symptoms of adhd nhs of ADHD in Adult Women
Girls and women can both suffer from ADHD. While men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more frequently however, it is also feasible for women to suffer from the disorder. But stereotypes, prejudices regarding referrals, internalized symptoms, and the presence of comorbidities may make it difficult for them to be properly evaluated and treated.
Many women come up with strategies to mask their ADHD symptoms and conform to social expectations, but these strategies can be unsustainable and unhealthy. Here are some of the most commonly reported symptoms of ADHD in women of adulthood.
1. Unfocused attention
Women suffering from ADHD can be prone to feel overwhelmed by daily tasks. They often struggle to keep track of numerous deadlines, emails, and meetings. They may also be more likely to miss important appointments or events. They may also have difficulty concentration in noisy or busy surroundings. This can result in missed opportunities and lower level of productivity.
These challenges can lead to frustration for many people with adhd symptoms adults. They may believe that they reflect of their own performance or of themselves. Many adults with ADHD end up having low self-esteem and a negative perception of their body. They may also be struggling with maintaining stable relationships and establishing efficient coping strategies. In some cases, they use unhealthy coping strategies like excessive drinking or drug use. This can make it harder for others to recognize that they’re struggling, and can delay a diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD can be especially sensitive to criticism and failure which can cause them to internalize their issues and have difficulty seeking help. They may also experience relationship problems and struggle to find meaningful employment. They may also be more prone to anxiety, depression and mood fluctuations. In some instances these symptoms may cause the development of a mental health condition such as self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) which may be expressed through cutting, burning, or scratching.
ADHD is more common in men and boys, but symptoms can persist and impact all aspects of your life. It’s essential for women to recognize the symptoms and seek an evaluation from a health care professional. A correct diagnosis can lead to more manageable symptoms and an improved quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed, as if their lives are chaotic. They might miss deadlines at work or have trouble keeping up with the tasks at home or at work, such paying bills and making appointments. They may have a disorganized home and finances, and could struggle to maintain stable relationships and an employment.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can cause frustration and miscommunications in relationships between friends, partners and colleagues. These issues can result in strained or broken connections and feelings of loneliness. The inability to listen, forgetfulness, and a tendency to “zone out” in conversations can also contribute to misunderstandings and arguments with loved ones.
Signs of impulsivity, emotional dysregulation and mood swings are more prevalent in women with ADHD than men and can be extremely disruptive to personal and professional. Women with untreated ADHD might be overwhelmed by the demands of family, work, and society. They might also be sensitive to harsh criticism and harsh judgment.
There are methods to manage these symptoms. Treatment options for many adults include lifestyle adjustments, the use of specialized tools for organizing, as well as prescription stimulant medications.
Women who suffer from ADHD typically have a harder time than men to disguise their ADHD symptoms, and as a result, may go undiagnosed until the age of adulthood. They are more likely to be suffering from comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety, which can exacerbate the effects of untreated ADHD. Women can also have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships and a steady job, and can suffer from low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers a person’s biological makeup, chromosomes and hormones, and anatomy; gender refers to the internal feeling of self as a man, woman or nonbinary gender identity and mental health problems are usually diagnosed based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These feelings can become more severe if you are unable to keep on top of your daily activities and appointments. This can lead to health issues like missed appointments or late payments, and can even lead to debt. ADHD can cause emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness, which can lead to problems in relationships with family, friends, and coworkers.
Many women develop strategies to hide their symptoms. This could make it difficult for others to notice that they have difficulty staying organized and focused. These strategies for coping could be healthy, such as making a daily plan or a reminder on the phone or even unhealthy, such as drinking alcohol or taking drugs to function or cope. These strategies for coping can make women feel stressed and insecure, leading them to doubt their abilities and self-confidence. This can trigger feelings of depression or anxiety.
Women who suffer from ADHD may also feel that they don’t fit in or don’t meet social expectations. This can lead to anxiety and low self-esteem. They may also experience challenges at work, including difficulties with organizational skills, adherence to corporate policies, or adhering to a 9-to-5 routine. They may have difficulty managing their finances due to a lack of organization or impulsive spending. They may also struggle to keep up with work assignments or completing homework.
ADHD can be a long-lasting condition that requires ongoing support, particularly when it affects women and girls. Despite its prevalence it is poorly understood and not properly diagnosed. It is also undertreated. The lingering stigmas and referral biases internalized symptoms, comorbidities, and hormonal fluctuations all contribute to the unique symptom presentation of ADHD in females.
4. Impulsivity
Women suffering from Inattentive Adhd in women symptoms may have trouble controlling their emotions or impulses. They may become easily frustrated or excessively 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 cues. 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 maintaining friendships or making new connections because they struggle to keep their promises and commitments.
Women tend to be better at building coping mechanisms that aid in reducing their ADHD symptoms, so it’s harder for them to get diagnosed than men are. For instance, they could develop routines to help them keep track of their time or use apps to remind them of their appointments. They may also alter their behavior to fit in with norms and expectations set by society. They may also try to hide their symptoms with alcohol or drugs. This could have serious health consequences over time.
Some people suffering from ADHD do not completely overcome the symptoms. About 60 percent of women who suffer from ADHD in their childhood have the condition until they reach adulthood, compared to 30% of males.
Professional treatment may be beneficial for those who do not see relief from medications or lifestyle changes. There are a variety of options available, including life coaching, career coaching, and counseling, as well as medications such as stimulants. Exercise is a great way to improve your mood and increasing your energy. It releases neurotransmitters that boost motivation and focus. It can also ease anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotions
Women and girls with ADHD are frequently affected by emotional reactivity. They may have trouble regulating their emotions and communicating them in a proper manner. This can lead to frustration for themselves as well as others. A person with ADHD may get angry when a friend critiques them however she may not be able to calm down to discuss the issue in a rational way. It is also possible that she struggles to “pause her reaction” by identifying body cues like flushed skin or a short breath that indicate she is overexcited or overwhelmed.
This inability to regulate their emotions can lead to more frustration and miscommunications in relationships, and can make those with ADHD more prone to depression or anxiety. It can also cause problems when it comes to social interactions, because it is difficult to discern other people’s moods and detect social cues.
In certain situations, ADHD people may appear in a way that they are emotionally detached and not interested in their friends or loved one even though they are concerned about them. In some cases, they may avoid situations that trigger strong emotions in order to avoid experiencing them.
The nature of women’s symptoms can make it easy for healthcare professionals to overlook the symptoms of ADHD. Women often hide their ADHD symptoms and when they do show up they are more likely to be misdiagnosed as anxiety or mood disorders. It is advisable to consult a mental health specialist who has worked with girls and women with ADHD when you’re experiencing these symptoms. They can confirm your experience, teach you strategies such as self-awareness or pacing, and also provide you with psychoeducation for your family members to help you identify and address any future ADHD symptoms of adhd in older adults.