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 obvious as those of men. Many develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms, and blame themselves for their issues.
The symptoms can include a lack of organization, high distractionibility and memory issues. These symptoms can be controlled with medication.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women who suffer from ADHD often feel they aren't as competent or capable of making the same strides as their peers. They may struggle to cope with disappointment and anger due to daily challenges like keeping the track of appointments, keeping track on deadlines, commitments or organising their work or home. This can lead to an endless cycle of internal self-criticism and stress, as well as depression (Foster and Wolpe, 2010).
Women may have difficulty developing healthy coping strategies. As a way to manage their symptoms women can resort to harmful or unhealthy behavior particularly during the adolescent years. These harmful coping strategies can make their problems worse and negatively impact their lives. They can also make it difficult for professionals to recognize symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis.
The impulsivity that's often associated with ADHD can manifest as reckless behaviors or rants that don't align with one's values, leading to feelings of shame. Many women suffering from ADHD struggle with expressing themselves or regulating their emotions which can make social interactions a challenge. This can make it difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to build or keep relationships. Over time it can cause feelings of guilt and isolation.
Forgetting birthdays, missing meetings, or falling behind on assignments can lead to anger with family members, particularly when they don't know why these things happen. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have issues communicating their feelings. They may accidentally say things that are hurtful to others or be a target for trouble at work or at school.
Finally, people with ADHD are more likely to putting off tasks and find it hard to start or finish tasks. This could lead to missing health check-ups or other important appointments. They may 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 for treatment. Additionally, extreme ADHD symptoms adults of the differentiators between men with ADHD and women has resulted in more effective treatment options that help women manage their symptoms, and regain self-esteem and confidence.
Relationship Issues
ADHD can make it hard to maintain healthy relationships. Women may experience difficulties communicating with their loved ones due to their impulsivity as well as their inability to concentrate on conversations. These issues can cause misunderstandings and hurt feelings. The good news is that with proper treatment and care women can build loving and supportive relationships.
Love bombing, or "showing love and attention to your partner at the beginning of the relationship" is among the most frequent problems people with ADHD face in relationships. This tactic is used to create feelings of dependency in order to ignore undesirable behaviors and to generate intense feelings. This behavior is often caused by untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also make people unable to plan ahead. This is crucial to ensure an enduring relationship. If a person with a neurotypical personality wants an ADHD partner to wash dishes, the person may be distracted by other chores and may not finish them. Similar to this, people with ADHD tend to switch from one hobby to the next, investing time and money into their latest obsession. This can cause financial problems and a messy home.
Mood swings can be an issue for those with ADHD in relationships. They might be angry with their partners or experience sudden, wide mood swings from anxiety to extreme happiness. This can leave their partners feeling overwhelmed and unable to control the situation.
It is crucial for those with ADHD to improve their self-control, including slowing down and avoiding triggers that might cause emotional outbursts. They should also use techniques for relaxation, like meditation and deep breathing. Finally they should seek help from a mental health professional or ADHD specialist to develop strategies for coping and create a treatment plan.
It's also essential for people who suffer from ADHD to recognize how their behavior impacts other people. In intimate relationships, both parties should develop empathy and compassion. It is also important to establish the boundaries clearly to avoid resentment. It is also beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD, to learn about accommodations such as notetaking and organizing or taking breaks from conversations to cope with their symptoms at school and at work.
Work Issues
For women suffering from ADHD working can be overwhelming. If you work from home or a formal office environment, dealing with emails, calls, and meetings throughout the day can be difficult. When you add to that the restlessness and disorganization, along with the difficulties in focusing on tasks and remembering deadlines associated with ADHD it can seem like your job is impossible.
There are plenty of ways to assist. One way is to talk with your health doctor or a mental health specialist. They will evaluate your symptoms and suggest the diagnosis. They may ask you to explain how your ADHD affects your life, and suggest strategies to manage the symptoms. They may suggest using a calendar for appointments or organizing your workspace. Some people with ADHD also benefit by having a routine, taking medications on a regular basis and limiting distractions like TV or social media.
Women suffering from ADHD may find their symptoms exacerbated during hormonal changes, such as the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. They are more likely to experience mood fluctuations or feelings of discontent in their lives. This can make them harder to be understood by male friends or colleagues.
The good news is a combination of treatment and self-care can assist you in overcoming this problem. Your doctor may prescribe medications including stimulants and non-stimulants, which may help improve your symptoms. They could also refer to a group of women with ADHD.
The NIMH's Tips for Talking with Your Health Care Provider fact sheet will assist you in preparing for this conversation. The fact sheet contains a practice script and questions you can ask. You can also download a downloadable version of the fact sheet. NIMH also has resources to help you find a health care provider or mental health professional who is knowledgeable with treating ADHD in adults. A thorough evaluation can be performed to determine whether ADHD is the cause of your issues. If it is, you can be referred to a specialist. Learn more about Adult ADHD on the NIMH page.
Social Issues
Women with ADHD are more likely than men to experience comorbid anxiety or mood-related conditions, and they may also have trouble navigating social situations due to their inability to pick up on social cues or interpret body language. These challenges can lead to problems in relationships with loved ones as well as at work and at home. Adult ADHD symptoms can also impact physical health, leading to weight issues as well as depression, anxiety and chronic stress.
Women often have difficulty getting diagnosed as adults since they are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms. Women might have had treatment for other ailments prior to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. They may have developed strategies to cope and learned to mask their ADHD over time, leading to self-blame for their lack of abilities or a sense that they'll never be able to get their lives back in order.
It can be a huge relief for women with ADHD when they finally get a diagnosis that is accurate. They can see that their issues aren't their fault and that the problems do not originate from an individual weakness or character flaw. A diagnosis can be a wonderful source of inspiration and hope for women with ADHD, as they now know what they can do to reach their potential.
There are numerous resources that can help women find solutions to ease symptoms and improve the quality of life. These can include psychotherapy, cognitive behavior 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 don't want to take medication that is stimulant-like, there are other options such as 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 medications, treatment options can also include lifestyle changes and a mix of other treatments.