The ADHD Symptoms In Women Adults Awards: The Best, Worst And Strangest Things We've Ever Seen
Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults
The symptoms of ADHD in women who are adults can be harder to detect. This is due to the fact that many women develop coping strategies to mask their ADHD symptoms.
This could mean using a checklist or planner to keep track of tasks, making notes at meetings and engaging in plenty of exercise. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have a harder time expressing emotions.
Attentive symptoms
Women who have inattention ADHD find it difficult to believe that their struggles are not recognized. They might miss deadlines, struggle with life admin tasks or struggle to remember details. They may also have difficulty maintaining relationships and coping with obligations at home, while feeling like they're constantly behind their peers in career or relationships and other milestones.
These symptoms can be even difficult to identify in adults than in children because women develop strategies to mask their ADHD. They might develop coping strategies in order to compensate for the symptoms, like using planners or setting up phone reminders. However, these strategies are often exhausting and unproductive with time.
Inattentive ADHD in women can lead to low self-esteem, as well as feelings of shame and failure. Many women with inattentive ADHD don't have a diagnosis, which can make them more likely to internalize their experiences of functional impairments and be stigmatized by others. Some of these women receive remarks that are snide about being "lazy," or "flaky" or even "stupid." Others may be aware of their issues but dismiss them as normal, especially in cases where they aren't evident to others as the inattention ADHD symptoms in men and boys.
Women with inattention ADHD can cover up their symptoms by employing unhealthy or harmful coping strategies. These include excessive exercise, binge eating, sugary food intake, and also procrastination. These behaviors can have serious effects in the long run, especially when they lead to health issues, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
The good news is a combination of medication and lifestyle changes may help improve symptoms for women with inattentive ADHD. Exercise, a regular eating schedule and avoiding foods and drinks that cause energy crash can all help. ADHD hyperactivity symptoms in adults may also prescribe stimulants, which can aid in improving focus, reduce hyperactivity and manage impulsive and distracting behaviors of women suffering from ADHD.
It is crucial to understand that stimulants can interact with certain medications such as antidepressants. Therefore, it is best to consult with a medical professional before taking any medication.
Hyperactive Symptoms
Women with ADHD are typically hyperactive. They might be more distracted than others and may find it difficult to follow instructions or complete routine tasks like paying bills, washing laundry, or cooking. They may also find it difficult to maintain eye contact with other people and remain on the same topic when talking. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have trouble staying active, and they may feel dissatisfied when they are not able to reach the physical goals they set for themselves.
Many women suffering from untreated ADHD develop coping mechanisms to cover up their symptoms. They may adopt healthy coping mechanisms for example, creating reminders on their phones to remind them of important dates. Women, however, use unhealthy coping methods like drinking or taking drugs to appear "normal" to conform to social norms. These unhealthy coping strategies can have a negative impact on their self-esteem and make it harder to admit the fact that they suffer from ADHD.
Even when women manage their symptoms with behavioral strategies or medication but they still face emotional problems. The fluctuation in mood can cause conflict in personal relationships and at work, and women might feel that they have no control over their lives. Their anger could cause them to blame themselves for their problems and only increase the feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem that they may already be experiencing.
As women age, their ADHD symptoms may change in type and severity. These fluctuations can be hard to deal with, especially when they occur at certain periods of the month and during menopausal or pregnancy. They can be more apparent in times of anxiety, grief or trying to conform to the expectations of society.

The only way to know whether someone has ADHD is to have them evaluated by a medical professional with experience treating adults with the disorder. A health care provider will examine the patient's past and perform tests to rule out other reasons for their behavior out, before prescribing appropriate treatment options. Stimulant medication is the most popular treatment for adults with ADHD, but non-stimulant medications may be prescribed when stimulants are not suitable for the patient.
Impulsive Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD can be particularly concerned by their impulsive behavior. They are often overwhelmed and feel feeling like their lives are chaotic. They may also struggle with keeping track of multiple tasks and forgetting important details at school or work. Their feelings of inadequateness and anxiety can build up and cause depression and low self-esteem.
As with girls, the hyperactive/impulsive symptoms of ADHD in females are less easy to notice than those in boys and men, which can make it harder for them to receive a diagnosis. Many people also have a bias against women who have ADHD and believe that it is a condition that affects mostly men. This is why women may be not diagnosed correctly or aren't receiving an intervention that could benefit them.
The impulsive-type ADHD symptoms of women typically fluctuate with hormonal fluctuations. The symptoms may worsen during ovulation or during the middle of the menstrual cycle when estrogen and progesterone are rising. This could result in women being misdiagnosed with irritability or mood disorders, and they might not receive the appropriate treatments.
Women and girls with impulsive-type ADHD might be more likely to engage in dangerous sexual activities, putting them at risk of unwanted pregnancies or being victims of intimate partner violence. They may also have difficulty maintaining friendships or being assertive with their peers.
Regular exercise can help reduce the symptoms of impulsivity in adults and children with ADHD. It releases neurotransmitters, which improve concentration and attention and helps reduce symptoms like depression, anxiety and stressed. Exercises that require moving, such as daily runs or walks, swimming or dance are particularly beneficial. Meditation, mindfulness training, and taking calming supplements like omega-3 fatty acid and magnesium are other methods to control impulsive symptom. Practicing good sleep hygiene can be helpful, such as having a regular bedtime and limiting time spent on screens before bed. Stimulants can help improve concentration and attention, however your doctor will take into account other health conditions when choosing the right medication. Discuss with your doctor the possibility of taking part in a clinical trial that's looking into new medications or treatments for ADHD.
Emotional Signs and Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD are frequently affected by emotional issues such as mood swings and self-regulation issues that may affect their relationships and professional interactions. These issues can also affect their finances, as they may struggle to keep on top of the cost of their bills and managing their budgets. Their lack of self control can lead to reckless spending and a tendency to make rash decisions when under pressure.
Adult ADHD is typically defined by inattentional symptoms rather than hyperactive or impulsive behavior. Many women are misdiagnosed, or never diagnosed. As we age, symptoms can get worse during menstrual cycles are in the course of pregnancy, or at menopause. They can also be exacerbated by other health issues such as depression or anxiety.
As a result, their symptoms are more difficult to spot for healthcare professionals than for males and females. This is due to the fact that women are more likely to hide their ADHD symptoms by building ways to cope. For instance, they could keep a daily schedule or set reminders to meet deadlines. They might also take self-medicating drugs like alcohol or other drugs to alleviate their feelings of restlessness.
These coping strategies may be efficient in the short-term, but they can be harmful in the long-term. In time these strategies for coping can cause women to feel depressed, frustrated and overwhelmed, which can lead to low self-esteem. In addition, they may cause unhealthy ways of coping with their symptoms, like self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI).
In these circumstances, it is important for women who suspect ADHD to see a healthcare professional for a thorough assessment and diagnosis. A healthcare professional can suggest a treatment plan that includes medication and therapy. Adult ADHD medications include stimulants and nonstimulants. The most popular stimulants are those that can increase energy levels and focus. They can also reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. Non-stimulants, such as antidepressants or atomoxetine, are often recommended for people who are unable to take stimulants.
Women with ADHD can also benefit from a change in their lifestyle. This includes creating a routine by using tools to organize such as planners and apps, breaking tasks down into smaller chunks and practicing relaxation and mindfulness techniques. Regular exercise and a balanced diet and enough sleep can all be beneficial. It is also recommended for women to seek out a therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD, as they will understand the emotional and behavioral effects of this disorder.