ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women who suffer from ADHD are often misdiagnosed, or are left undiagnosed because their symptoms aren't as evident as those of men. Many develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms, and end up blaming themselves for their own problems.
It is a sign of trouble staying organized, high distraction and memory problems. These symptoms can be treated with medication.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women with ADHD may feel that they aren't as proficient or deserving of the same success as their peers. They might have a difficult dealing with anger or disappointment triggered by daily struggles to keep the track of appointments, adhere commitments and deadlines and organize at home or work. This can create to a vicious cycle of self-criticism, depression and stress (Foster & Wolpe 2010).
Women may be struggling to develop healthy coping strategies. They may turn to harmful or unhealthy habits as a way of trying to cope with their issues particularly during adolescence for example, excessive drinking and drug use. These unhealthy coping strategies could make their problems worse and negatively impact their lives. They can also make it difficult for professionals to detect signs and delay a proper diagnose.
The impulsivity that's often associated with ADHD can manifest in reckless behavior or outbursts that aren't in line with one's values, leading to feelings of shame. Many women suffering from ADHD also struggle with controlling emotions or effectively expressing themselves and this can make it challenging for them to interact in social situations. This can also make it difficult to form or maintain relationships, and over time it can cause feelings of shame and isolation.
When loved ones don't know the reason for things happening, such as forgetting birthdays, missing appointments, or falling behind on assignments they may become annoyed. Women with ADHD might also have difficulty communicating their feelings. They may unintentionally say things that hurt to others, or even cause trouble at work or at school.
Additionally, those with ADHD tend to putting off tasks and find it hard to start or complete tasks. This could lead to missing health checkups or other important appointments, that can make them feel overwhelmed and a bit out of control.
ADHD adult symptoms becoming more commonplace for professionals to spot adult ADHD symptoms in women and recommend treatment. Additionally, advances in understanding the differentiators between women and men with ADHD have resulted in more effective treatments that allow women to manage their symptoms and restore confidence and self-esteem.
Relationship issues
A person with ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women with ADHD may have trouble communicating with friends and loved ones due to their impulsivity, inability to focus on conversations, and inclination to drift off into diverging thoughts. These symptoms can cause confusion and hurt feelings. The good news is that with proper care and treatments women can establish affectionate relationships.
One of the most prevalent issues that couples face when they have someone with ADHD is "love bombing." Love bombing is a tactic where people shower their partners with affection and attention at the beginning of a relationship to create intense feelings of dependency and overlook concerning behaviors. This behavior is often the result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also make people incapable of planning ahead. This is crucial to maintain a healthy relationship. If a person with a neurotypical personality is asked by an ADHD partner to help with dishes, the person could be distracted by other chores and never finish the task. Similarly, people with ADHD tend to move from one hobby to the next, investing time and money into their latest passion. This can result in financial issues and a messy house.
Mood swings can be a problem for people with ADHD in relationships. They may lash out at their partners in anger or have rapid, broad mood swings ranging from a flurry of anxiety to extreme happiness. This can leave their partners feeling overwhelmed and unable to manage the situation.
It is crucial for those with ADHD to work on self-control, which includes calmness and avoiding triggers that could elicit emotional outbursts. They should also engage in relaxation techniques, like deep breathing and mindfulness meditation. They should also seek support from a mental healthcare professional or ADHD specialist in order to improve their coping skills and create a treatment plan.
It's crucial that people with ADHD recognize how their behaviors impact others. Particularly in intimate relationships, it's essential for both partners to cultivate compassion and understanding. It is also important to establish clear boundaries to avoid feelings of resentment. It is also beneficial for people with ADHD to understand accommodations such as notetaking and organizing, or taking breaks from conversations to cope with their symptoms at work and school.
Work-related Problems
For women with ADHD, work can feel overwhelming. Working from home or at an office can be difficult. You might have to handle phone calls, emails, and meetings all day long. When you add to that the restlessness and disorganization, along with the difficulty in focusing on work and remembering deadlines associated with ADHD it can be like your job is impossible.
There are a myriad of ways to help. One option is to speak with your health doctor or a mental health specialist. They can evaluate your symptoms and recommend a diagnosis. They may ask how ADHD affects your daily life and suggest ways to manage it. They might suggest using a calendar for appointments or arranging your workspace. Some people with ADHD also benefit from a regular routine and taking their medication on a regular schedule and limiting distractions such as social media or television.
Women suffering from ADHD are often afflicted with symptoms that are exacerbated during hormonal changes, such as the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. They are also more likely to experience mood fluctuations and general dissatisfaction with their lives, which could make them more susceptible to being dismissed by male partners or colleagues.
The good news is that a combination of self-care and treatment could aid you in overcoming this issue. Your doctor may prescribe medications like stimulants and non-stimulants that may help improve your symptoms. They could be a reference to a group of women suffering from ADHD.
The NIMH's Tips to Talk with Your Health Care Provider fact sheet will aid you in preparing for this conversation. It contains a script to practice and questions to ask. You can also download a downloadable version of the fact sheet. NIMH has resources to help you find an expert in mental health or health care professional who has experience in treating ADHD among adults. A thorough examination can be performed to determine if ADHD is the root cause of your problems. If needed, you can also be referred to an specialist. You can learn more about this on NIMH's Adult ADHD page.
Social Problems
Women with ADHD might experience anxiety or mood disorders in addition to ADHD. They could also have trouble navigating social situations due to being unable to read body language or pick up social signals. These challenges can cause difficulties in relationships with others as well as at work and at home. Adult ADHD symptoms can also affect physical health, causing weight issues, anxiety, depression, and chronic stress.
Due to their tendency be more adept at concealing their ADHD symptoms, women often struggle to be diagnosed and being treated as adults. Many of them may have been referred to treatment for other conditions prior to being diagnosed with ADHD. They might have developed strategies for coping and developed strategies to hide their attention deficit disorder over time, leading to self-blame for their inability or the fear that they'll never get their lives back in order.
It can be a tremendous relief for women suffering from ADHD when they finally receive a proper diagnosis. They realize that their issues aren't their own fault and that the issues do not originate from an individual weakness or character flaw. A diagnosis can also be a great source of motivation and hope to make changes, since these women now are aware of what they must do to achieve their full potential.
There are numerous sources that can assist women find solutions to ease symptoms and improve the quality of life. These include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or specific ADHD medications. Medications used to treat ADHD in adults are typically stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall(r)) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse(r)). Those who prefer not to take stimulant medications can choose non-stimulant alternatives like atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) or viloxazine (Qelbree(r)) or clonidine (Kapvay(r)).
For the most effective treatment, it's essential to see a trusted healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis of their condition. Treatment options include medication, lifestyle changes, and an amalgamation of other treatments.