ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women suffering from ADHD are often misdiagnosed, or are left undiagnosed because their symptoms aren't as obvious like those of males. Many develop strategies to hide their symptoms and blame themselves for their problems.
The symptoms include difficulty keeping track of things, a high level of distraction and memory issues. These symptoms can be treated with medication.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women with ADHD might feel that they are not as competent or as deserving of success as their peers. They may be struggling to deal with frustration and disappointment due to everyday struggles such as keeping the track of appointments, delivering on deadlines, commitments or organising their work or home. This can create a vicious cycle of inner self-criticism and stress, as well as depression (Foster and Wolpe, 2010,).
Women may be unable to develop healthy coping mechanisms. In order to manage their symptoms, women may turn to harmful or unhealthy behavior particularly in the adolescent stage. These unhealthy coping strategies could make their problems worse and negatively affect their lives. They can also make it difficult for professionals to identify the signs and delay an accurate diagnosis.
The urge to be reckless can lead to irresponsible behaviour or outbursts that are not in accordance with one's values. This can result in feelings of shame. Many women with ADHD have trouble communicating their feelings or managing their emotions which can make social interactions difficult. This can also make it difficult to make or maintain relationships and, as time passes, this can contribute to feelings of shame and isolation.
If loved ones don't understand the reason for things happening, such as not remembering birthdays, missing appointments, or getting behind on assignments, they can become angry. Women with ADHD may also have trouble in expressing their feelings, which is why they might accidentally utter things that hurt people around them or cause trouble at school or at work.
Additionally, those with ADHD are more likely to putting off tasks and find it difficult to begin or complete tasks. This could lead to missing health checkups or other important appointments that can make them feel overwhelmed and a bit out of control.
It's more common now for professionals to detect adult ADHD symptoms in women and refer them to treatment. In addition advancements in understanding the differences between men and women with ADHD have resulted in more effective treatments that help women manage their symptoms and regain confidence and self-esteem.
Relationship Issues
Being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women in particular may have trouble communicating with family members and friends ones because of their impulsivity, inability to concentrate on conversations, and inclination to wander off into off-topic topics. These signs can cause miscommunication and hurtful feelings. The good news is, with proper treatment and care, women can develop friendships that are loving.
One of the most common issues in relationships for people who suffer from ADHD is "love bombing." Love bombing is a method of ensuring that someone showers their partner with love and attention as early as they begin a relationship to induce strong feelings of dependency and overlook concerning behaviors. This behavior is often caused by untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also make people incapable of planning ahead. This is essential for maintaining the health of a relationship. For example, if a neurotypical person asks their ADHD partner to help with the dishes, they could be distracted by three other tasks and never get to finishing them. Similarly those with ADHD tend to jump from hobby to hobby spending time and money into their latest obsession. This can cause financial problems and a messy house.
Mood swings are an issue for people suffering from ADHD in relationships. They may be averse to lashing out at their loved ones in anger or experience abrupt, broad mood swings that range from a sudden burst of anxiety to extreme happiness. Their partners may feel overwhelmed and unable control the situation.
It is essential for those suffering from ADHD to develop self-control, including calming down and avoiding triggers that may elicit emotional outbursts. They should also practice relaxation techniques such as mindfulness meditation and deep breathing. Finally they should seek out help from a mental health professional or ADHD specialist to discover coping strategies and develop a treatment plan.
It's also crucial for those with ADHD to recognize how their behavior affects other people. Particularly in intimate relationships, it's essential for both partners to cultivate compassion and understanding. They should also set clear boundaries to avoid resentment. It is also beneficial for those with ADHD to be aware of accommodations for notetaking, organizing or taking breaks from conversations in order to deal with their problems at school and at work.
Work-related Problems
It can be a challenge to work for women with ADHD. No matter if you work from home or in a formal office setting dealing with calls, emails and meetings throughout the day can be difficult. Add to that the anxiety, disorganization, and difficulty with focusing on tasks and remembering deadlines associated with ADHD it can be like your job is unattainable.
There are a myriad of ways you can help. Talking to your doctor or a mental health professional is one method. They can evaluate your symptoms and recommend a diagnosis. They might ask you to explain how your ADHD affects your life, and suggest ways to manage them. For example, they might recommend using a calendar to keep track of your appointments or organizing your workspace. Some people suffering from ADHD benefit from a schedule and taking their medication regularly and limiting distracting activities like TV or social media.
Women suffering from ADHD might suffer from symptoms that are exacerbated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. They are also more likely to feel mood fluctuations and general discontent which makes them more likely to be misunderstood by male partners or colleagues.
The good news is that a combination of treatment and self-care can aid you in overcoming these difficulties. Your doctor may recommend treatments that could help alleviate your symptoms, including medication like stimulants or non-stimulants. They can also refer to a group of women with ADHD.
The NIMH's Tips to Talk with Your Health Care Provider fact sheet can help you prepare for this conversation. It includes a practice script and questions to ask. You can also download a printable version of the fact sheet. NIMH offers resources to assist you in finding a mental health professional or health professional who has experience in treating ADHD among adults. A thorough evaluation can be carried out to determine whether ADHD is the cause of your issues. You can also seek a referral to an expert, if required. Find out more about Adult ADHD on the NIMH page.
Social Problems
Women with ADHD are more likely than men to suffer comorbid anxiety or mood-related conditions as well as have trouble navigating social situations due to their inability pick up on social cues or read body language. These challenges can cause difficulties in relationships with loved ones, as well as work and home life. In addition, the symptoms of adult ADHD can affect physical health and cause weight problems, chronic stress, anxiety and depression.
Women often have difficulty getting diagnosed as adults, since they are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms. Many of these women be referred to treatment for other conditions prior to being diagnosed with ADHD. Over the years, they might have developed coping strategies and have learned to conceal their ADHD. This could lead to a feeling of self-blame or the fear that their lives will never be in order.
It can be a massive relief for women suffering from ADHD when they finally receive a proper diagnosis. They realize that their issues aren't their fault and that the issues do not originate from a personal weakness or character flaw. A diagnosis can be a great source of motivation and optimism for those with ADHD because they now have the tools to realize their potential.
While the challenges associated with being diagnosed with adult ADHD can be considerable, there are also many options to help women find effective treatments to alleviate their symptoms and improve their lives. 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 symptoms of ADHD in adults don't want to take medication that is stimulant-like you can choose other alternatives such as atomoxetine(Strattera(r), viloxazine(Qelbree[r]), or clonidine(Kapvay[rKAPVAY[r]).
For the most effective treatment, it's essential that women visit an experienced medical professional for an accurate diagnosis of their condition. Treatment options include medication or lifestyle changes and an amalgamation of other treatments.