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 obvious as those of boys. Many develop strategies to mask their symptoms, and blame themselves for their issues.
Some symptoms include a lack of organization as well as high levels of distraction and memory issues. Medicines can help with these symptoms.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women with ADHD might feel that they aren't as skilled or worthy of success as their peers. They may be struggling to deal with frustration and disappointment due to daily struggles such as keeping track of appointments, delivering on commitments, deadlines, or staying organized at work or at home. This can lead to a vicious cycle of self-criticism and depression and stress (Foster & Wolpe 2010).
Women may have difficulty developing healthy strategies to cope. As a way to combat their symptoms women can resort to harmful or unhealthy behavior particularly in the adolescent stage. These unhealthy ways of coping can make their problems worse and negatively impact their lives. In addition, they may also make it harder for professionals to recognize their symptoms and delay a proper diagnosis.
The impulsivity that often comes with ADHD can manifest as reckless behaviors or rants that don't align with one's values, which can lead to feelings of shame. Many women with ADHD also struggle with controlling emotions or communicating effectively and this can make it difficult to engage in social settings. This can make it difficult for those with ADHD to establish or keep relationships. As time passes this can result in feelings of guilt and loneliness.
When loved ones don't know the reason for things happening, such as not being able to remember birthdays, ignoring appointments, or getting behind on assignments, they can become frustrated. Women with ADHD may also have trouble communicating their feelings, and they can accidentally say things that hurt people around them or cause trouble at school or at work.
People suffering from ADHD tend to delay their work and have difficulty to begin or finish tasks. This can result in missed health checks or other important appointments. They might be overwhelmed and uncontrollable.
It's becoming more normal for professionals to recognize the symptoms of adult ADHD in women and refer them for treatment. Additionally, the recognition of differences between men with ADHD and women has resulted in more effective treatment options that allow women to manage their symptoms, regain self-esteem and confidence.
Relationship issues
Being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women especially might have difficulties communicating with loved ones because of their impulsivity, inability focus on conversations, and inclination to go off on diverging thoughts. These symptoms can cause misunderstandings and hurtful feelings. The good news is that with proper care and treatment, women can develop friendships that are supportive and loving.
One of the most prevalent problems in relationships for those who suffer from ADHD is "love bombing." Love bombing is a tactic where one lavishes their partner with affection and attention as early as they begin a relationship to create strong feelings of dependency and to overlook concerning behaviors. Most of the time, this behavior is the result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also make people in a position to not plan ahead. This is essential for maintaining an enduring relationship. For instance for instance, if a person with a neurotypical personality would like their ADHD partner to help wash dishes, they might be distracted by three other chores and never get around to finishing them. People with ADHD are also prone to hopping from one hobby to another hobby, and putting time and money into their latest obsession. This can cause financial issues and a messy house.
ADHD in adults symptoms women can be a problem for people with ADHD in relationships. They might lash at their partner in anger or experience rapid, broad mood swings from a burst of anxiety to extreme happiness. They may leave their loved ones feeling overwhelmed and unable to control the situation.
People suffering from ADHD should work on self control, including calming themselves down and avoiding triggers that can cause emotional outbursts. They should also use relaxation methods, such as deep breathing and meditation. Lastly, they should seek support from an expert in mental health or ADHD specialist to develop strategies for coping and formulate a treatment strategy.
It's also important for people with ADHD to understand how their behavior affects other people. In intimate relationships, both partners should develop empathy and compassion. They should also establish clear boundaries to avoid feelings of resentment. It is also beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD, to learn about accommodations such as notetaking and organizing, or taking breaks from conversations to deal with their problems at work and school.
Work Problems
For women suffering from ADHD, work can feel overwhelming. If you work from home or in a formal office setting managing calls, emails, and meetings throughout the day can be challenging. Then, when you add to that the restlessness disorganization, disarray, and difficulty with focusing on tasks and remembering deadlines associated with ADHD it can be like your job is unattainable.
Fortunately, there are many ways to assist. Talking to your doctor or mental health professional is a good way. They will be able to assess your symptoms and suggest an assessment. They may ask you how ADHD affects your daily routine and suggest ways to manage it. They may suggest using a calendar for appointments or organizing your workspace. Some people with ADHD also benefit from a routine of taking medication on a regular basis and limiting distractions such as TV or social media.
Women with ADHD might have symptoms that are made worse by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. They are also more likely to feel mood swings and feelings of general dissatisfaction with their lives and can make them more easily overlooked by male friends or colleagues.
The good news is a combination of self-care and treatment can aid you in overcoming this issue. Your doctor may recommend methods to improve your symptoms, including medication like stimulants or non-stimulants. They can also suggest an organization that helps women suffering from ADHD.
The NIMH's Tips for Talking with Your Health Care Provider fact sheet can assist you in preparing for this conversation. This fact sheet includes a practice script and questions you can ask. You can also download a downloadable version of the fact sheet. NIMH also has resources to help you locate a health care provider or mental health professional who is knowledgeable with treating ADHD in adults. Then a full evaluation can be conducted to determine if ADHD is causing your problems. You can also seek an appointment with an expert, if required. You can find out more about this on the NIMH's Adult ADHD page.
Social Problems
Women with ADHD are more likely than men to suffer mood-related or anxiety-related issues, and they may also have trouble navigating social situations due to their inability pick up on social cues or read body language. These challenges can lead to difficulties in romantic relationships as well as at work and at home. Adult ADHD symptoms can also impact physical health, causing weight problems as well as depression, anxiety and chronic stress.
Due to their tendency be more adept at concealing their ADHD symptoms, women frequently struggle to be diagnosed and being treated as adult. Many of these women may have been referred to treatment for other conditions prior to being diagnosed with ADHD. Through the years they might have developed coping skills and have learned to hide their attention deficit disorder. This could lead to an internalized sense of blame or the fear that their lives will never be arranged.
After finally getting a proper diagnosis, it can be an immense relief for women suffering from ADHD to know that they're not at fault for their difficulties and that the issues aren't caused by a character flaw or personal weakness. A diagnosis can be a wonderful source of motivation and optimism for those suffering from ADHD, as they now know what they can do to reach their potential.
While the challenges of a diagnosis of adult ADHD can be considerable, there are also many resources to assist women in finding effective treatments to alleviate their symptoms and improve their lives. 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)). Those who prefer not to take stimulant medication can choose non-stimulant alternatives like atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) or viloxazine (Qelbree(r)) or Clonidine (Kapvay(r)).
For the most effective treatment, it's important that women visit an experienced healthcare professional who can provide an accurate diagnosis of their condition. In addition, to medication treatment options, treatments can include lifestyle changes as well as a combination of other treatments.