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 obvious than those of males. Many develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms and blame themselves for their troubles.
The symptoms can include a lack of organization as well as high levels of distraction and memory problems. The use of medication can help treat these symptoms.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women who suffer from ADHD often feel they're not as skilled or capable of achieving the same level as their peers. They may struggle to cope with frustration and disappointment due to everyday difficulties like keeping the track of appointments, keeping track on deadlines, commitments, or getting organized at home or at work. This can lead to a vicious cycle of inner self-criticism and stress, as well as depression (Foster and Wolpe, 2010,).
Women may struggle to develop healthy strategies to cope. As a way to manage their symptoms, women may turn to harmful or unhealthy behaviors particularly in adolescence. These unhealthy coping mechanisms can worsen their issues and negatively affect their lives. Additionally, they could make it difficult for professionals to detect their symptoms and delay a proper diagnosis.
The impulsivity that's often associated with ADHD can manifest in reckless behaviors or outbursts that aren't in line with one's values, leading to feelings of shame. Many women with ADHD have difficulty expressing themselves or regulating their emotions which can make social interactions difficult. This can also make it difficult to form or maintain relationships and, as time passes it can cause feelings of shame and loneliness.
Forgetting birthdays, missing meetings, or being behind on assignments can lead to anger with loved ones, particularly if they don't understand the reason behind these events. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have trouble communicating their feelings. They may unintentionally say things that hurt to others or can get them in trouble at school or work.
Finally, people with ADHD are often prone to putting off tasks and find it difficult to begin or complete tasks. This can lead to missing health check-ups or other important appointments. They might feel overwhelmed and out-of-control.
Fortunately, it's now more common for professionals to identify the symptoms of adult ADHD in women and refer them for treatment. In addition, advances in understanding the differences between women and men with ADHD have led to more effective treatments that allow women to manage their symptoms and regain confidence and self-esteem.
Relationship Issues
ADHD can make it hard to maintain healthy relationships. Women with ADHD may have trouble communicating with friends and loved ones due to their impulsivity, inability to focus on conversations, and the tendency to drift off into off-topic topics. These problems can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. The good news is that with proper treatment and care, women can develop loving relationships.
Love bombing, or "showing affection and love to your partner in the beginning of the relationship" is among the most frequent issues people with ADHD have to deal with in relationships. This tactic is employed to create a sense of dependency to avoid ignoring undesirable behaviors and to generate intense feelings. This behavior is often the result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also render people incapable of planning ahead. This is essential to maintain an enduring relationship. If a neurotypical spouse is asked by an ADHD partner to do dishes, the person could be distracted by other chores, and not complete the task. Similar to this those with ADHD tend to switch from one hobby to the next spending time and money into their newest obsession. This can cause financial problems and a messy home.
Mood swings are a common issue for couples who suffer from ADHD. They can lash out in anger at their spouses or experience sudden, broad mood swings ranging from extreme anxiety to extreme joy. They may be overwhelmed and feel unable to control the situation.
People with ADHD should focus on self-control by calming themselves and avoiding triggers that can trigger emotional outbursts. They should also use relaxation techniques such as mindfulness meditation and deep breathing. Additionally they should seek out help from an expert in mental health or ADHD specialist to discover coping strategies and create a treatment plan.
It's also crucial for those with ADHD to recognize how their behavior affects others. In intimate relationships, both parties should cultivate empathy and compassion. 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 like notetaking and organizing, or taking breaks from conversations to deal with their problems at work and school.
Work Issues
For women who suffer from ADHD, work can feel overwhelming. Working from home or at an office can be difficult. It is possible to handle phone calls, emails and meetings all day long. When you add to that the restlessness disorganization, disarray, and difficulties in focusing on tasks and remembering deadlines associated with ADHD, it can feel like your job is impossible.
There are a variety of ways you can assist. Talking to your doctor or mental health professional is one way. They can assess your symptoms and suggest an assessment. They might ask you what aspects of ADHD affects your everyday life and suggest ways to manage it. They might suggest using a planner for appointments or organizing your workspace. Some people with ADHD also benefit from a regular routine of taking medications on a regular basis and limiting distractions such as television or social media.
Women who suffer from ADHD might have symptoms that are made worse by hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. They are also more likely to experience mood swings and feelings of general discontent and could make them more susceptible to being overlooked by male friends or colleagues.
The good news is that a combination of treatment and self-care can assist you in overcoming these issues. Your doctor may recommend treatments that could help improve your symptoms, such as medications like stimulants or non-stimulants. They can also suggest an organization that helps women with ADHD.
The NIMH Tips for Talking to Your Health Care Provider factsheet can help you prepare for the conversation. It has a script for practice and questions to ask. You can download the fact sheet. ADHD symptoms in adults quiz has resources to help find a health care provider or mental health professional who is familiar with treating ADHD in adults. A thorough evaluation can be performed to determine if ADHD is causing your problems. You can also seek a referral to an expert, if required. You can find out more about this issue on NIMH's Adult ADHD page.
Social Problems
Women with ADHD are more likely than men to experience mood-related disorders or anxiety, and they may also have trouble navigating social situations due to their inability discern social signals or detect body language. These challenges can lead to problems in relationships with loved ones as well as at work and at home. Adult ADHD symptoms can also affect physical health, leading to weight issues as well as depression, anxiety and chronic stress.
Women often have difficulty getting diagnosed as adults, since they are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms. These women might have had treatment for other illnesses prior to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. They could have developed strategies for coping and developed strategies to hide their attention deficit disorder over the years, leading to self-blame for their inability or a sense that they'll never get their lives in order.
After receiving a final diagnosis, it's an enormous relief for women who suffer from ADHD to realize that they're not responsible for their difficulties and that the problems don't stem from an insecurities or personal weakness. A diagnosis can also be a great source of inspiration and motivation to change, since these women now know what they must do to reach their full potential.
There are numerous sources that can assist women find ways to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life. These include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or specific 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 don't wish to take medication that is stimulant-like you can choose other alternatives such as atomoxetine(Strattera(r), viloxazine(Qelbree[r]) or clonidine(Kapvay[r]).
To ensure the most effective treatment, it's important that women visit an experienced medical professional for an accurate diagnosis of their condition. In addition to medication treatment options, treatments can include lifestyle changes and a combination of other treatments.