ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women suffering from ADHD are often misdiagnosed or are left undiagnosed because their symptoms are not as obvious like those of males. Many develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms and end up blaming themselves for their problems.
The symptoms can include difficulty staying organized, high distractionibility and memory issues. Medicines can help with these symptoms.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women with ADHD often feel they aren't as competent or capable of making the same strides as their peers. They may have a difficult time coping with frustration or disappointment triggered by daily struggles to keep on top of appointments, keep the deadlines and commitments, and get organized at work or at home. This can create a vicious circle of self-criticism and depression and anxiety (Foster and Wolpe, 2010).
Women may be unable to establish healthy coping strategies. They might turn to harmful or unhealthy habits to try to cope with their issues especially in adolescence like excessive drinking and substance use. These harmful coping strategies can make their problems worse and negatively affect their lives. In severe ADHD symptoms in adults , they may also make it harder for professionals to recognize their symptoms and delay a proper diagnosis.
The urge to be reckless can lead to irresponsible behaviour or outbursts that are not in accordance with one's values. This can cause feelings of shame. Many women with ADHD have trouble in expressing themselves or controlling their emotions, which can make social interactions a challenge. This can also make it difficult to establish or maintain relationships and, as time passes, this can contribute to feelings of shame and depression.
If loved ones don't understand why things happen like not remembering birthdays, missing appointments, or getting behind on their assignments they may become angry. Women with ADHD may also have trouble expressing their emotions. They might unintentionally say things that are hurtful to others, or even get them in trouble at school or work.
People with ADHD often procrastinate and have difficulty to start or complete tasks. This can result in missing health checkups or other important appointments, that can make them feel overwhelmed and out of control.
It's becoming more common for professionals to identify the signs of adult ADHD in women and refer them for treatment. Additionally, the understanding of the differentiators between men with ADHD and women has resulted in more effective treatment options that help women manage their symptoms, regain confidence and self-esteem.
Relationship issues
Having ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women may experience difficulties communicating with their loved ones due to their impulsivity and inability to concentrate on conversations. These signs can cause miscommunication and hurtful feelings. The good part is that with the right treatment and care women can build positive and supportive relationships.
Love bombing, or "showing affection and love to your partner early in the relationship" is one of the most frequent problems people with ADHD face in relationships. This tactic is employed to create feelings of dependency to avoid ignoring problematic behaviors and to create strong feelings. Oftentimes, this behavior is the result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also make people incapable of planning ahead. This is important to ensure a healthy relationship. If a person with a neurotypical personality is asked by an ADHD partner to do dishes, the person could be distracted by other chores and may not finish them. Similar to this those with ADHD tend to jump from one hobby to the next spending time and money into their newest obsession. This can lead to financial issues and a messy house.
Mood swings are another frequent issue in relationships for those who suffer from ADHD. They may be averse to lashing out at their loved ones in anger or have rapid, broad mood swings ranging from a flurry of anxiety to extreme happiness. Their loved ones may feel overwhelmed and unable control the situation.
People suffering from ADHD must work on self control, including calming themselves down and avoiding triggers that could cause emotional outbursts. They should also use techniques for relaxation, like deep breathing and meditation. Additionally, they should seek support from an expert in mental health or ADHD specialist to develop strategies for coping and develop a treatment plan.
It's important that people with ADHD understand how their actions affect other people. In intimate relationships, both parties should cultivate empathy and compassion. They should also set clear boundaries to avoid anger. It is also beneficial for those with ADHD to learn about accommodations, such as notetaking, organizing and taking breaks from conversations to help them manage their issues in the workplace and at school.
Work Problems
Work can be overwhelming for women who suffer from ADHD. No matter if you work from home or in a formal office environment managing emails, calls and meetings throughout the day can be difficult. When you add to that the anxiety and disorganization, along with the difficulty in focusing on work and juggling deadlines that are associated with ADHD, it can feel as if your job is a struggle.
There are plenty of ways to help. Talking with your doctor or a mental health professional is one way. They will evaluate your symptoms and recommend a diagnosis. They might ask you to explain how your ADHD affects your life and suggest ways to manage your symptoms. For instance, they could recommend using a calendar to keep track of your appointments or arranging your workspace. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from a routine, taking medication on a regular schedule and limiting distractions such as TV or social media.
Women with ADHD may suffer from symptoms that are exacerbated by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. They are more likely to have mood fluctuation or feelings of unsatisfaction in their lives. This can make them harder to be understood by male colleagues or partners.
The good news is a combination of self-care and treatment could aid you in overcoming this issue. Your doctor may recommend methods to alleviate your symptoms, including medications like stimulants or non-stimulants. They may also refer you to a support group for women suffering from ADHD.
The NIMH Tips for Talking to Your Health Care Provider factsheet can aid you in preparing for the conversation. It includes a practice script and questions to ask. You can also download a printable version of the fact sheet. NIMH also has resources to help you find a doctor or mental health professional who is experienced with treating ADHD in adults. Then, a complete evaluation can be done to determine if ADHD is the cause of your troubles. If necessary, you could also be referred to a specialist. You can learn more about this on the NIMH's Adult ADHD page.
Social Issues
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely than men to experience comorbid anxiety or mood-related conditions and may struggle to navigate social situations because they are unable to pick up on social cues or detect body language. These challenges can cause difficulties in relationships with others as well as at home and at work. In addition, the symptoms of adult ADHD can interfere with physical health, leading to weight problems, chronic stress, anxiety and depression.
Due to their tendency be more adept at concealing their ADHD symptoms, women frequently have a difficult time getting diagnosed and being treated as adults. Many of these women may have been referred for treatment for other conditions prior to being diagnosed with ADHD. They might have developed strategies for coping and learned to mask their attention deficit disorder over the years and then blame themselves for a lack of ability or a fear that they'll never be able to get their lives in order.
After finally getting a proper diagnosis, it's an enormous relief for women who suffer from ADHD to realize that they're not the cause for their problems and that the problems aren't caused by an individual flaw or weaknesses. A diagnosis can be a wonderful source of motivation and optimism for those with ADHD because they now have the tools to realize their potential.
While the challenges of being diagnosed with adult ADHD can be overwhelming but there are plenty of resources to help women find effective treatments that will alleviate their symptoms and improve their lives. These include psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, or specialized 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 choose non-stimulant alternatives such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r)), viloxazine (Qelbree(r)), or Clonidine (Kapvay(r)).
It is crucial that women seek the advice of an experienced healthcare professional to receive a clear diagnosis. In addition, to medication, treatment options can also include lifestyle changes and a mix of other treatments.