ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women with ADHD are often misdiagnosed or left undiagnosed, as their symptoms aren't as obvious as those of men. Many develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms and then blame themselves for their problems.
It is a sign of trouble staying organized, high distractibility and memory problems. Medications can help manage these symptoms.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women who suffer from ADHD may feel that they aren't as skilled or deserving of the same success as their peers. They may have a hard dealing with anger or disappointment triggered by the daily struggle to keep track of appointments, follow commitments and deadlines, and get organized at home or work. This can create to a vicious cycle of self-criticism and depression and stress (Foster & Wolpe 2010).
Women may be unable to develop healthy coping mechanisms. To deal with their issues, women may turn to harmful or unhealthy behaviors particularly in the adolescent years. These unhealthy ways of coping can exacerbate their issues and negatively affect their lives. They can also make it difficult for professionals to detect the signs and delay an accurate diagnosis.
The impulsivity that is often associated with ADHD can manifest itself in reckless behaviors or outbursts that don't align with one's values, which can lead to feelings of shame. Many women suffering from ADHD struggle with communicating their feelings or managing their emotions which can make social interactions difficult. This makes it difficult for people with ADHD to establish or maintain relationships. Over time it can cause feelings of guilt and loneliness.
If loved ones don't understand what causes things to happen like not remembering birthdays, missing appointments, or being behind on assignments, they can become angry. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have trouble communicating their feelings, and they might accidentally utter things that cause harm to others or cause trouble at work or school.
People with ADHD often procrastinate and have a difficult time begin or finish tasks. This could lead to missing health checkups or other important appointments, which can leave them feeling overwhelmed and uncontrollable.
Fortunately, it's now more common for professionals to recognize the symptoms of adult ADHD in women and refer them for 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 restore confidence and self-esteem.
Relationship Issues
Being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women may experience difficulties communicating with their friends and loved ones due to their impulsivity as well as their inability to concentrate on conversations. These problems can cause misunderstandings and hurt feelings. The good news is that with proper care and treatment, women can develop positive and supportive relationships.
One of the most frequent problems in relationships for those with ADHD is "love bombing." Love bombing is a method of ensuring that one lavishes their partner with affection and love early on in the relationship to induce intense feelings of dependency and to avoid noticing problematic behaviors. Oftentimes, what is adult ADHD symptoms is the result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can make it difficult for people to plan ahead which is a crucial factor in maintaining a relationship. If a neurotypical spouse asks an ADHD partner to wash the dishes, that person could be distracted by other chores, and not complete the task. In the same way, people with ADHD tend to jump 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 are an issue for those with ADHD in relationships. They may lash out at their loved ones in anger or have sudden, wide mood swings that range from a sudden burst of anxiety to extreme happiness. This can leave their partners feeling overwhelmed and unable to manage the situation.
It's important for people with ADHD to work on self-control, which includes calmness and avoiding triggers that might elicit emotional outbursts. They should also try relaxation methods, such as deep breathing and meditation. Additionally they should seek out help from a mental health professional or ADHD specialist to discover coping strategies and create a treatment plan.
It's crucial that people who suffer from ADHD recognize how their behaviors impact others. In intimate relationships, both parties should cultivate empathy and compassion. They should also set clear boundaries to avoid resentment. It's also helpful for people who suffer from ADHD to learn about accommodations like taking notes, organizing their time and taking breaks from conversations, to help them manage their symptoms in the workplace and at school.
Work Issues
The demands of work can be overwhelming for women suffering from ADHD. Working from home or at an office can be difficult. You may have to handle emails, phone calls, and meetings all day. Then, when you add to that the restlessness and disorganization, along with the difficulties in focusing on tasks and juggling deadlines that are associated with ADHD, it can feel like your job is unattainable.
There are a variety of ways to help. Talking to your doctor or mental health professional is a good way. They will evaluate your symptoms and suggest a diagnostic. They might ask you to describe how your ADHD affects your life, and suggest strategies to manage them. For instance, they could recommend using a calendar to track appointments or organizing your workspace. Certain people with ADHD also benefit by having a routine, taking medications on a regular basis and limiting distractions like television or social media.
Women with ADHD can have their symptoms exacerbated during hormonal changes, such as the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. They are more likely to have mood swings or feelings of dissatisfaction in their lives. This can make them harder to comprehend by male friends or colleagues.
The good news is that a combination of treatment and self-care can aid you in overcoming these difficulties. Your doctor can suggest treatments that could help improve your symptoms, including medications like stimulants or non-stimulants. They can also recommend an organization that helps women suffering from ADHD.
The NIMH Tips for Talking to Your Health Care Provider factsheet can aid you in preparing for the conversation. The fact sheet contains an exercise script and questions you can ask. You can download the fact sheet. NIMH also has resources to help you find a health care provider or mental health professional who is knowledgeable with treating ADHD in adults. Then a full evaluation can be carried out to determine if ADHD is the reason for your problems. If needed, you can also be referred to an specialist. Find out more about Adult ADHD on the NIMH page.
Social Issues
Women with ADHD might experience mood disorders or anxiety in addition to ADHD. They might be unable to navigate social situations due to being unable to read body language or pick up social cues. These challenges can cause problems in relationships with loved ones as well as at home and at work. In addition, the symptoms of adult ADHD can interfere with physical health, leading to weight problems as well as anxiety, stress and depression.
Because of their tendency to be more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms, women frequently have a difficult time being diagnosed and treated as adults. These women might have had treatment for other conditions prior to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. They might have developed strategies for coping and developed strategies to disguise their attention deficit disorder over time and then blame themselves for their inability or a sense that they'll never be able to get their lives together.
After finally getting a proper diagnosis, it's an enormous relief for women who suffer from ADHD to realize that they're not responsible for their issues and that the issues aren't caused by a character flaw or personal weaknesses. A diagnosis can also be an incredible source of hope and motivation to change, since these women now are aware of what they must do to achieve their maximum potential.
There are a variety of resources to help women find treatments to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. These include psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral 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 prefer not to take stimulant medications may choose to use non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r)), viloxazine (Qelbree(r)) or clonidine (Kapvay(r)).
It is crucial to consult an experienced healthcare professional to get an accurate diagnosis. Treatment options include medications, lifestyle changes, and the combination of other treatments.