ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women with ADHD are often left undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed because their symptoms are less obvious than those of males. Many develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms and end up blaming themselves for their issues.
Symptoms can include issues with organization, high distractionibility and memory issues. These symptoms can be controlled by taking medication.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women who suffer from ADHD often feel they're not as skilled or capable of making the same strides as their peers. They may struggle to cope with disappointment and anger due to everyday challenges like keeping the track of appointments, following through on deadlines, commitments or staying organized at work or at home. This can lead a vicious circle of self-criticism, depression and stress (Foster and Wolpe, 2010).
Women may be unable to develop healthy coping mechanisms. They might turn to unhealthy or harmful behaviors in order to manage their symptoms particularly during adolescence such as excessive alcohol and drug use. These unhealthy coping methods can exacerbate their issues and negatively impact their lives. They can also make it difficult for professionals to detect the signs and delay an accurate diagnosis.
The impulsivity that often comes with ADHD can manifest as reckless behavior or outbursts that aren't in line with one's values, which can lead to feelings of shame. Many women with ADHD struggle with in expressing themselves or controlling their emotions which can make social interactions difficult. This can make it difficult to form or keep relationships and, as time passes, this can contribute to feelings of shame and loneliness.
If family members don't know why things happen, such as not being able to remember birthdays, ignoring appointments, or falling behind on assignments they may become annoyed. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have trouble expressing their emotions. They may accidentally say things that hurt to others or get them in trouble at work or in school.
Finally, people with ADHD are often prone to procrastinating and finding it difficult to begin or finish tasks. This can result in being late for health checks or other important appointments which can cause them to feel overwhelmed and out of control.
It's becoming more common for professionals to identify the signs of adult ADHD in women and refer them for treatment. In addition, the understanding of the differentiators between men with ADHD and women has resulted in more effective treatment options that help women manage their symptoms, regain confidence and self-esteem.
Relationship Issues
A person with ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women may have difficulty communicating with their loved ones due to their impulsivity and inability to concentrate on conversations. These issues can lead to misunderstandings and hurtful feelings. The good part is that with the right treatment and care women can build friendships that are supportive and loving.
Love bombing, also known as "showing the love and affection to your partner early in the relationship" is one of the most frequent problems people with ADHD face in relationships. This tactic is used to create a sense of dependency to deflect problematic behaviors and to create intense feelings. Most of the time, this behavior is the result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also render people unable to plan ahead. This is important for maintaining an enduring relationship. For instance when a person with neurotypical symptoms is requesting their ADHD partner to help wash dishes, they might be distracted by three other chores and never get around to completing them. People with ADHD are also susceptible to jumping from hobby to hobby, and putting money and time into their latest passion. This can result in financial difficulties and a messy home.
Mood swings can be an issue for people suffering from ADHD in relationships. They may be averse to lashing out at their loved ones in anger or have rapid, broad mood swings ranging from a flurry of anxiety to extreme happiness. Their partners may feel overwhelmed and unable control the situation.
It is crucial for those with ADHD to work on self-control, such as calmness and avoiding triggers that could cause emotional outbursts. They should also use relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and mindfulness meditation. Additionally they should seek help from a mental health professional or ADHD specialist to discover coping strategies and develop a treatment plan.
It's also crucial for those who suffer from ADHD to recognize the ways in which their behavior affects other people. In intimate relationships, both partners must cultivate compassion and empathy. It is also important to establish clear boundaries to prevent feelings of resentment. It is also beneficial for those with ADHD to understand accommodations like notetaking and organizing, or taking breaks from conversations in order to deal with their issues at school and work.
Work-related Issues
The demands of work can be overwhelming for women suffering from ADHD. If you work from home or a formal office dealing with calls, emails, and meetings throughout the day can be challenging. Then, when you add to that the restlessness, disorganization, and difficulty in focusing on work and juggling deadlines triggered by ADHD, it can feel like your job is unattainable.
There are a variety of ways you can help. Talking with your doctor or mental health professional is a good way. They can assess your symptoms, and recommend an assessment. They may ask you to describe how your ADHD affects your life and they may suggest strategies to manage your symptoms. For example, they might suggest using a planner to keep track of your appointments or organizing your workspace. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from a routine of taking medications on a regular basis and limiting distractions such as social media or television.
Women who suffer from ADHD may find their symptoms caused by hormonal changes like the menstrual period or pregnancy. They are also more likely to experience mood fluctuations and general discontent with their lives and could make them more susceptible to being misunderstood by male partners or colleagues.
The good news is that a combination of self-care and treatment could assist you in overcoming this problem. Your doctor can prescribe medication including stimulants and non-stimulants, that can help alleviate your symptoms. They may also refer you to a support group for women with ADHD.
NIMH's Tips on Talking with Your Health Care Provider factsheet can help you prepare for the conversation. The fact sheet contains an exercise script and questions that you can ask. You can also download a printable version of the fact sheet. NIMH has resources to help you find a mental health professional or health professional who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. A thorough evaluation can be done to see if ADHD is the cause of your troubles. You can also seek an appointment with an expert, if you need. Find out more about Adult ADHD on the NIMH page.
Social Problems
Women with ADHD are more likely than men to suffer comorbid anxiety or mood-related conditions, and they may also have trouble navigating social situations because they are unable to discern social signals or detect body language. These issues can cause problems in romantic relationships, as well as work and home life. Adult ADHD symptoms can affect physical health, leading to weight issues as well as depression, anxiety and chronic stress.
Because of their tendency to be more adept at concealing their ADHD symptoms, women typically have a difficult time being diagnosed and treated as adults. They may have received treatment for other illnesses prior to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. Over the years, they might have developed coping strategies and have learned to hide their ADHD. This could lead to feelings of guilt or the feeling that their lives will never be arranged.
It can be a huge relief for women with ADHD when they finally receive a proper diagnosis. They understand that their problems aren't their own fault and that the problems do not stem from an individual weakness or flaw. adult ADHD symptoms men can be a fantastic source of motivation and optimism for those with ADHD since they have the tools to achieve their goals.
There are a variety of resources to help women find treatments to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life. This can include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or specialized ADHD medication. Medications used to treat ADHD in adults are typically stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall(r)) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse(r)). If you do not want to take stimulant medication, there are other options like atomoxetine(Strattera(r), viloxazine(Qelbree[r]) or clonidine(Kapvay[rKAPVAY[r]).
For the most successful treatment, it's essential that these women see a trusted healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis of their condition. Treatment options include medication, lifestyle changes, and an amalgamation of other treatments.