ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women suffering from ADHD are often misdiagnosed, or left undiagnosed, because their symptoms are not as evident as those of boys. Many develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms and then blame themselves for their problems.
Symptoms include trouble keeping track of things, a high level of distraction and memory issues. Medications can help manage these symptoms.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women with ADHD often feel that they're not as skilled or capable of making the same strides as their peers. They might have a difficult time coping with frustration or disappointment triggered by daily struggles to keep track of appointments, follow through on commitments and deadlines and stay organized at work or at home. This can lead to a vicious cycle of self-criticism, depression and stress (Foster & Wolpe 2010).
Women may struggle to develop healthy strategies to cope. They might turn to harmful or unhealthy habits in order to control their symptoms especially in adolescence like excessive drinking and drug use. These unhealthy ways of coping can worsen their problems and negatively affect their lives. They can also make it difficult for professionals to detect signs and delay a proper diagnosis.
The impulsivity that is often associated with ADHD can manifest itself in reckless behaviors or outbursts that don't match the values of one's life, resulting in feelings of shame. Many women with ADHD have difficulty in expressing themselves or controlling their emotions which can make social interactions difficult. This can make it difficult for women with ADHD to establish or maintain relationships. Over time, this can lead to feelings of guilt and loneliness.
If family members don't know the reason for things happening, such as not remembering birthdays, missing appointments, or being behind on their assignments they may become frustrated. Women with ADHD may also have trouble expressing their emotions. They might unintentionally make statements that are hurtful to others, or even get them in trouble at school or work.
Additionally, those with ADHD tend to procrastination and finding it hard to start or finish tasks. This could lead to missed health checks or other important appointments. They might feel overwhelmed and out-of-control.
It's becoming more commonplace for professionals to detect adult ADHD symptoms in women and refer them to treatment. In addition advancements in understanding the differentiators between women and men suffering from ADHD have led to more effective treatments that help women manage their symptoms and regain confidence and self-esteem.
Relationship issues
ADHD can make it hard to maintain healthy relationships. Women in particular may have trouble communicating with friends and loved ones because of their impulsivity, inability to focus on conversations, and the tendency to go off on tangents. These symptoms can cause misunderstandings and hurtful feelings. The good news is, with proper treatment and care, women can develop affectionate relationships.
Love bombing, also known as "showing affection and love to your partner early in the relationship" is among the most frequent problems people with ADHD encounter in relationships. This tactic is employed to create a sense of dependency to avoid ignoring undesirable behaviors and to generate strong feelings. This behavior is often caused by untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also make it difficult for people to think ahead, which is a key aspect in maintaining a relationship. If a neurotypical partner wants an ADHD partner to wash dishes, the person could be distracted by other chores, and not complete the task. Similar to this those with ADHD tend to switch from one hobby to the next spending time and money into their latest obsession. This can lead to 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 experience rapid, broad mood swings that range from a sudden burst of anxiety to extreme happiness. Their loved ones may feel overwhelmed and feel unable to control the situation.
It is crucial for those with ADHD to improve their self-control, including calmness and avoiding triggers that may cause emotional outbursts. They should also try relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation. They should also seek help from a mental health professional or ADHD specialist to learn coping skills and create a treatment plan.
It's crucial that people who suffer from ADHD recognize how their behaviors influence others. Especially in intimate relationships, it's crucial for both partners to develop compassion and understanding. They should also establish clear boundaries to avoid resentment. It's also helpful for those who suffer from ADHD to learn about accommodations like taking notes, organizing their time and taking breaks from conversations to help them manage their issues in the workplace and at school.
Work-related Problems
It can be a challenge to work for women with ADHD. Working from home or at an office can be a challenge. It is possible to deal with emails, phone calls, and meetings throughout the day. Then, when you add to that the anxiety disorganization, disarray, and difficulty in focusing on work and juggling deadlines that are associated with ADHD it can be like your job is impossible.
There are a variety of ways to help. Talking to your doctor or a mental health professional is a good way. They will evaluate your symptoms and suggest an assessment. They may ask how ADHD affects your daily life and suggest ways to manage it. For instance, they may suggest using a calendar to track appointments or organizing your workspace. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from a routine and taking their medications on a regular basis and limiting distractions like social media or television.
Women with ADHD may suffer from symptoms that are exacerbated by hormonal changes such as menstruation or pregnancy. They are more likely to have mood fluctuations or feelings of discontent in their lives. This could make them difficult to comprehend by male coworkers or partners.
The good news is that a combination of treatment and self-care can help you overcome this challenge. Your doctor can suggest treatments that could help improve your symptoms, such as medications like stimulants or non-stimulants. They may also refer to a group of women with ADHD.
NIMH's Tips for Talking With Your Health Care Provider fact sheet will help you prepare for this conversation. Read Full Report contains a script to practice and questions to ask. You can also download the factsheet. NIMH also has resources to help you find a doctor or mental health professional who is experienced with treating ADHD in adults. Then, a thorough examination can be performed to determine if ADHD is the cause of your troubles. You can also seek an appointment with an expert, if required. Learn more about Adult ADHD on the NIMH page.
Social Issues
Women with ADHD may suffer from mood disorders or anxiety in addition to ADHD. They may be unable to navigate social situations due to being unable to read body language or pick up social cues. These issues can cause problems in romantic relationships as well as in the home and work environment. Adult ADHD symptoms can affect physical health, causing weight issues depression, anxiety, and chronic stress.
Due to their tendency be more adept at concealing their ADHD symptoms, women typically have a difficult time being diagnosed and being treated as adult. Many of these women have been referred to treatment for other conditions before receiving a diagnosis of ADHD. They might have developed strategies for coping and learned to mask their ADHD over time and then blame themselves for their inability or the fear that they'll never be able to get their lives together.
After receiving a final diagnosis, it can be an enormous relief for those with ADHD to know that they're not the cause for their problems and that the problems do not stem from a character flaw or personal weakness. A diagnosis can be a fantastic source of inspiration and hope for women with ADHD, because they now know what they can do to achieve their goals.
While the challenges associated with a diagnosis of adult ADHD can be overwhelming, there are also many options to help women find effective treatments to alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life. These include cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychotherapy therapy, and special 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)). Those who do not wish to take stimulant medications may choose to use non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera(r)), viloxazine (Qelbree(r)), or Clonidine (Kapvay(r)).
It is essential that women consult an experienced medical professional to receive a clear diagnosis. Treatment options include medications or lifestyle changes and a combination with other treatments.