ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women who suffer from ADHD are often misdiagnosed or are left undiagnosed because their symptoms aren't as evident as those of boys. Many develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms, and end up blaming themselves for their problems.
The symptoms can include issues with organization, high distractionibility and memory problems. The use of medication can help treat these symptoms.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women with ADHD often feel they're not as skilled or worthy of success as their peers. They may have difficulty coping with frustration and disappointment due to everyday struggles such as keeping on top of appointments, keeping track on deadlines, commitments or staying organized at work or home. This can create a vicious cycle of inner self-criticism and depression, stress, and anxiety (Foster & Wolpe, 2010).
Women may find it difficult to establish healthy coping strategies. To manage their symptoms, women may turn to harmful or unhealthy behaviors particularly during adolescence. These unhealthy coping mechanisms can further exacerbate their problems and negatively affect their lives. They can also make it difficult for professionals to identify symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis.
Impulsivity can lead to reckless behavior or outbursts, that are not in accordance with the values one holds. This can lead to feelings of shame. Many women suffering from ADHD have difficulty in expressing themselves or controlling their emotions which can make social interactions difficult. This can make it difficult to establish or maintain relationships, and over time this can lead to feelings of shame and depression.
If family members don't know the reason for things happening, such as not remembering birthdays, missing appointments, or getting behind on their assignments, they can become frustrated. Women with ADHD might also have issues communicating their feelings. They may unintentionally say things that hurt to others or can be a target for trouble at work or in school.
Finally, people with ADHD are more likely to procrastination and finding it difficult to begin or complete tasks. This can lead to missing health checkups or other important appointments, which can cause them to feel overwhelmed and a bit out of control.
It's becoming more common for professionals to recognize the signs of adult ADHD in women and refer them to treatment. Furthermore advances in understanding the differentiators between women and men with ADHD have led to more effective treatments that allow women to manage their symptoms and gain confidence and self-esteem.
Relationship Issues
Being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women may have difficulty communicating with their friends and loved ones due to their impulsivity as well as their inability to concentrate on conversations. These symptoms can cause confusion and hurt feelings. The good news is, with proper care and treatments women can establish loving relationships.
Love bombing, or "showing love and attention to your partner early in the relationship" is one of the most frequent issues people with ADHD encounter in relationships. This tactic is used to create feelings of dependency in order to ignore problematic behaviors and to create strong feelings. This is usually caused by untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also render people unable to plan ahead. This is essential for maintaining the health of a relationship. If a person with a neurotypical personality is asked by an ADHD partner to wash the dishes, that person could be distracted by other chores, and may not finish them. Similar to this those with ADHD tend to jump from one hobby to the next spending time and money into their latest passion. This can cause financial problems and a messy home.
Mood swings are an issue for those with ADHD in relationships. They may be averse to lashing out at their loved ones in anger or have rapid, broad mood swings from a burst of anxiety to extreme happiness. They may leave their loved ones feeling overwhelmed and unable control the situation.
People with ADHD should focus on self-control, including calming themselves down and avoiding triggers that could cause emotional outbursts. They should also engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and mindfulness meditation. Additionally they should seek out help from an expert in mental health or ADHD specialist to discover coping strategies and formulate a treatment strategy.
It's crucial that people who suffer from ADHD understand how their actions influence other people. In intimate relationships, both parties should cultivate compassion and empathy. They should also set boundaries that are clear to avoid anger. It is also beneficial for those with ADHD to be aware of accommodations such as notetaking and organizing or taking breaks from conversations to deal with their issues at work and school.
Work Issues
The demands of work can be overwhelming for women suffering from ADHD. Working at home or in an office can be difficult. You may have to manage calls, emails, and meetings throughout the day. Add to this the restlessness, disorganization and difficulty keeping track of tasks or deadlines that are associated with ADHD and it can seem like your job is a nightmare.
There are many ways you can help. Talking with your doctor or a mental health professional is one way. They will evaluate your symptoms, and recommend a diagnostic. They may ask you to describe how your ADHD impacts your daily life, and they can suggest ways to manage them. For instance, they could recommend using a calendar to keep track of your appointments or organizing your workspace. Some people with ADHD benefit from a routine and taking their medication regularly and limiting distracting activities like TV or social media.
Women who suffer from ADHD can have their symptoms caused by hormonal changes like the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. They are also more likely to experience mood swings and feelings of general discontent and can make them more easily overlooked by male friends or colleagues.
The good news is that a combination of treatment and self-care can assist you in overcoming this problem. Your doctor may prescribe medications, such as stimulants and non-stimulants, which can help alleviate your symptoms. They may also refer to a group of women suffering from ADHD.
The NIMH's Tips to Talk with Your Health Care Provider fact sheet can assist you in preparing for this conversation. It includes a practice script and questions to ask. You can download the fact sheet. ADHD symptoms in adults males offers resources to help you find an expert in mental health or health care provider who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. Then, a thorough evaluation can be done to see if ADHD is the primary cause of your troubles. If it is, you can also be referred to an specialist. Learn more about Adult ADHD on the NIMH page.
Social Issues
Women who suffer from ADHD may experience mood disorders or anxiety in addition to ADHD. They could be unable to navigate social situations due to being incapable of reading body language or pick up social signals. These challenges can cause difficulties in relationships with loved ones, as well as the home and work environment. Adult ADHD symptoms can also affect physical health, causing weight problems depression, anxiety, and chronic stress.
Due to their tendency to be more adept at concealing their ADHD symptoms, women often have a difficult time getting diagnosed and treated as adults. Many of these women have been referred for treatment for other ailments prior to being diagnosed with ADHD. They may have developed strategies to cope and learned to mask their ADHD through the years, leading to self-blame for a lack of ability or a sense that they'll never have their lives in order.
After finally getting a proper diagnosis, it's an immense relief for women suffering from ADHD to know that they're not at fault for their problems and that the problems aren't caused by a character flaw or personal weaknesses. A diagnosis can be a wonderful source of inspiration and hope for those with ADHD since they know what to do to achieve their goals.
There are numerous resources that can help women find solutions to ease symptoms and improve the quality of life. This can include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or specific 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 do not want to take stimulant medication, there are other options such as atomoxetine(Strattera(r), viloxazine(Qelbree[r]), or clonidine(Kapvay[r]).
To ensure the most effective treatment, it's crucial to see an experienced medical professional for an accurate diagnosis of their condition. Treatment options include medication, lifestyle changes, and the combination of other treatments.