ADHD Symptoms in Adult Women
Many women don't get diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood. Symptoms can go unnoticed in childhood and the coping strategies they learned as kids might not be as effective for adults.
Treatment options include stimulant medications as well as other treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy. Coaching and support groups are also available.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who are not attentive ADHD frequently have difficulty staying on task at school or at work. They might forget basic things or make a few mistakes that lead to frustration. They might also find it difficult to complete long-term or complex projects, causing them to be late on their commitments. The symptoms of inattention ADHD generally persist throughout adulthood, but the intensity of hyperactivity and impulsivity tend to decrease.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms can be difficult to detect for children and girls who don't have the same obvious signs of impulsivity and hyperactivity as boys and children who are born male (AMAB). add symptoms adults means that the condition is often misdiagnosed as depression or anxiety in girls.
It can be a tremendous relief for women who have been struggling with these symptoms all their lives to finally receive a correct diagnosis. This can help explain the challenges they have faced and can validate their experiences and help them find effective treatment.
Distractibility is another symptom of inattentive ADHD that continues throughout adulthood. People with ADHD are easily distracted by side pursuits like games on video or social media, and experience difficulty focussing on the task at the moment. They may also find it difficult to complete multi-step tasks such as writing a report or paying bills.
Attention-deficit ADHD can be treated with cognitive behavioral therapy which provides strategies for managing distractions, creating and using schedules and prioritizing tasks. Educating oneself about the condition, finding support groups, and making environmental modifications can also be helpful. A medical expert on Klarity can suggest various treatments, including medication, that can improve the quality of life for women suffering from inattentive ADHD. Women can benefit from expert assistance to manage their symptoms, improve their daily functioning and attain their goals.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity can be a problem for women with ADHD. Restlessness, inability to remain still or play games, and a lack of ability to finish tasks are all signs. They may speak or act before they finish their sentences and may display a "thousand-yard stare". These symptoms can impact relationships at school, work, and family. It can take some time to diagnose ADHD however, treatment can improve relationships and prepare you for success in school or work, and give you more insight into yourself.
While ADHD is more prevalent in females than boys, there has been little research on its effects in adult cisgender women. This is due to the fact that the scales used to measure ADHD symptoms tend to favor male behavior and internalized feelings can be difficult to quantify.
Women with ADHD can also struggle with impulsivity, and may be unable to keep their commitments. They might find it easy to be involved in risky sexual activities because of early sex initiation and a lack of planning, and be more likely to experience sexually transmitted infections or unplanned pregnancies. They could also be afflicted with a high degree of sensitivity to rejection. This is a strong emotional reaction to rejection, whether it is real or perceived.
The management of ADHD symptoms can be challenging at any age. Women with ADHD can benefit from a variety of tools to help them manage their symptoms. These include psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments. Many adults with ADHD benefit from joining a support group to talk with others who face similar issues. They can also engage an executive function coach to assist in their organizational abilities and learn healthy coping strategies such as physical exercise. Adults who suffer from ADHD might also want to consider participating in clinical trials to test new treatment methods or medications. Visit the NIMH Clinical Trials page for more details.
3. Impulsivity
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD have trouble controlling their behavior. This can result in lower self-esteem and tension in relationships. Their impulsive nature can put them at risk for being forced into unwanted sexual activities, or being a victim of intimate partner violence.
Although impulsiveness is a component of all types 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 symptoms are characterized by racing thoughts and being easily bored, being distracted, ignoring details and avoiding appointments, having difficulties managing time and having difficulty with conversational self-restraint (interrupting people frequently or completing sentences of other people).
Attention-deficit ADHD can affect children and adults. 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 traditional gender roles may also be a reason why girls and women are more likely to hide their ADHD symptoms. It's more common for boys to be reckless or unorganized, which makes it more difficult for parents and teachers to spot girls' behavior issues.
Women who suffer from ADHD are susceptible to a variety of other symptoms, including mood swings and issues with social interactions. The symptoms may change from day to day based on their fluctuating hormones. They can be exacerbated, for example, by a drop of estrogen following ovulation or close to menstruation. Additionally, an unbalanced, processed and a sugary diet can cause symptoms. They can also be affected by their pregnancies, breastfeeding, and changes in hormones that happen during menopause.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD are usually unorganized, which could be mild or severe. For example, you may have to search for your keys often or spend hours searching for them in your home. Or your messy bedroom or desk make it difficult to find a suitable place to work. You might also have difficulty keeping the track of your appointments or paying your bills.
Disorganization may also affect your emotional wellbeing. You may find it difficult to control your moods. This could lead to feelings of low self-esteem and feeling inadequate. Additionally, you could be at risk of impulsive actions that can lead to relationship problems. This could include delaying tasks with many details, or putting off work until the last minute.
Your difficulty staying organized can result in you putting off doing things that require effort. This could lead to the accumulation of unfinished tasks which can cause stress. Disorganization may also lead you to forget or lose important things like your wallet or medication. It's easy to blame your sloppy behavior due to stress or a busy life, but these things can be a sign of ADHD.
Disorganization can also cause problems in your personal and social relationships. For instance, you may not know how to respond to others' demands or even interrupt others inappropriately. You may also find it difficult to manage your emotions, which could cause you to argue or feel resentful.
A diagnosis can help you comprehend your symptoms and learn how to manage them. You might be relieved to know that you are not the only person struggling with ADHD symptoms. You might be able to receive treatment from your doctor or another health care professional for example, an ADHD coach or psychotherapy. You might also be able to take part in a trial. Clinical trials are research studies that study innovative ways to prevent, detect, or treat conditions and diseases. Learn more about clinical trials on the NIMH Clinical Trials page.
5. Indecision
Indecisive individuals may have trouble making even the most basic choices, such as what to wear or where they want to eat. Indecisiveness can affect more major decisions, like deciding on a career path or purchasing a home. female symptoms of adhd feel like they are stuck and can cause anxiety and stress.
They might constantly weigh pros and cons, or seek opinions from others but their inability to choose a course of action can keep them from taking a step forward. People who are unsure are also unable to accept the consequences of their choices. These behaviors can have a profound impact on their health and well-being.
Some indecisive people might avoid making an even decision and this can result in negative consequences for their lives and relationships. For instance, they might not apply for a job or start dating due to the fear that the decision will be a mistake. They might not be able a house or car because they cannot decide.
Indecisiveness can have an impact on performance 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 trickle down through the whole organization.
There are many strategies to help those who are having difficulties making decisions overcome their apathy. They can, for example, practice mindfulness by focusing their attention on the present moment. They can also learn how to trust their instincts. They can also seek guidance from mental health professionals to identify the thoughts and behaviors that prevent them from making decisions.