ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women with ADHD often go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed since their symptoms are less apparent than those of males. Many find ways to hide their symptoms and blame themselves for their troubles.
It is a sign of trouble keeping track of things, a high level of distraction and memory problems. Medications can help manage these symptoms.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women with ADHD often feel that they aren't as competent or capable of making the same strides as their peers. They may be struggling to deal with frustration and disappointment due to everyday difficulties like keeping track of appointments, delivering on commitments, deadlines, or organising their home or at work. This can lead to a vicious cycle of inner self-criticism and depression, stress, and anxiety (Foster and Wolpe, 2010,).
Women may find it difficult to develop healthy coping mechanisms. They might turn to harmful or unhealthy behaviors to try to cope with their issues especially in adolescence for example, excessive drinking and drug use. These unhealthy ways of coping can exacerbate their issues and negatively impact their lives. In addition, they may make it more difficult for medical professionals to identify their symptoms and delay a proper diagnosis.
The impulsivity that often comes with ADHD can manifest as reckless behavior or outbursts that aren't in line with the values of one's life, resulting in feelings of shame. Many women suffering from ADHD also have difficulty controlling their emotions or communicating effectively which makes it challenging to engage in social settings. This makes it difficult for those with ADHD to establish or keep relationships. Over time it can cause feelings of guilt and isolation.
Inadvertently forgetting birthdays, missing meetings, or getting behind on assignments can cause frustration with family members, particularly when they don't know the reason behind these events. Women who suffer from ADHD can also have difficulty articulating their feelings, so they can accidentally say things that cause harm to others or cause trouble at work or school.
Finally, people with ADHD tend to putting off tasks and find it hard to start or finish tasks. This can result in being late for health checks or other important appointments. They might be overwhelmed and uncontrollable.
Today, it's more common for professionals to recognize the symptoms of adult ADHD in women and refer them for treatment. Additionally, the understanding of differences between men with ADHD and women has resulted in more effective treatment options that help women manage their symptoms, and regain self-esteem and confidence.
Relationship Issues
ADHD can make it hard to maintain healthy relationships. Women especially might have difficulties communicating with loved ones because of their impulsivity, inability to concentrate on conversations, and inclination to go off on diverging thoughts. These signs can cause miscommunication and hurtful feelings. The good news is, with proper treatment and care, women can develop friendships that are loving.
Love bombing, or "showing the love and affection to your partner early in the relationship" is among the most frequent issues people with ADHD face in relationships. This tactic is employed to create a sense of dependence to deflect problematic behaviors and to create strong feelings. Most of the time, this behavior is a result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also make it difficult for people to think ahead, which is a key aspect of maintaining a good relationship. If a neurotypical partner is asked by an ADHD partner to wash the dishes, that person could be distracted by other chores, and may not finish the task. In the same way, people with ADHD tend to jump between hobbies, investing time and money into their newest obsession. This can result in financial issues and a messy home.
Mood swings are a common issue for couples with ADHD. They may lash at their partner in anger or have abrupt, broad mood swings from a burst of anxiety to extreme happiness. They may be overwhelmed and unable control the situation.
People with ADHD must focus on self-control, including calming themselves down and avoiding triggers that could trigger emotional outbursts. They should also use relaxation methods, such as meditation and deep breathing. Lastly, 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 also essential for people who suffer from ADHD to recognize how their behavior impacts other people. Especially in intimate relationships, it's crucial for both parties to cultivate compassion and understanding. It is also important to establish boundaries that are clear to avoid feelings of 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
For women with ADHD, work can feel overwhelming. No matter if you work from home or in a formal office, dealing with emails, calls and meetings throughout the day can be a challenge. Add to this the restlessness and disorganization, as well as difficulty focusing on tasks or remembering deadlines that are associated with ADHD and it can feel like your job is impossible.
There are a variety of ways to help. Talking with your doctor or mental health professional is one method. They can evaluate your symptoms, and recommend a diagnostic. They may ask you how ADHD affects your daily life and suggest ways to manage it. For example, they might recommend using a calendar to keep track of appointments or organizing your workspace. Some people with ADHD benefit from a schedule, taking medication regularly, and limiting distractions like TV or social media.
Women suffering from ADHD may find their symptoms exacerbated during hormonal changes, like the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. They are more likely to experience mood swings or feelings of dissatisfaction in their lives. This makes them difficult to be understood by male colleagues or partners.
The good news is a combination of self-care and treatment could assist you in overcoming this problem. Your doctor can prescribe medication including stimulants and non-stimulants, that may help improve your symptoms. They could also refer to a group of women with ADHD.
The NIMH Tips for Talking to Your Health Care Provider factsheet can help you prepare for the conversation. ADHD in adult men symptoms contains a script for practice and questions you can ask. You can also download the factsheet. NIMH has resources to help you find an expert in mental health or health care provider who has experience in treating ADHD among adults. Then, a thorough examination can be performed to determine whether ADHD is the primary reason behind your issues. You can also seek an appointment with an expert, if required. Learn more about Adult ADHD on the NIMH 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 to discern social signals or read body language. These challenges can lead to difficulties in relationships with others as well as at work and at home. Additionally, the signs of adult ADHD can impact physical health and cause issues with weight, chronic stress, anxiety and depression.
Because of their tendency to be more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms, women often struggle to be diagnosed and being treated as adult. Many of these women may have been referred to treatment for other ailments prior to receiving a diagnosis of ADHD. Over the years, they may have developed coping skills and learned to hide their attention deficit disorder. This can result in a feeling of self-blame or the feeling that their lives will never be arranged.
It can be a huge relief for women suffering from ADHD when they finally get a proper diagnosis. extreme ADHD symptoms adults understand that their problems aren't their own fault and that the problems do not stem from an individual weakness or flaw. A diagnosis can be a fantastic source of motivation and hope for women with ADHD, since they know what they can do to achieve their goals.
There are numerous resources that can help women find ways to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life. This can include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or specific 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 do not want to take medication that is stimulant-like you can choose other alternatives like atomoxetine(Strattera(r), viloxazine(Qelbree[r]) or clonidine(Kapvay[r[r]).
For the most effective treatment, it's crucial that women visit 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.