ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed because their symptoms are less apparent than those of boys. symptoms of ADHD in adults find ways to disguise their symptoms and blame themselves for their troubles.
The symptoms can include difficulty staying organized as well as high levels of distraction and memory problems. These symptoms can be managed by taking medication.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women with ADHD often feel like they're not as skilled or capable of achieving the same level as their peers. They may be struggling to deal with frustration and disappointment due to everyday challenges like keeping the track of appointments, delivering on deadlines, commitments, or organising their home or at work. This can lead to an endless cycle of internal self-criticism and depression, stress, and anxiety (Foster and Wolpe, 2010,).
Women may have difficulty to develop healthy coping mechanisms. They might turn to harmful or unhealthy habits as a way of trying to cope with their issues, especially during adolescence, for example, excessive drinking and drug use. These unhealthy coping methods can exacerbate their issues and negatively impact their lives. They can also make it difficult for professionals to detect the signs and delay an accurate diagnose.
The impulsivity that's often associated with ADHD can manifest itself in reckless behaviors or rants that don't align with one's values, which can lead to feelings of shame. Many women suffering from ADHD have difficulty expressing themselves or regulating their emotions which can make social interactions a challenge. This can make it difficult to form or maintain relationships, and over time, this can contribute to feelings of shame and isolation.
If loved ones don't understand what causes things to happen like not remembering birthdays, missing appointments, or getting behind on their assignments, they can become annoyed. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty expressing their emotions. They may unintentionally say things that are hurtful to others, or even get them in trouble at school or work.
People with ADHD often procrastinate and have a difficult time start or complete tasks. This can lead to missing health check-ups or other important appointments. They may feel overwhelmed and out of control.
It's becoming more common for professionals to recognize the symptoms of adult ADHD in women and refer them for treatment. In addition, advances in understanding the differences between men and women with ADHD have resulted in more effective treatments that allow women to manage their symptoms and regain confidence and self-esteem.
Relationship Issues
ADHD can make it hard to maintain healthy relationships. Women may have trouble communicating with their friends and loved ones due to their impulsivity and inability to concentrate on conversations. These symptoms can cause misunderstandings and hurt feelings. The good news is that with the right care and treatment women can build positive and supportive relationships.
One of the most common issues in relationships for people with ADHD is "love bombing." Love bombing is a tactic where people shower their partners with affection and love early on in the relationship to induce intense feelings of dependency and overlook concerning behaviors. This behavior is often the result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also make people in a position to not plan ahead. This is important for maintaining a healthy relationship. If a neurotypical spouse asks an ADHD partner to wash the dishes, that person may be distracted by other chores and may not finish them. People with ADHD are also prone to switching from hobby to interest and putting time and money into their latest obsession. This can result in financial difficulties and a messy house.
Mood swings are an issue for those with ADHD in relationships. They might be angry with their spouses or experience sudden, sweeping mood swings ranging from extreme anxiety to extreme joy. Their loved ones may feel overwhelmed and feel unable to control the situation.
People suffering from ADHD need to be able to control their emotions, including calming themselves down and avoiding triggers that can cause emotional outbursts. They should also try relaxation methods, such as deep breathing and meditation. They should also seek help from a mental health professional or ADHD specialist to improve their coping skills and create a treatment plan.
It's also important for people with ADHD to understand how their behavior impacts other people. Particularly in intimate relationships, it's crucial for both partners to develop compassion and empathy. It is also important to establish clear boundaries to prevent feelings of resentment. It's also helpful for those with ADHD to learn about accommodations such as taking notes, organizing their time, and taking breaks from conversations to help them deal with their symptoms in the workplace and at school.
Work Issues
For women with ADHD working can be overwhelming. Working at home or in an office can be a challenge. You might have to handle calls, emails, and meetings all day. Add to this the restlessness and disorganization, as well as difficulty staying focused on tasks or remembering deadlines that are common to ADHD and it can seem like your job is a nightmare.
There are a myriad of ways to assist. One method is to speak with your health medical professional or mental health specialist. They will evaluate your symptoms, and recommend the diagnosis. They may ask you to describe how your ADHD affects your life, and suggest ways to manage the symptoms. For instance, they may suggest using a planner to keep track of appointments or organizing your workspace. Some people suffering from ADHD benefit from a routine, taking medication regularly, and limiting distracting activities such as television or social media.
Women suffering from ADHD may suffer from symptoms that are exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as menstruation or pregnancy. They are also more likely to experience mood swings and feelings of general discontent and makes them more likely to be dismissed by male partners or colleagues.
The good news is that a combination of self-care and treatment can help you overcome these challenges. Your doctor may prescribe medications including stimulants and non-stimulants that can help alleviate your symptoms. They could be a reference to a group of women suffering from ADHD.
The NIMH's Tips for 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 the factsheet. NIMH also offers resources to help you locate a health care provider or mental health professional who is familiar with treating ADHD in adults. Then a full evaluation can be performed to determine if ADHD is the cause of your issues. You can also get an appointment with an expert, if required. You can learn more about this on NIMH's Adult ADHD page.
Social Issues
Women suffering from ADHD may suffer from anxiety or mood disorders in addition to ADHD. They could also have trouble navigating social situations since they are not able to read body language or recognize social signals. These challenges can lead to problems in relationships with loved ones as well as at home and at work. Additionally, the signs of adult ADHD can interfere with physical health and lead to issues with weight, chronic stress, anxiety, and depression.
Because of their tendency to be more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms, women often have a difficult time being diagnosed and being treated as adults. Women might have had treatment for other conditions prior to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. They might have developed strategies for coping and developed strategies to hide their ADHD over time which can lead to self-blame for a lack of ability or the fear that they'll never get their lives back in order.
After receiving a final 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 problems do not stem from a character flaw or personal weaknesses. A diagnosis can also be an incredible source of inspiration and motivation to make changes, since the women now know what they need to do to reach their full potential.
While the challenges associated with a diagnosis of adult ADHD can be considerable but there are plenty of resources available to assist women in finding effective treatments that will alleviate their symptoms and improve their lives. This can include psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, or specific ADHD medications. 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 stimulant medication can choose non-stimulant alternatives like atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and viloxazine (Qelbree(r)), or clonidine (Kapvay(r)).
It is essential that these women seek the advice of an experienced healthcare professional to receive a clear diagnosis. Treatment options include medication and lifestyle changes, as well as the combination of other treatments.