ADHD Symptoms in Adult Women
Many women don't realize they are diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood. The symptoms can go unnoticed during childhood and the coping strategies they learned as children may not be as effective as adults.
Treatment options include stimulant medication and other treatments such as cognitive therapy for behavioral problems. Coaching and support groups are also available.
1. Inattentiveness
Women with inattentive ADHD struggle to stay focused, whether at school or at work. They might forget basic tasks or make mistakes that lead to frustration. They may also have difficulty working on long-term or complex projects, which can cause them to fall behind in their commitments. Symptoms of inattentive ADHD generally persist into adulthood, although the level of impulsivity and hyperactivity tends to decrease.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can be difficult to spot in girls and children who don't display the same obvious signs of impulsivity and hyperactivity as boys and kids born male (AMAB). This means that the disorder is often misdiagnosed as anxiety or depression in girls.
For women of adulthood who have been struggling with these symptoms their entire life, it's a tremendous relief to finally be diagnosed. This can help explain the challenges they have faced and validate their experiences and help them find successful treatment.
Distractibility, which can last into adulthood, is yet another symptom that can be caused by inattention ADHD. People with ADHD are easily distracted by other pursuits such as games on video or social media, and experience difficulties staying focused on the task at hand. They may also struggle to complete multi-step tasks such as writing reports or paying bills.
Attention-deficit ADHD is treatable with cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches skills for managing distractions, establishing and implementing schedules, and prioritizing tasks. Educating adult add symptoms about the condition, finding support groups, and making the necessary adjustments can be beneficial. A medical expert on Klarity can suggest various treatments which include medications that can help improve the quality of life for women suffering from inattentive ADHD. Getting guidance from an experienced professional can assist women to manage their symptoms and improve their everyday functioning, and reach their goals.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity is a concern for women suffering from ADHD. Restlessness, inability to stay still or play games, and difficulties completing tasks are all symptoms. They can speak or act before they've finished their sentence, and are often said to have "a thousand-yard stare." These issues can hinder school, work as well as family and friendships. It may take a while to get diagnosed with ADHD however, treatment can help improve your relationships and help you achieve the success you'll have in school or at work, and provide you with more insight into yourself.
Despite being more common than boys, very little research explores the effects of ADHD in females of all ages, who are cisgender. This is due to the fact that the scales used to measure ADHD symptoms are skewed towards male behavior and internalized emotions are difficult to quantify.
Women who suffer from ADHD may also experience problems with an impulsive nature, and may be unable to keep their commitments. Early sex initiation, lack of planning and an impulsive nature can make it easy for those with ADHD to engage in risky sexual activities. They are also more likely to contract sexually transmitted diseases or have unplanned pregnancy. They can also struggle with rejection sensitivity, which is an intense emotional response to actual or perceived rejection.
Managing ADHD symptoms can be difficult at any age. Women who suffer from ADHD can use a variety of strategies to manage their symptoms, from psychotherapy and medication to lifestyle changes. Joining a support group can be beneficial for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD. They can speak to others who are experiencing similar challenges. They can also hire an executive function coach to assist with their organization abilities and learn healthy ways to cope such as physical exercise. Adults suffering from ADHD may also want to think about participating in clinical trials that test new medications and treatment approaches. Visit the NIMH Clinical Trials page for more information.
3. Impulsivity
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD have a hard time controlling their behavior. This can result in lower self-esteem and tension in relationships. Their impulsive behavior can put them at risk for being forced into unwanted sexual activity, or becoming an intimate partner's victim violence.
Although impulsiveness is a component of all kinds of ADHD but it's more prevalent in the subtype of inattentive, which is the one that most people who suffer from ADHD get diagnosed with. Inattentive ADHD is characterized by racing or distracted thoughts that lead to forgetting appointments or details, and being easily distracted.
Inattentive ADHD is the most common type of adhd in adults but it can occur in teens and children. It's less common in the hyperactive/impulsive or mixed subtypes, which is why many girls and women with this condition go undiagnosed or get a misdiagnosis, even into adulthood.
The gender roles traditionally associated with gender could be the reason girls and women tend to hide their ADHD symptoms. It's accepted for boys to be reckless or be unorganized, which makes it harder for parents and teachers to spot girls' behavior problems.
Women suffering from ADHD are susceptible to a variety of other symptoms, such as mood swings and difficulties in social interactions. Their symptoms can vary daily based on their fluctuating hormones. They may be aggravated by, for example, the drop in estrogen levels after ovulation, or near menstruation. Additionally, an unbalanced, processed and a sugary diet can cause symptoms. They can also be affected by their pregnancies, breastfeeding, or changes in hormones that occur during menopausal.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to be chaotic, and this can be severe or mild. For instance, you might lose your keys frequently or spend a lot of time searching for them in your home. Your messy desk or bedroom make it difficult to find a place to work. It can also be difficult to keep track of your schedule and pay your bills.
Disorders can also affect your emotional wellbeing. You may be struggling to control your mood. This can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and feeling inadequate. Additionally, you could be at risk of impulsive behavior that could lead to relationship problems. This could include delaying tasks with a lot of details or putting off work until the last minute.
Your inability to stay organized could cause you to put off doing things that require effort. This could lead to the accumulation of unfinished tasks that can be stressful. Disorganization may also lead you to lose or forget important items like your wallet or medication. Disorganization is often blamed on stress or a stressful lifestyle, however ADHD can also be a cause.
Unorganizedness can also cause issues in your personal and professional relationships. For instance, you may not know how to respond to people's demands or even interrupt people in a way that is inappropriate. You might also find it difficult to manage your emotions, which may lead you to argue or feel resentful.
A diagnosis will help you gain knowledge about the symptoms you experience and how to manage them. It may be a relief to know that you are not the only one struggling with ADHD symptoms. You might be able to get treatment by your doctor or another health care professional like an ADHD coach or psychotherapy. You may also be able participate in trials. Clinical trials are research studies that focus on new methods to prevent, detect or treat illnesses and conditions. Learn more about clinical trials on the NIMH Clinical Trials page.
5. Indecision
Whether it's what to wear or the best place to eat dinner, those who aren't sure are often unable to make even the most small of decisions. Indecision can also affect bigger choices, like deciding on an occupation or buying a house. People who are unsure often feel that they are stuck in limbo, which can lead to anxiety and stress.
They might constantly weigh pros and cons, or ask for advice from others but their inability to choose a course of action may prevent them from taking a step forward. People who are unsure also have difficulty accepting the consequences of their choices. In the end, these behaviors can impact their health and wellbeing in significant ways.
Some people who are unsure might avoid making any decision and this can result in negative consequences for their life and relationships. They might not begin dating or apply for an employment opportunity because they are afraid of making the wrong choice. They may not even be able to purchase a house or car as they are unable to make the right choice.
Indecisiveness can have a significant impact on work productivity and productivity. Indecisive leaders have been shown to demotivate and stifle the morale of their teams. This can have an effect on other employees, and can then affect the entire organization.
There are several ways to help those who have difficulty making decisions overcome their uncertainty. For instance, they could practice mindfulness by focusing on the present moment. They can also learn how to trust their instincts. They can also seek advice from mental health professionals to pinpoint the thoughts and behaviors that prevent them from being able to make decisions.