ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women suffering from ADHD are often misdiagnosed, or left undiagnosed, as their symptoms are not as evident as those of men. Many develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms, and blame themselves for their problems.
It is a sign of trouble staying organized, high distraction and memory problems. I Am Psychiatry can be managed by taking medication.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women with ADHD might feel they are not as competent or deserving of the same success as their peers. They may have a difficult dealing with anger or disappointment caused by every day struggles to keep on top of appointments, keep commitments and deadlines, and get organized at home or work. This can lead to a vicious cycle of inner self-criticism, stress, and depression (Foster and Wolpe, 2010).
Women may be unable to develop healthy coping mechanisms. They might turn to harmful or unhealthy behaviors in order to control their symptoms particularly during adolescence like excessive drinking and drug use. These unhealthy coping strategies can further exacerbate their problems and negatively affect their lives. Additionally, they could also make it harder for professionals to recognize their symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis.
Impulsivity can lead to reckless behavior or outbursts, that aren't in line with the values one holds. This can lead to feelings of shame. Many women with ADHD also have difficulty controlling their emotions or effectively expressing themselves which makes it difficult for them to interact in social situations. This makes it difficult for people who suffer from ADHD to build or maintain relationships. Over time it can cause feelings of guilt and isolation.
If loved ones don't understand why things happen, such as forgetting birthdays, missing appointments, or being behind in their work and assignments, they may be annoyed. Women with ADHD might also have issues expressing their feelings. They might unintentionally make statements that are hurtful to others or can get them in trouble at work or in school.
In addition, people suffering from ADHD are more likely to procrastinating and finding it difficult to begin or complete tasks. This could lead to being late for health checks or other important appointments, that can make them feel overwhelmed and a bit out of control.
It's becoming more normal for professionals to recognize the signs of adult ADHD in women and refer them for treatment. In addition, advances in understanding the differentiators 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 in particular might have difficulty communicating with friends and loved ones due to their impulsivity, inability focus on conversations, and inclination to go off on diverging thoughts. These problems can cause confusion and hurt feelings. The good news is that with the right treatment and care, women can develop friendships that are loving.
One of the most prevalent problems in relationships for those with ADHD is "love bombing." Love bombing is a strategy where one lavishes their partner with love and attention as early as they begin a relationship to trigger intense feelings of dependency and to overlook concerning behaviors. This behavior is often caused by untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also make it difficult for people to think ahead, which is a key factor in maintaining a relationship. If a person with a neurotypical personality is asked by an ADHD partner to wash dishes, the person may be distracted by other chores and never finish the task. Similarly those with ADHD tend to switch from one hobby to the next spending time and money into their latest obsession. This can lead to financial problems and a messy home.
Mood swings are another common issue in relationships for those with ADHD. They may get angry at their spouses or experience sudden, sweeping mood swings ranging from extreme anxiety to extreme joy. Their partners may feel overwhelmed and feel unable to control the situation.
People with ADHD should work on self control by calming themselves and avoiding triggers that can trigger emotional outbursts. They should also engage in relaxation techniques, like deep breathing and mindfulness meditation. They should also seek help from a mental health professional or ADHD specialist to improve their coping skills and develop a treatment program.
It's also essential for people with ADHD to be aware of the ways in which their behavior affects other people. Especially in intimate relationships, it's essential for both partners to develop compassion and empathy. They should also establish the boundaries clearly to avoid feelings of resentment. It's also helpful for those who suffer from 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 at school.
Work-related Problems
For women suffering from ADHD, work can feel overwhelming. Working from home or in the office can be challenging. You might have to handle phone calls, emails, and meetings all day long. Add to that the agitation, disorganization, and difficulty with focusing on tasks and juggling deadlines that are associated with ADHD it can be as if your job is a struggle.
There are a variety of ways you can assist. Talking with your doctor or a mental health professional is one method. They will evaluate your symptoms and suggest the diagnosis. They might ask you what aspects of ADHD affects your daily routine and suggest ways to manage it. For instance, they may suggest using a calendar to keep track of appointments or organizing your workspace. Some people suffering from ADHD benefit from a schedule, taking medication regularly, and limiting distractions like television or social media.
Women who suffer from ADHD may suffer from symptoms that are exacerbated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycle or pregnancy. They are also more likely to feel mood swings and feelings of general dissatisfaction with their lives, which could make them more susceptible to being misunderstood by male partners or colleagues.
The good news is that a combination of self-care and treatment can assist you in overcoming these issues. Your doctor can recommend treatments that may alleviate your symptoms, including medication like stimulants or non-stimulants. They may also recommend an organization that helps women with ADHD.
The NIMH Tips for Talking to Your Health Care Provider factsheet will help you prepare for the conversation. The fact sheet contains a script for practice and questions that you can ask. You can download the fact sheet. NIMH also offers resources to help you find a health care provider or mental health professional who is familiar with treating ADHD in adults. Then, a thorough evaluation can be done to see whether ADHD is the primary cause of your problems. If needed, you can be referred to a specialist. 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 be unable to handle social situations because they are unable to discern social signals or read body language. These issues can cause problems in romantic relationships as well as in the home and work environment. Adult ADHD symptoms can also affect physical health, leading to weight issues as well as depression, anxiety and chronic stress.
Because of their tendency to be more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms, women typically have a difficult time getting diagnosed and being treated as adult. Many of them may have been referred to treatment for other conditions prior to receiving a diagnosis of ADHD. They might have developed strategies for coping and learned to mask their attention deficit disorder over the years and then blame themselves for a lack of ability or the fear that they'll never get their lives in order.
It can be a tremendous relief for women with ADHD when they finally get an accurate diagnosis. They realize that their problems aren't their fault and that the issues do not originate from a personal weakness or character flaw. A diagnosis can be a fantastic source of motivation and hope for those with ADHD since they have the tools to realize their potential.
Although the difficulties associated with the diagnosis of adult ADHD can be overwhelming but there are plenty of options to assist women in finding effective treatments that will alleviate their symptoms and improve their lives. This can include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy 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)). If you do not want to take medication that is stimulant-like you can choose other alternatives such as atomoxetine(Strattera(r), viloxazine(Qelbree[r]) or clonidine(Kapvay[r]).
It is crucial that these women seek the advice of an experienced healthcare professional to receive a clear diagnosis. Treatment options include medication, lifestyle changes, and the combination of other treatments.