ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women with ADHD are often misdiagnosed, or left undiagnosed, as their symptoms aren't as evident as those of boys. Many develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms and then blame themselves for their own problems.
The symptoms include difficulty staying organized, high distraction and memory problems. These symptoms can be treated with medication.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women who suffer from ADHD often feel that they're not as skilled or capable of achieving the same level as their peers. They may have difficulty coping with frustration and disappointment due to daily struggles such as keeping track of appointments, delivering on commitments, deadlines, or staying organized at work or at home. This can create a vicious cycle of internal self-criticism and depression, stress, and anxiety (Foster and Wolpe, 2010,).
Women may be struggling to develop healthy coping strategies. They may find themselves turning to unhealthy or harmful behaviors as a way of trying to cope with their issues especially in adolescence like excessive drinking and substance use. These unhealthy coping strategies can further exacerbate their problems and negatively impact their lives. In addition, they can make it more difficult for professionals to recognize their symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis.
The impulsivity that's often associated with ADHD can manifest as reckless behaviors or outbursts that aren't in line with one's values, which can lead to feelings of shame. Many women with ADHD struggle with in expressing themselves or controlling their emotions which can make social interactions difficult. This can make it difficult to make or maintain relationships and, over time it can cause feelings of shame and loneliness.
Missing birthdays, forgetting meetings, or being late on assignments can cause frustration for family members, particularly when they aren't sure why these things happen. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty communicating their feelings. They might unintentionally say things that hurt to others or cause trouble at school or work.
Finally, people with ADHD are more likely to putting off tasks and find it hard to start or complete tasks. This can result in missing health check-ups or other important appointments. They might 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 to treatment. Additionally, the recognition of differences between men with ADHD and women has resulted in more effective treatment options for women that help them manage their symptoms and gain self-esteem and confidence.
Relationship Issues
Being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women may have trouble communicating with their loved ones due to their impulsivity and inability to concentrate on conversations. These signs can cause miscommunication and hurtful feelings. The good news is that with the right care and treatment women can build loving and supportive relationships.
Love bombing, also known as "showing love and attention to your partner in the beginning of the relationship" is one of the most frequent issues people with ADHD have to deal with in relationships. This tactic is employed to create a sense of dependence to avoid ignoring undesirable behaviors and to generate strong feelings. Most of the time, this behavior is the result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also make people incapable of planning ahead. This is essential for maintaining a healthy relationship. For instance when a person with neurotypical symptoms would like their ADHD partner to help wash dishes, they could be distracted by three other chores and never get around to finishing them. In symptoms of ADHD in adults female with ADHD tend to jump from hobby to hobby spending time and money into their latest obsession. This can lead to financial issues and a messy home.
Mood swings are an issue for those with ADHD in relationships. They may lash out at their partners in anger or experience rapid, broad mood swings that range from a sudden burst of anxiety to extreme happiness. They may be overwhelmed and feel unable to control the situation.
People suffering from ADHD must work on self control, including calming themselves down and avoiding triggers that can cause emotional outbursts. They should also try relaxation methods, such as meditation and deep breathing. They should also seek support from a mental healthcare professional or ADHD specialist in order to learn coping skills and create a treatment plan.
It's crucial that people who suffer from ADHD recognize how their behaviors affect other people. In intimate relationships, both parties should cultivate compassion and empathy. It is also important to set clear boundaries to avoid feelings of resentment. It is also beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD to understand accommodations like notetaking and organizing or taking breaks from conversations to deal with their symptoms at work and school.
Work-related Problems
It can be a challenge to work for women with ADHD. Working at home or in an office can be difficult. You may have to manage phone calls, emails, and meetings all day long. Add to that the anxiety and disorganization, as well as difficulty focusing on tasks or remembering deadlines that are common to ADHD and it could seem like your job is a nightmare.
There are a myriad of ways to assist. Talking with your doctor or mental health professional is one method. They can evaluate your symptoms and suggest the diagnosis. They may ask how ADHD affects your daily routine and suggest ways to manage it. They may suggest using a calendar for appointments or organizing your workspace. Some people suffering from ADHD benefit from a routine or taking medication regularly and limiting distractions like TV or social media.
Women with ADHD may find their symptoms exacerbated during hormonal changes, like the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. They are more likely to have mood fluctuations or feelings of discontent in their lives. This makes them difficult to understand by male friends or colleagues.
The good news is that a combination of treatment and self-care can aid you in overcoming these difficulties. Your doctor can prescribe medication, such as stimulants and non-stimulants that may help improve your symptoms. They can also refer you to a group of women who support women with ADHD.
The NIMH's Tips to Talk with Your Health Care Provider fact sheet will help you prepare for this conversation. This fact sheet includes an exercise script and questions you can ask. You can also download a downloadable version of the fact sheet. NIMH has resources to help you find a mental health professional or health care provider who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. Then a full evaluation can be performed to determine whether ADHD is causing your problems. You can also get a referral to an expert, if required. You can learn more about this issue on NIMH's Adult ADHD page.
Social Issues
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely than men to suffer comorbid anxiety or mood-related conditions and may struggle to navigate social situations due to their inability pick up on social cues or read body language. These issues can cause problems in relationships with loved ones as well as in the home and work environment. Additionally, the signs of adult ADHD can interfere with physical health and lead to weight problems as well as anxiety, stress and depression.
Due to their tendency to be more adept at concealing their ADHD symptoms, women typically struggle to be diagnosed and being treated as adult. Many of them may be referred to treatment for other conditions prior to receiving a diagnosis of ADHD. They could have developed coping strategies and developed strategies to disguise their ADHD over time, leading to self-blame for their inability or the fear that they'll never have their lives in order.
After receiving a final diagnosis, it can be an enormous relief for women who suffer from ADHD to realize that they're not at fault for their problems and that the problems do not stem from a character flaw or personal weaknesses. A diagnosis can be a great source of motivation and hope for those suffering from ADHD, since they have the tools to realize their potential.
There are numerous sources that can assist women find ways to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These include cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychotherapy 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)). If you do not want to take stimulant medications, there are other options like atomoxetine(Strattera(r), viloxazine(Qelbree[r]), or clonidine(Kapvay[rKAPVAY[r]).
For the most effective treatment, it's essential that these women see a trusted healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis of their condition. Treatment options include medication, lifestyle changes, and a combination with other treatments.