ADHD Symptoms in Adult Women
Many women don't get diagnosed with ADHD until the age of adulthood. Symptoms can go unnoticed in childhood, and the coping strategies they learned as children may not be as effective when they become adults.
Treatment options include stimulant medication and other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy. Support groups and coaching is also available.
1. Inattentiveness
Women with inattention ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused at work or school. They may forget simple things or make a few mistakes which can cause frustration. They might also have difficulties completing long-term or complicated projects and may cause them to fall behind in their commitments. Inattention ADHD symptoms can last throughout adulthood. However the levels of impulsivity and hyperactivity are usually diminished.
Inattentive ADHD is difficult to detect in girls and children who don't show the same signs of hyperactivity or impulsivity that boys and kids born male (AMAB) display. This means that the disorder goes undiagnosed in the early years, with girls often being misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
For women of adulthood who have been struggling with these issues for the majority of their life, it's a tremendous relief to finally receive a diagnosis. This will help clarify the challenges they have faced and validate their experiences and offer a path to successful treatment.
Distractibility is another symptom of inattentive ADHD that persists throughout adulthood. People with ADHD are easily distracted by other pursuits like games on video or social media, and have difficulties focussing on the task at the moment. They may also have difficulty to complete multi-step tasks, such as writing reports or paying bills.
Inattentive ADHD is treatable with cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches skills for managing distractions, establishing and implementing schedules, and prioritizing tasks. Learning about the disorder, locating support groups, and making environmental modifications can also be helpful. A healthcare professional can recommend medications as well as other treatments to improve the quality of life for women suffering from inattention ADHD. Women can benefit from professional assistance to manage their symptoms, improve their daily functioning and attain their goals.
2. Hyperactivity
Women who suffer from ADHD may experience difficulties with hyperactivity. Restlessness, inability to sit still or play games and difficulties completing tasks are all signs. They can speak or behave after they've finished their sentence, and are often said to have "a thousand-yard stare." These symptoms can affect work, school or family relationships. It can take some time to diagnose ADHD however, treatment can help improve relationships and help you achieve success at school or at work, and give you a better understanding of yourself.
Despite being more common than boys, very little research explores the effects of ADHD in females of all ages, who are cisgender. This is due to the fact that the scales used to assess ADHD symptoms tend to favor male behaviors, and internalized feelings of resentment can be difficult to quantify or communicate.
In addition to hyperactivity, women suffering from ADHD might have issues with impulsivity and difficulty staying on track with commitments. Sexual initiation at an early age, lack of planning and 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 diseases or suffer from unplanned pregnancy. They could also be afflicted with an excessive degree of sensitivity to rejection. This is a powerful emotional reaction to rejection whether it is real or perceived.
Controlling ADHD symptoms can be a challenge at any age. Women who suffer from ADHD have a range of tools that can help them manage their symptoms. These include medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle adjustments. Joining a support group can be beneficial to many people with ADHD. They can speak to other people who are facing similar challenges. They can also engage a coach to help them improve their organization and executive function skills, and develop healthy coping strategies such as exercising. Adults suffering from ADHD may also want to think about participating in clinical trials that test new treatments and medications. Visit the NIMH Clinical Trials page for more information.
3. Impulsivity
Women and girls with ADHD often struggle to control their behavior, resulting in problems with self-esteem and strained relationships. Their impulsivity can put them at the risk of being forced into unwanted sexual activity or being victims of intimate partner violence particularly if they have poor planning and organizational skills.
Although impulsiveness is a component of any type of ADHD, it's more common in the subtype of inattentive, which is the one that most people who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed with. Inattentive ADHD is characterized by racing or distracted thoughts that lead to forgetting appointments or details, and easily distracted.
Attention-deficit ADHD can affect both 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 that are a part of the norm could be the reason women and girls are more likely to conceal their ADHD symptoms. It's accepted for boys to act impulsively or disorganized, making it more difficult for parents and teachers to notice girls' behavioral issues.
Women suffering from ADHD may experience a variety of other symptoms, such as mood swings and difficulties with social interaction. The symptoms of ADHD can change from day-to-day, based on the fluctuation of their hormones. For instance, they could be aggravated by a drop in estrogen after ovulation or near menstruation and also by having an unbalanced diet that includes too much sugar and processed foods. These women can also be affected by pregnancy, nursing and changes in hormones at menopause.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to be disorganized, which can be severe or mild. For adhd symptoms and treatment , you could have to search for your keys often or spend hours looking for them in your home. Your messy bedroom or desk make it hard for you to find a space to work. It can also be difficult to keep track of your schedule and pay your bills.
Disorganization can affect your emotional well-being. You may struggle to control your mood, leading to self-doubt or feelings of being inadequate. You may also be prone to impulsive behavior that can lead to relationship issues. You may procrastinate or put off tasks that require a lot of details.
Your inability to stay organized could result in you putting off doing things that require effort. This can lead to a plethora of unfinished work that can cause stress. In addition, it can cause you to forget or lose important items like your wallet or prescription. Disorganization is often attributed to stress or a stressful lifestyle, however ADHD can also be a reason.
Disorganization can also cause problems in your personal and professional relationships. For instance, you might not know how to respond to other people's demands or even interrupt others inappropriately. You might also struggle to keep your emotions in check and can result in disagreements or feelings of disapproval.
Getting a diagnosis can help you understand more about your symptoms and how to manage them. You may feel relieved to know that you're not the only one suffering with ADHD symptoms. You might be able to get treatment from a doctor or a different health care provider such as an ADHD coach or psychotherapy. You might also be able to take part in trials. Clinical trials are research studies that study new ways to prevent, detect or treat illnesses and conditions. Learn more about clinical trials on the NIMH Clinical Trials page.
5. Indecision
It's about what to wear or what to eat for dinner, people who are indecisive are often unable to make even the most small of decisions. Indecision can also affect bigger decisions, like choosing an occupation or buying the house. Indecisive individuals often feel stuck in an uncharted territory. This can lead to anxiety and stress.
Indecisive individuals may be constantly weighing pros and cons or ask for advice, but they're unable to make a decision. People who are unsure also have difficulty accepting the consequences of their choices. These habits can have a significant impact on their health and wellbeing.
Some people who are not sure might avoid making any decision in the first place. This could cause negative consequences for their lives and relationships. They might not begin dating or apply for a new job because they are afraid of making the wrong choice. They may not even be able to purchase a house or car because they cannot make the right choice.
Indecisiveness has a major impact on work productivity and productivity. Indecisive leaders have been found to reduce motivation and decrease the morale of their teams. This could have a negative impact on other employees and can be a problem for the entire organization.
For those who find it difficult to make decisions, there are a variety of strategies to aid them in overcoming their indecisiveness. For example, they can practice mindfulness by focusing on the present moment. They can also learn to trust their intuition. They can also seek guidance from mental health professionals to discover the habits or thoughts that are hindering them from taking a stand.