ADHD in Adult Women Symptoms
Women with ADHD might find it difficult to get the help that they need. However through therapy and medication ADHD can be treated.
The symptoms include forgetfulness, restlessness, impulsivity, mood swings and difficulty in managing daily activities. These symptoms can result in unhealthy relationships or co-occurring disorders such as eating disorders.
1. Hyperfocus
For those with ADHD hyperfocus is the tendency to completely be absorbed in a task and avoid distractions. When it's used for tasks like writing or creating art, it can be a very useful skill. However, when it is extended to other activities, like watching TV or interacting with social media, the results can be less productive. Hyperfocus is a symptom of ADHD that affects women and can cause problems at work and in their personal lives.
Women may also experience the inattentive-type symptoms of ADHD (difficulty staying on task or forgetting important tasks) more than they do the hyperactivity/impulsive symptoms. Due to this, their ADHD symptoms can be more difficult to identify. They might not be able to keep track of their schedule or bills, and they might have trouble making and keeping friends.
Hyperfocus can lead women with ADHD to be unproductive or have unhealthy relationships at home or at work. The inability to regulate emotions can be an indication of ADHD for women. It is often caused by hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopausal.
If you go back to them, they may not be able to comprehend what you are talking about. This can be a source of frustration for everyone affected. But, it's possible to develop strategies that can help you snap out of your hyperfocus and take back control of your time. Set a timer for 15 minutes to remind yourself to stop wasting time on the internet or switching to a different task while you're watching television. A simple movement of the body can also help you get your attention back.
Some people suffering from ADHD find hyperfocus to be a useful superpower, helping them to accomplish incredible things such as Olympic gold medals or major artistic projects. But this is only true if they're able to recognize their tendency to be impulsive, learn to manage their attention, and are able to switch off their hyperfocus when necessary. For most people, this requires a good support system that is willing to hold them accountable and help them set realistic limits.
2. Procrastination
Women with ADHD often have difficulty to start tasks or work on projects. They tend to put off tasks until the last minute and then find themselves overwhelmed by their workload and have trouble motivating themselves to start. They may also have a difficult time keeping track of time and often underestimate the amount of work required.
Procrastination is a normal occurrence in many people, but for those with ADHD it can lead to a lot of problems. It can be challenging to keep up with your administrative tasks like making an appointment with health services, booking appointments with doctors, or responding to your friends on time. Stress and anxiety can also be a result, which impacts your health.
You might also have trouble planning for future events, or doing your homework. You might get so caught up in planning that it is difficult to make any progress. It is also possible that you struggle to stay in touch with your friends or family members or struggle to discern nonverbal cues from other people. You might be prone to talking too much and go off on tangents or struggle to understand the boundaries of social interaction.
severe ADHD symptoms in adults who suffer from ADHD are unable to form new friendships or forming relationships. They may also have difficulty managing their work and keeping up with their household chores. They may be low-self-esteemed and have difficulty being able to get along with others. Some people have trouble reading body language or interpreting social cues, which can make them seem aloof and inaccessible.
While it is true that women who suffer from ADHD are less likely to be diagnosed than men, a lot of women suffer from the ailment of the disorder. Some suffer from what's known as high-functioning ADHD which means that symptoms don't significantly interfere with their lives. Certain people suffer from mild symptoms or symptoms that affect only certain areas of their lives, such as school and work.
Anyone suffering from ADHD should be aware that they can improve their functioning by seeking treatment. Therapy and medication are two treatment options. You can also ask for accommodations from your employer or your educational institution. They can help you manage your symptoms better and prepare you to be successful.
3. Impulsivity
People with ADHD often have difficulty controlling their emotions. This can result in impulsive behavior that can cause social problems. This may manifest as a tendency to speak out in a way that is not thinking, purchasing things on impulse or getting into fights. The people who suffer from ADHD can also struggle to be patient in conversations and frequently struggle to comprehend social boundaries. This can cause women to experience issues with relationships and a lack of confidence which can impact their mental well-being.
This is a more frequent occurrence in adults with the inattention kind of ADHD. It can lead to problems at school or at work like missing deadlines, forgetting important dates, and losing personal belongings. It can also cause issues at home, like struggling to complete chores and household chores and having difficulty to start or finish projects. Women who struggle with impulse-driven symptoms may find themselves feeling overwhelmed by the demands of their daily lives and can feel like they're failing at life or not comparing to their peers.
Many people with ADHD aren't able to identify their impulsive behaviors, however it is important to seek help if they are present. If you're struggling with mood swings, poor self-esteem or a low self-confidence that is impairing your life, it's a good idea to consult an experienced therapist and ask for an evaluation. You can also speak with a Salience health provider for an assessment and treatment.
Traditionally, girls and women have been diagnosed with ADHD less than boys. It's not because girls or women are less prone to ADHD, but because the disorder typically manifests differently in women. This means that they're more likely to have an underlying disorder or develop coping strategies that mask the symptoms. They're also more likely to have difficulty in relationships and this can decrease their awareness of their symptoms.
There are medications that can treat ADHD in women of all ages and improve their quality of life. These include stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts (Adderall) and the lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulants like atomoxetine and antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) are a possibility by those who are unable to use stimulants due to health issues or severe side effects. Behavioral therapy, such as psychotherapy or group therapy, can also be effective for some.
4. Emotional Dysregulation
ADHD in adult females is often associated with emotional dysregulation. This manifests as intense and frequent feelings that are not proportional to the circumstances. Women who suffer from this disorder struggle to manage their emotions and can result in impulsive behavior that damages relationships and can hinder career growth. They may also have trouble recognizing and expressing their feelings and become overwhelmed by their emotions.
Adults suffering from ADHD are less likely to comprehend emotional dysregulation than impulsivity or hyperactivity. ADHD in adult men symptoms could be characterized by difficulties with self-restraint in conversations, speaking impulsively and interrupting others, as well as trouble understanding social boundaries, which can lead to problems like being impatient or causing disruption to other people's conversations or activities. It could also be a problem in expressing emotions, including anger and sadness, frustration, anxiety depression, and anxiety.
Women with emotional dysregulation frequently struggle to maintain relationships and work effectively, making them more prone to anxiety, stress, and low self-esteem. They are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety which can also contribute to the symptoms of ADHD. They are more likely to suffer from comorbid disorders such as borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression.
Women who suffer from ADHD frequently experience symptoms that overlap. This can make it more difficult to identify the condition than men with similar symptoms. This is partly because women are more likely to exhibit externalizing symptoms than men, which are more obvious to others. However, it is important to consider all the symptoms of a patient when diagnosing them, not just their externalizing symptoms.
Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a different concept. Sex refers back to a person's biology and chromosomal makeup, while gender refers a person's self-image as a woman, a man, nonbinary, or other gender. While the male-to-female ratio for ADHD is higher in childhood but the ratio is more equal as you get older. Because of this, women who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed. A diagnosis can help women better manage their symptoms and improve their relationships. It can also assist them to achieve the success they desire at work and home and also accept themselves more fully.