ADHD Symptoms in Adult Women
Many women are not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood. Childhood symptoms can be missed and coping strategies developed as children may not function as well as adults.
Treatment options include stimulant medications and other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy. Support groups and coaching is also available.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who are not attentive ADHD often have difficulty keeping their attention at school or at work. They can forget things or make a few mistakes which can cause frustration. They can also find it difficult to complete large-scale or long-term projects, causing them to get behind on their commitments. Symptoms of inattentive ADHD typically continue throughout adulthood, but the intensity of hyperactivity and impulsivity tend to decrease.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms can be hard to spot for children and girls who don't have the same obvious signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity as boys and children who are assigned male at birth (AMAB). This means that the disorder is often misdiagnosed as depression or anxiety in girls.
It can be a huge relief for women who have struggled with these issues throughout their lives to finally receive a proper diagnosis. adult adhd symptoms can help them understand the difficulties they've faced and validate their experience and offer a path to effective treatment.
Distractibility, which continues into adulthood, is another aspect that is often caused by inattention ADHD. People with ADHD are easily distracted by side quests like games on video or social media, and experience difficulty staying focused on the task at the moment. They may also have difficulty working through multi-step tasks, for example, writing a research paper or paying bills.
Attention-deficit ADHD is treatable with cognitive behavioral therapy which provides strategies for managing distractions, establishing and implementing schedules and prioritizing work. Finding support groups and making adjustments to the surroundings can help. A medical professional can suggest medications as well as other treatments to improve the quality-of-life for women with inattention ADHD. Getting guidance from an experienced professional can assist women to manage their symptoms and improve their everyday functioning, and help them reach their goals.
2. Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD can sometimes struggle with hyperactivity. Inability to stay still or play games, and difficulties completing tasks are just a few of the signs. They may act or speak before they have finished their sentences and have the "thousand-yard stare". These symptoms can impact relationships at school, work and families. It may take a while to get diagnosed with ADHD, but treatment can improve relationships and prepare you for success at school or at work, and help you develop a better understanding of yourself.
Despite being more common than boys, very little research has examined the effects of ADHD in females who are adult and cisgender. This is due to the fact that rating scales for ADHD symptoms are skewed toward male behavior, and internalized feelings of misbehavior can be difficult to quantify or communicate.
In addition to hyperactivity, women with ADHD might have issues with impulsivity and having a difficult time following through on commitments. Early sex initiation, lack of planning and an impulsive nature can make it easy for women with ADHD to engage in sexually risky activities. They are also more likely to develop sexually transmitted diseases or suffer from unplanned pregnancy. They may also be afflicted by rejection sensitivity, which is an intense emotional response to real or perceived rejection.
The management of ADHD symptoms can be challenging at any age. Women with ADHD have a range of tools available to aid them in managing their symptoms. These include psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes. Many people who suffer from ADHD benefit from joining a support club to chat with others who face similar issues. They can also hire an expert to assist them with organization and executive function skills, and develop healthy coping strategies like exercising. Adults with ADHD may also be interested in participating in clinical trials to test new medications or treatment approaches. For more information, visit NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
3. Impulsivity
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD frequently have trouble controlling their behavior, leading to issues with self-esteem or troubled relationships. Their impulsive nature can put them at risk for being forced into unwanted sexual activity, or becoming the victim of intimate partner violence.
While impulsiveness is a part of all types of ADHD however, it is more prevalent in the subtype of inattentive, which is what the majority of people with ADHD are diagnosed with. Inattentive ADHD is characterised by a racing or disoriented mind as well as forgetting appointments and other details, and easily distracted.
Attention-deficit 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 girls and women are more likely to hide their ADHD symptoms is because of traditional gender roles. It's more common for boys to act impulsively or be unorganized, which makes it more difficult for parents and teachers to notice girls' behavioral problems.
Women suffering from ADHD can experience a range of other symptoms, such as mood swings and difficulties in social interaction. The symptoms may vary from daily, based on the fluctuation of their hormones. For instance, they may be exacerbated by a drop in estrogen after ovulation or near menstrual cycle, as well as by having an unbalanced diet that includes too much sugar and processed foods. These women may be affected during pregnancy, breastfeeding and by changes in hormones during menopausal.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD are often plagued by disorganization, a symptom that can be mild or severe. For instance, you could lose your keys often or spend a lot of time searching for them in your home. Your messy bedroom or desk make it hard for you to find a space to work. You might also find it difficult to keep the track of your appointments and pay your bills.
Unorganizedness can also affect your emotional well-being. You may struggle to control your mood, which can lead to a low self-esteem or feeling of being inadequate. You may also be prone to impulsive behavior which can result in relationship issues. You could put off or put off tasks that require many details.
You may put off tasks that require effort because you are not organized. This can lead to a plethora of tasks that are not completed, which can be stressful. Disorganization can also cause you to lose or forget important items like medications or your wallet. Disorganization is often blamed on stress or a hectic lifestyle, but ADHD can also be a reason.
In addition, disorganization can cause problems in your personal and professional relationships. For instance, you might not know how to respond to other people's requests or you might interrupt others in an inappropriate manner. You might also struggle to keep your emotions in check which could lead to disagreements or feelings of disapproval.
A diagnosis can help you understand the symptoms and figure out how to manage them. You may feel relieved to know that you are not the only one struggling with ADHD symptoms. You could be able to receive treatment by a doctor or other health professional, like an ADHD coach or psychotherapy. You might also be able to participate in an experimental trial. Clinical trials are research studies that focus on innovative ways to prevent, detect or treat illnesses and conditions. Learn more about clinical trials on the NIMH Clinical Trials page.
5. Indecisiveness
Indecisive people may have difficulty making even the smallest choices, like what to wear or where they want to consume their food. Indecision can also affect larger choices, such as choosing a career or buying an apartment. People who are unsure often feel in an uncharted territory. This can lead to anxiety and stress.
They may constantly consider pros and cons or they may ask for advice from others but their inability to decide on a path to take can keep them from moving forward. Some indecisive individuals have difficulty accepting the implications of decisions. These habits could ultimately impact their health and wellbeing in significant ways.
Some people who are not sure may be hesitant to make any decisions in the first place. This can have negative consequences on their relationships and lives. They might not begin dating or apply for a new job because they fear making a wrong choice. They may not be able to purchase an automobile or a home since they are unable to make a decision.
Indecisiveness is a major influence on productivity and work performance. Research has shown that indecisive leaders can stifle team morale and discourage employees. This could affect employees in other departments and spread throughout the organization.
If you struggle to make decisions, there are a variety of strategies that can help them overcome their indecisiveness. They can, for example, practice mindfulness by focusing their attention on the present moment. They can also learn to trust their intuition. They can also seek guidance from mental health professionals to recognize the thoughts and behaviors that prevent them from making decisions.