ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women suffering from ADHD are often misdiagnosed or are left undiagnosed because their symptoms aren't as evident as those of boys. Many develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms and end up blaming themselves for their issues.
Symptoms include trouble staying organized, high distractibility and memory problems. Medicines can help with these symptoms.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women with ADHD might feel that they are not as competent or deserving of the same success as their peers. They may struggle to cope with disappointment and anger due to daily challenges like keeping the track of appointments, delivering on commitments, deadlines, or getting organized at work or home. This can create an endless cycle of internal self-criticism and stress, as well as depression (Foster & Wolpe, 2010).
Women may find it difficult to develop healthy coping mechanisms. To deal with their issues, women may turn to harmful or unhealthy behaviors particularly during the adolescent years. These unhealthy ways of coping can exacerbate their issues and negatively affect their lives. Additionally, they could also make it harder for medical professionals to identify their symptoms and delay a proper diagnosis.
The impulsivity that often comes with ADHD can manifest as reckless behaviors or outbursts that aren't in line with one's values, which can lead to feelings of shame. Many women suffering from ADHD also have difficulty controlling their emotions or effectively expressing themselves which makes it challenging for them to be a part of social situations. This can also make it difficult to make or maintain relationships and, as time passes it can cause feelings of shame and depression.
Inadvertently forgetting birthdays, missing meetings, or getting behind on assignments can lead to frustration with loved ones, particularly if they don't understand the reason behind these events. Women who suffer from ADHD can also have difficulty in expressing their feelings, which is why they can accidentally say things that hurt others or cause trouble at work or school.
Finally, people with ADHD tend to procrastinating and finding it difficult to begin or complete tasks. This can result in missing health check-ups or other important appointments. They might feel overwhelmed and out-of-control.
It's becoming more commonplace for professionals to recognize adult ADHD symptoms in women and recommend treatment. Furthermore, advances in understanding the differentiators between women and men with ADHD have resulted in more effective treatments that help women manage their symptoms and gain confidence and self-esteem.
Relationship issues
ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women may have difficulty communicating with their friends and loved ones due to their impulsivity and inability to concentrate on conversations. These problems can cause confusion and hurt feelings. The good news is that with the right treatment and care women can form positive and supportive relationships.
Love bombing, also known as "showing the love and affection to your partner at the beginning of the relationship" is among the most frequent issues people with ADHD face in relationships. This tactic is employed to create a sense of dependency to avoid ignoring the problematic behavior and to create strong feelings. This behavior is often the result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also make it difficult for people with ADHD to plan ahead which is a major factor in maintaining a relationship. If a neurotypical spouse is asked by an ADHD partner to wash dishes, the person may be distracted by other chores and not complete them. People with ADHD are also prone to jumping from hobby to hobby, and putting money and time into their latest passion. This can lead to financial difficulties and a messy house.
Mood swings are another common issue in relationships for those who suffer from ADHD. They may lash out at their loved ones in anger or experience rapid, broad mood swings ranging from a flurry of anxiety to extreme happiness. They may be overwhelmed and feel unable to control the situation.
People with ADHD should be able to control their emotions and self-control, which includes calming down and avoiding triggers that could cause emotional outbursts. what are the symptoms for ADHD in adults should also try techniques for relaxation, like deep breathing and meditation. They should also seek out help from a mental health professional or ADHD specialist to develop coping strategies and develop a treatment program.
It's also essential for people who suffer from ADHD to recognize the ways in which their behavior affects other people. In intimate relationships, both partners should cultivate empathy and compassion. They should also establish boundaries that are clear to avoid anger. It is also beneficial for those with ADHD to be aware of accommodations for notetaking, organizing or taking breaks from conversations to deal with their problems at school and work.
Work-related Problems
For women suffering from ADHD working can be overwhelming. Working from home or in the office can be challenging. It is possible to manage phone calls, emails and meetings all day. When you add to that the agitation disorganization, disarray, and difficulties in focusing on tasks and remembering deadlines associated with ADHD, it can feel like your job is unattainable.
There are a variety of ways you can help. Talking to your doctor or a mental health professional is a good way. They will evaluate your symptoms and suggest a diagnosis. They may ask you to describe how your ADHD affects your life, and they can suggest strategies to manage them. For instance, they could suggest using a planner to track appointments or organizing your workspace. Some people with ADHD benefit from a schedule or taking medication regularly and limiting distracting activities such as TV or social media.
Women with ADHD may find their symptoms worsened by hormonal changes, such as the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. They are also more likely to have mood fluctuations and general discontent which can make them more easily overlooked by male friends or colleagues.
The good news is that a combination of self-care and treatment could aid you in overcoming this issue. Your doctor can prescribe medication including stimulants and non-stimulants, which can help alleviate your symptoms. They may also recommend an organization that helps women suffering from ADHD.
The NIMH's Tips for Talking with Your Health Care Provider factsheet will help you prepare for the conversation. additional hints includes a script for practice and questions you can ask. You can also download the fact sheet. NIMH has resources to assist you in finding a mental health professional or health care professional who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. Then, a complete assessment can be conducted to determine whether ADHD is the primary reason behind your issues. You can also get a referral to an expert, if required. Learn more about Adult ADHD on the NIMH page.
Social Problems
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely than men to suffer comorbid anxiety or mood-related conditions as well as have trouble navigating social situations because they are unable to discern social signals or detect body language. These issues can lead to difficulties in romantic relationships as well as in working and family life. Additionally, the signs of adult ADHD can interfere with physical health and cause issues with weight as well as anxiety, stress and depression.
Due to their tendency to be more adept at concealing their ADHD symptoms, women often struggle to be diagnosed and being treated as adult. Many of these women have been referred to treatment for other conditions prior to receiving a diagnosis of ADHD. Through the years they might have developed coping skills and have learned to hide their attention deficit disorder. This can result in a feeling of self-blame or the fear that their lives will never be organized.
After receiving a final diagnosis, it's an enormous relief for those suffering from ADHD to know that they're not at fault for their problems and that the problems do not stem from an insecurities or personal weakness. A diagnosis can also be a great source of hope and motivation to make changes, since the women now know what they need to do to reach their full potential.
There are a variety of resources to help women find treatments to alleviate symptoms and improve their quality of life. These can include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or specialized 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)). If you do not want to take medication that is stimulant-like there are alternatives like atomoxetine(Strattera(r), viloxazine(Qelbree[r]), or clonidine(Kapvay[r]).
For the most successful treatment, it's essential that these women see an experienced medical professional for an accurate diagnosis of their condition. In addition, to medication, treatment options can also include lifestyle changes as well as a combination of other treatments.