ADHD in Adult Women Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD may find it difficult to access the support they need. However, with medication and therapy ADHD can be treated.
It can be characterized by restlessness, forgetfulness and impulsivity, mood swings and difficulties keeping track of daily activities. These can cause unhealthy relationships as well as co-occurring disorders such as eating disorders.
1. Hyperfocus
For people with ADHD, hyperfocus is the tendency to completely immerse themselves in an activity and avoid distractions. When it's used for tasks like writing or creating art, it can be a very useful skill. However, if it is extended to other activities, like watching television or interacting with social media, the result can be less effective. Hyperfocus is a sign of ADHD that affects women and can cause issues at work as well as 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. Because of this, their ADHD symptoms may be harder to recognize. adult ADHD symptoms may not be able to keep track of their bills or schedule, and may be unable to keep and maintain friendships.
Hyperfocus can result in an inability to manage emotions, which often makes it difficult for women suffering from ADHD to be assertive or to have healthy relationships at work or at home. Emotional dysregulation is a key sign of ADHD in adults women and can be worsened by hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.
It can be hard for others to understand when you're stuck in hyperfocus. They may not know what you're talking about until you return. This can be a source of frustration for everyone involved. However, it's possible to develop strategies that can help you snap out of your hyperfocus and take back control of your time. Set a 15-minute timer in order to remind yourself to not spend your time online or to switch to another task when you're watching TV. A simple wiggle of your body can also help break your focus.
Some people suffering from ADHD consider hyperfocus to be an effective superpower, allowing them achieve incredible feats like Olympic gold medals or other major artistic projects. However, this is only the case when they can recognize their own impulsive tendencies, and learn to manage their attention and stop their hyperfocus if needed. This isn't easy for the majority of people without a supportive system that can hold them accountable and help them set realistic limits.
2. Procrastination
Women with ADHD have difficulty starting tasks or working on projects. They often put them off until the last minute, and then feel overwhelmed by their workload and are unable to motivate themselves to begin. They may also have a difficult time keeping track of time and often underestimate the length of tasks.
Procrastination is a common trait among many people however, for those who suffer from ADHD it can trigger numerous issues. It can be difficult to keep up with your administrative tasks like registration to health services, booking appointments with your doctor, or responding to your friends promptly. It can also lead to stress and anxiety and affect your health.
You might also have trouble planning your future events or even completing homework. You might get so engrossed in the details of planning that you don't get anywhere and then find yourself not getting the job done. You may also find it difficult to stay in contact with your family or friends or have trouble interpreting non-verbal signals of others. You may be prone to talking too much and ramble on about the topic, or have difficulty understanding social boundaries.
Women who suffer from ADHD have difficulty forming new friendships and developing relationships. They may also have difficulty to maintain their jobs and keep up with household chores. They might have low self-esteem and have difficulty being able to get along with other people. Some are unable to understand body language or recognize social signals. This could make them appear aloof and unapproachable.
While it's true that women with ADHD are less likely to be diagnosed than men, a lot of women do experience the symptoms of the disorder. Some suffer from high-functioning ADHD, which is when symptoms don't cause significant disruption to their lives. Others may have mild or specific symptoms that affect only certain areas of their lives, such as work and school.
People who suffer from ADHD must be aware that they can improve their functioning by seeking treatment. Treatment options include therapy and medication. There are also accommodations you can request from your workplace or educational institution. They can assist you to better manage your symptoms and set you up for success.
3. Impulsivity
People suffering from ADHD frequently have trouble controlling their emotions. This can lead to uncontrollable behavior that can lead to social difficulties. This could manifest as blurting out things without thinking, purchasing something at a whim, or having a heated argument with loved ones. ADHD sufferers can also have trouble waiting for their turn and may not understand social boundaries. This can lead to issues with relationships and an insecurity about themselves that can impact women's mental health.
This symptom is more common in adults with the inattention kind of ADHD. It can lead to problems in the workplace or at school, including missing deadlines, forgetting important events, and misplacing items. It can also lead to issues at home. For example it can make it difficult to finish household chores or household chores. Women with impulsive behaviors might be overwhelmed by their daily responsibilities. They might even feel that they're not doing enough or that they don't measure up to others.
A lot of people with ADHD have trouble recognizing their impulsive signs, but it's important to seek out assistance if you are suffering from them. Asking for an evaluation from an therapist is a great idea if you are experiencing mood fluctuation, low self-esteem or a lack of confidence that affects your daily routine. You can also contact Salience for an evaluation and treatment.
Traditionally, women and girls have been diagnosed with ADHD more often than boys. It's not because girls or women are less susceptible to ADHD, but because the condition typically presents differently in women. This means that they're more likely to develop an underlying disorder or develop strategies for coping that hide the symptoms. They're also more likely to experience issues with relationships, which can cause further confusion about their symptoms.
There are a variety of medications that can treat ADHD in adult women and improve their lives. These include stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts (Adderall) and Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulants like atomoxetine and antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) are a possibility by those who cannot take stimulants due to health problems or severe side effects. Behavioral therapy, for example, psychotherapy or group therapy, can be beneficial for certain.
4. Emotional Dysregulation
ADHD in women of adulthood is often a result of emotional dysregulation. This manifests as intense and frequent feelings that are out of proportion to the situation. Women who suffer from this disorder have trouble managing their emotions which can lead to uncontrollable behavior that harms relationships and career success. They may also be unable to understanding and expressing their emotions which can cause them to become overwhelmed by their emotions.
The concept of emotional dysregulation is not as well understood than hyperactivity and impulsivity in adults with ADHD. It can include difficulties with self-restraint in speaking out of the blue, interrupting others and having trouble understanding social boundaries. It can also cause an issue in identifying and expressing emotions, like frustration, anger, sadness, depression and anxiety.
Women with emotional dysregulation frequently struggle to maintain relationships and work efficiently, making them more prone to stress, irritability and low self-esteem. They are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression that can contribute to the symptoms of ADHD. They are more likely to have co-occurring conditions, like bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder, as well as anxiety and depression that can make treatment more difficult.
Because women with ADHD frequently experience a combination of overlapping symptoms which makes them more difficult to recognize than those with similar symptoms. This is partly because women have fewer externalizing symptoms than men, which are more obvious to other. However, it is crucial to take into consideration all of a patient's symptoms when diagnosing them, not just their external symptoms.
Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a different term. Sex refers to one's genetics and chromosomal makeup while gender refers a person's perception of themselves as a woman, a man, nonbinary, or other gender. The male-to-female ADHD ratio is higher in the early years, but increases with age. Women who suffer from ADHD are typically not diagnosed. A diagnosis can help them better manage their symptoms, improve their relationships, make them more successful at home and work and aid in letting them feel more fully.