ADHD in Adult Women Symptoms
Women with ADHD might find it difficult to receive the assistance they require. However, with medication and therapy, symptoms can be managed.
The symptoms include forgetfulness, restlessness and impulsivity, mood swings and difficulties keeping track of the daily activities. These symptoms can lead to unhealthy relationships, or co-occurring disorders like eating disorders.
1. Hyperfocus
Hyperfocus is the tendency of people with ADHD to be focused on one thing and ignore all other distractions. When used for tasks like writing or creating art, it can be a very useful skill. However, when it is extended to other tasks, like watching TV or interacting with social media, the results could be less productive. Hyperfocus is a symptom of ADHD that affects women and can cause issues at work as well as in their personal life.
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. Because of this, their ADHD symptoms can be more difficult to detect. They may not be capable of keeping track of their schedule or pay bills and may struggle to make and keep friends.
symptoms of ADHD in adults female can result in an inability to manage emotions, which often can make it difficult for women with ADHD to assert themselves or maintain healthy relationships at work or at home. Dysregulation of emotions is a primary sign of ADHD for women who are adults and can be exacerbated by hormonal changes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause.
If you go back to them, they might not understand what you are telling them. This can be frustrating to everyone involved. However, it is possible to devise strategies to assist you in letting go of your hyperfocus and take back control of your time. For instance, you could set an alarm clock for 15 minutes to remind you to stop wasting your time online or to switch between tasks while watching TV. A simple wiggle of the body can help get your attention back.
Some people suffering from ADHD find hyperfocus an extremely useful superpower, which can help them to accomplish incredible things like Olympic gold medals or major artistic projects. This is true only if the person can recognize their own impulsive behavior and learn to manage their attention and switch off hyperfocus if needed. This is difficult for many people who don't have a system that can hold them accountable and help them set realistic limits.
2. Procrastination
Women suffering from ADHD often find it difficult to begin tasks or work on projects. They tend to put off tasks until the last minute and then find themselves overwhelmed by their workload and find it difficult to motivate themselves to get started. They might also have a difficult time keeping track of time and often underestimate the time it will take to finish.
Procrastination is a common trait among many people however for those with ADHD it can trigger many issues. For example, it can make it difficult to manage your finances or to keep up with life admin tasks like registration for health services, booking doctor's appointments, or contacting friends in a timely manner. Stress and anxiety may also be the result, which can affect your health.
It is also possible that you have difficulty making plans for future events or doing your homework. You might get so engrossed in the details of planning that you fail to make any progress and end up not getting the task done at all. It is also possible that you struggle to keep in touch with family or friends or have trouble interpreting nonverbal cues from other people. You may be prone to talking too much, ramble off on tangents, or have difficulty understanding social boundaries.
Certain women who suffer from ADHD are unable to cope when it comes to forming relationships and making new acquaintances. They may also have trouble maintaining their jobs and keeping up with their household chores. They might be self-defeating and have difficulty being able to connect with other people. Some are unable to discern body language or recognize social signals. This could cause them to appear aloof and unapproachable.
While it's true that women who suffer from ADHD are less likely to be diagnosed than men, many women do experience the symptoms of the disorder. Some people have high-functioning ADHD. This is the case when the symptoms don't significantly impact their lives. Others may have mild or specific symptoms that only impact specific areas of their lives, such as work and school.
If you are a sufferer of ADHD, it's important to be aware that you can improve your performance by seeking treatment. Treatment choices include therapy and medication. There are also accommodations that you can ask for from your workplace or educational institution. They can assist you in managing your symptoms better and prepare you to be successful.
3. Impulsivity
Many people suffering from ADHD have trouble controlling their emotions, leading to impulsive behaviors which can lead to social issues. This can be manifested as a tendency to speak out in a way that is not thinking, purchasing things on impulse, or engaging in arguments. Those who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty learning to keep their place in conversations and often have trouble understanding social boundaries. This can cause relationship problems and an insecurity about themselves that can affect women's mental health.
This symptom is more common in adults with the inattentive type of ADHD. It can cause problems at work or school including not meeting deadlines, forgetting important dates and misplacing personal belongings. It can also lead to problems at home. For instance, it can make it difficult to complete household tasks or chores. Women who suffer from issues with impulsivity may end up feeling overwhelmed by everyday responsibilities and may feel like they're failing in life or aren't up to their peers.
Many people with ADHD cannot recognize their impulsive behaviors, however it is important to seek help if they exist. Requesting an evaluation from an therapist is a great option if you're experiencing mood fluctuation, low self-esteem or a lack in confidence that affects your daily life. You can also reach Salience to get an evaluation and treatment.
Traditionally, women and girls have been diagnosed with ADHD more often than boys. This isn't because they're more susceptible to the condition but because it's typically manifests differently in females. This means they're more likely to have a comorbid disorder, or develop strategies for coping that hide the symptoms. They're also more likely have difficulty in relationships, which can further reduce their awareness of their condition.
There are medications that can improve the quality of life of adult women with ADHD. There are stimulants, such as amphetamine, dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate salts and the lisdexamfetamine. Non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine or antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) are a possibility by people who are unable to take stimulants due to health issues or severe side-effects. Behavioral therapy, for example, group therapy or psychotherapy can be beneficial for certain.
4. Emotional Dysregulation
ADHD in women of adulthood is often associated with emotional dysregulation. This manifests as frequent and intense feelings that are out of proportion to the situation. Women who suffer from this condition typically have trouble managing their emotions. This can lead to an impulsive behavior that harms relationships and can hinder the progress of their careers. They may also struggle to recognize and express their feelings, which can cause them to be overwhelmed by their emotions.
ADHD symptoms adult female is often less recognized than impulsivity and hyperactivity in adults with ADHD. It may cause problems with self-control in conversations, speaking impulsively and interrupting others, as well as trouble understanding social boundaries, leading to problems like being impatient or interfering in the conversations of others and their activities. It can also be difficult to recognize and express emotions, like frustration or anger, as well as sadness, anxiety and depression.
Women who have emotional dysregulation frequently struggle to maintain relationships and work efficiently, making them more likely to experience stress, irritability, and low self-esteem. They are more likely to be suffering from anxiety and depression, which may also contribute to symptoms of ADHD. They are more likely to have multiple comorbidities, including bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. They may also suffer from anxiety and depression that can make treatment more difficult.
Because women with ADHD typically experience a variety of symptoms that overlap which makes them more difficult to recognize as compared to men who have the same symptoms. This is due to the fact that women are more likely to exhibit externalizing symptoms than men, which are more obvious to others. It is essential to determine the diagnosis of the patient by taking into consideration all symptoms, not only external symptoms.
Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a different concept. Sex refers back to a person's genetic makeup and chromosomal makeup while gender refers to the person's perception of themselves as a woman, man or a nonbinary gender. The male-to-female ADHD ratio is higher in the early years, but increases as you get older. Because of this, women suffering from ADHD often go undiagnosed. A diagnosis can help them better manage their symptoms improve their relationships, help them achieve success at home and at work and aid in letting them feel more fully.