ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women who suffer from ADHD often go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed because their symptoms are less apparent than those of boys. Many develop strategies to mask their symptoms, and blame themselves for their troubles.
Some symptoms include a lack of organization as well as high levels of distraction and memory issues. These symptoms can be controlled with medication.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women with ADHD often feel that they're not as capable or worthy of success as their peers. They may be struggling to deal with frustration and disappointment because of daily challenges like keeping track of appointments, following through on deadlines, commitments, or organising their work or home. This can create a vicious circle of self-criticism, depression, and anxiety (Foster and Wolpe, 2010).
Women may find it difficult to establish healthy coping strategies. They may turn to harmful or unhealthy habits as a way of trying to manage their symptoms especially in adolescence such as excessive alcohol and drug use. These unhealthy ways of coping can make their problems worse and negatively affect their lives. They can also make it difficult for professionals to recognize symptoms and delay an accurate diagnose.
The impulsivity that often comes with ADHD can manifest itself in reckless behaviors or rants that don't align with one's values, which can lead to feelings of shame. Many women suffering from ADHD also have trouble regulating emotions or communicating effectively and this can make it difficult for them to be a part of social settings. This makes it difficult for women with ADHD to form or maintain relationships. As time passes, this can lead to feelings of guilt and loneliness.
If loved ones don't understand why things happen like forgetting birthdays, missing appointments, or getting behind in their work and assignments, they may be annoyed. Women with ADHD might also have difficulty communicating their feelings. They might unintentionally say things that are hurtful to others, or even be a target for trouble at work or in school.
People suffering from ADHD often put off tasks and have a difficult time begin or finish tasks. This can result in being late for health checks or other important appointments, which can leave them feeling overwhelmed and out of control.
It's becoming more common for professionals to recognize the signs of adult ADHD in women and refer them to treatment. Furthermore advances in understanding the differentiators between women and men suffering from ADHD have resulted in more effective treatment options 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 might have difficulties communicating with friends and loved ones because of their impulsivity, inability focus on conversations, and inclination to go off on diverging thoughts. These problems can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. The good news is that with proper care and treatment women can build positive and supportive relationships.
Love bombing, also known as "showing love and attention to your partner at 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 feelings of dependency to deflect problematic behaviors and to create strong feelings. This behavior is often caused by untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also make people unable to plan ahead. This is important to ensure the health of a relationship. If severe ADHD symptoms in adults with a neurotypical personality wants an ADHD partner to do dishes, the person may be distracted by other chores and not complete them. People with ADHD are also prone to switching from hobby to interest and putting time and money into their latest obsession. This can lead to financial difficulties and a messy home.
Mood swings are an issue for people suffering from ADHD in relationships. They may 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 unable control the situation.
It is crucial for those with ADHD to improve their self-control, including calmness and avoiding triggers that might cause emotional outbursts. They should also use relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness meditation and deep breathing. They should also seek out help from a mental healthcare professional or ADHD specialist in order to learn coping skills and develop a treatment program.
It's also crucial for those with ADHD to understand how their behavior affects others. Especially in intimate relationships, it's essential for both partners to develop compassion and understanding. They should also establish clear boundaries to prevent resentment. It is also beneficial for people who suffer from ADHD, to learn about accommodations for notetaking, organizing or taking breaks from conversations to deal with their issues at school and work.
Work-related Problems
For women suffering from ADHD, work can feel overwhelming. No matter if you work from home or a formal office environment managing emails, calls, and meetings throughout the day can be difficult. Add to that the restlessness and disorganization, along with the difficulty with focusing on tasks and remembering deadlines associated with ADHD it can be like your job is unattainable.
There are a variety of ways to assist. Talking to your doctor or mental health professional is one way. They can evaluate your symptoms, and recommend an assessment. They might ask you to describe how your ADHD impacts your daily life, and suggest ways to manage them. They may suggest using a calendar for appointments or arranging your workspace. Some people with ADHD benefit from a schedule and taking their medication regularly and limiting distracting activities like TV or social media.
Women who suffer from ADHD might have symptoms that are made worse 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 makes them difficult to comprehend by male coworkers or partners.
The good news is that a combination of self-care and treatment can assist you in overcoming these issues. Your doctor may recommend methods to improve your symptoms, including medications such as stimulants or non-stimulants. They can also refer you to an organization that helps women suffering from ADHD.
The NIMH's Tips for Talking with Your Health Care Provider fact sheet can aid you in preparing for this conversation. This fact sheet includes an exercise script and questions that you can ask. You can also download a printable version of the fact sheet. NIMH also has resources to help you find a health care provider or mental health professional who is experienced with treating ADHD in adults. A thorough examination can be performed to see if ADHD is the root cause of your problems. If it is, you can be referred to a specialist. You can learn more about this on the NIMH's Adult ADHD page.
Social Problems
Women who suffer from ADHD may experience anxiety or mood disorders in addition to ADHD. They may also have difficulty navigating social situations due to being not able to read body language or recognize social cues. These issues can cause difficulties in relationships with others as well as at home and at work. Adult ADHD symptoms can affect physical health, causing weight issues as well as depression, anxiety and chronic stress.
Women often have a difficult time getting diagnosed as adults since they are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms. Women may have received treatment for other ailments prior to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. They might have developed strategies to cope and developed strategies to hide their ADHD over time, leading to self-blame for their inability or the fear that they'll never get their lives in order.
When you finally get a correct diagnosis, it can be 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 individual flaw or weaknesses. A diagnosis can be a fantastic source of motivation and hope for those suffering from ADHD, since they know what they can do to reach their potential.
There are many resources to help women find solutions to ease symptoms and improve quality of life. These include psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and 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)). People who do not want to take stimulants may choose to use non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) or viloxazine (Qelbree(r)), or Clonidine (Kapvay(r)).
It is essential that these women consult a trusted healthcare provider to receive a clear diagnosis. In addition to medications treatment options, treatments can include lifestyle changes as well as a combination of other treatments.