ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women who suffer from ADHD are often misdiagnosed or left undiagnosed, because their symptoms aren't as evident as those of men. Many develop coping strategies to mask 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. These symptoms can be managed by taking medication.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women who suffer from ADHD may feel that they are not as competent or deserving of the same success as their peers. They may be struggling to deal with disappointment and anger because of daily challenges like keeping track of appointments, following through on commitments, deadlines, or organising their work or home. This can lead to an endless cycle of internal self-criticism and depression, stress, and anxiety (Foster and Wolpe, 2010,).
Women may be struggling to develop healthy coping strategies. They may find themselves turning to harmful or unhealthy habits in order to manage their symptoms particularly during adolescence like excessive drinking and substance use. These harmful coping strategies can exacerbate their issues and negatively impact their lives. They can also make it difficult for professionals to detect the signs and delay an accurate diagnose.
The impulsivity that often comes with ADHD can manifest as reckless behavior or outbursts that aren't in line with the values of one's life, resulting in feelings of shame. Many women with ADHD also have difficulty controlling their emotions or effectively expressing themselves and this can make it difficult for them to be a part of social settings. This can make it difficult to form or keep relationships and, over time it can cause feelings of shame and loneliness.
If family members don't know what causes things to happen, such as forgetting birthdays, missing appointments, or getting behind on their assignments they may become frustrated. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty expressing their feelings. They may accidentally say things that are hurtful to others or get them in trouble at work or in school.
Finally, people with ADHD are often prone to putting off tasks and find it difficult to begin or finish tasks. This can lead to missing health checkups or other important appointments, that can make them feel overwhelmed and out of control.
Today, it's more common for professionals to identify the symptoms of adult ADHD in women and refer them to treatment. In addition, advances in understanding the differences between women and men suffering from ADHD have resulted in more effective treatments that help women manage their symptoms and restore confidence and self-esteem.
Relationship issues
A person with ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women in particular might have difficulty communicating with loved ones because of their impulsivity, inability to concentrate on conversations, and the tendency to drift off into diverging thoughts. These symptoms can cause misunderstandings and hurtful feelings. The good part is that with the right treatment and care women can build loving and supportive relationships.
One of the most common issues that couples face when they have someone who suffer from ADHD is "love bombing." Love bombing is a tactic where people shower their partners with affection and attention as early as they begin a relationship to create intense feelings of dependency and to overlook concerning behaviors. ADHD in adult men symptoms is often caused by untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also make it difficult for people to think ahead which is a crucial aspect of maintaining a good relationship. For instance, if a neurotypical person asks their ADHD partner to help them with dishes, they may be distracted by three other tasks and never get to finishing them. Similarly those with ADHD tend to switch from hobby to hobby, investing time and money into their latest obsession. This can lead to financial difficulties and a messy home.
Mood swings are an issue for those with ADHD in relationships. They may be angry with their spouses or experience sudden, sweeping mood swings from anxiety to extreme happiness. The result is that their partners are feeling overwhelmed and unable control the situation.
It's important for people with ADHD to work on self-control, including calmness and avoiding triggers that could trigger emotional outbursts. They should also try relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing. They should also seek out help from a mental health professional or ADHD specialist to develop coping strategies and create a treatment plan.
It's also crucial for those who suffer from ADHD to understand the ways in which their behavior affects others. In intimate relationships, both partners should cultivate empathy and compassion. They should also establish the boundaries clearly to avoid resentment. It's also helpful for those who suffer from ADHD to be aware of accommodations, such as taking notes, organizing their time, and taking breaks from conversations, to help them cope with their symptoms in the workplace and school.
Work-related Problems
For women suffering from ADHD working can be overwhelming. Working at home or in an office can be a challenge. You might have to handle emails, phone calls and meetings all day. When you add to that the anxiety disorganization, disarray, and difficulty in focusing on work and remembering deadlines associated with ADHD, it can feel as if your job is a struggle.
There are plenty of ways to help. One method is to speak with your health care provider or mental health specialist. They can evaluate your symptoms, and recommend the diagnosis. They may ask what aspects of ADHD affects your everyday life and suggest ways to manage it. For instance, they may suggest using a calendar to track appointments or organizing your workspace. Some people with ADHD benefit from a schedule or taking medication regularly and limiting distracting activities such as television or social media.
Women who suffer from ADHD can have their symptoms exacerbated during hormonal changes, like the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. They are more likely to have mood swings or feelings of dissatisfaction in their lives. This could make them difficult to be understood by male colleagues 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 treatments that could help improve your symptoms, including medications like stimulants or non-stimulants. They could also refer to a subset of women suffering from ADHD.
NIMH's Tips on Talking with Your Health Care Provider factsheet can aid you in preparing for the conversation. This fact sheet provides a script for practice and questions that you can ask. You can also download a downloadable version of the fact sheet. NIMH also has resources to help you locate a health care provider or mental health professional who is experienced with treating ADHD in adults. A thorough evaluation can be carried out to determine if ADHD is causing your problems. You can also get a referral to an expert, if required. You can learn more about this issue on NIMH's Adult ADHD page.
Social Issues
Women with ADHD may suffer from mood disorders or anxiety in addition to ADHD. They may also have trouble navigating social situations since they are not able to read body language or detect social cues. These issues can cause difficulties in relationships with others as well as at work and at home. Adult ADHD symptoms can affect physical health, causing weight problems depression, anxiety, and chronic stress.
Due to their tendency to be more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms, women often have a difficult time being diagnosed and treated as adults. Many of them may be referred to treatment for other ailments prior to receiving a diagnosis of ADHD. Over the years, they might have developed coping strategies and have learned to conceal their ADHD. This can result in feelings of guilt or the feeling that their lives will never be arranged.
It can be a huge relief for women with ADHD when they finally receive a proper diagnosis. They realize that their problems are not their own fault and that the problems do not stem from an individual weakness or character flaw. A diagnosis can also be a powerful source of hope and motivation to change, as these women now know what they must do to achieve their maximum potential.
There are numerous sources that can assist women find ways to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life. These include psychotherapy, cognitive behavior 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)). Those who do not wish to take stimulant medications may choose to use non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and viloxazine (Qelbree(r)), or Clonidine (Kapvay(r)).
It is crucial that these women seek advice from an experienced healthcare professional to obtain a precise diagnosis. Treatment options include medication, lifestyle changes, and a combination with other treatments.