ADHD Symptoms in Adult Women
Women who suffer from ADHD experience significant problems with their relationships, health and work. Recognizing the symptoms and obtaining treatment is the first step towards getting the help they require.
ADHD symptoms in women vary depending on hormonal fluctuations like menopausal, pregnancy, and menstrual cycle. These changes can cause emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood swings.
Lack of Focus
Finding it difficult to stay focused is a common symptom of adhd in women who are older. It is important to keep in mind that a lack of focus could be a sign of another problem, such as stress or health issues. It can also be a side effect of some medications. A doctor can help find the right combination of treatment and medication to control ADHD symptoms.
Women who suffer from ADHD typically have a difficult to stay on the right track due to their monthly hormone fluctuations. The natural drop in progesterone, estrogen and testosterone before each period can cause ADHD symptoms to become worse. In this period women may notice that they struggle to keep their appointments, and remembering to pay bills or finish tasks in a timely manner. Women who are distracted at school or work and are easily distracted by their surroundings or conversations. Some women struggle with organization and are at risk of losing or misplacing things. Some people may have a difficult to make decisions and frequently switch topics during conversations or become emotional over small things.
ADHD is not recognized in a lot of women despite it being more prevalent for both men and boys. This is likely because females often are more hesitant about admitting they suffer from ADHD than their male counterparts. Women can also cover up their symptoms by taking alcohol or other drugs in excessive amounts. This can make it difficult for others to discern that there is a problem, and delay a diagnosis.
Other symptoms of ADHD include impulsivity, and difficulty with organization. Often, people with ADHD are unable to focus and paying attention to the smallest details particularly in noisy environments or when their surroundings are noisy. They may also have trouble keeping track of instructions, staying on time and getting enough restful sleep.
These symptoms can lead to problems with relationships and can affect performance at school or at work. They can also increase the chance of having an unwanted pregnancy or engaging in risky sexual activities. Additionally, women who suffer from ADHD frequently experience sensitization to rejection, and could be more susceptible to anxiety, depression eating disorders, mood swings and other mental health issues.
Trouble following through on tasks
Women who suffer from ADHD might struggle to complete tasks they start, and they can fall behind in work or at school. They might be unable to remember appointments, forget deadlines, and have a difficult to stay organized. They can't remain still, particularly in noisy or crowded settings. They are often characterized by the "thousand yard stare." They can be described as not paying attention during conversations, zoning out or going on an errand.
Researchers believe that, despite the fact ADHD symptoms are not gender specific women and girls aren't diagnosed. It could be because they are more adept at hiding their symptoms and they are able to hide them from detection. It could be due gender stereotypes or gender bias, which causes girls and women with ADHD to hide symptoms or attribute them to mood or anxiety. Additionally, girls and women with the inattentive-type subtype of ADHD may have difficulty to receive a diagnosis or treatment by healthcare professionals.
Inattentional symptoms are most frequent among women suffering from ADHD and include difficulties concentrating on tasks or keeping on top of things; issues focusing during conversations and frequent misplaced objects, like keys or remote control; difficulties in completing tasks at work or in school; and a propensity to forget deadlines or appointments. Other signs of inattention ADHD include being restless or impulsive and having difficulty staying on task in classes or at work and a tendency to take risks like driving too fast or disregarding the safety rules at home.
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to struggle with managing their emotions in adulthood. More methods are more likely to have trouble relaxing and are at a higher risk of developing depression, low self-esteem and chronic stress. These issues with emotional health can affect relationships and work performance. Women with ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual activity earlier than their peers. They could also be at a greater risk of having unwanted pregnancy or being forced into unwelcome sexual activity.
Some people find that medication and lifestyle changes are the best ways to control ADHD symptoms. Others may benefit from working with a professional or receiving counseling. For instance, coaching can help them develop behavioral strategies to help with managing time and organization. They also can help in obtaining jobs or navigating the workplace. A therapist may offer therapy for depression or anxiety that is associated with ADHD.
It is difficult to make New Friends
Women with ADHD find it more difficult to establish new friendships and build lasting relationships than those who do not have the disorder. The main reason for this is the sensitivity to rejection that is the intense emotional response to real or perceived social rejection. Women who suffer from ADHD also tend to have a harder time understanding social signals and can be unable to discern the emotions of others which could cause them to become more sensitive and easily upset or frustrated.
The symptoms of ADHD in adults can vary at different times of life, depending on factors such as hormonal changes. Women suffering from ADHD may find that their symptoms are less severe during menstrual cycle or pregnancy. They may be able to observe that their symptoms become more severe at certain seasons like during menopausal cycles or when they experience hot flashes.
In addition, the inattentive subtype of ADHD is more common in women than in men, and women are less likely to have hyperactive/impulsive or mixed symptoms. This can cause underdiagnosis and delay in treatment. Women with high-functioning ADHD might hide their symptoms by putting in more effort at work or school, making it harder for others to recognize.
ADHD can also cause problems in relationships with family members as well as romantic partners. Symptoms include difficulty listening to others, inability to follow directions, and forgetfulness. In addition, women with ADHD have a greater tendency to engage in sexually risky behaviors, including early sex as well as more casual or unprotected sex, and more sexually transmitted diseases than women who don't suffer from the disorder. This is because they think of sexual intimacy as a means to get the attention and approval they require to feel valued.
In addition to medication for ADHD, many women with ADHD also benefit from regular exercise which can help control mood and reduce impulsivity and restlessness. A healthy diet, which includes whole grains and vegetables can also aid in improving ADHD symptoms. Incorporating meditation into your everyday routine can help to calm your body and mind to clear your mind of distracting thoughts and control impulsive behavior. You can also find it helpful to discuss your experiences with a professional counselor who can assist you in determining the connection between your ADHD and your coping strategies.
Trouble managing emotions
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have a difficult time managing their emotions than men. When they feel anger or sadness they can react quickly and with greater intensity than other people. This can have a negative effect on their relationships. It is also typical for women with ADHD to have difficulty understanding body communication or detecting social signals. For instance, they may interrupt their friends in conversations, be late to events, or not understand the mood of others and react in anger.
The good news is that there are ways to enhance your ability to manage your emotions. One method is to be able to recognize when you're starting to feel overwhelmed. If you feel stressed, try implementing a pausing behavior like breathing deeply or counting the time before deciding to act. This can slow down the speed of your reaction and help you deal with the situation with a clear mind.
Another strategy is to utilize positive self-talk, and to concentrate on your strengths. You can also take part in calming activities to control your emotions, such as mindfulness, yoga, and meditation. Exercise is another effective method to control your emotions. It releases neurotransmitters, which improve concentration and focus. It can also help to reduce anxiety and stress.
While women with ADHD are more likely to receive an diagnosis than men, they usually aren't diagnosed due to social expectations and stereotypes regarding gender and behavior. They may also hide their symptoms to be accepted and enjoy the best life possible which makes it difficult for others to realize that they suffer from ADHD.
Find treatment and support for ADHD symptoms. There are many strategies that can make a difference in your life. If you're not getting the help you need then you should think about talking to your employer or school about accommodations. Based on the accommodations available in your region, they could be required by law or offered upon request. Here, we use the term “women” to include those who were assigned gender of female at birth, and those with an affirmed gender identity. We use the term "men" for men/people who were born male. This helps avoid confusion and is more in line with research.