ADHD in Adult Women Symptoms
Women with ADHD can struggle to get the help they need. Symptoms can be managed by medication and therapy.
The symptoms include forgetfulness, restlessness, impulsivity, mood swings and difficulties keeping track of the daily activities. These can cause unhealthy relationships and co-occurring disorders such as eating disorders.
1. Hyperfocus
For those with ADHD hyperfocus refers to the tendency to totally be absorbed in a task and avoid distractions. When used for tasks like writing or creating art, this is beneficial. However, when it is extended to other activities, such as watching television or using social media, the results could be less productive. Hyperfocus is a symptom of ADHD that affects women and can cause issues at work and in their private lives.
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. Due to this the female's ADHD symptoms may be harder to detect. They may not be able to keep track of their expenses or schedule, and may have difficulty making and keeping friendships.
Hyperfocus can cause an inability to manage emotions, which typically can make it difficult for women with ADHD to assert themselves or have healthy relationships at home or at work. The disorder of emotional regulation is a major indicator of ADHD in women of all ages and can be caused by hormonal changes during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy.
When you come back to them, they may not understand what you're saying. This is a problem for everyone affected. It is possible to devise strategies that will allow you to break out of hyperfocus, and regain control over your time. Set a 15-minute timer to remind yourself to stop wasting time on the internet or switch to a different task while you're watching TV. A simple wiggle of your body can help break your focus.
Hyperfocus can be a superpower for some people with ADHD. It can help them achieve incredible things, like winning gold medals at the Olympics, or working on major artistic projects. However, this is only true when they can recognize their own impulsive tendencies, and learn to manage their attention and switch off their hyperfocus when it is necessary. For the majority of people, this will require a good support system that will be willing to keep them accountable and help them set realistic limits.
2. Procrastination
Women who suffer from ADHD struggle with getting started on tasks or projects. They tend to put off projects and tasks until the very last minute and then are overwhelmed by their workload and find it difficult to get motivated to start. They might also have difficulty keeping track of the time and tend overestimate the amount of work required.
Procrastination can be a challenge for a lot of people. But it can be a major issue for those suffering from ADHD. For instance, it can make it hard to manage your finances or keep up with administrative tasks in your life such as registering for health services, booking doctor's appointments, or contacting friends promptly. It can also lead to stress and anxiety which can affect your health.
You might also have trouble planning future events or completing homework. You may get caught up in the details of planning that you don't get anywhere and end up not getting the job done. It is also possible that you struggle to keep in touch with your family or friends, or have trouble interpreting non-verbal signals from others. You may talk excessively, ramble off on tangents, or have difficulty understanding social boundaries.
Women who suffer from ADHD have difficulties in forming friendships and making new ones. They may also have trouble maintaining their jobs and keeping up with their household chores. They may also have a low self-esteem and find it challenging to be a natural people. Some have difficulty understanding body language or interpreting social cues. This can make them appear distant and inaccessible.
While ADHD adult female symptoms is true that women who suffer from ADHD are less likely to be diagnosed than men, a lot of women are affected by the symptoms of the disorder. Some suffer from high-functioning ADHD, which is when symptoms don't substantially impact their lives. Others have mild or specific symptoms that only affect specific areas of their lives, including school and work.
If you do suffer from ADHD, it's important to be aware that you can improve your functioning by seeking treatment. Therapy and medication are two treatment options. You may also request accommodations from your employer or educational institution. They can help you better manage your symptoms and set you up for success.
3. Impulsivity
Many people with ADHD struggle to control their emotions, leading to an impulsive behavior that can cause social problems. This can be manifested as saying things without thinking, buying something on a whim or getting into arguments with family members. People with ADHD may also have difficulty learning to be patient in conversations and have trouble understanding social boundaries. This can cause relationship problems and a lack of self-confidence that can impact women's mental health.
This condition is more prevalent for those who suffer from the inattentive kind of ADHD. It can lead to problems in the workplace or at school, including being late to deadlines, not remembering events of importance, and misplacing items. It can also create problems at home, such as having difficulty completing chores or household chores, and having difficulty to start or finish tasks. Women who are impulsive might feel overwhelmed by their daily obligations. They may feel that they are failing in life or feel that they don't compare to other people.
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to recognize their impulsive symptoms however it's crucial to seek help if you have them. A consultation with a therapist is a good idea if you are experiencing mood fluctuations, low self-esteem or a lack in confidence that impacts your daily life. You can also speak with the Salience health professional to get an assessment and treatment.
Women and girls are diagnosed with ADHD less frequently than men. This isn't due to them being less susceptible to the condition, but because it typically presents differently in females. This means they are more likely to suffer from an underlying disorder or develop strategies to cope that mask the symptoms. They're also more likely to experience relationship problems, which can make their symptoms more difficult to identify.
There are medications that can improve the quality of life for women in their late 20s who suffer from ADHD. These include stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts (Adderall) and Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine or antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) can be used by those who cannot take stimulants due to health problems or serious side-effects. Behavioral therapy, like psychotherapy or group therapy, can also be effective for some.
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 circumstances. Women with this condition have trouble managing their emotions, which can lead to uncontrollable behavior that harms relationships and careers. They may also have difficulty recognizing and expressing their feelings, causing 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 may be characterized by problems with self-control and impulsive speech, as well as interrupting others and having trouble understanding social boundaries. It could also be a problem identifying and expressing emotions, like frustration and anger, sadness, anxiety and depression.
Women with emotional dysregulation often struggle to maintain relationships and work efficiently, making them more likely to experience stress, irritability and low self-esteem. They are also more susceptible to depression and anxiety, which can cause symptoms of ADHD. They are more likely to have comorbid disorders, like bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression.
Women with ADHD often have symptoms that are similar. This makes it harder to diagnose these disorders than men who suffer from the same symptoms. This is due to the fact that women have fewer externalizing symptoms than men, which are more obvious to others. However, it is crucial to consider all the symptoms of a patient when diagnosing them, and not just the external symptoms.
Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a distinct concept. Sex refers to a person's genetics and chromosomal makeup while gender refers to a person's perception of themselves as a woman, a man or a nonbinary gender. The male-to-female ADHD ratio is higher in childhood, but increases as you get older. Women who suffer from ADHD are not often diagnosed. A diagnosis can help women better manage their symptoms and improve their relationships. It can also assist them to achieve the success they desire at work and home and also accept themselves more fully.