ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women with ADHD are often left undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed because their symptoms are less apparent than those of boys. Many find ways to disguise their symptoms and blame themselves for their troubles.
The symptoms include difficulty staying organized, high distraction and memory problems. These symptoms can be controlled with medication.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women with ADHD might feel that they aren't as skilled or worthy of success as their peers. They may be struggling to deal with frustration and disappointment due to everyday challenges like keeping on top of appointments, keeping track on deadlines, commitments or getting organized at home or at work. This can create a vicious cycle of internal self-criticism, stress, and depression (Foster and Wolpe, 2010).
Women may find it difficult to establish healthy coping strategies. ADHD symptoms adult female may find themselves turning to harmful or unhealthy behaviors to try to cope with their issues particularly during adolescence like excessive drinking and drug use. These harmful coping strategies can exacerbate their issues and negatively impact their lives. In addition, they can also make it harder for medical professionals to identify their symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis.
Insanity can lead to reckless behavior or outbursts, which are not in accordance with one's values. This can result in feelings of shame. Many women suffering from ADHD have difficulty in expressing themselves or controlling their emotions which can make social interactions a challenge. This can make it difficult to make or keep relationships and, as time passes this can lead to feelings of shame and depression.
When loved ones don't know why things happen, such as forgetting birthdays, missing appointments, or falling behind on their assignments, they can become angry. Women with ADHD may also have trouble communicating their feelings. They may unintentionally make statements that are hurtful to others, or even get them in trouble at work or at school.
People suffering from ADHD often procrastinate and have a difficult time begin or finish tasks. This can lead to being late for health checks or other important appointments, which can cause them to feel overwhelmed and out of control.
Today, it's more common for professionals to identify the signs of adult ADHD in women and refer them for treatment. Furthermore, advances in understanding the differences between women and men suffering from 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. Women especially might have difficulties communicating with family members and friends ones due to their impulsivity, inability to concentrate on conversations, and the tendency to wander off into diverging thoughts. These symptoms can cause misunderstandings and hurtful feelings. The good part is that with the right treatment and care women can form friendships that are supportive and loving.
One of the most common issues that couples face when they have someone with ADHD is "love bombing." Love bombing is a strategy where one lavishes their partner with love and attention early on in the relationship to create intense feelings of dependency and to overlook concerning behaviors. Most of the time, this behavior is the result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also render people incapable of planning ahead. This is important to ensure an enduring relationship. If a neurotypical spouse asks an ADHD partner to do dishes, the person may be distracted by other chores and may not finish the task. Similar to this those with ADHD tend to move from one hobby to the next, investing time and money into their latest obsession. This can lead to financial issues and a messy house.
Mood swings are a common problem in relationships for people who suffer from ADHD. They might lash at their partner in anger or experience sudden, wide mood swings that range from a sudden burst of anxiety to extreme happiness. The result is that their partners are feeling overwhelmed and unable to control the situation.
It's important for people with ADHD to work on self-control, which includes calming down and avoiding triggers that might cause emotional outbursts. They should also practice techniques for relaxation, like deep breathing and meditation. They should also seek help from a mental healthcare professional or ADHD specialist to develop coping strategies and develop a treatment program.
It's also important for people with ADHD to be aware of how their behavior affects others. Especially in intimate relationships, it's essential for both parties to cultivate compassion and understanding. They should also establish clear boundaries to avoid resentment. It's also helpful for people with ADHD to be aware of accommodations such as notetaking, organizing, and taking breaks from conversations, to help them deal with their issues at work and school.
Work Problems
For women suffering from ADHD, work can feel overwhelming. If you work from home or in a formal office dealing with calls, emails, and meetings throughout the day can be difficult. Add to that the restlessness and disorganization, along with the difficulty in focusing on work and juggling deadlines that are associated with ADHD, it can feel like your job is impossible.
There are many ways to assist. Talking to your doctor or a mental health professional is one way. They can evaluate your symptoms and recommend the diagnosis. They may ask you what aspects of ADHD affects your daily routine and suggest ways to manage it. For example, they might suggest using a planner to track appointments or arranging your workspace. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from a regular routine of taking medication on a regular schedule and limiting distractions like social media or television.
Women suffering from ADHD may find their symptoms exacerbated during hormonal changes, such as the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. They are also more likely to experience mood fluctuations and general discontent which makes them more likely to be 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 including stimulants and non-stimulants, which can help alleviate your symptoms. They could be a reference to a group of women suffering from ADHD.
NIMH's Tips on 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 download the fact sheet. NIMH offers resources to assist you in finding an expert in mental health or health professional who is skilled in treating ADHD among adults. A thorough evaluation can be done to see whether ADHD is the primary reason behind your issues. You can also get a referral to an expert, if required. Find out more about Adult ADHD on the NIMH page.
Social Issues
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely than men to suffer comorbid anxiety or mood-related conditions and may be unable to handle social situations due to their inability recognize social cues or read body language. These challenges can cause difficulties in relationships with others as well as at home and at work. Adult ADHD symptoms can also impact physical health, causing weight issues, anxiety, depression, and chronic stress.
Women are often unable to be diagnosed as adults because they are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms. Women may have received treatment for other ailments prior to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. Over the years they might have developed coping skills and have learned to conceal their attention deficit disorder. This can lead to feelings of guilt or the fear that their lives will never be in order.
After receiving a final diagnosis, it's an enormous relief for those with ADHD to realize that they're not responsible for their issues and that the problems don't stem from an insecurities or personal weaknesses. A diagnosis can be a wonderful source of motivation and optimism for those with ADHD because they now have the tools to reach their potential.
There are a variety of resources that can help women find solutions to ease symptoms and improve the quality of life. This can include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or specialized ADHD medications. 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 do not want to take medication that is stimulant-like, there are other options like atomoxetine(Strattera(r), viloxazine(Qelbree[r]) or clonidine(Kapvay[r]).
It is important that these women seek advice from a trusted healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis. In addition, to medication treatment options, treatments can include lifestyle changes and a mix of other treatments.