ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women who suffer from ADHD are often misdiagnosed or are left undiagnosed because their symptoms aren't as obvious as those of boys. Many develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms, and blame themselves for their problems.
Symptoms can include difficulty staying organized, high distractionibility and memory issues. Medications can help manage these symptoms.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women with ADHD often feel that they're not as skilled or capable of achieving the same level as their peers. They may have a difficult to deal with frustration or discontent caused by their daily struggles to keep on top of appointments, keep the deadlines and commitments, and get organized at work or at home. This can create a vicious cycle of internal self-criticism and depression, stress, and anxiety (Foster & Wolpe, 2010).
Women may be unable to develop healthy coping mechanisms. In order to combat their symptoms women can resort to harmful or unhealthy behaviors particularly in the adolescent years. These unhealthy ways of coping can worsen their problems and negatively affect their lives. They can also make it difficult for professionals to identify symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis.
The impulsivity that is often associated with ADHD can manifest in reckless behavior or outbursts that don't align 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 can also make it difficult to establish or keep relationships and, over time this can lead to feelings of shame and loneliness.
Forgetting birthdays, missing meetings, or falling behind on assignments can lead to frustration with loved ones, particularly if they don't know the reason behind these events. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty expressing their feelings. They might unintentionally say things that hurt to others or can cause trouble at work or in school.
In addition, people suffering from ADHD tend to procrastination and finding it difficult to begin or complete tasks. This can lead to being late for health checks or other important appointments. They may feel overwhelmed and out of control.
Today, it's more common for professionals to recognize the symptoms of adult ADHD in women and refer them for 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.
Relationship issues
Having ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women in particular might have difficulties communicating with loved ones because of their impulsivity, inability to focus on conversations, and tendency to wander off into off-topic topics. These signs can cause miscommunication and hurtful feelings. The good news is that with the right care and treatment women can form positive and supportive relationships.
Love bombing, also known as "showing love and attention to your partner at the beginning of the relationship" is one of the most frequent issues people with ADHD face in relationships. This tactic is used to create feelings of dependency to avoid ignoring problematic behaviors and to create intense feelings. In most cases, this is a result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also make it difficult for people with ADHD to think ahead which is a major factor in maintaining a relationship. For instance, if a neurotypical person asks their ADHD partner to help wash dishes, they might be distracted by three other tasks and never get to completing them. In the same way, people with ADHD tend to switch from one hobby to the next, investing time and money into their latest passion. This can cause financial problems and a messy home.
Mood swings are another common issue in relationships for those with ADHD. They may get angry at their partners or experience sudden, wide mood changes from extreme anxiety to extreme joy. ADHD symptoms in adult men may leave their loved ones feeling overwhelmed and unable control the situation.
People with ADHD need to be able to control their emotions and self-control, which includes calming down and avoiding triggers that could cause emotional outbursts. They should also use techniques for relaxation, like meditation and deep breathing. Finally, they should seek support from an expert in mental health or ADHD specialist to develop strategies for coping and create a treatment plan.
It's important that people with ADHD be aware of how their behavior affect others. Especially in intimate relationships, it's important for both partners to develop compassion and empathy. It is also important to establish clear boundaries to avoid anger. It's also helpful for people with ADHD to be aware of accommodations, such as notetaking, organizing and taking breaks from conversations, to help them cope with their issues in the workplace and school.
Work-related Problems
The demands of work can be overwhelming for women with ADHD. If you work from home or a formal office setting managing emails, calls and meetings throughout the day can be difficult. Add to this the restlessness and disorganization as well as the difficulty in staying focused on tasks or remembering deadlines that are associated with ADHD and it can feel as if your job is unattainable.
There are many ways to help. Talking with your doctor or mental health professional is a good way. They will evaluate your symptoms and recommend a diagnosis. They might ask you what aspects of ADHD affects your daily life and suggest ways to manage it. They may suggest using a calendar for appointments or organizing your workspace. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit by having a routine of taking medication on a regular schedule and limiting distractions like television or social media.
Women who suffer from ADHD may find their symptoms worsened by hormonal changes, such as the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. They are more likely to have mood swings or feelings of dissatisfaction in their lives. This could make them difficult to understand by male colleagues or partners.
The good news is a combination of self-care and treatment could aid you in overcoming this issue. Your doctor can recommend treatments that may improve your symptoms, such as medication like stimulants or non-stimulants. They can also refer to a subset of women with ADHD.
The NIMH's Tips to Talk with Your Health Care Provider fact sheet can assist you in preparing for this conversation. It includes a practice script and questions to ask. You can also download the fact sheet. NIMH also offers resources to help you find a health care provider or mental health professional who is familiar with treating ADHD in adults. Then, a thorough evaluation can be done to see if ADHD is the reason behind your issues. You can also get a referral to an expert, if required. 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 struggle to navigate social situations due to their inability discern social signals or detect body language. These challenges can cause difficulties in romantic relationships as well as in the home and work environment. Additionally, the signs of adult ADHD can affect physical health, leading to obesity-related issues as well as anxiety, stress, and depression.
Women are often unable to be diagnosed as adults since they are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms. Women might have had treatment for other ailments prior to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. Over the years, they may have developed coping strategies and have learned to conceal their ADHD. This could lead to feelings of guilt or the fear that their lives will never be arranged.
After finally getting a proper diagnosis, it can be an enormous relief for women who suffer from ADHD to realize that they're not responsible for their issues and that the problems do not stem from an insecurities or personal weakness. A diagnosis can be a wonderful source of motivation and optimism for those suffering from ADHD, as they now have the tools to achieve their goals.
While additional hints associated with being diagnosed with adult ADHD can be overwhelming but there are plenty of resources to help women find effective treatments to alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life. ADHD symptoms in adult men include psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and 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)). Those who do not wish to take stimulant medications can opt for non-stimulant options like atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and viloxazine (Qelbree(r)), or Clonidine (Kapvay(r)).
It is essential that women seek advice from an experienced healthcare professional to receive a clear diagnosis. In addition to medications, treatment options can also include lifestyle changes and a mix of other treatments.