ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women with ADHD often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as their symptoms are less obvious than those of boys. Many develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms, and blame themselves for their issues.
The symptoms can include a lack of organization, high distractionibility and memory problems. Medicines can help with these symptoms.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women with ADHD often feel like they're not as capable or worthy of success as their peers. They might have a difficult dealing with anger or disappointment triggered by the daily struggle to keep the track of appointments, adhere commitments and deadlines, and get organized at work or at home. This can lead to an endless cycle of internal self-criticism and depression, stress, and anxiety (Foster & Wolpe, 2010).
Women may have difficulty to establish healthy coping strategies. As a way to combat their symptoms women may resort to unhealthy or harmful behavior particularly in the adolescent stage. These unhealthy coping strategies can make their problems worse and negatively impact their lives. They can also make it difficult for professionals to detect signs and delay a proper diagnosis.
The urge to be reckless can lead to irresponsible behaviour or outbursts that are not in line with the values one holds. This can cause feelings of shame. Many women suffering from ADHD struggle with communicating their feelings or managing their emotions which can make social interactions a challenge. This can make it difficult to form or maintain relationships and, as time passes it can cause feelings of shame and depression.
If loved ones don't understand what causes things to happen like not remembering birthdays, missing appointments, or getting behind on assignments they may become frustrated. Women with ADHD can also have difficulty in expressing their feelings, which is why they can accidentally say things that cause harm to people around them or cause trouble at school or at work.
People with ADHD tend to delay their work and have difficulty to start or complete tasks. This can result in being late for health checks or other important appointments, that can make them feel overwhelmed and a bit out of control.
Today, it's more common for professionals to recognize the symptoms of adult ADHD in women and refer them to treatment. Additionally, the understanding of the differentiators between men with ADHD and women has led to more effective treatment options for women that help them manage their symptoms, regain self-esteem and confidence.
Relationship issues
Being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women may experience difficulties communicating with their loved ones due to their impulsivity and inability to concentrate on conversations. These problems can cause misunderstandings and hurt feelings. The good news is that with proper treatment and care women can form friendships that are supportive and loving.
One of the most prevalent issues that couples face when they have someone who suffer from ADHD is "love bombing." Love bombing is a tactic where people shower their partners with affection and love at the beginning of a relationship to trigger strong feelings of dependency and to overlook concerning behaviors. Most of the time, this behavior is a result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also cause people to be unable to plan ahead. This is important to maintain the health of a relationship. For instance, if a neurotypical person asks their ADHD partner to help them with dishes, they may be distracted by three other tasks and never get to completing them. People with ADHD are also susceptible to jumping from hobby to interest and putting money and time into their latest passion. This can cause financial issues and a messy home.
Mood swings can be a problem for people with ADHD in relationships. They may be averse to lashing out at their partners in anger or experience rapid, broad mood swings ranging from a flurry of anxiety to extreme happiness. Their loved ones may feel overwhelmed and unable control the situation.
People suffering from ADHD should be able to control their emotions and self-control, which includes calming down and avoiding triggers that could cause emotional outbursts. They should also engage in relaxation techniques, like deep breathing and mindfulness meditation. Finally, they should seek support from a mental health professional or ADHD specialist to learn coping strategies and formulate a treatment strategy.
It's crucial that people with ADHD understand how their actions affect other people. In intimate relationships, both partners should develop empathy and compassion. They should also set clear boundaries to avoid resentment. It's also helpful for people who suffer from ADHD to be aware of accommodations like notetaking, organizing, and taking breaks from conversations, to help them manage their issues in the workplace and school.
Work Problems
For women with ADHD working can be overwhelming. Working from home or in the office can be challenging. You might have to manage calls, emails and meetings all day long. Then, when you add to that the agitation, disorganization, and difficulty with focusing on tasks and juggling deadlines triggered by ADHD, it can feel like your job is unattainable.
Fortunately, there are many ways to assist. One option is to speak with your health care provider or mental health specialist. They will be able to assess your symptoms and recommend an assessment. They may ask what aspects of ADHD affects your everyday life and suggest ways to manage it. They might suggest using a calendar to schedule appointments or organizing your workspace. Some people suffering from ADHD benefit from a schedule and taking their medication regularly and limiting distracting activities like TV or social media.
Women with ADHD may find their symptoms worsened by hormonal changes, like the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. They are also more likely to experience mood fluctuations and general dissatisfaction with their lives and could make them more susceptible to being misunderstood by male partners or colleagues.
The good news is that a combination of treatment and self-care can assist you in overcoming these issues. Your doctor may recommend methods to alleviate your symptoms, including medications such as stimulants or non-stimulants. They may also refer to a group of women with ADHD.
The NIMH's Tips to Talk with Your Health Care Provider fact sheet can help you prepare for this conversation. This fact sheet provides a script for practice and questions you can ask. You can also download a downloadable version of the fact sheet. this hyperlink offers resources to assist you in finding an expert in mental health or health care professional who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. A comprehensive evaluation will be conducted to determine if ADHD is the cause of your issues. If necessary, you could also be referred to a specialist. Learn more about Adult ADHD on the NIMH page.
Social Issues
Women suffering from ADHD might experience mood disorders or anxiety in addition to ADHD. They might be unable to navigate social situations due to being not able to read body language or detect social cues. These challenges can cause problems in relationships with loved ones as well as at work and at home. Additionally, the signs of adult ADHD can affect physical health and cause weight problems and chronic stress, anxiety, and depression.
Due to their tendency to be more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms, women frequently have a difficult time being diagnosed and being treated as adult. They may have received treatment for other illnesses prior to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. Through the years they may have developed coping skills and have learned to conceal their attention deficit disorder. This can result in a feeling of self-blame or the feeling that their lives will never be organized.
It can be a tremendous relief for women with ADHD when they finally receive a proper diagnosis. They can see that their problems are not their own fault and that the problems do not stem from an individual weakness or character flaw. A diagnosis can also be a great source of hope and motivation to change, as these women know what they need to accomplish to realize their full potential.
While the challenges of the diagnosis of adult ADHD can be considerable There are a variety of options to assist women in finding effective treatments that will alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life. This can include psychotherapy, cognitive behavior 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)). Those who prefer not to take stimulant medication can opt for non-stimulant options such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and viloxazine (Qelbree(r)), or Clonidine (Kapvay(r)).
To ensure the most effective treatment, it's essential that women visit a trusted healthcare professional for 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.