Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women

Women and girls can have ADHD. While both men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more often however, it is also feasible for women to be affected by the condition. But lingering stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptoms and comorbidities make it harder for them to get properly assessed and treated.

These strategies could be harmful and not sustainable. Here are a few of the most commonly reported symptoms of ADHD in women who are adults.

1. Unfocused adult symptoms of ADHD suffering from ADHD tend to feel overwhelmed by daily tasks. They often struggle to keep track of multiple deadlines, emails, and meetings. They are also more likely to miss important events or appointments. They may also struggle to concentrate in noisy or crowded environments. This could cause them to miss out on opportunities and produce lower quality work.

For many adults suffering from ADHD, these challenges can feel like an aspect of their personality or performance, and can cause frustration. Many people with ADHD end up having an unsatisfactory self-image and a negative image of their body. They may also struggle to maintain stable relationships and come up with effective strategies to cope. In some cases, they turn to unhealthy coping strategies like excessive drinking or drugs. This could make people less likely to recognize their problems and delay diagnosis.

Adults with ADHD can be especially sensitive to failure and criticism which can cause them to internalize their difficulties and struggle to get assistance. This is why they may have relationship difficulties and have difficulty finding meaningful work. They may also be more prone to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In some instances, these symptoms can result in the development of a mental health problem such as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which could be expressed through cutting, burning or scratching.

ADHD is more common among men and boys, but symptoms can persist and impact many areas of your life. It’s essential for women to recognize the signs and seek a thorough assessment from a health care professional. A positive diagnosis can lead to better management of symptoms and a higher quality of life.

2. Disorganization

Women suffering from ADHD report feeling overwhelmed as if they are in chaos. They may fail to meet deadlines for work or struggle to keep up with household or work tasks, such paying bills and scheduling appointments. Their finances and home may be messy and they may find it difficult to maintain good relationships and a stable job.

Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms can heighten frustration and misunderstandings in relationships with friends, partners and colleagues. These issues can cause strained or broken connections and feelings of isolation. The inability to remember, the difficulty in listening and the tendency to “zone out” or to not pay attention, can cause misunderstandings with loved ones.

Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from symptoms of impulsivity, emotional instability, and mood swings. These can cause disruption both in their professional and personal lives. Women with untreated ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the demands of work, family, and society. They may also be sensitive to criticism and harsh judgment.

The good news is that there are options to control the effects of these symptoms. Treatment options for many adults include lifestyle adjustments, the use of specialized tools for organizing, as well as prescription stimulant medications.

Women with ADHD might be able cover up their ADHD symptoms better than men and can result in an undiagnosed condition until adulthood. They are more likely to be suffering from comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression that can increase the effects of untreated ADHD. Women can also struggle to keep their relationships stable and secure and suffer from low self esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers a person’s genetic makeup, chromosomes and hormones, and anatomy; gender refers to the internal perception of self as a woman, man or a nonbinary gender identity and mental health issues are often diagnosed on the basis of both.

3. Anxiety

Women who suffer from ADHD are at risk of developing depression and anxiety. These moods can be made worse by the inability to keep track of appointments and daily tasks that can cause health issues like missed appointments, late payments and even debt. ADHD can lead to emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and forgetfulness, which can lead to problems in relationships with partners, friends and colleagues.

Many women develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms that can make it difficult for others to see that they struggle to stay focused and organized. These strategies of coping can be healthy, such as creating a daily schedule or a reminder on the phone or even unhealthy, such as relying on drugs or alcohol to cope or function. These strategies for coping can cause women to feel anxious and unsure which can cause them to doubt themselves and their abilities. This can trigger feelings of depression or anxiety.

In addition, women who suffer from ADHD often experience a sense of not being accepted or meeting the expectations of society, which can lead to low self-esteem and a sense of frustration. They may also experience issues at work, such as difficulties with organization abilities, adhering 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. Also, they might be struggling to complete homework assignments or other work.

ADHD is a long-lasting condition that requires constant assistance, particularly when it affects women and girls. Despite its prevalence yet, it is often undiagnosed, misunderstood, and not treated. Lingering stereotypes as well as referral biases, internalized symptoms, comorbidities, and hormonal fluctuations all contribute to the unique symptom-based presentation of ADHD in females.

4. Impulsivity

Women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions or impulses. They might become easily frustrated or overwhelmed, lose track of time, or be late to events. They may also have difficulty reading body language or recognizing social signals. This can cause problems at work or in relationships. For example, they might be easily entangled in arguments or spend too much time on hobbies and interests that aren’t very important to them. They might also have trouble keeping relationships or forming connections due to their inability to keep their promises and commitments.

Women are more adept at forming coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult for them to diagnose. For instance, they could develop routines to help them keep track of their time or use apps to remind them of appointments. They could also alter their behavior to conform with the norms and expectations of society. They may even try to hide their symptoms using drugs or alcohol. This can have negative health effects over time.

Many people with ADHD outgrow their symptoms, but there are some who don’t. About 60 percent of women with ADHD during childhood continue to suffer from the condition until adulthood, as opposed to 30% of males.

Professional treatment can be beneficial for those who do not find relief from medication or lifestyle changes. There are a variety of options, like career coaching, counseling, and life coaching. You can also consider taking stimulants. Exercise is also beneficial to boost your mood and boost your energy levels. It releases neurotransmitters that boost motivation and focus. It can help ease anxiety and stress.

5. Reactivity to emotional stimuli

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often afflicted by emotional reaction. They may have difficulty regulating their emotions and expressing them appropriately. This can cause frustration for themselves as well as others. A person suffering from ADHD may become angry when a friend critiques them, but she might not be able to calm down to discuss the matter in a rational manner. It is also possible that she struggles to “pause her reaction” by identifying body cues like a flushed face or a short breath that suggest she is stressed or overwhelmed.

This issue with regulating emotions can lead to confusion and frustration, and can make people with ADHD prone towards depression or anxiety. It can also cause issues when it comes to social interactions, because it can be difficult to read other people’s moods and detect social cues.

In certain instances, people with ADHD might appear to be emotionally detached and disinterested in their friends or loved ones, even when they really are concerned about them. In other instances, they may withdraw from situations that trigger them to avoid feeling a strong emotion.

Gender bias is a frequent feature of medical professionals and the effects of ADHD on women are often overlooked due to the nature of their symptoms. Many people disguise their ADHD symptoms when they do appear, they’re more likely to be interpreted as anxiety or mood-related and thus misdiagnosed. It is advisable to speak with an expert in mental health who has experience working with girls and women with ADHD when you’re experiencing these symptoms. They can help you validate your experiences, show you how to use strategies such as self-awareness and pacing, and provide family psychoeducation which can help you understand how to recognize and respond to your ADHD symptoms in the near future.