ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women with ADHD are often not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed since their symptoms are more subtle than those of males. Many develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms and then blame themselves for their problems.
Symptoms include trouble staying organized, high distractibility and memory issues. Medications can help manage these symptoms.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women with ADHD often feel that they're not as skilled or worthy of success as their peers. They might have a difficult to deal with frustration or disappointment triggered by the daily struggle to keep the track of appointments, adhere commitments and deadlines and stay organized at home or work. This can result in a vicious circle of self-criticism and depression and anxiety (Foster & Wolpe 2010).
Women may be unable to establish healthy coping strategies. They might turn to harmful or unhealthy behaviors in order to cope with their issues particularly during adolescence like excessive drinking and drug use. These harmful coping strategies can make their problems worse and negatively impact their lives. In addition, they may also make it harder for professionals to detect their symptoms and delay a proper diagnosis.
Insanity can lead to reckless behavior or outbursts, that aren't in line with the values one holds. This can result in feelings of shame. Many women with ADHD have difficulty in expressing themselves or controlling their emotions which can make social interactions a challenge. This makes it difficult for people who suffer from ADHD to build or keep relationships. As time passes it can cause feelings of guilt and loneliness.
Inadvertently forgetting birthdays, missing meetings, or falling late on assignments can cause anger with loved ones, especially when they aren't sure the reasons behind these incidents. Women with ADHD can also have difficulty communicating their feelings, and they may unintentionally blurt out things that hurt people around them or cause trouble at work or school.
People with ADHD tend to delay their work and have a difficult time begin or finish tasks. This can lead to missed health checks or other important appointments. They might feel overwhelmed and out-of-control.
Fortunately, it's now more normal for professionals to recognize the symptoms of adult ADHD in women and refer them for treatment. Additionally, the recognition of differences between men with ADHD and women has resulted in more effective treatment options that help women manage their symptoms, and regain confidence and self-esteem.
Relationship Issues
ADHD can make it hard to maintain healthy relationships. Women may have trouble communicating with their loved ones due to their impulsivity and inability concentrate on conversations. These symptoms can cause misunderstandings and hurtful feelings. The good part is that with the right treatment and care, women can develop positive and supportive relationships.
Love bombing, or "showing love and attention to your partner early in the relationship" is among the most common issues that people with ADHD have to deal with 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 make it difficult for people to think ahead which is a major aspect of maintaining a good relationship. If a neurotypical partner wants an ADHD partner to wash the dishes, that person may be distracted by other chores, and may not finish them. People with ADHD are also prone to hopping from one hobby to another hobby and investing time and money into their latest obsession. This can cause financial problems and a messy home.
Mood swings are another frequent issue in relationships for those who suffer from ADHD. They might lash at their partner in anger or experience sudden, wide mood swings from a burst of anxiety to extreme happiness. The result is that their partners are feeling overwhelmed and unable to control the situation.
People suffering from ADHD need to work on self control, including calming themselves down and avoiding triggers that can trigger emotional outbursts. inattentive ADHD in adults symptoms should also practice techniques for relaxation, like deep breathing and meditation. They should also seek support from a mental health professional or ADHD specialist in order to improve their coping skills and create a treatment plan.
It is crucial that those who suffer from ADHD be aware of how their behavior impact others. Particularly in intimate relationships, it's essential for both parties to cultivate compassion and understanding. It is also important to establish clear boundaries to prevent resentment. 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 work and school.
Work-related Problems
Work can be overwhelming for women who suffer from ADHD. Working at home or in an office can be difficult. It is possible to deal with phone calls, emails and meetings all day long. Add to that the anxiety and disorganization as well as the difficulty in focusing on tasks or remembering deadlines that are a hallmark of ADHD and it can seem as if your job is unattainable.
Fortunately, there are many ways to assist. One way is to talk with your health medical professional or mental health professional. They can evaluate your symptoms and suggest a diagnosis. They may ask you to describe how your ADHD affects your life, and they can suggest strategies to manage them. For instance, they could suggest using a planner to track appointments or organizing your workspace. Some people with ADHD benefit from a routine or taking medication regularly and limiting distracting activities like television or social media.
Women suffering from ADHD can have their symptoms caused by hormonal changes like the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. They are also more likely to have mood swings and feelings of general discontent with their lives, which can make them more easily dismissed by male partners or colleagues.
The good news is that a combination of self-care and treatment can aid you in overcoming this issue. Your doctor may prescribe medications, such as stimulants and non-stimulants that can help alleviate your symptoms. They could also refer to a subset of women who suffer from ADHD.
The NIMH's Tips to Talk with Your Health Care Provider fact sheet will help you prepare for this conversation. It contains a script to practice and questions to 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 done to determine whether ADHD is the reason behind your issues. If necessary, you could also be referred to a specialist. Find out more about Adult ADHD on the NIMH page.
Social Issues
Women with ADHD may experience mood disorders or anxiety in addition to ADHD. They may be unable to navigate social situations due to being incapable of reading body language or pick up social signals. These challenges can cause difficulties in romantic relationships, as well as the home and work environment. Adult ADHD symptoms can also affect physical health, causing weight problems depression, anxiety, and chronic stress.
Women are often unable to be diagnosed as adults, since they are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms. Many of them may have been referred to treatment for other ailments prior to receiving a diagnosis of ADHD. Through the years, they may have developed coping skills and have learned to conceal their attention deficit disorder. This could lead to an internalized sense of blame or the fear that their lives will never be organized.
It can be a huge relief for women suffering from ADHD when they finally receive a diagnosis that is accurate. They realize that their problems aren't their fault and that the problems do not originate from an individual weakness or character flaw. A diagnosis can also be a great source of hope and motivation to change, as these women know what they must do to reach their maximum potential.
While the challenges of the diagnosis of adult ADHD can be overwhelming but there are plenty of options to assist women in finding effective treatments that will alleviate their symptoms and improve their lives. These include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy therapy, or 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)). People who do not want to take stimulant medications may choose to use non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) or viloxazine (Qelbree(r)) or Clonidine (Kapvay(r)).
For the most effective treatment, it's crucial that these women see a trusted healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis of their condition. In addition to medication, treatment options can also include lifestyle changes and a mix of other treatments.