ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women with ADHD are often not diagnosed or misdiagnosed as their symptoms are more subtle than those of boys. Many develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms, and end up blaming themselves for their problems.
Symptoms include trouble staying organized, high distraction and memory issues. Medicines can help with these symptoms.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women with ADHD might feel they aren't as proficient or deserving of the same success as their peers. They might have a difficult time coping with frustration or disappointment triggered by every day struggles to keep on top of appointments, keep commitments and deadlines, and get organized at home or work. This can result in an endless cycle of internal self-criticism and stress, as well as depression (Foster and Wolpe, 2010,).
Women may find it difficult to develop healthy coping mechanisms. They may turn to harmful or unhealthy habits to try to control their symptoms, especially during adolescence, such as excessive alcohol and drug use. These unhealthy coping strategies can further exacerbate their problems and negatively affect their lives. In addition, they can 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 itself in reckless behaviors or outbursts that don't match one's values, leading to feelings of shame. Many women suffering from ADHD also struggle with controlling emotions or expressing themselves effectively and this can make it challenging for them to be a part of social settings. This makes it difficult for women with ADHD to form or maintain relationships. Over time this can result in feelings of guilt and loneliness.
When loved ones don't know why things happen, such as not being able to remember birthdays, ignoring appointments, or getting behind in their work, they can become annoyed. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have trouble in expressing their feelings, which is why they might accidentally utter things that cause harm to others or get them into trouble at work or school.
In addition, people suffering from ADHD tend to procrastination and finding it hard to start or finish tasks. This can lead to missed health checkups or other important appointments that can make them feel overwhelmed and a bit out of control.
It's more common now for professionals to recognize adult ADHD symptoms in women and recommend treatment. In addition advancements in understanding the differentiators between women and men with ADHD have resulted in more effective treatment options 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 loved ones due to their impulsivity as well as their inability to concentrate on conversations. These symptoms can cause misunderstandings and hurtful feelings. The good news is, with the right treatment and care women can establish affectionate relationships.
Love bombing, also known as "showing the love and affection to your partner at the beginning of the relationship" is among the most common issues that people with ADHD encounter in relationships. This tactic is used to create feelings of dependency to deflect undesirable behaviors and to generate intense feelings. In most cases, this is a result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also cause people to be in a position to not plan ahead. This is important to maintain an enduring relationship. For example for instance, if a person with a neurotypical personality would like their ADHD partner to help wash dishes, they may be distracted by three other chores and never get around to completing them. Similarly those with ADHD tend to move from one hobby to the next, investing time and money into their latest obsession. This can lead to financial issues and a messy house.
ADHD hyperactivity symptoms in adults can be an issue for those with ADHD in relationships. They might lash out at their partners 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.
It's important for people with ADHD to develop self-control, including calmness and avoiding triggers that could elicit emotional outbursts. They should also use techniques for relaxation, like deep breathing and meditation. Lastly they should seek out help from a mental health professional or ADHD specialist to learn coping strategies and develop a treatment plan.
It's important that people who suffer from ADHD recognize how their behaviors affect other people. Particularly in intimate relationships, it's essential for both partners to cultivate compassion and understanding. They should also set the boundaries clearly to avoid resentment. It is also beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD to be aware of accommodations like taking notes, organizing their time, and taking breaks from conversations to help them deal with their issues at work and school.
Work-related Problems
Work can be overwhelming for women with ADHD. Working at home or in an office can be difficult. It is possible to deal with calls, emails and meetings all day. Add to that the anxiety, disorganization and difficulty focusing on tasks or remembering deadlines that are associated with ADHD and it can feel like your job is impossible.
There are a variety of ways you can assist. Talking with your doctor or a mental health professional is one way. They will evaluate your symptoms, and recommend a diagnostic. They might ask you to explain how your ADHD impacts your daily life, and they may suggest ways to manage them. For instance, they may recommend using a calendar to keep track of your appointments or organizing your workspace. Some people with ADHD also benefit from a routine and taking their medication on a regular schedule and limiting distractions like social media or television.
Women with ADHD may experience symptoms that are worsened by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. They are more likely to have mood fluctuation or feelings of unsatisfaction in their lives. This makes them difficult to comprehend by male colleagues or partners.
The good news is a combination of self-care and treatment can help you overcome this challenge. Your doctor can prescribe medication like stimulants and non-stimulants, that can help alleviate your symptoms. They may also recommend a support group for women suffering from ADHD.
NIMH's Tips for Talking With Your Health Care Provider fact sheet will aid you in preparing for this conversation. The fact sheet contains a script for practice and questions that you can ask. You can also download a printable version of the fact sheet. NIMH offers resources to help you find a mental health professional or health care provider who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. A thorough assessment can be conducted to determine if ADHD is the primary cause of your troubles. If needed, you can also be referred to a specialist. You can find out more about this issue on NIMH's Adult ADHD page.
Social Problems
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely than men to suffer mood-related disorders or anxiety, and they may also have trouble navigating social situations because they are unable to pick up on social cues or detect body language. These challenges can cause difficulties in relationships with others as well as at home and at work. Adult ADHD symptoms can affect physical health, leading to weight issues as well as depression, anxiety and chronic stress.
Due to their tendency to be more adept at concealing their ADHD symptoms, women frequently struggle to be diagnosed and being treated as adult. Women might have had treatment for other conditions prior to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. They could have developed strategies for coping and developed strategies to disguise their ADHD over time which can lead to self-blame for their inability or a fear that they'll never have their lives back in order.
When inquiry get a correct diagnosis, it can be an enormous relief for women who suffer from ADHD to realize that they're not responsible for their issues and that the problems do not stem from an individual flaw or weakness. A diagnosis can also be a powerful source of inspiration and motivation to change, since the women now know what they need to do to achieve their full potential.
While the challenges associated with the diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a lot, there are also many resources available to assist women in finding effective treatments to alleviate their 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 don't wish to take stimulant medications there are alternatives such as atomoxetine(Strattera(r), viloxazine(Qelbree[r]), or clonidine(Kapvay[r]).
For the most successful treatment, it's crucial that these women see an experienced healthcare professional who can provide an accurate diagnosis of their condition. Treatment options include medication or lifestyle changes and a combination with other treatments.