ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women suffering from ADHD are often misdiagnosed, or left undiagnosed, as their symptoms are not as evident as those of boys. Many find ways to mask their symptoms, and blame themselves for their problems.
Symptoms can include a lack of organization or focused, as well as memory problems. These symptoms can be treated with medication.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women with ADHD often feel like they're not as skilled or capable of achieving the same level as their peers. They may have difficulty coping with disappointment and anger because of daily difficulties like keeping the track of appointments, following through on deadlines, commitments, or organising their home or at work. This can lead to a vicious cycle of internal self-criticism and depression, stress, and anxiety (Foster and Wolpe, 2010,).
Women may be struggling to develop healthy strategies for coping. In order to combat their symptoms, women may turn to unhealthy or harmful behavior particularly during the adolescent stage. These unhealthy coping methods can exacerbate their issues and negatively impact their lives. They can also make it difficult for professionals to recognize symptoms and delay an accurate diagnose.
The impulsivity that is often associated with ADHD can manifest itself in reckless behavior or outbursts that aren't in line with one's values, leading to feelings of shame. Many women with ADHD have trouble in expressing themselves or controlling their emotions which can make social interactions a challenge. This makes it difficult for women with ADHD to form or maintain relationships. In time this can result in feelings of guilt and isolation.
Forgetting birthdays, missing meetings, or falling late on assignments can cause frustration for loved ones, especially when they don't understand why these things happen. Women with ADHD might also have issues expressing their feelings. They may unintentionally make statements that are hurtful to others or can be a target for trouble at school or work.
In addition, people suffering from ADHD are often prone to putting off tasks and find it difficult to begin or complete tasks. This could lead to missed health checks or other important appointments. They may feel overwhelmed and out-of-control.
It's now more common for professionals to spot adult ADHD symptoms in women and send them to treatment. Additionally, advances in understanding the differences between men and women with ADHD have resulted in more effective treatment options that help women manage their symptoms and regain confidence and self-esteem.
ADHD adult female symptoms with 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 concentrate on conversations. These issues can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. The good news is, with proper treatment and care, women can develop friendships that are loving.
One of the most common issues that couples face when they have someone with ADHD is "love bombing." Love bombing is a strategy where someone showers their partner with affection and attention as early as they begin a relationship to trigger intense feelings of dependency and overlook concerning behaviors. Oftentimes, this behavior is the result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can make it difficult for people to plan ahead, which is a key aspect of maintaining a good relationship. If a neurotypical spouse is asked by an ADHD partner to do the dishes, that person may be distracted by other chores and may not finish the task. In the same way, people with ADHD tend to move from hobby to hobby, investing time and money into their newest obsession. This can lead to financial problems and a messy house.
Mood swings can be a problem for people with ADHD in relationships. They may lash out at their loved ones in anger or experience rapid, broad mood swings ranging from a flurry of anxiety to extreme happiness. This can leave their partners feeling overwhelmed and unable control the situation.
It is essential for those suffering from ADHD to develop self-control, including calming down and avoiding triggers that could elicit emotional outbursts. They should also try relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing. They should also seek out help from a mental healthcare professional or ADHD specialist to improve their coping skills and develop a treatment program.
It's important that people with ADHD understand how their actions influence other people. In intimate relationships, both partners should develop empathy and compassion. They should also establish clear boundaries to avoid anger. It is also beneficial for those with ADHD to understand the importance of accommodating such as notetaking, organizing and taking breaks from conversations, to help them manage their issues at work and at school.
Work Problems
For women suffering from ADHD working can be overwhelming. Whether you work from home or a formal office setting managing emails, calls, and meetings throughout the day can be challenging. Then, when you add to that the restlessness, disorganization, and difficulty with focusing on tasks and juggling deadlines triggered by ADHD it can seem like your job is unattainable.
Fortunately, there are many ways to help. One option is to speak with your health medical professional or mental health specialist. They will be able to assess your symptoms and suggest the diagnosis. They might ask you to describe how your ADHD affects your life, and suggest ways to manage them. They might suggest using a planner for appointments or arranging your workspace. Some people with ADHD benefit from a routine or taking medication regularly and limiting distracting activities like television or social media.
Women who suffer from ADHD can have their symptoms exacerbated during hormonal changes, like the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. They are more likely to experience mood fluctuation or feelings of unsatisfaction in their lives. This can make them harder to be understood by male coworkers or partners.
The good news is that a combination of treatment and self-care can assist you in overcoming this problem. Your doctor can recommend treatments that may improve your symptoms, such as medications like stimulants or non-stimulants. They can also recommend a support group for women with ADHD.
NIMH's Tips for Talking With Your Health Care Provider fact sheet will help you prepare for this conversation. This fact sheet provides a practice script and questions you can ask. You can also download a downloadable version of the fact sheet. NIMH also offers resources to help you find a doctor or mental health professional who is familiar with treating ADHD in adults. Then a full evaluation can be performed to determine whether ADHD is causing your problems. If necessary, you could also be referred to an specialist. Find out more about Adult ADHD on the NIMH page.
Social Problems
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely than men to experience mood-related or anxiety-related issues as well as have trouble navigating social situations due to their inability to discern social signals or interpret body language. These issues can cause problems in romantic relationships, as well as working and family life. In addition, the symptoms of adult ADHD can affect physical health, leading to issues with weight and anxiety, stress and depression.
Women often have a difficult time getting diagnosed as adults since they are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms. Women might have had treatment for other illnesses prior to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. Through the years, they may have developed coping strategies and learned to hide their ADHD. This can result in feelings of guilt or the fear that their lives will never be organized.
After finally getting a proper diagnosis, it's an immense relief for women suffering from ADHD to know that they're not at fault for their difficulties and that the problems don't stem from an insecurities or personal weakness. A diagnosis can also be an incredible source of motivation and hope to change, since these women know what they must do to achieve their full potential.
There are numerous sources that can assist women find treatments to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life. These 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 like atomoxetine(Strattera(r), viloxazine(Qelbree[r]) or clonidine(Kapvay[r[r]).
It is crucial that women consult a trusted healthcare provider to obtain a precise diagnosis. Treatment options include medications, lifestyle changes, and a combination with other treatments.