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Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women While boys and men are diagnosed far more often with ADHD however, girls and women can also have it. But persistent stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptoms and comorbidities make it difficult for them to be properly assessed and treated. Many women devise coping strategies to mask their ADHD symptoms and to meet social expectations, but these can be unsustainable and unhealthy. Here are a few of the adult women's most commonly reported ADHD symptoms. 1. Unfocused attention Women with ADHD are often overwhelmed by their daily tasks. It is often difficult to keep track of deadlines, emails and meetings. They may also be more likely to forget important events or appointments. They may also struggle to concentrate in noisy or busy environments. This could result in missed opportunities and a lower level of productivity. For many people with ADHD, these challenges can feel like an aspect of their personality or performance, and can cause frustration. They often end up with a low self-esteem and negative image of themselves. They may also be struggling to keep relationships stable and develop effective coping strategies. In some instances they will resort to unhealthy coping behaviors like excessive drinking or drugs. This could make people less likely to recognize their problems and delay diagnosis. Adults suffering from ADHD are often sensitive to criticism or failure. This may cause them to internalize their problems and make it difficult for them to seek help. They might also be afflicted by problems with relationships and are unable to find meaningful employment. They may also be more susceptible to depression, anxiety, and mood fluctuations. In certain instances, these symptoms can result in the development of a mental health issue such as self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) which could be expressed through cutting, burning or scratching. ADHD is more common among men and boys, but symptoms can persist and impact all aspects of your life. It's crucial for women to identify the signs and seek a thorough examination from a medical professional. A correct diagnosis can lead to better-managed symptoms and an improved quality of life. 2. Disorganization Women suffering from ADHD often complain of feeling overwhelmed and like their lives are chaotic. They might miss deadlines at work or have difficulty keeping track of the tasks at home or at work like paying bills and making appointments. Their finances and home may be messy, and they may struggle to maintain healthy relationships and a steady job. Inattention ADHD symptoms can cause frustration and miscommunications in relationships with friends, partners and colleagues. These problems can lead to broken or strained connections and feelings of being isolated. Inattention, forgetfulness, and the tendency to “zone out”, or stop paying attention, may result in misunderstandings between loved ones. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms of impulsivity, emotional instability, and mood swings. They can be disruptive in their professional and personal lives. Women who are not treated for ADHD are often overwhelmed by the responsibilities and expectations of their families, work and the society, and may be particularly sensitive to harsh criticism or harsh judgment. The good news is that there are solutions to manage the impact of these symptoms. Treatment options for adults include lifestyle changes as well as the use of specific tools for organization, and prescription stimulant medications. Women with ADHD might be able to hide their ADHD symptoms better than males which could lead to an undiagnosed condition that can last until the age of. They are more likely to suffer from comorbid disorders, such as depression and anxiety which can exacerbate the effects of untreated ADHD. Women can also struggle to keep stable relationships and jobs and suffer from low self esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to a person's biological makeup, chromosomes and hormones and anatomy. Gender refers to the internal sense of self as a woman, man, nonbinary, or other gender identity and mental health issues are usually diagnosed based on both. 3. Anxiety Women with ADHD are at risk for depression and anxiety. These feelings can become more severe when you're unable to keep the track of your daily tasks and appointments. This can cause health problems such as missed health checkups or payments that are late, or even debt. ADHD can trigger emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and forgetfulness and can cause relationship problems with partners, friends and coworkers. Many women develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms. This could make it difficult for others to notice that they have difficulty staying focused and organized. These coping mechanisms may be beneficial, like making a daily plan, or a phone reminder or harmful, like drinking alcohol or taking drugs to manage or function. These coping strategies can trigger a cycle of self-doubt and anxiety for women, which makes them feel like they are not doing enough or productive, which can cause depression and anxiety. Women with ADHD might also feel that they aren't accepted or aren't meeting social expectations. This can cause frustration and low self-esteem. They might also experience difficulties at work such as difficulty with organization skills adhering to company policies or sticking to a standard 9-to-5 work schedule. They may be struggling to manage their finances due to disorganization or impulsive spending. Also, they might struggle to keep up with assignments or homework. ADHD can be a chronic condition that requires ongoing care, particularly when it affects girls and women. Despite the prevalence of the disorder however, it's still misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and not treated. Lingering stereotypes and referral biases internalized symptoms, comorbidities, and hormonal changes all contribute to the distinctive symptom manifestation of ADHD in females. 4. Impulsivity Women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty controlling their emotions or impulses. They can be easily annoyed or excessively excited, and may lose track of time or be late for events. They might also have trouble understanding body language and recognizing social signals. This can cause issues at work or in relationships. They may be prone to arguments or spend too much time with interests and hobbies that are not important to them. They might also have trouble maintaining friendships or making connections because they are unable to keep their commitments and promises. Women are generally better in establishing coping mechanisms that aid in reducing their ADHD symptoms, so it's difficult for them to be diagnosed than men. They could, for instance create routines to aid in staying organized or use apps to remind themselves of their schedules. ADHD symptoms in adults males could also alter their behavior to fit in with societal expectations and norms. They may even cover up their symptoms by using drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms, which could have serious health consequences in the end. Some people with ADHD are not able to overcome the symptoms. About 60 percent of women who suffer from ADHD during childhood continue to be affected until they reach adulthood, compared to 30% of men. If you're unable to achieve relief with medication or lifestyle changes Professional treatment may be beneficial. There are a variety of options, including career coaching, life coaching, and counseling, together with stimulants and medications. Exercise is also a great way to improve your mood and increase your energy levels. It releases neurotransmitters which boost motivation and focus. It can also reduce anxiety and stress. 5. Emotional reactivity Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often have issues with emotional hyperactivity. They may have trouble regulating their emotions and expressing them appropriately. This can cause frustration for themselves as well as others. A person suffering from ADHD might become angry when her partner critiques them, but she might not be able calm down to talk about the issue in a rational way. It is also possible that she struggles to “pause” her reaction by recognizing bodily signals that indicate she's feeling overwhelmed or stressed, such as flushing skin or breath shortness. This difficulty in regulating emotions can lead to confusion and frustration and make people with ADHD prone towards anxiety or depression. It can also lead to problems with social interactions because it is difficult to read people's moods and social signals. In some instances, those with ADHD might appear emotionally distant and uninterested in their family or loved ones, even when they genuinely love them. In other cases, they may withdraw from triggering situations to avoid experiencing a strong emotion. Gender bias is common among medical professionals and the impact of ADHD on women can be easily overlooked due to the nature of their symptoms. Many people disguise their ADHD symptoms and, when they do manifest in the future, they're more likely be interpreted as anxiety or mood-related, and therefore misdiagnosed. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it can be beneficial to consult an experienced mental health professional who has experience in working with girls and women with ADHD. They can confirm your experiences, teach you strategies such as self-awareness or pacing, and provide you with psychoeducation for your family members to help you identify and address any future ADHD symptoms.