ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women with ADHD are often misdiagnosed or left undiagnosed, as their symptoms are not as obvious as those of boys. Many develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms and blame themselves for their issues.
It is a sign of trouble keeping track of things, a high level of distraction and memory problems. Medicines can help with these symptoms.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women who suffer from ADHD might feel they are not as competent or deserving of the same success as their peers. They may be struggling to deal with frustration and disappointment because of daily difficulties like keeping track of appointments, delivering on deadlines, commitments, or staying organized at home or at work. This can create a vicious cycle of inner self-criticism, stress, and depression (Foster and Wolpe, 2010,).
Women may have difficulty to develop healthy coping mechanisms. To deal with their issues women can resort to unhealthy or harmful behavior particularly in the adolescent years. These unhealthy coping mechanisms can worsen their issues and negatively affect their lives. In addition, they may make it more difficult for professionals to recognize their symptoms and delay a proper diagnosis.
The impulsivity that often comes with ADHD can manifest as reckless behavior or outbursts that don't match the values of one's life, resulting in feelings of shame. Many women with ADHD also struggle with controlling emotions or expressing themselves effectively which makes it challenging for them to interact in social settings. This can make it difficult for people with ADHD to establish or maintain relationships. Over time, this can lead to feelings of guilt and isolation.
Forgetting birthdays, missing meetings, or falling late on assignments can cause anger with family members, particularly when they don't understand why these things happen. Women with ADHD might also have issues expressing their emotions. They may accidentally say things that are hurtful to others, or even cause trouble at work or in school.
Additionally, those with ADHD are more likely to procrastinating and finding it difficult to begin or complete tasks. This can result in missing health check-ups or other important appointments. They may feel overwhelmed and out of control.
It's becoming more commonplace for professionals to spot adult ADHD symptoms in women and refer them to treatment. In addition, the understanding of differences between men with ADHD and women has led to more effective treatment options that help women manage their symptoms, and regain confidence and self-esteem.
Relationship issues
Having ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women may have trouble communicating with their loved ones due to their impulsivity and inability to concentrate on conversations. These problems can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. The good news is that with the right treatment and care, women can develop loving relationships.
One of the most prevalent problems in relationships for those who suffer from ADHD is "love bombing." Love bombing is a method of ensuring that someone showers their partner with affection and love early on in the relationship to induce strong feelings of dependency and to ignore any problematic behavior. This is usually caused by untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also render people in a position to not plan ahead. This is crucial to ensure a healthy relationship. For instance for instance, if a person with a neurotypical personality asks their ADHD partner to help them with dishes, they could be distracted by three other chores and never get to completing them. People with ADHD are also prone to hopping from one hobby to another hobby, and putting time and money into their latest obsession. This can result in financial issues and a messy house.
Mood swings are another frequent issue in relationships for those with ADHD. They can lash out in anger at their spouses or experience sudden, wide mood swings from anxiety to extreme happiness. This can leave their partners feeling overwhelmed and unable control the situation.
People suffering from ADHD should work on self control, including calming themselves down and avoiding triggers that can cause emotional outbursts. They should also practice relaxation methods, such as meditation and deep breathing. ADHD symptoms in adult women should also seek help from a mental health professional or ADHD specialist to develop coping strategies and devise a treatment plan.
It's also essential for people with ADHD to recognize how their behavior affects others. Particularly in intimate relationships, it's crucial for both parties to cultivate compassion and understanding. It is also important to set clear boundaries to avoid anger. It is also beneficial for those with ADHD to be aware of accommodations for notetaking, organizing or taking breaks from conversations to cope with their problems at work and school.
Work Problems
For women suffering from ADHD working can be overwhelming. Whether you work from home or in a formal office, dealing with emails, calls, and meetings throughout the day can be difficult. Add to this the restlessness, disorganization and difficulty staying focused on tasks or remembering deadlines that are a hallmark of ADHD and it could seem as if your job is unattainable.
Fortunately, there are many ways to assist. Talking with your doctor or a mental health professional is one way. They will be able to assess your symptoms and suggest a diagnosis. They might ask you how ADHD affects your everyday life and suggest ways to manage it. They might suggest using a calendar for appointments or organizing your workspace. Some people suffering from ADHD benefit from having a plan and taking their medication regularly and limiting distractions like television or social media.
Women with ADHD may find their symptoms caused by hormonal changes like the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. They are also more likely to feel mood swings and feelings of general discontent, which can make them more easily misunderstood by male partners or colleagues.
The good news is that a combination of treatment and self-care can aid you in overcoming these difficulties. Your doctor can recommend treatments that could help alleviate your symptoms, including medication like stimulants or non-stimulants. They could also refer to a group of women who suffer from ADHD.
NIMH's Tips for Talking With Your Health Care Provider fact sheet will aid you in preparing for this conversation. The fact sheet contains a script for practice and questions that you can ask. You can also download a printable version of the fact sheet. NIMH offers resources to help you locate a mental health professional or health care provider who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. Then, a complete assessment can be conducted to see if ADHD is the reason behind your issues. You can also request a referral to a specialist, if needed. Find out more about Adult ADHD on the NIMH page.
Social Issues
Women with ADHD may suffer from anxiety or mood disorders in addition to ADHD. They may also have difficulty navigating social situations due to being incapable of reading body language or pick up social signals. These issues can lead to difficulties in romantic relationships and also in working and family life. Additionally, the signs of adult ADHD can affect physical health, leading to issues with weight and chronic stress, anxiety and depression.
Due to their tendency to be more adept at concealing their ADHD symptoms, women often have a difficult time getting diagnosed and treated as adults. These women may have received treatment for other conditions prior to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. Over the years, they may have developed coping skills and have learned to conceal their ADHD. This can result in an internalized sense of blame or the feeling that their lives will never be in order.
It can be a massive relief for women with ADHD when they finally get a proper diagnosis. They realize that their problems are not their fault and that the problems do not stem from an individual weakness or flaw. A diagnosis can also be an incredible source of motivation and hope to change, since these women now are aware of what they must do to reach their maximum potential.
While the challenges associated with a diagnosis of adult ADHD can be overwhelming, there are also many resources to assist women in finding effective treatments to alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life. These 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)). People who do not want to take stimulant medication can opt for non-stimulant options like atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) or viloxazine (Qelbree(r)), or clonidine (Kapvay(r)).
It is essential that women consult a trusted healthcare provider to receive a clear diagnosis. In addition to medications, treatment options can also include lifestyle changes as well as a combination of other treatments.