ADHD Symptoms in Adult Women
Many women aren't diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood. The symptoms of childhood can be overlooked, and coping mechanisms learned in childhood may not be effective as well for adults.
Treatment options include stimulant medications as well as other treatments like cognitive therapy for behavioral problems. Coaching and support groups are also available.
1. Inattentiveness
Women with inattention ADHD frequently have difficulty keeping their attention at work or school. They can forget things or make careless errors that lead to frustration. They might also have difficulties completing long-term or complicated projects which could result in them falling behind in their commitments. The symptoms of inattention ADHD typically continue into adulthood, although hyperactivity and impulsivity often decrease.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can be difficult to recognize for children and girls who don't show the same visible signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity as boys and kids who are assigned male at birth (AMAB). This means that the disorder goes undiagnosed during the early years, with girls often being misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression.
It could be a great 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 validate their experiences and help them find effective treatment.
Distractibility is a different symptom of inattention ADHD that persists throughout adulthood. People with the condition can be easily pulled into diverting pursuits like video games or social media and have difficulty keeping their attention on the task at the moment. They may also struggle to complete multi-step tasks, such as writing an essay or paying for bills.
Attention-deficit ADHD can be treated with cognitive behavioral therapy which helps you manage distractions, creating and using schedules and prioritizing tasks. Educating oneself about the condition, finding support groups, and making environment changes can also be helpful. adult female add symptoms on Klarity can recommend a variety of treatments including medications that can help improve the quality of life for women suffering from inattentive ADHD. A consultation with an experienced professional can assist women to manage their symptoms and improve their daily functioning, and achieve their goals.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity can be a problem for women with ADHD. Restlessness, inability to sit still or play games and a lack of ability to finish tasks are all symptoms. They can speak or behave when they've completed their sentence and can appear to have "a thousand-yard stare." These issues can hinder school, work as well as family and friendships. Being diagnosed with ADHD takes time however treatment, which includes psychotherapy and medication can improve relationships, set you up for success at work or school and help you comprehend yourself.
While ADHD is more prevalent for females than males, there has been little research into its effects on adult females of cisgender. This is due to the fact that the scales of rating for ADHD symptoms are skewed toward male behavior, and internalized feelings of infractions can be difficult to measure or communicate.
Women who suffer from ADHD can also struggle with impulsivity, and may be unable to keep their commitments. They might find it easy to engage in sexually hazardous activities because of early sex initiating and a lack of planning. They could also be more likely to experience sexually transmitted infections or unplanned births. They also may struggle with the sensitivity to rejection, which is an overwhelming emotional response to real or perceived rejection.
Controlling the symptoms of ADHD can be challenging at any age. Women with ADHD can employ a variety of strategies to manage their symptoms, from psychotherapy to medication, to lifestyle adjustments. Participating in a support group can be beneficial for a lot of adults with ADHD. They can talk to other people who are facing similar challenges. They can also engage a coach to assist them improve their organization and executive function skills, and learn healthy strategies for coping such as exercising. Adults suffering from ADHD might also consider taking part in clinical trials that evaluate new treatment methods and medications. For more information, visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
3. Impulsivity
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD often have difficulty controlling their behavior, leading to problems with self-esteem or strained relationships. Their impulsive behavior can expose them to being forced into unwanted sexual activities, or being a victim of intimate partner violence.
Although impulsiveness is a component of all kinds of ADHD however, it is more prevalent with the inattentive subtype which is the one that most people who suffer from ADHD get diagnosed with. Inattentive ADHD is characterized by racing or distracted thoughts as well as forgetting appointments and other details, and 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.
Another reason women and girls may be more likely to hide their ADHD symptoms is because of gender stereotypes. It's considered more acceptable for boys to be impulsive or be unorganized, which makes it difficult for parents and teachers to notice girls' behavioral issues.
Women with ADHD can also experience mood swings or difficulties in interacting with others. The symptoms of ADHD can change from day-to-day, based on the fluctuation in their hormones. For example, they can be exacerbated by a drop in estrogen following ovulation or near menstrual cycle and having an unbalanced diet that includes too much sugar and processed foods. They can also be affected by their pregnancies, breastfeeding, or changes in hormones that happen during menopause.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD often suffer from disorganization, a symptom that can be mild or severe. You may spend hours searching for your keys, or lose them often. You might find it difficult to work because your bedroom or desk is full of clutter. It can also be difficult to keep the track of your appointments and pay your bills.
Disorders can also affect your emotional health. You may be struggling to control your moods. This can lead to feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy. You may also be prone to impulsive behavior that can result in relationship issues. This can be as simple as putting off tasks with many details, or putting off tasks until the last minute.
The difficulty in staying organized could result in you putting off tasks that require effort. This can lead to a plethora of unfinished tasks which can cause stress. It can also cause you to misplace or forget important things, like medication or your wallet. The reason for this is usually stress or a busy lifestyle, however ADHD can also be the cause.
Symptoms of disorganization may also be related to issues in your relationships and social life. For instance, you might not know how to respond to other people's demands or even interrupt others in an inappropriate manner. You might also find it difficult to control your emotions, which can lead you to argue or feel rejected.
A diagnosis can help you comprehend your symptoms and help you learn to manage them. It can also give you a sense of relief that you're not alone in trying to manage your ADHD symptoms. You may be able get treatment from your doctor or another health care professional like an ADHD coach or psychotherapy. You may also be able to take part in an experimental trial. Clinical trials are research studies that study innovative ways to prevent, detect, or treat conditions and diseases. Find out more about clinical trials on the NIMH Clinical Trials page.
5. Indecisiveness
Indecisive individuals may have trouble making even the smallest choices, like what to wear or where they want to take a bite. Indecisiveness can affect more major choices, such as deciding on a career path or purchasing a home. People who are indecisive often feel as if they are stuck in limbo which can cause anxiety and stress.
They might constantly weigh pros and cons, or seek advice from others but their inability to choose a course of action may prevent them from taking a step forward. Some indecisive individuals are also unable to accepting the consequences of their decisions. In the end, these behaviors can impact their health and wellbeing in significant ways.
Some people who are indecisive may be hesitant to make any decisions in the first place. This can cause negative consequences for their lives and relationships. For example, they may not apply for a job or start dating because they fear the decision could be a mistake. They might even be unable to purchase a house or car because they cannot decide which one is the best.
Indecisiveness also has a significant impact on the performance of employees and productivity. Indecisive leaders have been shown to demotivate and stifle the morale of their teams. This could negatively impact other employees and can spread throughout the organization.
There are several methods to help those who are having difficulty making decisions overcome their uncertainty. They can, for example focus their attention on the present moment. They can also learn how to trust their instincts. In addition, they can seek guidance from mental health professionals to pinpoint the attitudes or behaviors that are hindering them from taking a stand.