ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women who suffer from ADHD often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as their symptoms are more subtle than those of boys. Many develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms and blame themselves for their troubles.
Some symptoms include difficulty staying organized, high distractionibility and memory issues. These symptoms can be controlled with medication.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women who suffer from ADHD often feel they're not as capable or capable of achieving the same level as their peers. They might have a difficult time coping with frustration or disappointment caused by the daily struggle to keep on top of appointments, keep commitments and deadlines and stay organized at work or at home. This can create a vicious cycle of internal self-criticism, stress, and depression (Foster and Wolpe, 2010,).
Women may find it difficult to establish healthy coping strategies. They may find themselves turning to unhealthy or harmful behaviors in order to cope with their issues especially in adolescence such as excessive alcohol and drug use. These unhealthy coping methods can worsen their problems and negatively affect their lives. In addition, they can also make it harder for medical professionals to identify their symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis.
The impulsivity that's often associated with ADHD can manifest as reckless behaviors or outbursts that don't match the values of one's life, resulting in feelings of shame. Many women suffering from ADHD also struggle with controlling emotions or effectively expressing themselves which makes it challenging for them to be a part of social situations. This can make it difficult for those with ADHD to establish or maintain relationships. As ADHD symptoms in adults females passes this can result in feelings of guilt and loneliness.
When loved ADHD in adult men symptoms don't know what causes things to happen like not remembering birthdays, missing appointments, or getting behind in their work and assignments, they may be annoyed. 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 school or at work.
Finally, people with ADHD tend to putting off tasks and find it difficult to begin or complete tasks. This could lead to being late for health checks or other important appointments, which can leave them feeling overwhelmed and uncontrollable.
It's now more common for professionals to recognize adult ADHD symptoms in women and refer them to treatment. Furthermore advancements in understanding the differences between men and women with ADHD have resulted in more effective treatments that help women manage their symptoms and gain confidence and self-esteem.
Relationship Issues
ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women in particular might have difficulty communicating with family members and friends ones due to their impulsivity, inability to concentrate on conversations, and inclination to wander off into diverging thoughts. These issues can cause confusion and hurt feelings. The good part is that with the right care and treatment women can form loving and supportive relationships.
One of the most common issues in relationships for people who suffer from ADHD is "love bombing." Love bombing is a tactic where someone showers their partner with love and attention at the beginning of a relationship to create strong feelings of dependency and overlook concerning behaviors. In most cases, this is the 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. For instance, if a neurotypical person asks their ADHD partner to help them with dishes, they might be distracted by three other tasks and never get to finishing them. People with ADHD are also prone to hopping from one hobby to another interest and putting money and time into their latest passion. This can cause financial difficulties and a messy home.
Mood swings are a problem for people with ADHD in relationships. They may get angry at their spouses or experience sudden, wide mood swings from extreme anxiety to extreme joy. The result is that their partners are feeling overwhelmed and unable to manage the situation.
People suffering from ADHD should focus on self-control, including calming themselves down and avoiding triggers which could trigger emotional outbursts. They should also practice relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness meditation and deep breathing. Additionally they should seek help from an expert in mental health or ADHD specialist to develop strategies for coping and formulate a treatment strategy.
It's also essential for people with ADHD to recognize how their behavior impacts others. Especially in intimate relationships, it's crucial for both partners to develop compassion and understanding. They should also set boundaries that are clear to avoid feelings of resentment. It is also beneficial for people who suffer from ADHD to understand accommodations like notetaking and organizing or taking breaks from conversations to deal with their issues at school and at work.
Work-related Problems
For women who suffer from ADHD working can be overwhelming. Working from home or in the office can be challenging. You may have to manage calls, emails, and meetings throughout the day. Then, when you add to that the agitation disorganization, disarray, and difficulty in focusing on work and remembering deadlines associated with ADHD, it can feel like your job is unattainable.
There are a myriad of ways to assist. One way is to talk with your health doctor or mental health professional. They will be able to assess your symptoms and recommend an assessment. They might ask you what aspects of ADHD affects your daily life and suggest ways to manage it. For instance, they may suggest using a calendar to track appointments or arranging your workspace. Some people with ADHD also benefit from a routine of taking medication on a regular basis, and limiting distractions like television or social media.
Women who suffer from ADHD might have symptoms that are made worse by hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. They are also more likely to have mood fluctuations and general discontent with their lives, which could make them more susceptible to being dismissed by male partners or colleagues.
The good news is that a combination of self-care and treatment could aid you in overcoming this issue. Your doctor can prescribe medication including stimulants and non-stimulants, that could help ease your symptoms. They can also refer to a subset of women with ADHD.
NIMH's Tips for Talking With Your Health Care Provider fact sheet will help you prepare for this conversation. This fact sheet provides a practice script and questions that you can ask. You can also download a downloadable version of the fact sheet. NIMH has resources that can assist you in finding an expert in mental health or health professional who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. A thorough examination can be performed to see whether ADHD is the root cause of your troubles. You can also seek an appointment with a specialist, if needed. You can find out more about this issue on NIMH's Adult ADHD page.
Social Issues
Women with ADHD may experience mood disorders or anxiety in addition to ADHD. They may be unable to navigate social situations since they are unable to read body language or recognize social cues. These challenges can cause difficulties in romantic relationships as well as at home and at work. Adult ADHD symptoms can also impact physical health, causing weight problems as well as depression, anxiety and chronic stress.
Women are often unable to be diagnosed as adults because they are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms. Many of these women have been referred to treatment for other conditions prior to receiving a diagnosis of ADHD. Over severe ADHD symptoms adults , they might have developed coping strategies and have learned to conceal their ADHD. This can lead to feelings of guilt or the fear that their lives will never be arranged.
It can be a huge relief for women with ADHD when they finally get a diagnosis that is accurate. They understand that their problems aren't their own fault and that the problems do not originate from an individual weakness or character flaw. A diagnosis can be a great source of motivation and optimism for women with ADHD, because they now know what to do to achieve their goals.
There are numerous resources that can help women find treatments to alleviate symptoms and improve their 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 don't want to take stimulant medications there are alternatives such as atomoxetine(Strattera(r), viloxazine(Qelbree[r]), or clonidine(Kapvay[r]).
For the most effective treatment, it's important that women visit an experienced medical professional for an accurate diagnosis of their condition. Treatment options include medication, lifestyle changes, and a combination with other treatments.