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 boys. Many develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms, and blame themselves for their issues.
Symptoms can include difficulty staying organized, high distractionibility and memory problems. These symptoms can be controlled with medication.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women who suffer from ADHD might feel they are not as competent or deserving of the same success as their peers. They may have a hard dealing with anger or disappointment triggered by daily struggles to keep the track of appointments, adhere commitments and deadlines and stay organized at work or home. This can create to a vicious cycle of self-criticism, depression, and stress (Foster & Wolpe 2010).
Women may struggle to develop healthy strategies to cope. In order to manage their symptoms women can resort to unhealthy or harmful behavior, especially during the adolescent years. These unhealthy coping strategies can worsen their issues and negatively affect their lives. Additionally, they could also make it harder for medical professionals to identify their symptoms and delay a proper diagnosis.
Impulsivity can lead to reckless behaviour or outbursts that aren't in line with the values one holds. This can result in feelings of shame. Many women suffering from ADHD also struggle with controlling emotions or expressing themselves effectively and this can make it difficult to engage in social situations. This can also make it difficult to form or keep relationships and, over time this can lead to feelings of shame and depression.
Inadvertently forgetting birthdays, missing meetings, or falling late on assignments can cause frustration for loved ones, particularly if they don't know the reason behind these events. Women with ADHD might also have issues communicating their feelings. They might unintentionally say things that hurt to others or cause trouble at work or at school.
Finally, people with ADHD tend to putting off tasks and find it difficult to begin or complete tasks. This can result in missing health check-ups or other important appointments. They might feel overwhelmed and out of control.
It's becoming more commonplace for professionals to recognize adult ADHD symptoms in women and send them to treatment. In addition, the understanding of differences 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
A person with ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women may experience difficulties communicating with their friends and loved ones due to their impulsivity as well as their inability to concentrate on conversations. These symptoms can cause confusion and hurt feelings. The good part is that with the right care and treatment, women can develop positive and supportive relationships.
Love bombing, also known as "showing love and attention to your partner in the beginning of the relationship" is among the most common issues that people with ADHD face in relationships. This tactic is used to create a sense of dependency to avoid ignoring problematic behaviors and to create strong feelings. This behavior is often the result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also make it difficult for people with ADHD to think ahead which is a crucial aspect in maintaining a relationship. For instance, if a neurotypical person asks their ADHD partner to help with the dishes, they may be distracted by three other chores and never get around to doing them. Similarly those with ADHD tend to switch between hobbies spending time and money into their latest passion. This can cause financial difficulties and a messy home.
Mood swings are another frequent issue for couples with ADHD. They can get angry at their partners or experience sudden, broad mood swings ranging from extreme anxiety to extreme joy. They may be overwhelmed and feel unable to control the situation.
It is essential for those suffering from ADHD to develop self-control, including calmness and avoiding triggers that may trigger emotional outbursts. They should also practice relaxation techniques, like mindfulness meditation and deep breathing. They should also seek help from a mental healthcare professional or ADHD specialist to develop coping strategies and develop a treatment program.
It's also essential for people who suffer from ADHD to be aware of the ways in which their behavior affects other people. Particularly in intimate relationships, it's essential for both partners to cultivate compassion and understanding. They should also set clear boundaries to avoid anger. It is also beneficial for people with ADHD, to learn about accommodations such as notetaking and organizing, or taking breaks from conversations to deal with their problems at school and at work.
Work-related Problems
It can be a challenge to work for women with ADHD. No matter if you work from home or in a formal office environment managing calls, emails and meetings throughout the day can be a challenge. Add to this the restlessness, disorganization and difficulty keeping track of tasks or deadlines that are associated with ADHD and it can seem like your job is impossible.
There are many ways you can help. One method is to speak with your health care provider or a mental health specialist. They will be able to assess your symptoms and suggest an assessment. They may ask what aspects of ADHD affects your daily routine and suggest ways to manage it. For instance, they may suggest using a calendar to keep track of appointments or organizing your workspace. Some people with ADHD also benefit from a regular routine, taking medication on a regular schedule, and limiting distractions like television or social media.
Women suffering from ADHD may suffer from symptoms that are exacerbated by hormonal changes like menstruation 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 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 methods to alleviate your symptoms, including medications like stimulants or non-stimulants. They could also refer to a group of women with ADHD.
The NIMH's Tips to Talk with Your Health Care Provider fact sheet can aid you in preparing for this conversation. It has a script for practice and questions to ask. You can download the fact sheet. NIMH also has resources to help find a doctor or mental health professional who is experienced with treating ADHD in adults. A thorough evaluation can be done to determine whether ADHD is the primary 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 Issues
Women with ADHD are more likely than men to suffer mood-related or anxiety-related issues as well as be unable to handle social situations because they are unable to discern social signals or interpret body language. These challenges can cause difficulties in romantic relationships, as well as the home and work environment. Additionally, the signs of adult ADHD can interfere with physical health and lead to weight problems and anxiety, stress and depression.
extreme ADHD symptoms adults to their tendency to be more adept at concealing their ADHD symptoms, women frequently struggle to be diagnosed and being treated as adults. These women may have received treatment for other ailments prior to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. Over time, they may have developed coping skills and have learned to hide their ADHD. This can result in a feeling of self-blame or that their lives will never be in order.
It can be a massive relief for women suffering from ADHD when they finally receive an accurate diagnosis. They can see that their problems aren't their fault and that the problems do not originate from a personal weakness or character flaw. A diagnosis can be a wonderful source of inspiration and hope for those with ADHD because they now know what to do to realize their potential.
Although the difficulties associated with a diagnosis of adult ADHD can be overwhelming There are a variety of resources available to help women find effective treatments to alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life. This can include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral 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)). If you don't want to take stimulant medication you can choose other alternatives such as atomoxetine(Strattera(r), viloxazine(Qelbree[r]), or clonidine(Kapvay[rKAPVAY[r]).
It is crucial that women consult a trusted healthcare provider to receive a clear diagnosis. In addition to medication treatments, other options for treatment include lifestyle changes as well as a combination of other treatments.