ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women suffering from ADHD are often left undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed because their symptoms are less apparent than those of boys. Many develop strategies to hide their symptoms and blame themselves for their issues.
Symptoms can include difficulty staying organized, high distractionibility and memory issues. The use of medication can help treat these symptoms.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women with ADHD often feel they aren't as competent or capable of achieving the same level as their peers. They might have a difficult time coping with frustration or disappointment triggered by daily struggles to keep track of appointments, follow the deadlines and commitments and organize at work or home. This can result in a vicious cycle of internal self-criticism and stress, as well as depression (Foster and Wolpe, 2010).
Women may be struggling to develop healthy strategies to cope. They may turn to unhealthy or harmful behaviors to try to manage their symptoms, especially during adolescence, such as excessive alcohol and drug use. These unhealthy ways of coping can exacerbate their issues and negatively affect their lives. They can also make it difficult for professionals to identify the signs and delay an accurate diagnose.
Impulsivity can lead to reckless behaviour or outbursts that are not in accordance with the values one holds. This can cause feelings of shame. Many women suffering from ADHD also have difficulty controlling their emotions or expressing themselves effectively, which can make it challenging for them to interact in social settings. This can make it difficult to establish or maintain relationships, and over time, this can contribute to feelings of shame and depression.
If family members don't know why things happen like not being able to remember birthdays, ignoring appointments, or being behind on assignments, they can become annoyed. Women who suffer from ADHD are also prone to having difficulty communicating their feelings, and they can accidentally say things that cause harm to others or cause trouble at work or school.
People suffering from ADHD often procrastinate and have a difficult time start or complete tasks. This could lead to missing health check-ups or other important appointments. They may feel overwhelmed and out-of-control.
Fortunately, it's now more common for professionals to recognize the signs of adult ADHD in women and refer them to treatment. Additionally advancements in understanding the differences between women and men with ADHD have resulted in more effective treatment options that help women manage their symptoms and gain confidence and self-esteem.
Relationship issues
ADHD can make it hard to maintain healthy relationships. ADHD symptoms adult female 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 hurtful feelings. ADHD symptoms adult female is that with the right treatment and care women can form positive and supportive relationships.
Love bombing, also known as "showing love and attention to your partner in the beginning of the relationship" is one of the most frequent problems people with ADHD have to deal with in relationships. This tactic is used to create a sense of dependency to deflect undesirable behaviors and to generate strong feelings. This behavior is often the result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also render people in a position to not plan ahead. This is crucial to ensure a healthy relationship. If a neurotypical spouse is asked by an ADHD partner to do the dishes, that person could be distracted by other chores and may not finish the task. In the same way, people 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 house.
Mood swings are an issue for those with ADHD in relationships. They may be averse to lashing at their partner in anger or have rapid, broad mood swings ranging from a flurry of anxiety to extreme happiness. The result is that their partners are feeling overwhelmed and unable to control the situation.
People with ADHD should focus on self-control by calming themselves and avoiding triggers which could cause emotional outbursts. They should also use relaxation methods, such as meditation and deep breathing. They should also seek out help from a mental health professional or ADHD specialist to learn coping skills and create a treatment plan.
It's also important for people with ADHD to understand the ways in which their behavior affects others. In intimate relationships, both partners should develop empathy and compassion. It is also important to establish clear boundaries to avoid feelings of resentment. It is also beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD to understand the importance of accommodating, such as taking notes, organizing their time, and taking breaks from conversations, to help them manage their issues at work and school.
Work Problems
The demands of work can be overwhelming for women with ADHD. Working from home or at the office can be challenging. It is possible to handle emails, phone calls and meetings throughout the day. Add to that the agitation, disorganization and difficulty staying focused on tasks or remembering deadlines that are associated with ADHD and it could seem as if your job is unattainable.
Fortunately, there are many ways to assist. One method is to speak with your health care provider or mental health specialist. They can assess your symptoms and suggest the diagnosis. They might ask you what aspects of ADHD affects your everyday life and suggest ways to manage it. For instance, they may recommend using a calendar to track appointments or organizing your workspace. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from a regular routine and taking their medications on a regular basis, and limiting distractions like social media or television.
Women with ADHD may have symptoms that are made worse by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. They are more likely to have mood swings or feelings of dissatisfaction in their lives. This can make them harder to understand by male coworkers or partners.
The good news is that a combination of self-care and treatment could aid you in overcoming this issue. Your doctor can prescribe medications like stimulants and non-stimulants, which can help alleviate your symptoms. They may also refer you to a support group for women with ADHD.
NIMH's Tips for Talking With Your Health Care Provider fact sheet can assist you in preparing for this conversation. This fact sheet includes an exercise script and questions that you can ask. You can download the fact sheet. NIMH also has resources to help find a doctor or mental health professional who is knowledgeable with treating ADHD in adults. Then a full evaluation can be carried out to determine if ADHD is the cause of your issues. If it is, you can also be referred to a specialist. Find out more about Adult ADHD on the NIMH page.
Social Problems
Women who suffer from ADHD may experience anxiety or mood disorders in addition to ADHD. They may be unable to navigate social situations since they are incapable of reading body language or detect social signals. These issues can cause 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 issues with weight and anxiety, stress, and depression.
Women often have a difficult time getting diagnosed as adults because they are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms. Many of these women may have been referred to treatment for other conditions prior to receiving a diagnosis of ADHD. They may have developed coping strategies and developed strategies to hide their ADHD over time, leading to self-blame for a lack of ability or the fear that they'll never have their lives in order.
After finally getting a proper diagnosis, it can be an enormous relief for women suffering from ADHD to know that they're not responsible for their difficulties and that the issues do not stem from an individual flaw or weaknesses. A diagnosis can also be a great source of motivation and hope to make changes, since these women now are aware of what they must accomplish to realize their full potential.
There are numerous resources that can help women find treatments to alleviate symptoms and improve the 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)). Those who prefer not to take stimulant medication can opt for non-stimulant options like atomoxetine (Strattera(r)), viloxazine (Qelbree(r)) or clonidine (Kapvay(r)).
For the most successful treatment, it's essential to see an experienced medical professional for an accurate diagnosis of their condition. In addition to medication, treatment options can also include lifestyle changes as well as a combination of other treatments.