ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women suffering from ADHD are often left undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed since their symptoms are less apparent than those of boys. Many develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms and then blame themselves for their own problems.
Symptoms can include issues with organization as well as high levels of distraction and memory problems. Medications can help manage these symptoms.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women who suffer from ADHD may feel that they are not as competent or deserving of the same success as their peers. They might have a difficult time coping with frustration or discontent caused by their the daily struggle to keep track of appointments, follow the deadlines and commitments and stay organized at work or home. This can result in a vicious cycle of internal self-criticism and depression, stress, and anxiety (Foster & Wolpe, 2010).
Women may have difficulty to establish healthy coping strategies. They may find themselves turning to harmful or unhealthy behaviors in order to control their symptoms especially in adolescence like excessive drinking and drug use. These unhealthy coping mechanisms can make their problems worse and negatively impact their lives. They can also make it difficult for professionals to recognize signs and delay a proper diagnosis.
Impulsivity can lead to reckless behavior or outbursts, which are not in line with the values one holds. This can lead to feelings of shame. Many women suffering from ADHD also have difficulty controlling their emotions or effectively expressing themselves which makes it challenging for them to be a part of social settings. This can make it difficult to make or maintain relationships and, over time this can lead to feelings of shame and isolation.
Missing birthdays, forgetting meetings, or being behind on assignments can lead to anger with loved ones, particularly if they aren't sure the reasons behind these incidents. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty expressing their feelings. They may accidentally say things that hurt to others, or even be a target for trouble at work or in school.
People with ADHD tend to delay their work and have difficulty to start or complete tasks. This could lead to missed health checkups or other important appointments which can cause them to feel overwhelmed and uncontrollable.
It's now more common for professionals to detect adult ADHD symptoms in women and send them to treatment. Additionally, the recognition of the differentiators between men with ADHD and women has resulted in more effective treatment options that help women manage their symptoms, regain confidence and self-esteem.
Relationship issues
Having ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women with ADHD might have difficulties communicating with loved ones due to their impulsivity, inability to focus on conversations, and the tendency to wander off into off-topic topics. These problems can cause misunderstandings and hurt feelings. The good news is that with the right treatment and care women can build loving and supportive relationships.
Love bombing, also known as "showing affection and love to your partner at the beginning of the relationship" is among the most frequent issues people with ADHD encounter in relationships. This tactic is used to create feelings of dependency to avoid ignoring undesirable behaviors and to generate strong feelings. Oftentimes, this behavior is a result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can make it difficult for people to think ahead which is a major aspect in maintaining a relationship. If a neurotypical partner asks an ADHD partner to help with dishes, the person could be distracted by other chores, and not complete the task. In the same way those with ADHD tend to jump from hobby to hobby spending time and money into their latest obsession. This can cause financial difficulties and a messy home.
Mood swings are another common issue for couples with ADHD. They may lash out in anger at their spouses or experience sudden, broad mood changes from anxiety to extreme happiness. They may be overwhelmed and feel unable to control the situation.
It is crucial for those with ADHD to develop self-control, including slowing down and avoiding triggers that may cause emotional outbursts. They should also use relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing. They should also seek out help from a mental healthcare professional or ADHD specialist to develop coping strategies and create a treatment plan.
It's important that people who suffer from ADHD recognize how their behaviors impact others. Particularly in intimate relationships, it's essential for both parties to cultivate compassion and understanding. It is also important to establish clear boundaries to avoid feelings of resentment. It is also beneficial for people who suffer from ADHD to understand accommodations such as notetaking and organizing or taking breaks from conversations in order to deal with their problems at school and work.
Work Problems
For women suffering from ADHD working can be overwhelming. Working from home or at the office can be challenging. It is possible to manage emails, phone calls and meetings throughout the day. Then, when you add to that the anxiety disorganization, disarray, and difficulty in focusing on work and juggling deadlines triggered by ADHD, it can feel like your job is impossible.
There are plenty of ways to help. One option is to speak with your health doctor or a mental health specialist. They will evaluate your symptoms and suggest an assessment. They may ask how ADHD affects your daily life and suggest ways to manage it. They may suggest using a planner for appointments or arranging your workspace. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from a regular routine, taking medication on a regular schedule and limiting distractions such as social media or television.
Women suffering from ADHD may experience symptoms that are worsened by hormonal changes like menstruation or pregnancy. They are also more likely to have mood fluctuation and general discontent which could make them more susceptible to being overlooked by male friends or colleagues.
The good news is that a combination of self-care and treatment can help you overcome these challenges. Your doctor may prescribe medications, such as stimulants and non-stimulants, that can help alleviate your symptoms. 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 will aid you in preparing for the conversation. This fact sheet includes a practice script and questions you can ask. You can also download the factsheet. NIMH offers resources to help you locate an expert in mental health or health care provider who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. A comprehensive evaluation will be performed to determine whether ADHD is causing your problems. If necessary, you could be referred to a specialist. You can find out more about this on NIMH's Adult ADHD page.
Social Issues
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely than men to experience comorbid anxiety or mood-related conditions, and they may also be unable to handle social situations due to their inability to recognize social cues or interpret body language. These challenges can lead to difficulties in relationships with others as well as at work and at home. Additionally, the signs of adult ADHD can interfere with physical health, leading to issues with weight as well as chronic stress, anxiety and depression.
Because of what are ADHD symptoms in adults to be more adept at concealing their ADHD symptoms, women often have a difficult time being diagnosed and being treated as adult. Many of them may have been referred to treatment for other conditions prior to being diagnosed with ADHD. They may have developed strategies to cope and learned to mask their ADHD over time which can lead to self-blame for their inability or a fear that they'll never be able to get their lives in order.
After finally getting a proper diagnosis, it's an immense relief for women with ADHD to realize that they're not at fault for their difficulties and that the problems don't stem from an individual flaw or weaknesses. A diagnosis can also be an incredible source of motivation and hope to change, since the women now know what they must accomplish to realize their full potential.
While the challenges of the diagnosis of adult ADHD can be overwhelming but there are plenty of resources available to help women find effective solutions to ease their symptoms and improve their quality of life. This can include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or 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)). Those who do not wish to take stimulants can choose non-stimulant alternatives like atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and viloxazine (Qelbree(r)), or clonidine (Kapvay(r)).
To ensure the most effective treatment, it's important that these women see an experienced healthcare professional who can provide an accurate diagnosis of their condition. Treatment options include medication, lifestyle changes, and the combination of other treatments.