ADHD Symptoms in Adult Women
Many women don't get diagnosed with ADHD until the age of adulthood. Early signs can be missed and coping strategies developed as children may not function in the same way as they do for adults.
Treatment options include stimulant drugs and other treatments like cognitive therapy for behavioral problems. Support groups and coaching are also available.
1. Inattentiveness
Women with inattentive ADHD struggle to stay on task whether at work or at school. They can forget the simplest tasks or make careless mistakes that result in frustration. They may also have difficulty finishing long-term or complex tasks, which can result in them falling behind in their commitments. The symptoms of inattention ADHD tend to persist throughout adulthood, but the level of impulsivity and hyperactivity tends to decrease.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can be hard to recognize for children and girls who don't have the same visible signs of impulsivity and hyperactivity as boys and children who are assigned male at birth (AMAB). This means that the disorder is often mistakenly diagnosed as depression or anxiety in girls.
For adult women who have struggled with these symptoms their entire life, it's an immense relief to get a diagnosis. This can help them understand the challenges they've encountered and can validate their experience and offer a path to effective treatment.
Distractibility is another sign of inattention ADHD that lasts throughout adulthood. adults with adhd symptoms with ADHD are easily distracted by other pursuits such as video games or social media, and have difficulty staying focused on the task at hand. They may also experience difficulty completing multi-step tasks, like writing a report or paying bills.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can treat inattentive ADHD. This is a method of teaching skills for managing distractions, and also creating and implementing schedules. Finding support groups and making adjustments to the environment can be helpful. A healthcare professional can recommend medication and other treatments to enhance the quality-of-life for women with inattentive ADHD. Women can benefit from professional advice to help them manage their symptoms, improve daily functioning and achieve their goals.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity can be a problem for women suffering from ADHD. Inability to stay still or play games, and difficulties completing tasks are all symptoms. They may speak or act before they finish their sentences, and they may have an "thousand-yard stare". These symptoms can impact work, school, relationships and even family. It may take a while to be diagnosed with ADHD however, treatment can help improve relationships, prepare you for the success you'll have in school or at work, and provide you with more insight into yourself.
Despite being more prevalent than boys, little research explores the effects of ADHD in females of all ages, who are cisgender. This is partly because the rating scales of ADHD symptoms are skewed towards male behavior and internalized emotions are difficult to measure.
Women with ADHD can also struggle with the impulsivity of others, and could be unable to keep their commitments. Early sex initiation with no planning, as well as impulsivity can make it easy for people with ADHD to engage in sexually risky activity. They are also more likely to develop sexually transmitted diseases or suffer from unplanned pregnancy. They may also be afflicted by rejection sensitivity, an intense emotional reaction to real or perceived rejection.
The management of ADHD symptoms can be a challenge at any age. Women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from a variety of tools to assist them in managing their symptoms. These include medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Joining a support group could be beneficial to many adults with ADHD. They can speak to other people who are facing similar challenges. They can also engage an executive function coach to assist in their organizational abilities and learn healthy ways to cope such as exercise. Adults who suffer from ADHD may also be interested in participating in clinical trials to test new medications or treatment approaches. For more information, go to the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
3. Impulsivity
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD have trouble controlling their behavior. This can result in low self-esteem and strained relationships. Their impulsive behavior can expose them to being pushed into unwelcome sexual activities, or being a victim of intimate partner violence.
While impulsiveness is a part of all kinds of ADHD, it's more common with the inattentive subtype which is the one that most people who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed with. Inattentive ADHD is characterized by a frantic or distracted mind as well as forgetting appointments and other details, and being easily distracted.
Inattentive ADHD is the most common type of adhd that adults suffer from but it can occur in kids and teens. 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 be the reason women and girls are more likely to hide their ADHD symptoms. It's more acceptable for boys to be impulsive or chaotic. This makes it harder for parents and teachers to recognize the issues with behavior of girls.
Women with ADHD might also experience mood swings or difficulties interacting with others. The symptoms of ADHD can change from day-to-day, based on the fluctuation of their hormones. They can be exacerbated by, for example, a drop of estrogen after ovulation, or at the time of menstrual cycle. Also an unbalanced, processed food and a sugary diet can cause symptoms. They may also be affected by pregnancies, breastfeeding, or changes in hormones that occur during menopause.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to be chaotic, and this can be mild or severe. You could spend hours searching for your keys or losing them often. You might find it difficult to work because your desk or bedroom is cluttered. It can also be difficult to keep track of your schedule and pay your bills.
The disorder can also affect your emotional wellbeing. You might struggle to regulate your mood, which can lead to low self-esteem or feelings of inadequate. Additionally, you could be at risk of impulsive behavior that could lead to relationship problems. You could put off or delay tasks that require lots of details.
You might also put off things that require effort due to the fact that you are not organized. This could lead to a plethora of unfinished work which can cause stress. It can also cause you to misplace or forget important things, like medications or your wallet. adults adhd symptoms is often attributed to stress or a hectic life, but ADHD can also be the reason.
The signs of disorder could be a result of problems in your relationships and social life. For instance, you might not know how to respond to others' requests or interrupt others in an inappropriate manner. You might also be struggling to keep your emotions under control which could lead to arguments or feelings of rejection.
Getting a diagnosis can help you understand more about your symptoms and how you can manage them. You might be relieved to know that you're not the only one struggling with ADHD symptoms. You may be able get treatment from a doctor or another health professional, like an ADHD coach or psychotherapy. You may also be able participate in trials. Clinical trials are research studies that look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat illnesses and conditions. Learn more about clinical trials on the NIMH Clinical Trials page.
5. Indecisiveness
Whether it's what to wear or the best place to eat dinner, people who are indecisive are often unable to make even the most minor decisions. Indecisiveness can also impact larger decisions, like choosing a career or buying an apartment. People who are indecisive often feel trapped in limbo. This can lead to anxiety and stress.
Indecisive people may constantly weigh pros and cons or ask for advice, but they aren't able to move forward. Some people who are indecisive are also unable to accept 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 be hesitant to make any decision which could result in negative consequences for their lives and relationships. They may not start dating or apply for a new job because they fear making a wrong choice. They may not even be able to purchase a house or car because they can't decide which one is the best.
Indecisiveness can have an impact on work performance and productivity. Leaders who are indecisive have been proven to be demotivating and lower the morale of their teams. This could have a negative impact on employees in other departments and be a problem for the entire organization.
There are several methods to help those who are having difficulty making decisions overcome their apathy. They can, for example focus their attention on the present moment. They can also learn to trust their own intuition. They can also seek out guidance from mental health professionals to identify the thoughts or behaviors that are preventing them from being decisive.