ADHD Symptoms in Adult Women
Many women don't get diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood. The symptoms can go unnoticed during childhood and the strategies for coping they learned as children may not be as effective for adults.
Treatment options include stimulant drugs and other treatments like cognitive therapy for behavioral problems. Support groups and coaching is also available.
1. Inattentiveness
Women with inattention ADHD struggle to stay focused at school or at work. They might forget basic things or make mistakes which can cause frustration. They might also have difficulty in completing finish long-term or complex tasks which can cause them to be late on their commitments. Symptoms of inattentive ADHD tend to persist throughout adulthood, but hyperactivity and impulsivity often decrease.
Attention-deficit ADHD can be difficult to detect in girls and children, who do not show the same symptoms of impulsivity or hyperactivity that boys and children born male (AMAB) exhibit. This means that the disorder goes undiagnosed in childhood, with girls often being misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
For women of adulthood who have suffered from these issues for the majority of their life, it's an incredible relief to be diagnosed. This can help them understand the difficulties they've faced and can validate their experience and provide a pathway to effective treatment.
Distractibility, which continues throughout adulthood, is a different sign that is caused by inattention ADHD. People with ADHD are easily distracted by side pursuits like video games or social media, and have difficulty focusing on the task at hand. They may also find it difficult to complete multi-step tasks, such as writing reports or paying bills.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can treat inattention ADHD. It involves teaching strategies for managing distractions, and also making and using schedules. Finding support groups and making adjustments to the surroundings can help. A medical professional can suggest medication and other treatments to improve the quality-of-life for women with inattentive ADHD. Getting guidance from an experienced professional can assist women to manage their symptoms and improve their everyday functioning, and achieve their goals.
2. Hyperactivity
Women who suffer from ADHD often struggle with hyperactivity. The symptoms include anxiety, trouble sitting or playing games and being unable to finish tasks. They may speak or act before they finish their sentences, and they may have a "thousand-yard stare". These symptoms can impact relationships at school, work and families. Getting diagnosed with ADHD takes time however treatment, which includes medication and psychotherapy, can improve relationships, prepare you for success at work or school, and help you better comprehend yourself.
Despite being more prevalent than boys, little research has examined the effects of ADHD in adult, cisgender females. The reason is partly because the scales used to assess ADHD symptoms tend to favor male behavior, and internalized thoughts of resentment can be difficult to measure or communicate.
Women who suffer from ADHD are also prone to impulsivity, and may have trouble following through with commitments. Early sex initiation with no planning, as well as the tendency to be impulsive can make it easier for those with ADHD to engage in sexually risky activities. They are also more likely to develop sexually transmitted illnesses or have unplanned pregnancies. They also may struggle with rejection sensitivity, which is an intense emotional response to actual or perceived rejection.
Controlling the symptoms of ADHD is a difficult task at any age. Women with ADHD can use a variety of methods to manage their symptoms, ranging from medication to psychotherapy to lifestyle modifications. Many people with ADHD benefit from joining a support group to connect with other people who have similar challenges. They can also engage a coach to assist them organize and improve their executive function skills, and learn healthy coping strategies such as exercising. Adults suffering from ADHD can also consider taking part in clinical trials to evaluate new treatments or medications. For more information, visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
3. Impulsivity
Women and girls with ADHD have a hard time controlling their behavior. This can lead to low self-esteem and strained relationships. Their impulsive behavior can expose them to being forced into unwanted sexual activities, or becoming the victim of intimate partner violence.
While impulsiveness is a part of all kinds of ADHD but it's more prevalent in the inattentive subtype, which is the one that most people with ADHD are diagnosed with. Inattentive ADHD is characterized by a frantic or distracted mind, forgetting appointments and details, and becoming easily distracted.
Inattentional 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 traditional gender roles may also be a reason why women and girls tend to hide their ADHD symptoms. It's accepted for boys to act impulsively or be unorganized, which makes it harder for teachers and parents to notice girls' behavioral problems.
Women suffering from ADHD are susceptible to a variety of other symptoms, including mood swings and difficulties in social interaction. The symptoms of ADHD can change from daily, based on the fluctuation of their hormones. For example, they can be aggravated by a drop in estrogen after ovulation, or near menstrual cycle and also by having an unbalanced diet that is laden with sugar and processed foods. They can also be affected by pregnancy, breastfeeding, and changes in hormones that occur during menopause.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD tend to be chaotic, and this can be severe or mild. You may have to search for hours for your keys, or lose them often. symptoms of add might find it difficult to work because your bedroom or desk is cluttered. You may also have trouble keeping the track of your appointments or paying your bills.
Disorganization can also affect your mental well-being. You may struggle to control your moods, leading to low self-esteem or feelings of inadequacy. You could also be susceptible to impulsive behavior which can result in relationship issues. You may procrastinate or put off tasks that require lots of details.
Your inability to stay organized could also cause you to put off tasks that require effort. This could lead to an accumulation of unfinished projects that can be stressful. In addition, it can cause you to forget or lose important items such as your wallet or prescription. Disorganization is often attributed to stress or a stressful lifestyle, but ADHD can also be a cause.
The signs of disorder could be associated with problems in your relationships and social life. You might not know the right response to someone else's suggestion or you might interrupt them in a way that is inappropriate. It could also be difficult to manage your emotions, which may lead you to argue or feel dissatisfied.
A diagnosis can help you learn more about the symptoms you experience and how to manage them. You might be relieved to know that you are not the only one struggling with ADHD symptoms. You might be able to seek treatment from your doctor or another health care provider for example, an ADHD coach or psychotherapy. You might also be able participate in a clinical trial. Clinical trials are research studies that focus on new methods to prevent, detect or treat conditions and diseases. Find out more about clinical trials on the NIMH Clinical Trials page.
5. Indecisiveness
Indecisive people may have difficulty making even the tiniest choices, such as what to wear or where they want to consume their food. Indecisiveness can also impact larger decisions, such as choosing a career or buying the home of your dreams. People who are unsure often feel in limbo. This can lead to anxiety and stress.
Indecisive people constantly weigh pros and cons or seek advice but they aren't able to move forward. Some indecisive people are also unable to accept the consequences of their decisions. In the end, these behaviors can impact their health and wellbeing in significant ways.
People who are unsure may be hesitant to make any decisions at all. This could result in negative effects on their relationships and lives. They may not start dating or apply for a new job because they are afraid of making the wrong choice. They may not be able to purchase a house or car because they're unable to decide.
Indecisiveness can also have an impact on performance and productivity. Research has shown that leaders who are unable to make a decision can undermine team morale and demotivate employees. This can have an effect on other employees, and can trickle down through the entire organization.
There are several ways to assist those who have difficulty making decisions overcome their indecisiveness. For instance, they can focus their attention on the present moment. They can also learn to trust their own intuition. They can also seek advice from mental health professionals to identify the thoughts and behaviors that hinder them from making decisions.