ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women who suffer from ADHD are often misdiagnosed, or left undiagnosed, because their symptoms aren't as obvious like those of males. Many develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms and then blame themselves for their own problems.
It is a sign of trouble staying organized, high distractibility and memory problems. The use of medication can help treat these symptoms.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women who suffer from ADHD may feel that they aren't as proficient or deserving of the same success as their peers. They may have a difficult dealing with anger or discontent caused by their the daily struggle to keep on top of appointments, keep through on commitments and deadlines, and get organized at work or at home. This can lead to an endless cycle of internal self-criticism, stress, and depression (Foster and Wolpe, 2010).
Women may be struggling to develop healthy coping strategies. To manage their symptoms women can resort to harmful or unhealthy behaviors, especially during adolescence. These unhealthy coping methods can exacerbate their issues and negatively impact their lives. In addition, they may make it difficult for medical professionals to identify their symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis.
The urge to be reckless can lead to irresponsible behavior or outbursts, that aren't in line with the values one holds. This can cause feelings of shame. Many women suffering from ADHD have difficulty expressing themselves or regulating their emotions which can make social interactions difficult. This can make it difficult to make or keep relationships and, over time it can cause feelings of shame and isolation.
Inadvertently forgetting birthdays, missing meetings, or falling behind on assignments can cause frustration with loved ones, particularly if they don't understand the reason behind these events. Women with ADHD are also prone to having difficulty in expressing their feelings, which is why 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 more likely to putting off tasks and find it difficult to begin or complete tasks. This can result in missing health checkups or other important appointments which can leave them feeling overwhelmed and a bit out of control.
It's becoming more commonplace for professionals to spot adult ADHD symptoms in women and recommend treatment. In addition advancements in understanding the differences between women and men suffering from ADHD have resulted in more effective treatment options that allow women to manage their symptoms and restore confidence and self-esteem.
Relationship Issues
A person 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 and inability to concentrate on conversations. These symptoms can cause misunderstandings and hurt feelings. The good news is that with the right care and treatment, women can develop friendships that are supportive and loving.
Love bombing, or "showing affection and love to your partner early in the relationship" is one of the most common issues that people with ADHD face in relationships. This tactic is used to create a sense of dependency to deflect undesirable behaviors and to generate intense feelings. ADHD symptoms in women adults is often the result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also make it difficult for people to plan ahead which is a crucial aspect of maintaining a good relationship. If a neurotypical partner wants an ADHD partner to help with dishes, the person could be distracted by other chores, and never finish them. People with ADHD are also prone to jumping from hobby to hobby and investing time and money into their latest obsession. This can result in financial issues and a messy house.
Mood swings are a common issue for couples with ADHD. They may be averse to lashing out at their loved ones in anger or experience rapid, broad mood swings ranging from a flurry of anxiety to extreme happiness. The result is that their partners are feeling overwhelmed and unable control the situation.
It is essential for those suffering from ADHD to develop self-control, which includes calmness and avoiding triggers that might trigger emotional outbursts. They should also use relaxation methods, such as deep breathing and meditation. They should also seek support from a mental health professional or ADHD specialist to develop coping strategies and create a treatment plan.
It's also essential for people who suffer from ADHD to be aware of how their behavior impacts others. Particularly in intimate relationships, it's important for both partners to develop compassion and understanding. It is also important to establish the boundaries clearly to avoid resentment. It's also helpful for people with ADHD to learn about accommodations like notetaking, organizing, and taking breaks from conversations, to help them manage their symptoms in the workplace and school.
Work Issues
For women who suffer from ADHD, work can feel overwhelming. Working from home or in the office can be challenging. You may have to deal with phone calls, emails, and meetings all day long. Add to that the agitation, disorganization, and difficulties in focusing on tasks and juggling deadlines that are associated with ADHD it can seem as if your job is a struggle.
There are a myriad of ways you can assist. Talking to your doctor or mental health professional is one way. They can assess your symptoms, and recommend the diagnosis. They might ask you what aspects of ADHD affects your everyday life and suggest ways to manage it. For instance, they could suggest using a planner to keep track of appointments or arranging your workspace. Some people with ADHD benefit from a schedule, taking medication regularly, and limiting distractions like TV or social media.
Women with ADHD may suffer from symptoms that are exacerbated by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. They are also more likely to have mood fluctuations and general dissatisfaction with their lives which could make them more susceptible to being dismissed by male partners or colleagues.
The good news is that a combination of self-care and treatment can aid you in overcoming this issue. Your doctor can recommend treatments that could help improve your symptoms, including medications like stimulants or non-stimulants. They may also refer you to an organization that helps women suffering from ADHD.
The NIMH's Tips for Talking with Your Health Care Provider factsheet can aid you in preparing for the 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. NIMH also offers resources to help you find a health care provider or mental health professional who is experienced with treating ADHD in adults. A thorough examination can be performed to determine whether ADHD is the root reason behind your issues. If needed, you can also be referred to a specialist. You can find out more about this on the NIMH's Adult ADHD page.
Social Problems
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely than men to suffer mood-related or anxiety-related issues and may struggle to navigate social situations due to their inability pick up on social cues or detect body language. These challenges can lead to problems in relationships with loved ones as well as at home and at work. In addition, the symptoms of adult ADHD can affect physical health and lead to weight problems, chronic stress, anxiety, and depression.
Women are often unable to be diagnosed as adults since they are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms. Many of these women may be referred to treatment for other conditions before being diagnosed with ADHD. Over time they might have developed coping skills and have learned to hide their ADHD. This can lead to feelings of guilt or the feeling that their lives will never be in order.
When you finally get a correct diagnosis, it's an enormous relief for women with ADHD to know that they're not at fault for their difficulties and that the problems aren't caused by a character flaw or personal weaknesses. A diagnosis can be a fantastic source of motivation and hope for those with ADHD because they now know what they can do to reach their potential.
There are a variety of resources that can help women find ways to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life. These include cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychotherapy therapy, and specific 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 do not want to take stimulant medication you can choose other alternatives like atomoxetine(Strattera(r), viloxazine(Qelbree[r]), or clonidine(Kapvay[r[r]).
For the most successful treatment, it's important that these women see an experienced medical professional for an accurate diagnosis of their condition. In addition, to medication treatments, other options for treatment include lifestyle changes and a combination of other treatments.