ADHD in Adult Women Symptoms
Women with ADHD might find it difficult to get the help that they need. However with therapy and medication the symptoms can be controlled.
The symptoms can include restlessness, difficulty in keeping track of daily tasks as well as forgetfulness, missed deadlines and mood swings. These symptoms can result in unhealthy relationships, or co-occurring disorders like eating disorders.
1. Hyperfocus
Hyperfocus is the ability of those with ADHD to focus on one thing and ignore all other distractions. This is a wonderful skill when it's employed for tasks like writing or painting but when it's extended to activities like social media or watching TV, the results can be less productive. Hyperfocus is a symptom 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. Due to this, women's ADHD symptoms could be more difficult to identify. They may not be capable of keeping track of their schedule or pay bills, and they might be having trouble making and keeping friends.
Hyperfocus can result in an inability to manage emotions, which usually makes it difficult for women with ADHD to assert themselves or have healthy relationships at work or at home. Emotional dysregulation can be a sign of ADHD for women. It is usually caused by hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menstrual cycle or menopausal.
It can be difficult for others to recognize when you're caught in hyperfocus. They might not be aware of what you're talking about until you return. This can be frustrating for everyone affected. It is possible to develop strategies which will help you break out of hyperfocus, and regain control of your time. Set a 15-minute timer in order to remind yourself to stop wasting time on the internet or switch to another task when you're watching TV. You could also interrupt your focus by a simple gesture.
Hyperfocus is a powerful skill for those with ADHD. It can help them achieve incredible things, like winning gold medals at the Olympics, or completing major artistic projects. This is only true if the person can identify their own impulsive behaviors and learn to control their attention, and switch off hyperfocus when required. This isn't easy for the majority of people who do not have a system that holds them accountable and set realistic boundaries.
2. Procrastination
Women with ADHD struggle with beginning tasks or working on projects. They often put them off until the last minute and then feel overwhelmed by their work and are unable to motivate themselves to start. They might also have difficulty keeping track of time and tend overestimate the time required to complete their tasks.
Procrastination is a normal occurrence in many people however, for those who suffer from ADHD it can cause many issues. It can be difficult to keep up with life admin tasks such as registration to health services, booking appointments with your doctor, or responding to your friends on time. Stress and anxiety may also be a result, which impacts your health.
You may also have difficulty planning future events or completing homework. You might get so caught up in your planning that you fail to move forward. You might also find it hard to communicate with family and friends, or to discern non-verbal signals from other people. You might talk too much and ramble on about the topic, or have difficulty understanding social boundaries.
Some women who suffer from ADHD have difficulty forming new friendships or forming relationships. They may also have difficulty maintaining their jobs and completing their household chores. They may also have a low self-esteem and find it difficult to be a natural people. Some have difficulty reading body language or interpreting social cues, which can make them appear distant and unapproachable.
Women with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed, however many women still experience symptoms. Some people have high-functioning ADHD. This is when the symptoms don't significantly affect their lives. Others have mild or specific symptoms that only impact specific areas of their lives, such as work and school.
Those who have ADHD should be aware that they can improve their performance by seeking treatment. Treatment options include medication and therapy. You can also request accommodations from your employer or your educational institution. They can aid you in managing your symptoms better and set you up to succeed.
3. Impulsivity
Many people with ADHD struggle to control their emotions, resulting in impulse-driven behaviors which can lead to social problems. This may manifest as blurting things out without thinking, purchasing things on impulse or engaging in disputes. ADHD sufferers can also have difficulty waiting their turn and may not understand social boundaries. This can lead to issues with relationships and a lack of confidence in themselves that can affect women's mental health.
This is a more frequent occurrence in adults with the inattentive kind of ADHD. It can cause issues in the workplace or at school, including not meeting deadlines, ignoring important events and misplacing things. It can also cause issues at home, like having trouble completing chores and household chores, and having difficulty to begin or finish projects. Women who struggle with issues with impulsivity may end up feeling overwhelmed by the demands of their daily lives and may feel like they're failing in life or not measuring up to their peers.
Many people with ADHD cannot recognize their impulsive behavior, but it is crucial to seek out help if they occur. If you're struggling with mood swings, low self-esteem or low self-confidence that is impacting your daily life, it's a great idea to talk to an experienced therapist and request an evaluation. You can also contact the Salience health professional to get an assessment and treatment.
Traditionally, females and girls have been diagnosed with ADHD more often than boys. It's not because girls or women are less susceptible to the disorder, but because the condition typically presents differently for women. This means they are more likely to develop coping strategies that mask symptoms or are suffering from a comorbid condition. They are also more likely to experience relationship problems, which can further obscure their symptoms.
There are a variety of medications that can treat ADHD in women of all ages and improve their quality of life. There are stimulants, such as methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, amphetamine salts, and lisdexamfetamine. Non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine or antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) can be used by those who cannot take stimulants due to health problems or serious side-effects. Group therapy and psychotherapy can be helpful for some people.
4. Emotional Dysregulation
ADHD in women of adulthood is often associated with emotional dysregulation, which manifests as frequent and intense emotions that are disproportionate to the circumstances. Women who suffer from this condition typically have trouble managing their emotions. This can lead to impulsive behaviors that damage relationships and can hinder the progress of their careers. They may also have difficulty to recognize and express their emotions, which can make them feel overwhelmed by their emotions.
The concept of emotional dysregulation is not as well known than hyperactivity and impulsivity in adults with ADHD. It can include difficulties with self-restraint and impulsive speech, as well as interrupting others and having difficulty understanding the boundaries of social interaction. symptoms ADHD in adults could also be a problem identifying and expressing emotions, like frustration or anger, as well as sadness, anxiety and depression.
Women who have emotional dysregulation frequently struggle to maintain relationships and perform efficiently, making them more likely to experience anxiety, stress, and low self-esteem. They are also more vulnerable to anxiety and depression which may contribute to their symptoms of ADHD. They are more prone to have comorbid disorders, like borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression.
Women who suffer from ADHD often have symptoms that are similar. This makes it more difficult to diagnose them than men who have the same symptoms. This is due to the fact that women show less externalizing signs than men. They are more apparent for some. It is crucial to identify the patient by taking into consideration all symptoms, not only externalizing symptoms.
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are two different concepts and sex refers to one's biology, chromosomal makeup and hormones, while gender refers to a person's inner self-perception whether as a woman man, nonbinary or other gender. The male-to-female ADHD ratio is higher in the early years, but increases with age. As a result, women with ADHD are often not diagnosed. A diagnosis can help women manage their symptoms and improve their relationships. It can also help them achieve success at home and work and to accept themselves more fully.