ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women with ADHD are often misdiagnosed, or are left undiagnosed because their symptoms aren't as obvious as those of men. Many find ways to mask their symptoms, and blame themselves for their issues.
The symptoms can include a lack of organization, high distractionibility and memory problems. The use of medication can help treat these symptoms.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women with ADHD might feel that they aren't as proficient or deserving of the same success as their peers. They may have difficulty coping with frustration and disappointment because of daily difficulties like keeping the track of appointments, following through on commitments, deadlines, or staying organized at work or home. ADHD in adult men symptoms can result in to a vicious cycle of self-criticism, depression and stress (Foster and Wolpe, 2010).
Women may have difficulty developing healthy coping strategies. They may find themselves turning to unhealthy or harmful behaviors in order to cope with their issues, especially during adolescence, for example, excessive drinking and substance use. These unhealthy coping methods can exacerbate their issues and negatively impact their lives. Additionally, they could make it difficult for professionals to detect their symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis.
The impulsivity that is often associated with ADHD can manifest as reckless behaviors or outbursts that don't align with one's values, leading to feelings of shame. Many women with ADHD struggle with communicating their feelings or managing their emotions which can make social interactions difficult. This can make it difficult to make or maintain relationships and, as time passes it can cause feelings of shame and depression.
Missing birthdays, forgetting meetings, or getting late on assignments can cause anger with loved ones, particularly if they don't know the reason behind these events. Women with ADHD can also have difficulty articulating their feelings, so they might accidentally utter things that hurt others or cause trouble at school or at work.
People with ADHD often procrastinate and find it difficult to begin or finish tasks. This can result in being late for health checks or other important appointments that can make them feel overwhelmed and a bit out of control.
Fortunately, it's now more normal for professionals to recognize the symptoms of adult ADHD in women and refer them to treatment. In addition, the understanding of differences between men with ADHD and women has resulted in more effective treatment options that allow women to manage their symptoms, and regain self-esteem and confidence.
Relationship issues
ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women may have difficulty communicating with their friends and loved ones due to their impulsivity and inability to concentrate on conversations. These signs can cause miscommunication and hurtful feelings. The good news is, with proper care and treatments, women can develop loving relationships.
Love bombing, or "showing affection and love to your partner in the beginning of the relationship" is among the most frequent issues people with ADHD face in relationships. This tactic is used to create a sense of dependency to deflect undesirable behaviors and to generate intense feelings. This behavior is often 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. If a neurotypical partner wants an ADHD partner to help with dishes, the person may be distracted by other chores and may not finish them. Similarly those with ADHD tend to jump from one hobby to the next, investing time and money into their latest obsession. This can result in financial issues and a messy home.
Mood swings are an issue for those with ADHD in relationships. They may be averse to lashing out at their partners in anger or experience sudden, wide mood swings ranging from a flurry of anxiety to extreme happiness. This can leave their partners feeling overwhelmed and unable to manage the situation.
It is crucial for those with ADHD to develop self-control, such as slowing down and avoiding triggers that might elicit emotional outbursts. They should also engage in 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 develop coping strategies and create a treatment plan.
It's also crucial for those who suffer from ADHD to be aware of how their behavior affects other people. Especially in intimate relationships, it's important for both parties to cultivate compassion and empathy. It is also important to establish clear boundaries to avoid anger. It is also beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD to learn about accommodations such as notetaking, organizing, and taking breaks from conversations, to help them manage their symptoms in the workplace and school.
Work-related Problems
The demands of work can be overwhelming for women who suffer from ADHD. If you work from home or a formal office, dealing with calls, emails and meetings throughout the day can be a challenge. Add to that the anxiety, disorganization and difficulty staying focused on tasks or remembering deadlines that are common to ADHD and it can feel like your job is a nightmare.
There are a variety of ways you can assist. One option is to speak with your health doctor or mental health professional. They will evaluate your symptoms and suggest the diagnosis. They may ask you to describe how your ADHD affects your life, and suggest ways to manage your symptoms. They might suggest using a planner for appointments or arranging your workspace. Some people with ADHD also benefit from a regular routine, taking medication on a regular basis and limiting distractions such as social media or television.
Women suffering from ADHD might experience symptoms that are worsened by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. They are more likely to experience mood swings or feelings of dissatisfaction in their lives. This could make them difficult to be understood by male coworkers or partners.
The good news is that a combination of self-care and treatment can help you overcome this challenge. ADHD symptoms in adults females can suggest treatments that could help improve your symptoms, including medications such as stimulants or non-stimulants. They could also refer to a group of women suffering from ADHD.
The NIMH's Tips to Talk with Your Health Care Provider fact sheet will help you prepare for this conversation. It includes a practice script and questions to ask. You can also download a printable version of the fact sheet. NIMH offers resources to assist you in finding an expert in mental health or health professional who has experience in treating ADHD among adults. A thorough assessment can be conducted to see whether ADHD is the cause of your troubles. You can also request an appointment with an expert, if you need. You can find out more about this issue on NIMH's Adult ADHD page.
Social Issues
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely than men to suffer mood-related disorders or anxiety, and they may also be unable to handle social situations due to their inability to pick up on social cues or read body language. These challenges can cause difficulties in relationships with loved ones as well as in work and home life. Additionally, the signs of adult ADHD can affect physical health and lead to issues with weight as well as chronic stress, anxiety, and depression.
Because of their tendency to be more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms, women frequently have a difficult time being diagnosed and being treated as adults. These women may have received treatment for other conditions prior to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. Through the years, they might have developed coping strategies and have learned to conceal their ADHD. This can result in a feeling of self-blame or the fear that their lives will never be arranged.
After receiving a final diagnosis, it's an enormous relief for those with ADHD to realize that they're not responsible for their issues and that the issues don't stem from an insecurities or personal weaknesses. A diagnosis can also be a powerful source of motivation and hope to change, since these women are aware of what they must do to achieve their maximum potential.
While the challenges of the diagnosis of adult ADHD can be overwhelming, there are also many resources to assist women in finding effective treatments to alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life. These can include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy 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 wish to take medication that is stimulant-like you can choose other alternatives such as atomoxetine(Strattera(r), viloxazine(Qelbree[r]) or clonidine(Kapvay[r]).
It is crucial that these women consult an experienced medical professional to receive a clear diagnosis. Treatment options include medication and lifestyle changes, as well as the combination of other treatments.