnosed than men are. For instance, they could develop routines to help them remain organized or rely on apps to remind them of their appointments. They might also change their behavior to conform with the norms and expectations of society. They may even cover up their symptoms by using drugs or alcohol to cope, which can cause serious health issues in the end.<br /><br />Certain people with ADHD are not able to overcome the symptoms. About 60% of women with ADHD in their childhood will suffer from it until they reach adulthood. This compares to 30% of men.<br /><br />Professional therapy can be beneficial for those who do not see relief from medications or lifestyle changes. There are a variety of options, such as life coaching, career coaching, and counseling together with stimulants and medications. Exercise is a fantastic method to boost your mood and boosting your energy. It releases neurotransmitters that increase the ability to focus and motivate and can help ease anxiety and stress.<br /><br />5. Reactivity to emotions<br /><br />Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are frequently affected by emotional reaction. They may have trouble regulating their emotions and how they express them. This can lead to frustration for themselves as well as others. For example, a woman with ADHD may become angry when a friend critiques her, but she may not be able to settle down and talk about the issue in a more rational manner. It is also possible that she struggles to "pause her reaction" by recognizing body signals such as flushed skin or breath shortness that suggest she is stressed or overwhelmed.<br /><br />This issue with regulating emotions can lead to confusion and anger and make people with ADHD prone towards depression or anxiety. It can also cause issues in social interactions, since it can be difficult to read other people's moods and recognize social signals.<br /><br />In some cases, ADHD people may appear in a way that they are emotionally detached and not interested in their friends or loved one even though they care about them. In certain situations, they may avoid situations that trigger strong emotions in order to avoid experiencing them.<br /><br />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 manifest they are more likely to be misdiagnosed as anxiety or mood disorders. If you're struggling with these symptoms, it can be beneficial to talk to an experienced mental health professional who has experience in working with women and girls with ADHD. They can 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 respond to your ADHD symptoms in the future.<br /><br />