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 evident like those of males. Many find ways to hide their symptoms and blame themselves for their issues.
Some symptoms include difficulty staying organized or focused, as well as memory issues. Medicines can help with these symptoms.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women with ADHD often feel like they're not as skilled or worthy of success as their peers. They may be struggling to deal with disappointment and anger due to everyday challenges like keeping on top of appointments, keeping track on deadlines, commitments or organising their home or at work. This can result in a vicious circle of self-criticism, depression and stress (Foster and Wolpe, 2010).
Women may have difficulty developing healthy strategies for coping. They may find themselves turning to unhealthy or harmful behaviors as a way of trying to control their symptoms especially in adolescence for example, excessive drinking and substance use. These unhealthy coping strategies can further exacerbate their problems and negatively affect their lives. They can also make it difficult for professionals to identify symptoms and delay an accurate diagnose.
The impulsivity that is often associated with ADHD can manifest in reckless behavior or outbursts that don't align with one's values, which can lead to feelings of shame. Many women suffering from ADHD have difficulty in expressing themselves or controlling their emotions which can make social interactions difficult. This can make it difficult for women with ADHD to form or maintain relationships. In time, this can lead to feelings of guilt and isolation.
Missing birthdays, forgetting meetings, or getting behind on assignments can lead to frustration for loved ones, especially when they aren't sure the reasons behind these incidents. Women who suffer from ADHD are also prone to having difficulty communicating their feelings, and they may unintentionally blurt out things that cause harm to others or cause trouble at work or school.
People with ADHD tend to delay their work and have difficulty to begin or finish tasks. This can result in missed health checkups or other important appointments which can leave them feeling overwhelmed and a bit out of control.
It's becoming more common for professionals to recognize the signs of adult ADHD in women and refer them to treatment. In addition, the understanding of the differentiators between men with ADHD and women has led to more effective treatment options for women that help them 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 friends and 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 treatment women can form friendships that are supportive and loving.
One of the most common issues that couples face when they have someone with ADHD is "love bombing." Love bombing is a tactic where someone showers their partner with love and attention early on in the relationship to create strong feelings of dependency and avoid noticing problematic behaviors. This is usually the result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also make people incapable of planning ahead. This is essential for maintaining the health of a relationship. For example when a person with neurotypical symptoms asks their ADHD partner to help wash dishes, they might be distracted by three other tasks and never get to finishing them. Similar to this, people with ADHD tend to switch between hobbies spending time and money into their latest obsession. This can lead to financial issues and a messy home.
Mood swings can be a problem for people with ADHD in relationships. They might lash out at their loved ones in anger or have abrupt, broad mood swings ranging from a flurry of anxiety to extreme happiness. This can leave their partners feeling overwhelmed and unable to control the situation.
It is crucial for those with ADHD to work on self-control, including calmness and avoiding triggers that might trigger emotional outbursts. They should also practice techniques for relaxation, like deep breathing and meditation. They should also seek help from a mental healthcare professional or ADHD specialist in order to develop coping strategies and develop a treatment program.
It's also important for people with ADHD to recognize how their behavior impacts others. In intimate relationships, both partners should cultivate compassion and empathy. They should also establish boundaries that are clear to avoid anger. It's also helpful for those who suffer from ADHD to understand the importance of accommodating, such as notetaking, organizing, and taking breaks from conversations, to help them manage their symptoms in the workplace and at school.
Work Issues
It can be a challenge to work for women who suffer from ADHD. Working at home or in an office can be difficult. It is possible to handle calls, emails and meetings all day. Add to that the anxiety and disorganization, as well as difficulty staying focused on tasks or remembering deadlines that are associated with ADHD and it can seem like your job is impossible.
There are a variety of ways to assist. Talking to your doctor or mental health professional is one way. They will be able to assess your symptoms and suggest a diagnosis. They might ask you how ADHD affects your everyday life and suggest ways to manage it. For instance, they may suggest using a calendar to track appointments or arranging your workspace. Certain people with ADHD also benefit by having a routine of taking medications on a regular basis and limiting distractions such as TV or social media.
Women suffering from ADHD may find their symptoms caused by hormonal changes like the menstrual period or pregnancy. They are also more likely to experience mood swings and feelings of general discontent with their lives which could make them more susceptible to being dismissed by male partners or colleagues.
The good news is a combination of self-care and treatment could aid you in overcoming this issue. Your doctor can suggest treatments that may improve your symptoms, including medication like stimulants or non-stimulants. They can be a reference to a group of women who suffer from ADHD.
The NIMH's Tips for Talking with Your Health Care Provider factsheet can aid you in preparing for the conversation. ADHD symptoms in women adults provides an exercise script and questions you can ask. You can also download 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. Then, a complete evaluation can be done to determine if ADHD is the primary cause of your problems. If necessary, you could be referred to a specialist. You can learn more about this on NIMH's Adult ADHD page.
Social Issues
Women with ADHD are more likely than men to suffer comorbid anxiety or mood-related conditions, and they may also be unable to handle social situations due to their inability pick up on social cues or interpret body language. These issues can lead to difficulties in romantic relationships, as well as the home and work environment. Adult ADHD symptoms can affect physical health, causing weight issues, anxiety, depression, and chronic stress.
Women are often unable to be diagnosed as adults since they are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms. These women might have had treatment for other conditions prior to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. They might have developed strategies to cope and learned to mask their ADHD over time, leading to self-blame for their inability or a sense that they'll never be able to get their lives in order.
It can be a huge relief for women with ADHD when they finally receive an accurate diagnosis. They realize that their problems aren't their own fault and that the problems do not stem from an individual weakness or character flaw. A diagnosis can also be a great source of hope and motivation to change, since these women now are aware of what they must do to reach their full potential.
Although the difficulties associated with a diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a lot, there are also many resources available to help women find effective treatments that will alleviate their symptoms and improve their lives. These can include psychotherapy, cognitive behavior 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)). If you don't wish to take stimulant medications, there are other options such as atomoxetine(Strattera(r), viloxazine(Qelbree[r]) or clonidine(Kapvay[r]).
For the most successful 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, treatments can include lifestyle changes and a combination of other treatments.