ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women with ADHD are often misdiagnosed, or are left undiagnosed because their symptoms aren't as evident as those of boys. Many develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms, and blame themselves for their problems.
Symptoms include trouble staying organized, high distractibility and memory issues. These symptoms can be controlled by taking medication.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women who suffer from ADHD might feel that they aren't as proficient or deserving of the same success as their peers. They may struggle to cope with frustration and disappointment due to daily difficulties like keeping on top of appointments, delivering on deadlines, commitments or staying organized at home or at work. This can create a vicious cycle of internal self-criticism, stress, and depression (Foster and Wolpe, 2010,).
Women may be unable to establish healthy coping strategies. They may turn to harmful or unhealthy behaviors to try to manage their symptoms particularly during adolescence for example, excessive drinking and substance use. These unhealthy coping mechanisms can worsen their issues and negatively affect their lives. They can also make it difficult for professionals to detect signs and delay a proper diagnose.
Impulsivity can lead to reckless behavior or outbursts, that are not in line with one's values. This can result in feelings of shame. Many women suffering from ADHD also have trouble regulating emotions or communicating effectively and this can make it challenging to engage in social settings. This can make it difficult for those with ADHD to establish or maintain relationships. Over time, this can lead to feelings of guilt and isolation.
When loved ones don't know what causes things to happen, such as not remembering birthdays, missing appointments, or being behind on assignments and assignments, they may be frustrated. Women with ADHD can also have difficulty communicating their feelings, and they may unintentionally blurt out things that cause harm to people around them or cause trouble at school or at work.
Finally, people with ADHD are often prone to procrastinating and finding it difficult to begin or complete tasks. This could lead to being late for health checks or other important appointments. They may be overwhelmed and uncontrollable.
It's becoming more commonplace for professionals to spot adult ADHD symptoms in women and refer them to treatment. In addition advances in understanding the differences between women and men suffering from ADHD have resulted in more effective treatments that help women manage their symptoms and restore confidence and self-esteem.
Relationship Issues
Having ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women especially might have difficulties communicating with friends and loved ones because of their impulsivity, inability to concentrate on conversations, and the tendency to drift off into off-topic topics. These symptoms can cause misunderstandings and hurtful feelings. The good news is, with proper care and treatments, women can develop loving relationships.
Love bombing, or "showing affection and love to your partner at the beginning of the relationship" is one of the most common issues that people with ADHD face in relationships. This tactic is used to create feelings of dependency to deflect the problematic behavior and to create intense feelings. This behavior is often the result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can make it difficult for people with ADHD to think ahead which is a major factor in maintaining a relationship. For example, if a neurotypical person would like their ADHD partner to help them with dishes, they might be distracted by three other tasks and never get to finishing them. Similar to this, people with ADHD tend to switch between hobbies spending time and money into their latest passion. This can result in financial issues and a messy home.
Mood swings are a problem for people with ADHD in relationships. They can be angry with their spouses or experience sudden, sweeping mood swings ranging from anxiety to extreme happiness. ADHD symptoms in women adults may feel overwhelmed and in a state of panic. situation.
It's important for people with ADHD to work on self-control, including slowing down and avoiding triggers that might elicit emotional outbursts. They should also practice relaxation methods, such as meditation and deep breathing. They should also seek help from a mental health professional or ADHD specialist to improve their coping skills and develop a treatment program.
It's also important for people who suffer from ADHD to be aware of how their behavior impacts other people. In intimate relationships, both partners should cultivate empathy and compassion. They should also establish clear boundaries to avoid feelings of resentment. It's also helpful for people who suffer from ADHD to learn about accommodations such as notetaking, organizing and taking breaks from conversations to help them deal with their issues at work and school.
Work Problems
For women who suffer from ADHD, work can feel overwhelming. Working from home or at the office can be challenging. It is possible to manage emails, phone calls and meetings all day long. Then, when you add to that the anxiety and disorganization, along with the difficulties in focusing on tasks and remembering deadlines associated with ADHD it can be like your job is impossible.
Fortunately, there are many ways to help. Talking with your doctor or mental health professional is one method. They will evaluate your symptoms, and recommend a diagnostic. They might ask you to describe how your ADHD affects your life and they can suggest ways to manage them. For instance, they could suggest using a planner to track appointments or organizing your workspace. Some people suffering from ADHD benefit from a routine, taking medication regularly, and limiting distracting activities such as TV or social media.
Women with ADHD may find their symptoms exacerbated during hormonal changes, like the menstrual period or pregnancy. They are also more likely to have mood fluctuation and general dissatisfaction with their lives which can make them more easily overlooked by male friends or colleagues.
The good news is that a combination of treatment and self-care can help you overcome these challenges. Your doctor may prescribe medications like stimulants and non-stimulants, which could help ease your symptoms. They may also suggest a support group for women with ADHD.
NIMH's Tips on Talking with Your Health Care Provider factsheet will aid you in preparing for the conversation. This fact sheet provides a script for practice and questions that you can ask. You can also download the fact sheet. NIMH has resources that can assist you in finding an expert in mental health or health care provider who is skilled in treating ADHD among adults. A thorough evaluation can be conducted to determine if ADHD is the cause of your issues. If needed, you can also be referred to an specialist. Learn more about Adult ADHD on the NIMH page.
Social Problems
Women with ADHD may suffer from anxiety or mood disorders in addition to ADHD. They might also have difficulty navigating social situations since they are incapable of reading body language or recognize social cues. These issues can cause problems in relationships with loved ones as well as in the home and work environment. In addition, the symptoms of adult ADHD can interfere with physical health and lead to obesity-related issues as well as anxiety, stress, and depression.
Women often have a difficult time getting diagnosed as adults, since they are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms. Many of these women may be referred to treatment for other conditions prior to being diagnosed with ADHD. Over time, they may have developed coping strategies and learned to hide their attention deficit disorder. This can lead to an internalized sense of blame or that their lives will never be arranged.
It can be a huge relief for women suffering from ADHD when they finally receive a diagnosis that is accurate. They can see that their problems aren't their fault and that the issues do not stem from a personal weakness or character flaw. A diagnosis can be a fantastic source of motivation and hope for those suffering from ADHD, because they now know what they can do to realize their potential.
There are a variety of resources to help women find ways to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life. These 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 don't want to take stimulant medication you can choose other alternatives like atomoxetine(Strattera(r), viloxazine(Qelbree[r]), or clonidine(Kapvay[r]).
For the most successful treatment, it's crucial to see a trusted healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis of their condition. In addition, to medication treatments, other options for treatment include lifestyle changes and a mix of other treatments.