ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women suffering from ADHD often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as their symptoms are less apparent than those of boys. Many develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms and blame themselves for their problems.
Some symptoms include issues with organization, high distractionibility and memory issues. Medicines can help with these symptoms.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women with ADHD often feel they're not as skilled or worthy of success as their peers. They might have a difficult time coping with frustration or disappointment caused by every day struggles to keep on top of appointments, keep commitments and deadlines and organize at work or home. This can create an endless cycle of internal self-criticism, stress, and depression (Foster and Wolpe, 2010).
Women may struggle to develop healthy strategies for coping. They may turn to unhealthy or harmful behaviors to try to cope with their issues especially in adolescence like excessive drinking and drug use. These unhealthy coping mechanisms can worsen their issues and negatively affect their lives. They can also make it difficult for professionals to detect signs and delay a proper diagnose.
The urge to be reckless can lead to irresponsible behavior or outbursts, that are not in accordance with the values one holds. This can cause feelings of shame. Many women with ADHD struggle with in expressing themselves or controlling their emotions which can make social interactions a challenge. This can also make it difficult to make or maintain relationships and, as time passes it can cause feelings of shame and depression.
If loved severe ADHD symptoms adults don't understand what causes things to happen like forgetting birthdays, missing appointments, or being behind on their assignments they may become frustrated. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have trouble articulating their feelings, so they can accidentally say things that cause harm to others or cause trouble at school or at work.
People with ADHD often put off tasks and find it difficult to start or complete tasks. This can result in missing health check-ups or other important appointments. severe ADHD symptoms in adults may be overwhelmed and uncontrollable.
It's becoming more commonplace for professionals to recognize adult ADHD symptoms in women and send them to treatment. Additionally, the understanding of the differentiators between men with ADHD and women has led to more effective treatment options that help women manage their symptoms and gain confidence and self-esteem.
Relationship Issues
ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women may have difficulty communicating with their friends and loved ones due to their impulsivity as well as their inability to concentrate on conversations. These signs can cause miscommunication and hurtful feelings. The good news is that with proper care and treatments women can build friendships that are loving.
ADHD in adult men symptoms of the most frequent problems in relationships for those with ADHD is "love bombing." Love bombing is a method of ensuring that people shower their partners with love and attention at the beginning of a relationship to create strong feelings of dependency and overlook concerning behaviors. Oftentimes, this behavior is a result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can make it difficult for people with ADHD to plan ahead which is a major aspect in maintaining a relationship. For example, if a neurotypical person is requesting their ADHD partner to help wash dishes, they might be distracted by three other chores and never get around to doing them. People with ADHD are also prone to switching from hobby to hobby, and putting time and money into their latest obsession. This can lead to financial difficulties and a messy home.
Mood swings are a common issue for couples with ADHD. They may be averse to lashing at their partner in anger or have sudden, wide mood swings from a burst of anxiety to extreme happiness. Their partners may feel overwhelmed and unable control the situation.
It is crucial for those with ADHD to improve their self-control, including slowing down and avoiding triggers that may trigger emotional outbursts. They should also engage in relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness meditation and deep breathing. Lastly they should seek out help from an expert in mental health or ADHD specialist to discover coping strategies and formulate a treatment strategy.
It's also important for people who suffer from ADHD to be aware of how their behavior impacts others. Particularly in intimate relationships, it's important for both parties to cultivate compassion and understanding. They should also set clear boundaries to avoid feelings of resentment. It is also beneficial for people who suffer from ADHD to understand accommodations such as notetaking and organizing or taking breaks from conversations in order to deal with their problems at work and school.
Work-related Issues
It can be a challenge to work for women with ADHD. No matter if you work from home or a formal office setting dealing with emails, calls and meetings throughout the day can be difficult. Then, when you add to that the anxiety and disorganization, along with the difficulties in focusing on tasks and juggling deadlines that are associated with ADHD it can seem like your job is impossible.
There are a variety of ways to help. One way is to talk with your health care provider or mental health professional. They will evaluate your symptoms and suggest a diagnostic. They may ask you to describe how your ADHD affects your life, and suggest strategies to manage them. For example, they might suggest using a calendar to keep track of appointments or arranging your workspace. Some people with ADHD benefit from a routine or taking medication regularly and limiting distracting activities like TV or social media.
Women with ADHD may have symptoms that are made worse by hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. They are more likely to experience mood fluctuation or feelings of unsatisfaction in their lives. This can make them harder to comprehend by male colleagues or partners.
The good news is that a combination of self-care and treatment can aid you in overcoming these difficulties. Your doctor can prescribe medication including stimulants and non-stimulants, that may help improve your symptoms. They can also refer to a group of women suffering from ADHD.
NIMH's Tips on Talking with Your Health Care Provider factsheet will assist you in preparing for the conversation. It contains a script to practice and questions to 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 care provider who is skilled in treating ADHD among adults. Then, a thorough evaluation can be done to determine whether ADHD is the primary cause of your troubles. You can also get a referral to an expert, if required. Find out more about Adult ADHD on the NIMH page.
Social Problems
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely than men to experience comorbid anxiety or mood-related conditions as well as have trouble navigating social situations because they are unable to pick up on social cues or read body language. These challenges can lead to difficulties in relationships with others as well as at work and at home. Adult ADHD symptoms can also affect physical health, causing weight issues, anxiety, depression, and chronic stress.
Because of their tendency to be more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms, women often have a difficult time getting diagnosed and being treated as adult. They may have received treatment for other conditions prior to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. Through the years they may have developed coping skills and learned to hide their ADHD. This can lead to feelings of guilt or the fear that their lives will never be in order.
When you finally get a correct diagnosis, it can be an enormous relief for those suffering from ADHD to realize that they're not responsible for their issues and that the issues don't stem from a character flaw or personal weaknesses. A diagnosis can also be a great source of inspiration and motivation to change, as the women now are aware of what they must do to reach their full potential.
There are a variety of sources that can assist women find solutions to ease symptoms and improve quality of life. These include cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychotherapy therapy, and 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)). Those who prefer not to take stimulants can choose non-stimulant alternatives like atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and viloxazine (Qelbree(r)), or clonidine (Kapvay(r)).
To ensure the most effective treatment, it's crucial that women visit an experienced medical professional for an accurate diagnosis of their condition. In addition, to medication treatment options, treatments can include lifestyle changes and a combination of other treatments.