ADHD in Adult Women Symptoms
Women with ADHD can struggle to get the help they need. However with therapy and medication the symptoms can be controlled.
Symptoms include restlessness, forgetfulness as well as mood swings, impulsivity and difficulties managing daily activities. These can result in unhealthy relationships and co-occurring disorders, such as eating disorders.
1. Hyperfocus
Hyperfocus is the ability of people with ADHD to concentrate on a single thing and avoid all other distractions. When it is used for tasks such as writing or making art, it can be an extremely useful skill. However, when it is extended to other activities, like watching television or using social media, the results can be less productive. Hyperfocus is a sign of ADHD that affects women and can lead to problems 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 might not be able to keep track of their bills or schedule, and they could be unable to keep and maintain friendships.
Hyperfocus can cause women suffering from ADHD to become unproductive or have unhealthy relationships at work or 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 or during pregnancy.
When you come 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. It is possible to develop strategies which will help you get out of the hyperfocus and gain control over your time. Set a 15-minute timer to remind yourself to stop wasting time on the internet or switch to another task when you're watching television. A simple wiggle of your body can help to regain your focus.
Some people suffering from ADHD find hyperfocus an extremely useful superpower, which can help them to accomplish incredible things like Olympic gold medals or other major artistic projects. But this is only true when they are able to recognize their own impulsive tendencies, and learn to control their attention, and are able to turn off their hyperfocus when needed. For most people, this will require an effective support system that is willing to hold them accountable and help them set realistic limits.
2. Procrastination
Women suffering from ADHD have difficulty beginning tasks or working on projects. They tend to put off tasks until the last minute and then feel overwhelmed by their work and have trouble motivating themselves to start. They may also have a difficult time keeping track of the time and often underestimate the time required to complete their tasks.
Procrastination is a common trait among many people, but for those with ADHD it can trigger a lot of problems. It can be challenging to keep up with administrative tasks like registering to health services, scheduling appointments with your doctor, or responding to your friends in a timely fashion. Stress and anxiety can also be a result, which affects your health.
You might also have trouble making plans for future events or with homework. You might get so engrossed in the details of planning that you fail to get anywhere and end up not getting the job done. It could be hard to communicate with family members and friends or to read nonverbal signals from others. You may be prone to talking too much or ramble on tangents, or have difficulty understanding the boundaries of social interaction.
Some women with ADHD are unable to form new friendships and forming relationships. They may also have difficulty working and completing their household chores. They might be self-defeating and find it difficult to get along with others. Some people have trouble reading body language or recognizing social cues, which can make them appear distant and inaccessible.
While it is 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 suffer from high-functioning ADHD, which is when symptoms don't substantially impact their lives. Some people experience mild symptoms or symptoms that only affect specific areas of their lives like school and work.
Those who have ADHD should be aware that they can improve their performance by seeking treatment. Treatment choices include therapy and medication. You can also request accommodations from your employer or the educational institution you attend. They can assist you in managing your symptoms better and prepare you to succeed.
3. Impulsivity
Many people with ADHD have difficulty controlling their emotions, which can lead to an impulsive behavior which can lead to social problems. This can manifest as blurting out things without thinking about it, buying things on impulse or getting into arguments with loved ones. ADHD sufferers can also have difficulty waiting for their turn and may not be aware of social boundaries. This can lead to relationship issues and an insecurity about themselves that can affect women's mental health.
This is a symptom that is especially frequent in adults suffering from the inattentive type of ADHD. It can lead to problems at school or work, such as missing deadlines, forgetting important events and misplacing personal belongings. It can also cause problems at home, like having difficulty completing chores or household chores, and having difficulty to get started or complete projects. Women who exhibit impulsive behavior might be overwhelmed by their daily responsibilities. They may feel that they are being a failure in their lives or that they don't measure up to others.
A lot of people with ADHD have trouble recognizing their impulsive signs, but it's important to get help if you suffer from these symptoms. Asking for an evaluation from a therapist is a good option if you're experiencing mood fluctuations, low self-esteem or a lack in confidence that affects your daily routine. You can also contact a Salience health provider to get an assessment and treatment.
Women and girls are diagnosed with ADHD less often than boys. This isn't due to them being less susceptible to the disorder, but because it typically presents differently in females. This means they're more likely to have an underlying disorder or develop strategies for coping that hide the symptoms. They're also more likely to be in relationships that are difficult, which can further decrease the awareness of their symptoms.
There are a variety of medications that can treat ADHD in women of all ages and improve their lives. There are ADHD in adults symptoms women as amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate salts and Lisdexamfetamine. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) can be used by those who are unable to take stimulants because of medical issues or severe side effects. Behavioral therapy, for example, group therapy or psychotherapy, is also effective for some.
4. Emotional Dysregulation
ADHD in adult females is often a result of emotional dysregulation. This manifests itself as frequent and intense feelings that are out of proportion to the situation. Women who suffer from this disorder struggle with managing their emotions, which can lead to impulsive behavior that damages relationships and careers. They may also be unable to express and recognize their emotions, which can cause them to be overwhelmed by their emotions.
The concept of emotional dysregulation is not as well known than hyperactivity and impulsivity in adults with ADHD. It can include trouble with self-control during conversations, impulsive speaking and interrupting others and having trouble understanding social boundaries, which leads to issues like being impatient or causing disruption to the conversations of others and their activities. It could also be an issue in identifying and expressing emotions such as anger or anger, as well as sadness, anxiety and depression.
Women who have emotional dysregulation could have difficulty maintaining relationships and functioning effectively. They are more likely to suffer from stress, irritability, and low self-esteem. They are also more vulnerable to depression and anxiety, which can cause symptoms of ADHD. They are more likely to suffer from multiple comorbidities, including bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder and/or depression and anxiety that can make treatment more difficult.
Because women who suffer from ADHD frequently experience a combination of symptoms that overlap and symptoms, they are more difficult to diagnose than those with similar symptoms. This is due to the fact that women tend to have fewer externalizing symptoms than men, and are more obvious to others. It is crucial to identify a patient by considering all symptoms, not just externalizing symptoms.
Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a distinct concept. Sex refers to a person's genetic makeup and chromosomal makeup while gender refers a person's sense of self as a woman, a man or nonbinary gender. The male-to-female ADHD ratio is higher in the early years, but increases with age. Women with ADHD are typically not diagnosed. A diagnosis can help them better manage their symptoms, improve their relationships, set them up for success at home and at work, and aid in letting them feel more fully.