ADHD Symptoms in Adult Women
Many women don't get diagnosed with ADHD until the age of adulthood. The symptoms of childhood can be overlooked and coping strategies learned in childhood may not be effective as well as adults.
Treatment options include stimulant medications and other treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy. Coaching and support groups are also offered.
1. Inattentiveness
Women with inattentive ADHD struggle to stay on track, whether at work or at school. They might forget basic tasks or make careless mistakes that cause frustration. They may also have difficulty working on long-term or complex projects, which can result in them falling behind in their commitments. Symptoms of inattentive ADHD typically continue throughout adulthood, but hyperactivity and impulsivity often decrease.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can be difficult to spot in girls and children who don't have the same symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity as boys and children born male (AMAB). add symptoms in women means that the condition goes undiagnosed until the early years of childhood, with girls frequently being misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety.
It could be a great relief for women who have struggled with these symptoms all their lives to finally receive a valid diagnosis. This will help clarify the difficulties they've faced and can validate their experiences and offer a path to successful treatment.
Distractibility, which can last throughout adulthood, is a different symptom that can be associated with inattentive ADHD. People with ADHD are easily distracted by other pursuits like video games or social media, and have difficulty focussing on the task at the moment. They may also struggle to complete multi-step tasks, such as writing an essay or paying for bills.
Inattentive ADHD can be treated using cognitive behavioral therapy that helps you manage distractions, creating and using schedules and prioritizing tasks. It is important to educate yourself about the disorder, locating support groups, and making the necessary adjustments can be beneficial. A healthcare professional can recommend medications as well as other treatments to improve the quality-of-life for women with inattention ADHD. Women can benefit from expert advice to help them manage their symptoms, improve their daily functioning and reach their goals.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity can be a problem for women suffering from ADHD. Restlessness, inability to remain still or play games and a lack of ability to finish tasks are all signs. They can speak or act when they've completed their sentence, and are often said to have "a thousand-yard stare." These symptoms can interfere with school, work, family and friendships. Finding out that you have ADHD isn't easy however treatment, which includes medication and psychotherapy can improve relationships, set you up for success at school or at work, and help you better know yourself.
Despite being more common than boys, very little research has been conducted to study the effects of ADHD in adult, cisgender females. This is due to the rating scales of ADHD symptoms are skewed towards male behavior and internalized emotions are difficult to measure.
In addition to hyperactivity, people with ADHD might have issues with impulsivity and difficulty keeping commitments. Early sex initiation with no planning, as well as the tendency to be impulsive can make it easier for people with ADHD to engage in sexually risky activities. They are also more likely to contract sexually transmitted diseases or suffer from unplanned pregnancy. They could also be afflicted with an excessive degree of sensitivity to rejection. This is an intense emotional reaction to rejection whether it is real or perceived.
Managing the symptoms of ADHD can be challenging at any age. Women who suffer from ADHD can use a variety of methods to manage their symptoms, ranging from psychotherapy to medication, to lifestyle changes. Participating in a support group can be beneficial for many adults suffering from ADHD. They can speak to other people who are facing similar difficulties. They can also work with an executive function coach to help with their organization skills and learn healthy coping techniques like exercising. Adults with ADHD may also want to consider taking part in clinical trials that test new treatment methods and medications. Visit the NIMH Clinical Trials page for more details.
3. Impulsivity
Women and girls with ADHD struggle with controlling their behavior. This can lead to lower self-esteem and tension in relationships. Their impulsive behavior can put them at risk for being forced into sexual activities, or being the victim of intimate partner violence.
While impulsiveness can be a component of all types but it is more prevalent in the inattentive ADHD subtype. This is what most people are diagnosed with. Inattentive ADHD is characterised by a racing or disoriented mind, forgetting appointments and details, and becoming easily distracted.
Inattentive ADHD can affect adults 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 also be a reason why girls and women are more likely to conceal their ADHD symptoms. It's more normal for boys than girls to be impulsive or chaotic. This makes it harder for parents and teachers to recognize the issues with behavior of girls.
Women who suffer from ADHD might also have mood swings or issues interacting with other people. The symptoms may vary from daily, based on the fluctuation of their hormones. For instance, they may be exacerbated by a drop in estrogen after ovulation or close to menstrual flow and also by having an unbalanced diet that is laden with sugar and processed foods. These women can be affected during pregnancy, breastfeeding and by changes in hormones after menopausal.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD are often plagued by disorganization, a symptom that can be mild or severe. For example, you may lose your keys frequently or spend hours searching for them in your home. Your messy bedroom or desk make it difficult for you to find a place to work. You might also have difficulty keeping the schedule of your appointments and paying your bills.
Unorganizedness can also affect your emotional well-being. You may be struggling to control your moods. This could lead to feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy. You may also be prone to impulsive behavior that can lead to relationship issues. These can include putting off tasks with many details, or putting off work until the last minute.
The difficulty in staying organized could cause you to put off doing things that require effort. This can lead to a plethora of tasks that are not completed, which can be stressful. It can also cause you to lose or forget important things, such as medication or your wallet. The reason for this is usually stress or a busy lifestyle, but ADHD can also be a cause.
The signs of disorder could be related to issues in your relationships and social life. You might not know what to say to someone else's suggestion or you could interrupt them inappropriately. You may also find it difficult to manage your emotions, which could cause you to argue or feel dissatisfied.
A diagnosis can help you understand the symptoms and figure out how to manage them. It also gives you an assurance that you're not the only one struggling to cope with your ADHD symptoms. You may be able get treatment from a doctor or another health care professional such as an ADHD coach or psychotherapy. You may also be able to participate in a clinical trial. Clinical trials are research studies that study new methods to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions. Visit NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage to learn more about what to expect should you decide to take part in one.
5. Indecisiveness
It's about what to wear or what to eat for dinner, people who are indecisive may struggle to make even the most minor decisions. Indecision can also affect larger choices, such as making a decision on a career or buying an apartment. People who are indecisive often feel trapped in an uncharted territory. This can cause anxiety and stress.
Indecisive individuals may be constantly weighing the pros and cons, or ask for advice, but they're unable to make a decision. People who are unsure also have a difficult time accepting the consequences of their decisions. These behaviors can have a major impact on their health and wellbeing.
People who aren't sure about their choices may avoid making an even decision, which can affect their relationships and lives. They may not start dating or apply for an employment opportunity because they fear making the wrong choice. They may not even be able to purchase a house or car as they are unable to decide which one is the best.
Indecisiveness can also have a significant impact on performance and productivity. Research has demonstrated that leaders who are indecisive can lower morale of the team and demotivate employees. This can have a negative impact on other employees, and can trickle down through the whole organization.
There are several strategies to help those who have difficulty making decisions overcome their apathy. They can, for example to practice mindfulness by focusing their attention on the present moment. They can also learn how to trust their intuition. They can also seek advice from mental health professionals to identify the thoughts and behaviors that prevent them from being able to make decisions.