ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women with ADHD often go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed because their symptoms are less apparent than those of boys. Many develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms and then blame themselves for their issues.
Some symptoms include difficulty staying organized as well as high levels of distraction and memory problems. Medicines can help with these symptoms.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women with ADHD often feel that they're not as capable or capable of making the same strides as their peers. They may have a difficult dealing with anger or disappointment triggered by every day struggles to keep the track of appointments, adhere the deadlines and commitments, and get organized at work or at home. This can create to a vicious cycle of self-criticism, depression, and anxiety (Foster and Wolpe, 2010).
ADHD symptoms in adults females may struggle to develop healthy strategies for coping. As a way to deal with their issues, women may turn to unhealthy or harmful behavior, especially during the adolescent years. These unhealthy coping methods can worsen their problems and negatively impact their lives. Additionally, they could make it difficult for professionals to detect their symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis.
The impulsivity that's often associated with ADHD can manifest itself in reckless behaviors or rants that don't match the values of one's life, resulting in feelings of shame. Many women suffering from ADHD also have difficulty controlling their emotions or effectively expressing themselves, which can make it challenging for them to interact in social situations. This can make it difficult for women with ADHD to establish or keep relationships. As time passes it can cause feelings of guilt and isolation.
When loved ones don't know the reason for things happening, such as not remembering birthdays, missing appointments, or falling behind on assignments and assignments, they may be frustrated. Women who suffer from ADHD are also prone to having difficulty articulating their feelings, so they might accidentally utter things that cause harm to others or get them into trouble at school or at work.
Additionally, those with ADHD are more likely to procrastination and finding it hard to start or finish tasks. This can result in missing health checkups or other important appointments which can leave them feeling overwhelmed and a bit out of control.
It's more common now for professionals to recognize adult ADHD symptoms in women and recommend treatment. Additionally advances in understanding the differences between women and men with ADHD have led to more effective treatments that help women manage their symptoms and regain confidence and self-esteem.
Relationship issues
ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women especially may have trouble communicating with loved ones due to their impulsivity, inability to focus on conversations, and the tendency to drift off into off-topic topics. These problems can cause misunderstandings and hurt feelings. The good news is that with the right treatment and care women can build affectionate relationships.
One of the most frequent issues in relationships for people with ADHD is "love bombing." Love bombing is a method of ensuring that one lavishes their partner with love and attention early on in the relationship to trigger strong feelings of dependency and to avoid noticing problematic behaviors. This is usually 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 partner is asked by an ADHD partner to wash dishes, the person could be distracted by other chores, and may not finish the task. Similarly those with ADHD tend to move between hobbies spending time and money into their latest obsession. This can cause financial difficulties and a messy home.
Mood swings are another common issue for couples who suffer from ADHD. They may lash out in anger at their partners or experience sudden, wide mood swings from anxiety to extreme happiness. The result is that their partners are feeling overwhelmed and unable control the situation.
People suffering from ADHD should work on self control by calming themselves and avoiding triggers which could trigger emotional outbursts. They should also practice relaxation methods, such as meditation and deep breathing. They should also seek help from a mental health professional or ADHD specialist to improve their coping skills and devise a treatment plan.
It is crucial that those who suffer from ADHD understand how their actions impact others. In intimate relationships, both partners should develop empathy and compassion. It is also important to establish boundaries that are clear to avoid feelings of resentment. 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 deal with their issues at work and school.
Work-related Problems
For women with ADHD working can be overwhelming. Working from home or at the office can be challenging. It is possible to manage emails, phone calls, and meetings throughout the day. Then, when you add to that the restlessness, disorganization, and difficulty in focusing on work and juggling deadlines that are associated with ADHD it can seem like your job is impossible.
There are plenty of ways to help. One option is to speak with your health care provider or mental health specialist. They can assess your symptoms and suggest an assessment. They may ask you what aspects of ADHD affects your everyday life and suggest ways to manage it. For instance, they could suggest using a planner to keep track of appointments or arranging your workspace. Some people suffering from ADHD benefit from a routine and taking their medication regularly and limiting distracting activities like TV or social media.
Women with ADHD may have symptoms that are made worse by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. They are more likely to have mood swings or feelings of dissatisfaction in their lives. This makes them difficult to be understood by male friends or colleagues.
The good news is that a combination of self-care and treatment can help you overcome these challenges. Your doctor can prescribe medications including stimulants and non-stimulants, which may help improve your symptoms. They can also refer you to a group of women who support women suffering from ADHD.
NIMH's Tips for Talking With Your Health Care Provider fact sheet will aid you in preparing for this conversation. This fact sheet includes a practice script and questions you can ask. You can download the fact sheet. NIMH also has resources to help you find a health care provider or mental health professional who is familiar with treating ADHD in adults. A thorough assessment can be conducted to determine if ADHD is the root cause of your troubles. If it is, you can also be referred to an specialist. You can learn more about this on the NIMH's Adult ADHD page.
Social Issues
Women who suffer from ADHD may experience anxiety or mood disorders in addition to ADHD. They may also have trouble navigating social situations because they are unable to read body language or recognize social cues. These challenges can cause problems in relationships with loved ones as well as at home and at work. Additionally, the signs of adult ADHD can affect physical health, leading to obesity-related issues, chronic stress, anxiety and depression.
Because of their tendency to be more adept at concealing their ADHD symptoms, women frequently have a difficult time getting diagnosed and being treated as adults. Women might have had treatment for other conditions prior to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. Over time they may have developed coping strategies and have learned to hide their ADHD. This could lead to an internalized sense of blame or the fear that their lives will never be organized.
It can be a huge relief for women suffering from ADHD when they finally receive a proper diagnosis. They understand that their issues aren't their fault and that the problems are not a result of a personal weakness or character flaw. A diagnosis can also be a powerful source of hope and motivation to change, since these women know what they need to accomplish to realize their full potential.
There are numerous resources to help women find ways to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. This can include psychotherapy, cognitive behavior 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)). People who do not want to take stimulant medications can choose non-stimulant alternatives like atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) or viloxazine (Qelbree(r)) or Clonidine (Kapvay(r)).
It is important that these women seek the advice of a trusted healthcare provider to receive a clear diagnosis. In addition to medication treatments, other options for treatment include lifestyle changes and a mix of other treatments.