ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women with ADHD are often misdiagnosed, or left undiagnosed, as their symptoms aren't as obvious like those of males. Many develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms and blame themselves for their problems.
The symptoms include difficulty staying organized, high distractibility 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 may have a hard dealing with anger or disappointment caused by daily struggles to keep on top of appointments, keep the deadlines and commitments and organize at work or home. This can result in to a vicious cycle of self-criticism, depression, and stress (Foster & Wolpe 2010).
Women may find it difficult to develop healthy coping mechanisms. As a way to manage their symptoms women can resort to unhealthy or harmful behavior particularly during the adolescent years. These unhealthy coping strategies could worsen their issues and negatively impact their lives. They can also make it difficult for professionals to recognize signs and delay a proper diagnosis.
ADHD symptoms in women adults that is often associated with ADHD can manifest itself in reckless behaviors or rants that don't align with one's values, leading to feelings of shame. Many women suffering from ADHD have trouble communicating their feelings or managing their emotions, which can make social interactions difficult. This makes it difficult for people with ADHD to form or keep relationships. In time, this can lead to feelings of guilt and isolation.
Forgetting birthdays, missing meetings, or falling behind on assignments can lead to frustration with loved ones, especially when they aren't sure the reasons behind these incidents. Women who suffer from ADHD are also prone to having difficulty in expressing their feelings, which is why they may unintentionally blurt out things that cause harm to others or cause trouble at work or school.
People suffering from ADHD often put off tasks and find it difficult to begin or finish tasks. This can lead to missing health check-ups or other important appointments. They may be overwhelmed and uncontrollable.
Today, it's more normal for professionals to recognize the symptoms of adult ADHD in women and refer them for treatment. Additionally, the understanding of the differences between men suffering from ADHD and women has led to more effective treatment options for women that help them manage their symptoms and gain confidence and self-esteem.
Relationship Issues
ADHD can make it hard to maintain healthy relationships. Women in particular might have difficulties communicating with loved ones due to their impulsivity, inability focus on conversations, and tendency to go off on tangents. These signs can cause miscommunication and hurtful feelings. The good news is that with proper treatment and care, women can develop friendships that are loving.
Love bombing, also known as "showing love and attention to your partner early in the relationship" is one of the most common issues that people with ADHD have to deal with in relationships. This tactic is employed to create feelings of dependency to deflect problematic behaviors and to create strong feelings. Oftentimes, this behavior is a result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also make it difficult for people with ADHD to think ahead which is a major aspect in maintaining a relationship. If a neurotypical spouse is asked by an ADHD partner to wash dishes, the person may be distracted by other chores and never finish the task. In the same way those with ADHD tend to jump from one hobby to the next, investing time and money into their latest obsession. This can cause financial problems and a messy home.
Mood swings are an issue for people suffering from ADHD in relationships. They might lash out at their loved ones in anger or experience rapid, broad mood swings from a burst of anxiety to extreme happiness. Their loved ones may feel overwhelmed and feel unable to control the situation.
It is crucial for those with ADHD to work on self-control, which includes calming down and avoiding triggers that might trigger emotional outbursts. They should also practice techniques for relaxation, like meditation and deep breathing. They should also seek out help from a mental healthcare professional or ADHD specialist in order to develop coping strategies and create a treatment plan.
It's important that people who suffer from ADHD recognize how their behaviors influence others. In intimate relationships, both parties should cultivate empathy and compassion. They should also establish the boundaries clearly to avoid anger. It's also helpful for those with ADHD to learn about accommodations such as notetaking, organizing and taking breaks from conversations, to help them manage their symptoms in the workplace and school.
Work Problems
For women with ADHD working can be overwhelming. Working from home or in an office can be a challenge. You may have to manage emails, phone calls, and meetings all day long. Then, when you add to that the anxiety and disorganization, along with the difficulty in focusing on work and juggling deadlines triggered by ADHD it can be like your job is impossible.
There are plenty of ways to assist. Talking with your doctor or a mental health professional is one way. They can assess your symptoms, and recommend a diagnostic. They may ask you to explain how your ADHD affects your life, and they may suggest ways to manage the symptoms. They might suggest using a planner for appointments or organizing your workspace. Some people suffering from ADHD benefit from a schedule or taking medication regularly and limiting distracting activities like television or social media.
Women with ADHD are often afflicted with symptoms that are caused by hormonal changes such as the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. ADHD symptoms in women adults are more likely to have mood fluctuation or feelings of unsatisfaction in their lives. This could make them difficult to understand by male coworkers or partners.
The good news is that a combination of treatment and self-care can aid you in overcoming these difficulties. Your doctor can suggest methods to improve your symptoms, such as medication like stimulants or non-stimulants. They could also refer to a group of women who suffer from ADHD.
The NIMH's Tips for Talking with Your Health Care Provider factsheet can help you prepare for the conversation. It includes a practice script and questions to ask. You can also download the fact sheet. NIMH also has resources to help you find a health care provider or mental health professional who is experienced with treating ADHD in adults. Then a full evaluation can be conducted to determine if ADHD is causing your problems. If necessary, you could also be referred to a specialist. You can learn more about this on the NIMH's Adult ADHD page.
Social Problems
Women suffering from ADHD may suffer from mood disorders or anxiety in addition to ADHD. They could be unable to navigate social situations due to being unable to read body language or detect social cues. These challenges can cause difficulties in relationships with loved ones, as well as working and family life. In addition, the symptoms of adult ADHD can impact physical health, leading to issues with weight, chronic stress, anxiety and depression.
Women are often unable to be diagnosed as adults because they are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms. Many of these women may have been referred for treatment for other conditions prior to receiving a diagnosis of ADHD. They may have developed strategies for coping and developed strategies to hide their ADHD over the years which can lead to self-blame for a lack of ability or a sense that they'll never be able to get their lives back in order.
When you finally get a correct diagnosis, it's an immense relief for women suffering from ADHD to know that they're not responsible for their issues and that the problems do not stem from an insecurities or personal weakness. A diagnosis can also be an incredible source of motivation and hope to change, as these women now know what they must accomplish to realize their maximum potential.
There are numerous sources that can assist women find treatments to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. These include psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral 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 don't wish to take medication that is stimulant-like you can choose other alternatives such as atomoxetine(Strattera(r), viloxazine(Qelbree[r]), or clonidine(Kapvay[r]).
It is crucial to seek the advice of a trusted healthcare provider to receive a clear diagnosis. In addition to medications treatment options, treatments can include lifestyle changes as well as a combination of other treatments.