ADHD in Adult Women Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty getting the assistance they require. However with therapy and medication the symptoms can be controlled.
The symptoms can include restlessness, difficulty keeping track of daily tasks and deadlines, forgetfulness and mood swings. These symptoms can result in unhealthy relationships, or co-occurring disorders such as eating disorders.
1. Hyperfocus
For those with ADHD hyperfocus is the tendency to completely immerse themselves in an activity and ignore other distractions. This is a wonderful technique when it is used for tasks such as writing or painting but when it's extended to other activities like television or social media it can result in being less productive. Hyperfocus is a sign of ADHD that affects women and can lead to problems at work and in their private lives.
Women may also experience the inattentive-type symptoms of ADHD (difficulty staying on task or forgetting important tasks) more than they do the hyperactivity/impulsive symptoms. Due to this, women's ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to detect. They may not be able keep track of their bills or schedule, and may be unable to keep and maintain friendships.
Hyperfocus can cause women suffering from ADHD to become unproductive or have unhealthy relationships at home or at work. Dysregulation of emotions is a sign of ADHD for women. It is often exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menstrual cycle or menopausal.
When you return to them, they may not be able to comprehend what you are telling them. This can be a source of frustration for everyone affected. It is possible to develop strategies to help you get out of the hyperfocus and regain control of your time. Set a timer for 15 minutes to remind yourself to stop wasting time on the internet or switching to a different task when you're watching television. A simple wiggle of the body can help break your focus.
Hyperfocus can be a great advantage for some people with ADHD. It can help them achieve amazing feats, such as winning gold medals at the Olympics, or completing major artistic projects. However, this is only true when they can recognize their own impulsive tendencies, and learn to manage their attention, and can stop their hyperfocus if necessary. This is difficult for many people who don't have a system that can hold them accountable and help them set reasonable limits.
2. Procrastination
Women with ADHD typically have difficulty to get started on projects or tasks. They tend to put off projects and tasks until the last moment, and then feel overwhelmed with their workload and struggle to get motivated to start. They may also have trouble keeping track of their time and tend overestimate the amount of work required.
Procrastination can be a problem for a lot of people. But it could be a major issue for those suffering from ADHD. It can be difficult to keep track of your daily administrative tasks, such as registration to health services, making appointments with your doctor, or responding to your friends in a timely fashion. It can also cause stress and anxiety, which in turn affects your health.
You may also have difficulty planning your future events or even completing homework. You might get so caught up in planning that it is difficult to make any progress. You may also find it difficult to keep in touch with your family or friends or struggle to discern nonverbal cues from others. You may talk excessively and ramble on about the topic, or have difficulty understanding social boundaries.
Women who suffer from ADHD are unable to cope when it comes to forming relationships and making new friends. They may also have difficulties working and keeping up with their household chores. They might have low self-esteem and find it difficult to get along with other people. Some people have trouble understanding body language or picking up on social cues, which can make them seem aloof and inaccessible.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed, but many women are still experiencing symptoms. ADHD hyperactivity symptoms in adults from what's known as high-functioning ADHD which means that symptoms don't substantially impact their lives. Some people experience mild symptoms or specific symptoms that affect only certain areas of their life such as school or work.
People who suffer from ADHD should know that they can improve their functioning by seeking treatment. Treatment options include therapy and medication. There are also accommodations that you can request from your workplace or educational institution. They can aid you in managing your symptoms better and set you up to succeed.
3. Impulsivity
People suffering from ADHD often have difficulty controlling their emotions. This can lead to impulsive behavior that can cause social issues. This could manifest as blurting out things without thinking, buying something at a whim, or having a heated argument with family members. The people who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty learning to wait for their turn in conversations and frequently have trouble understanding the boundaries of social interaction. This can lead to issues with relationships and a lack of self-confidence which can affect women's mental health.
This is a more frequent occurrence for adults who have the inattention kind of ADHD. It can cause problems in the workplace or at school, such as missing deadlines, forgetting events of importance and misplacing things. It can also cause problems at home. For instance, it can make it difficult to complete household tasks or chores. Women who are impulsive may be overwhelmed by their daily tasks. They may feel like they are failing in life or that they don't perform as well as others.
Many people with ADHD are unable to recognize their impulsive behaviors, but it's important to seek help if these exist. If you're having trouble with mood swings, poor self-esteem or a lack of confidence that's affecting your daily life, it's a great idea to talk to an experienced therapist and request an assessment. You can also speak with a Salience health provider to get an evaluation and treatment.
Females and females are diagnosed with ADHD less often than boys. It's not because girls and women are less susceptible to ADHD, but rather because the disorder is typically seen differently for women. This means they're more likely to develop coping strategies that mask symptoms or are suffering from a comorbid condition. They're also more likely to have relationships problems, which could make their symptoms more difficult to identify.
There are medications available that can improve the quality of life for women who are adults with ADHD. There are stimulants like methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, amphetamine salts and lisdexamfetamine. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) can be used for those who can't take stimulants because of medical issues or severe side effects. Group therapy and psychotherapy can be beneficial for certain individuals.
4. Emotional Dysregulation
ADHD in women of adulthood is often associated with emotional dysregulation, which manifests in intense and frequent emotions that are insignificant to the circumstances. Women with this symptom struggle to manage their emotions, which can lead to impulsive behavior that damages relationships and career success. They may also have trouble in expressing their feelings and understanding them, causing them to be overwhelmed by their emotions.
Emotional dysregulation is often less known than hyperactivity and impulsivity in adults with ADHD. It may be characterized by difficulties with self-restraint in speaking out of the blue, interrupting others and having trouble understanding the boundaries of social interaction. It could also be difficult to recognize and express feelings, such as frustration, anger, anxiety, sadness and depression.
Women with emotional dysregulation might have trouble maintaining relationships and functioning effectively. They are more likely to experience stress, irritability, and low self-esteem. They are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression that can also contribute to the symptoms of ADHD. They are more prone to develop comorbid disorders such as borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression.
Women who suffer from ADHD often experience overlapping symptoms. This can make it harder to diagnose them than men who have similar symptoms. This is due to the fact that women have less externalizing signs than men. These are more evident for some. However, it is crucial to consider the entire spectrum of symptoms a patient may exhibit when diagnosing them, and not just their externalizing symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are different concepts, with sex referring to one's biology, chromosomal makeup and hormones, while gender refers to the person's inner self-image whether as a woman man, nonbinary or any other gender. While the male-to-female ratio for ADHD is higher in childhood but the ratio is more equal as people enter adulthood. This is why women suffering from ADHD often are not diagnosed. A diagnosis can help them better manage their symptoms, improve their relationships, set them up for success at home and work and aid in letting them feel more fully.