ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women who suffer from ADHD are often left undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as their symptoms are less obvious than those of males. Many develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms and then blame themselves for their own problems.
The symptoms include difficulty keeping track of things, a high level of distraction and memory issues. These symptoms can be managed with medication.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women who suffer from ADHD might feel they are not as competent or worthy of success as their peers. They may have a hard dealing with anger or disappointment caused by the daily struggle to keep on top of appointments, keep the deadlines and commitments and stay organized at work or home. This can result in an endless cycle of internal self-criticism and stress, as well as depression (Foster & Wolpe, 2010).
Women may struggle to develop healthy strategies for coping. In order to manage their symptoms, women may turn to harmful or unhealthy behavior particularly in the adolescent years. These unhealthy coping strategies can make their problems worse and negatively impact their lives. In addition, they may also make it harder for professionals to detect their symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis.
Insanity can lead to reckless behavior or outbursts, which are not in line with the values one holds. This can result in feelings of shame. Many women with ADHD have trouble in expressing themselves or controlling their emotions, which can make social interactions a challenge. This can make it difficult for those who suffer from ADHD to build or maintain relationships. Over time, this can lead to feelings of guilt and isolation.
When loved ones don't know why things happen like not remembering birthdays, missing appointments, or getting behind on assignments they may become angry. Women with ADHD might also have issues communicating their feelings. They might unintentionally say things that hurt to others, or even cause trouble at school or work.
In addition, people suffering from ADHD are more likely to putting off tasks and find it hard to start or complete tasks. This could lead to missed health checks or other important appointments. They may feel overwhelmed and out of control.
It's more common now for professionals to spot adult ADHD symptoms in women and refer them to treatment. In addition, the understanding of the differences between men suffering from ADHD and women has led to more effective treatment options that help women manage their symptoms, regain self-esteem and confidence.
Relationship issues
A person with ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women in particular might have difficulty communicating with loved ones due to their impulsivity, inability focus on conversations, and inclination to go off on diverging thoughts. These symptoms can cause misunderstandings and hurt feelings. The good news is, with the right treatment and care, women can develop friendships that are loving.
One of the most common issues that couples face when they have someone who suffer from ADHD is "love bombing." Love bombing is a method of ensuring that people shower their partners with affection and attention as early as they begin a relationship to trigger strong feelings of dependency and avoid noticing problematic behaviors. Most of the time, this behavior is a result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also make it difficult for people with ADHD to plan ahead, which is a key aspect of maintaining a good relationship. For example for instance, if a person with a neurotypical personality is requesting their ADHD partner to help wash dishes, they could be distracted by three other chores and never get around to doing them. Similarly, people with ADHD tend to jump from one hobby to the next spending time and money into their latest passion. This can cause financial difficulties and a messy house.
Mood swings are another common issue in relationships for those with ADHD. They may be averse to lashing out at their partners in anger or experience abrupt, broad mood swings ranging from a flurry of anxiety to extreme happiness. The result is that their partners are feeling overwhelmed and unable to manage the situation.
People with ADHD must focus on self-control by calming themselves and avoiding triggers that could trigger emotional outbursts. They should also engage in relaxation techniques such as mindfulness meditation and deep breathing. Lastly, they should seek support from a mental health professional or ADHD specialist to learn coping strategies and formulate a treatment strategy.
It is crucial that those with ADHD understand how their actions impact other people. In intimate relationships, both partners must develop empathy and compassion. They should also establish clear boundaries to prevent resentment. It's also helpful for people with ADHD to learn about accommodations such as taking notes, organizing their time, and taking breaks from conversations to help them cope with their issues in the workplace and school.
Work Problems
The demands of work can be overwhelming for women with ADHD. Working at home or in an office can be difficult. You might have to handle phone calls, emails and meetings throughout the day. When you add to that the anxiety and disorganization, along with the difficulty in focusing on work and remembering deadlines associated with ADHD it can be like your job is impossible.
There are plenty of ways to assist. Talking to your doctor or mental health professional is one way. They can evaluate your symptoms and recommend an assessment. They might ask you to describe how your ADHD impacts your daily life, and they may suggest ways to manage the symptoms. For instance, they may suggest using a calendar to keep track of appointments or arranging your workspace. Some people with ADHD benefit from a routine or taking medication regularly and limiting distracting activities such as television or social media.
Women with ADHD can have their symptoms worsened by hormonal changes, like the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. They are more likely to have mood swings or feelings of dissatisfaction in their lives. This could make them difficult to be understood by male colleagues or partners.
The good news is that a combination of self-care and treatment can help you overcome these challenges. Your doctor may prescribe medications including stimulants and non-stimulants, which could help ease your symptoms. They may also suggest an organization that helps women with ADHD.
NIMH's Tips on Talking with Your Health Care Provider factsheet will aid you in preparing for the conversation. This fact sheet includes a script for practice and questions you can ask. You can also download the factsheet. NIMH has resources that can assist you in finding an expert in mental health or health professional who has experience in treating ADHD among adults. Then a full evaluation can be carried out to determine whether ADHD is the cause of your issues. If necessary, you could also be referred to an specialist. Learn more about Adult ADHD on the NIMH page.
Social Problems
Women who suffer from ADHD may suffer from anxiety or mood disorders in addition to ADHD. They may be unable to navigate social situations due to being incapable of reading body language or detect social cues. These challenges can lead to difficulties in relationships with others as well as at work and at home. Adult ADHD symptoms can also affect physical health, causing weight problems depression, anxiety, and chronic stress.
Due to their tendency be more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms, women typically struggle to be diagnosed and being treated as adults. Women might have had treatment for other illnesses prior to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. They may have developed strategies for coping and developed strategies to disguise their attention deficit disorder over the years, leading to self-blame for a lack of ability or a sense that they'll never have their lives together.
When you finally get a correct diagnosis, it can be an enormous relief for women with ADHD to know that they're not at fault for their difficulties and that the problems don't stem from an individual flaw or weakness. A diagnosis can be a fantastic source of motivation and hope for those with ADHD as they now know what to do to realize their potential.
There are many resources that can help women find treatments to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life. These include psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and specialized 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 prefer not to take stimulant medications can choose non-stimulant alternatives like atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) or viloxazine (Qelbree(r)) or clonidine (Kapvay(r)).
To ensure the most effective treatment, it's essential that women visit an experienced healthcare professional who can provide an accurate diagnosis of their condition. In symptoms of ADHD in adults quiz to medications, treatment options can also include lifestyle changes as well as a combination of other treatments.