ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women suffering from ADHD are often misdiagnosed or left undiagnosed, because their symptoms are not as obvious like those of males. Many develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms and end up blaming themselves for their issues.
It is a sign of trouble staying organized, high distractibility and memory issues. These symptoms can be treated with medication.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women with ADHD may feel that they aren't as skilled or worthy of success as their peers. They may have a hard dealing with anger or disappointment caused by every day struggles to keep track of appointments, follow commitments and deadlines, and get organized at home or work. This can lead a vicious circle of self-criticism and depression and anxiety (Foster and Wolpe, 2010).
Women may have difficulty to develop healthy coping mechanisms. In order to manage their symptoms women may resort to unhealthy or harmful behavior particularly in the adolescent stage. These unhealthy coping methods can worsen their problems and negatively affect their lives. They can also make it difficult for professionals to detect the signs and delay an accurate diagnose.
The urge to be reckless can lead to irresponsible behaviour or outbursts that aren't in line with one's values. This can lead to feelings of shame. Many women with ADHD also have trouble regulating emotions or expressing themselves effectively, which can make it difficult for them to be a part of social situations. This can make it difficult to form or keep relationships, and over time it can cause feelings of shame and loneliness.
Forgetting birthdays, missing meetings, or falling behind on assignments can lead to frustration for family members, particularly when they don't know why these things happen. Women with ADHD are also prone to having difficulty in expressing their feelings, which is why they may unintentionally blurt out things that cause harm to others or get them into trouble at school or at work.
Finally, people with ADHD are more likely to procrastinating and finding it hard to start or finish tasks. This could lead to missed health checkups or other important appointments, which can cause them to feel overwhelmed and out of control.
It's more common now for professionals to detect adult ADHD symptoms in women and send them to treatment. Furthermore, advances in understanding the differentiators between women and men with ADHD have resulted in more effective treatment options that allow women to manage their symptoms and restore confidence and self-esteem.
Relationship issues
Being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women may experience difficulties communicating with their loved ones due to their impulsivity and inability to concentrate on conversations. These issues can lead to misunderstandings and hurtful feelings. The good news is that with proper care and treatments women can build affectionate relationships.
Love bombing, or "showing love and attention to your partner at the beginning of the relationship" is one of the most frequent problems people with ADHD encounter in relationships. ADHD adult female symptoms is employed to create a sense of dependency in order to ignore the problematic behavior and to create intense feelings. This behavior is often the result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can make it difficult for people to think ahead, which is a key aspect of maintaining a good relationship. If a neurotypical spouse asks an ADHD partner to do dishes, the person could be distracted by other chores, and may not finish them. Similarly those with ADHD tend to jump from hobby to hobby, investing time and money into their latest obsession. This can lead to financial problems and a messy house.
Mood swings are another common problem in relationships for people with ADHD. They might lash out at their partners in anger or have sudden, wide mood swings ranging from a flurry of anxiety to extreme happiness. The result is that their partners are feeling overwhelmed and unable to control the situation.
People with ADHD need to focus on self-control, including calming themselves down and avoiding triggers that could trigger emotional outbursts. They should also use techniques for relaxation, like deep breathing and meditation. Finally, they should seek support from a mental health professional or ADHD specialist to discover coping strategies and develop a treatment plan.
It is crucial that those with ADHD be aware of how their behavior impact other people. In intimate relationships, both partners should cultivate empathy and compassion. They should also establish clear boundaries to avoid feelings of resentment. It is also beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD to understand accommodations such as notetaking and organizing or taking breaks from conversations in order to deal with their symptoms at school and at work.
Work Issues
Work can be overwhelming for women suffering from ADHD. Working at home or in an office can be a challenge. You may have to handle phone calls, emails and meetings all day. Add to that the restlessness, disorganization, and difficulty in focusing on work and juggling deadlines triggered by ADHD it can seem as if your job is a struggle.
There are many ways to assist. Talking to your doctor or a mental health professional is a good way. They can evaluate your symptoms, and recommend a diagnostic. They may ask you to describe how your ADHD affects your life and they can suggest strategies to manage your symptoms. They may suggest using a calendar for appointments or organizing your workspace. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from a regular routine, taking medication on a regular schedule and limiting distractions such as social media or television.
Women with ADHD are often afflicted with symptoms that are exacerbated during hormonal changes, such as the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. They are also more likely to experience mood fluctuation and general discontent which could make them more susceptible to being dismissed by male partners or colleagues.
The good news is that a combination of self-care and treatment can help you overcome this challenge. Your doctor may recommend treatments that may alleviate your symptoms, including medications like stimulants or non-stimulants. They may also recommend a group of women who support women with ADHD.
The NIMH's Tips for Talking with Your Health Care Provider factsheet can assist you in preparing for the conversation. It includes a practice script and questions to ask. You can also download the fact sheet. NIMH also has resources to help locate a health care provider or mental health professional who is knowledgeable with treating ADHD in adults. Then a full evaluation can be performed to determine whether ADHD is the cause of your issues. You can also request an appointment with an expert, if you need. Learn more about Adult ADHD on the NIMH page.
Social Problems
Women with ADHD are more likely than men to suffer comorbid anxiety or mood-related conditions, and they may also have trouble navigating social situations because they are unable to recognize social cues or detect body language. These challenges can lead to problems in relationships with loved ones as well as at home and at work. Adult ADHD symptoms can also impact physical health, causing weight issues as well as depression, anxiety and chronic stress.
Women often have a difficult time getting diagnosed as adults since they are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms. They may have received treatment for other ailments prior to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. Through the years they may have developed coping skills and learned to hide their attention deficit disorder. This can result in an internalized sense of blame or that their lives will never be in order.
It can be a huge relief for women suffering from ADHD when they finally get a diagnosis that is accurate. They understand that their problems aren't their fault and that the problems are not a result of an individual weakness or character flaw. A diagnosis can be a wonderful source of inspiration and hope for those suffering from ADHD, since they know what to do to realize their potential.
While the challenges of being diagnosed with adult ADHD can be overwhelming but there are plenty of resources available to help women find effective treatments that will alleviate their symptoms and improve their lives. These include cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychotherapy therapy and special 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)). If you don't wish to take medication that is stimulant-like, there are other options such as atomoxetine(Strattera(r), viloxazine(Qelbree[r]) or clonidine(Kapvay[rKAPVAY[r]).
It is essential to consult a trusted healthcare provider to receive a clear diagnosis. Treatment options include medications and lifestyle changes, as well as the combination of other treatments.