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 more subtle than those of males. Many find ways to mask their symptoms, and blame themselves for their troubles.
Some symptoms include difficulty staying organized or focused, as well as memory problems. Medicines can help with these symptoms.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women with ADHD may feel that they aren't as proficient or worthy of success as their peers. They may have a difficult time coping with frustration or disappointment caused by every day struggles to keep the track of appointments, adhere commitments and deadlines and stay organized at home or work. This can create a vicious circle of self-criticism, depression and anxiety (Foster and Wolpe, 2010).
Women may have difficulty to establish healthy coping strategies. They may turn to harmful or unhealthy habits in order to control their symptoms particularly during adolescence such as excessive alcohol and substance use. These unhealthy coping mechanisms can further exacerbate their problems and negatively affect their lives. In addition, they can make it more difficult for medical professionals to identify their symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis.
The impulsivity that's often associated with ADHD can manifest in reckless behaviors or rants that don't match the values of one's life, resulting in feelings of shame. Many women with ADHD also have trouble regulating emotions or communicating effectively and this can make it challenging for them to interact in social settings. This makes it difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to build or maintain relationships. Over time, this can lead to feelings of guilt and loneliness.
Inadvertently forgetting birthdays, missing meetings, or falling behind on assignments can lead to anger with family members, particularly when they don't understand why these things happen. Women who suffer from ADHD can also have difficulty communicating their feelings, and they may unintentionally blurt out things that hurt people around them or cause trouble at work or school.
Additionally, those with ADHD are more likely to procrastination and finding it hard to start or complete tasks. This can lead to missed health checkups or other important appointments which can cause them to feel overwhelmed and uncontrollable.
Fortunately, it's now more normal for professionals to recognize the symptoms of adult ADHD in women and refer them for treatment. Additionally advancements in understanding the differentiators between women and men with ADHD have resulted in more effective treatment options that help women manage their symptoms and regain confidence and self-esteem.
Relationship Issues
ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women in particular may have trouble communicating with friends and loved ones due to their impulsivity, inability to focus on conversations, and inclination to go off on diverging thoughts. ADHD symptoms female adults can cause misunderstandings and hurt feelings. The good part is that with the right care and treatment, women can develop friendships that are supportive and loving.
One of the most frequent issues in relationships for people who suffer from ADHD is "love bombing." Love bombing is a tactic where people shower their partners with affection and love as early as they begin a relationship to create intense feelings of dependency and overlook concerning behaviors. This behavior is often the result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also cause people to be in a position to not plan ahead. This is essential to ensure the health of a relationship. For example for instance, if a person with a neurotypical personality would like their ADHD partner to help wash dishes, they could be distracted by three other chores and never get to completing them. People with ADHD are also more prone to switching from hobby to hobby, and putting money and time into their latest passion. This can result in financial issues and a messy house.
Mood swings are a problem for people with ADHD in relationships. They may lash out in anger at their partner or experience sudden, sweeping mood changes from extreme anxiety to extreme joy. Their loved ones may feel overwhelmed and unable control the situation.
People with ADHD should work on self control and self-control, which includes calming down and avoiding triggers which could trigger emotional outbursts. They should also practice techniques for relaxation, like meditation and deep breathing. They should also seek support from a mental healthcare professional or ADHD specialist to develop coping strategies and devise a treatment plan.
It's crucial that people who suffer from ADHD be aware of how their behavior influence other people. In intimate relationships, both parties should cultivate compassion and empathy. They should also establish clear boundaries to avoid resentment. It is also beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD to be aware of accommodations for notetaking, organizing, or taking breaks from conversations in order to deal with their problems at work and school.
Work Issues
It can be a challenge to work for women suffering from ADHD. If you work from home or a formal office environment dealing with emails, calls, and meetings throughout the day can be difficult. Add to this the restlessness and disorganization, as well as difficulty focusing on tasks or remembering deadlines that are common to ADHD and it can feel like your job is a nightmare.
There are plenty of ways to help. One option is to speak with your health care provider or mental health specialist. They will be able to assess your symptoms and suggest an assessment. They may ask you what aspects of ADHD affects your daily life and suggest ways to manage it. For instance, they could suggest using a calendar to track appointments or organizing your workspace. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from a routine, taking medication on a regular basis and limiting distractions like TV or social media.
Women with ADHD might experience symptoms that are worsened by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. They are also more likely to feel mood fluctuation and general discontent with their lives and can make them more easily overlooked by male friends or colleagues.
The good news is a combination of self-care and treatment can aid you in overcoming this issue. Your doctor may prescribe medications including stimulants and non-stimulants, that can help alleviate your symptoms. They could be a reference to a group of women with ADHD.
NIMH's Tips for Talking With Your Health Care Provider fact sheet can aid you in preparing for this conversation. This fact sheet provides a script for practice and questions you can ask. You can also download a printable version of the fact sheet. NIMH also has resources to help you locate a health care provider or mental health professional who is familiar with treating ADHD in adults. A comprehensive evaluation will be carried out to determine whether ADHD is the cause of your issues. If needed, you can also be referred to a specialist. You can find out more about this on NIMH's Adult ADHD page.
Social Problems
Women with ADHD might experience anxiety or mood disorders in addition to ADHD. They may also have trouble navigating social situations because they are unable to read body language or pick up social cues. These challenges can cause difficulties in romantic relationships as well as at home and at work. In addition, the symptoms of adult ADHD can impact physical health, leading to weight problems, chronic stress, anxiety and depression.
Due to their tendency to be more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms, women frequently struggle to be diagnosed and being treated as adults. Women might have had treatment for other conditions prior to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. Over the years they may have developed coping strategies and have learned to conceal their ADHD. This can result in a feeling of self-blame or the feeling that their lives will never be organized.
After finally getting a proper diagnosis, it's an enormous relief for those who suffer from ADHD to realize that they're not responsible for their problems and that the problems do not stem from an individual flaw or 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 achieve their full potential.
There are many sources that can assist women find treatments to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life. These can include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy 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[rKAPVAY[r]).
For the most effective treatment, it's crucial to see an experienced medical professional for an accurate diagnosis of their condition. Treatment options include medications and lifestyle changes, as well as the combination of other treatments.