ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women suffering from ADHD are often misdiagnosed, or left undiagnosed, because their symptoms aren't as evident as those of men. Many develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms and then blame themselves for their own problems.
Symptoms can include issues with organization, high distractionibility and memory issues. Medications can help manage these symptoms.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women with ADHD may feel that they are not as competent or deserving of the same success as their peers. They may have a difficult time coping with frustration or discontent caused by their daily struggles to keep the track of appointments, adhere through on commitments and deadlines and organize at work or at home. This can lead to an endless cycle of internal self-criticism, stress, and depression (Foster and Wolpe, 2010).
Women may have difficulty to develop healthy coping mechanisms. They may turn to harmful or unhealthy habits as a way of trying to manage their symptoms especially in adolescence like excessive drinking and substance use. These unhealthy coping strategies could worsen their issues and negatively affect their lives. Additionally, they could make it difficult for medical professionals to identify their symptoms and delay a proper diagnosis.
The urge to be reckless can lead to irresponsible behavior or outbursts, that are not in line with one's values. This can lead to feelings of shame. Many women with ADHD also have difficulty controlling their emotions or effectively expressing themselves, which can make it challenging for them to interact in social settings. This can also make it difficult to form or maintain relationships and, over time it can cause feelings of shame and loneliness.
Inadvertently forgetting birthdays, missing meetings, or getting behind on assignments can lead to anger with family members, particularly when they don't understand the reasons behind these incidents. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have issues expressing their emotions. They might unintentionally say things that hurt to others, or even be a target for trouble at school or work.
In addition, people suffering from ADHD are often prone to putting off tasks and find it difficult to begin or complete tasks. This could lead to missing health check-ups or other important appointments. They might feel overwhelmed and out-of-control.
It's becoming more common for professionals to recognize the symptoms of adult ADHD in women and refer them for treatment. Additionally, the recognition of the differences between men suffering from ADHD and women has resulted in more effective treatment options for women that help them manage their symptoms, regain self-esteem and confidence.
Relationship Issues
A person with ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women in particular might have difficulties communicating with loved ones due to their impulsivity, inability to concentrate on conversations, and tendency to wander off into diverging thoughts. These symptoms can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. The good news is, with the right treatment and care women can establish affectionate relationships.
Love bombing, or "showing the love and affection 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 employed to create feelings of dependency in order to ignore problematic behaviors and to create strong feelings. This is usually the result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also make it difficult for people with ADHD to plan ahead, which is a key factor in maintaining a relationship. For instance when a person with neurotypical symptoms would like their ADHD partner to help with the dishes, they might be distracted by three other chores and never get around to completing them. Similar to this, people with ADHD tend to jump from one hobby to the next spending time and money into their latest passion. This can lead to financial issues and a messy home.
Mood swings are an issue for people suffering from ADHD in relationships. They may lash out at their partners in anger or have rapid, broad mood swings ranging from a flurry of anxiety to extreme happiness. Their partners may feel overwhelmed and feel unable to control the situation.
It's important for people with ADHD to improve their self-control, such as slowing down and avoiding triggers that could trigger emotional outbursts. They should also practice relaxation techniques, like deep breathing and mindfulness meditation. Finally, they should seek support from an expert in mental health or ADHD specialist to develop strategies for coping and formulate a treatment strategy.
It's crucial that people with ADHD be aware of how their behavior impact other people. Especially in intimate relationships, it's important for both partners to cultivate compassion and empathy. It is also important to establish clear boundaries to avoid resentment. It is also beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD to understand the importance of accommodating, such as taking notes, organizing their time and taking breaks from conversations, to help them deal with their issues at work and at school.
Work-related Issues
Work can be overwhelming for women with ADHD. Whether you work from home or a formal office dealing with emails, calls and meetings throughout the day can be challenging. Add to this the restlessness and disorganization as well as the difficulty in focusing on tasks or remembering deadlines that are common to ADHD and it could seem like your job is impossible.
Fortunately, there are many ways to help. One way is to talk with your health care provider or mental health professional. They will evaluate your symptoms and recommend the diagnosis. They might ask you how ADHD affects your daily routine and suggest ways to manage it. They might suggest using a calendar to schedule appointments or organizing your workspace. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit by having a routine, taking medication on a regular basis, and limiting distractions like social media or television.
Women suffering from ADHD are often afflicted with symptoms that are caused by hormonal changes like the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. They are more likely to have mood swings or feelings of dissatisfaction in their lives. This makes them difficult to comprehend by male coworkers or partners.
The good news is a combination of treatment and self-care can aid you in overcoming this issue. Your doctor can prescribe medication including stimulants and non-stimulants that could help ease your symptoms. They could also refer 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 contains a script to practice and questions to ask. You can also download a printable version of the fact sheet. NIMH has resources to help you find an expert in mental health or health professional who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. A thorough evaluation can be conducted to determine if ADHD is the cause of your issues. If needed, you can also be referred to a specialist. You can learn more about this issue on NIMH's Adult ADHD page.
Social Problems
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely than men to experience mood-related or anxiety-related issues as well as have trouble navigating social situations due to their inability pick up on social cues or detect body language. These challenges can cause difficulties in relationships with others as well as at work and at home. Adult ADHD symptoms can also impact physical health, causing weight issues depression, anxiety, and chronic stress.
Women often have difficulty getting diagnosed as adults, since they are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms. They might have had treatment for other illnesses prior to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. They may have developed coping strategies and developed strategies to hide their ADHD through the years, leading to self-blame for their lack of abilities or a sense that they'll never be able to get their lives together.
After receiving you can try these out , it can be an enormous relief for those with ADHD to realize that they're not responsible for their issues and that the issues aren't caused by an individual flaw or weaknesses. A diagnosis can be a great source of motivation and hope for those with ADHD because they now have the tools to reach their potential.
Although the difficulties associated with a diagnosis of adult ADHD can be overwhelming but there are plenty of resources to assist women in finding effective solutions to ease their symptoms and improve their 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)). If you don't want to take stimulant medications there are alternatives like atomoxetine(Strattera(r), viloxazine(Qelbree[r]) or clonidine(Kapvay[r[r]).
To ensure the most effective treatment, it's essential that these women see an experienced healthcare professional who can provide an accurate diagnosis of their condition. In addition, to medication treatment options, treatments can include lifestyle changes and a mix of other treatments.