ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women suffering from ADHD are often misdiagnosed, or are left undiagnosed because their symptoms are not as evident like those of males. Many find ways to disguise their symptoms and blame themselves for their issues.
Symptoms can include difficulty staying organized or focused, as well as memory problems. adult ADHD symptoms quiz can help manage these symptoms.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women with ADHD often feel like they aren't as competent or capable of making the same strides as their peers. They may struggle to cope with disappointment and anger due to everyday challenges like keeping on top of appointments, delivering on deadlines, commitments or organising their work or at home. This can result in a vicious circle of self-criticism and depression and anxiety (Foster and Wolpe, 2010).
Women may be struggling to develop healthy coping strategies. In order to manage their symptoms women can resort to harmful or unhealthy behavior particularly during the adolescent stage. These unhealthy ways of coping can exacerbate their issues and negatively affect their lives. In addition, they can make it more difficult for medical professionals to identify their symptoms and delay a proper diagnosis.
The impulsivity that is often associated with ADHD can manifest itself in reckless behaviors or outbursts that don't align with the values of one's life, resulting in feelings of shame. Many women with ADHD struggle with in expressing themselves or controlling their emotions which can make social interactions difficult. This can also make it difficult to establish or keep relationships and, as time passes, this can contribute to feelings of shame and loneliness.
Inadvertently forgetting birthdays, missing meetings, or being behind on assignments can cause anger with loved ones, especially when they don't understand the reason behind these events. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have trouble expressing their emotions. They might unintentionally make statements that are hurtful to others, or even cause trouble at school or work.
People suffering from ADHD often put off tasks and have difficulty to begin or finish tasks. This could lead to missed health checkups or other important appointments that can make them feel overwhelmed and a bit out of control.
Fortunately, it's now more common for professionals to identify the symptoms of adult ADHD in women and refer them to treatment. Additionally, the recognition of differences between men with ADHD and women has resulted in more effective treatment options that allow women to manage their symptoms and gain confidence and self-esteem.
Relationship Issues
Having ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women may experience difficulties communicating with their friends and loved ones due to their impulsivity and inability concentrate on conversations. These issues can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. The good news is, with proper care and treatments women can establish affectionate relationships.
Love bombing, or "showing love and attention to your partner in the beginning of the relationship" is one of the most frequent problems people with ADHD encounter in relationships. This tactic is employed to create a sense of dependency to avoid ignoring undesirable behaviors and to generate intense feelings. Oftentimes, this behavior is the result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also make it difficult for people with ADHD to think ahead, which is a key aspect in maintaining a relationship. If a neurotypical partner is asked by an ADHD partner to wash the dishes, that person could be distracted by other chores, and may not finish them. People with ADHD are also susceptible to switching from hobby to hobby and investing money and time into their latest obsession. This can result in financial problems and a messy house.
Mood swings are a common issue for couples who suffer from ADHD. They may lash out at their partners in anger or have abrupt, broad mood swings that range from a sudden burst of anxiety to extreme happiness. They may be overwhelmed and feel unable to control the situation.
People with ADHD should work on self control and self-control, which includes calming down and avoiding triggers which could cause emotional outbursts. They should also practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and mindfulness meditation. Finally they should seek out help from an expert in mental health or ADHD specialist to learn coping strategies and develop a treatment plan.
It's also crucial for those who suffer from ADHD to recognize the ways in which their behavior affects other people. In intimate relationships, both partners must develop empathy and compassion. They should also establish clear boundaries to avoid feelings of resentment. It is also beneficial for people who suffer from ADHD, to learn about accommodations like notetaking and organizing, or taking breaks from conversations to cope with their symptoms at work and school.
Work Issues
For women with ADHD, work can feel overwhelming. Working at home or in the office can be challenging. You may have to deal with calls, emails, and meetings all day. Then, when you add to that the anxiety, disorganization, and difficulty in focusing on work and remembering deadlines associated with ADHD, it can feel as if your job is a struggle.
There are a myriad of ways to assist. Talking with your doctor or a mental health professional is one method. They will evaluate your symptoms and recommend the diagnosis. They may ask what aspects of ADHD affects your daily routine and suggest ways to manage it. They might suggest using a planner for appointments or arranging your workspace. Some people suffering from ADHD benefit from a routine and taking their medication regularly and limiting distractions like TV or social media.
Women suffering from ADHD may suffer from symptoms that are exacerbated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. They are also more likely to have mood swings and feelings of general discontent and 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 this issue. Your doctor can prescribe medication like stimulants and non-stimulants that may help improve your symptoms. They may also refer you to a group of women who support women with ADHD.
NIMH's Tips for Talking With Your Health Care Provider fact sheet will aid you in preparing for this conversation. It contains a script to practice and questions to ask. You can also download the fact sheet. NIMH also offers resources to help you find a doctor or mental health professional who is experienced with treating ADHD in adults. Then a full evaluation can be performed to determine if ADHD is the cause of your issues. If necessary, you could also be referred to a specialist. You can learn more about this on NIMH's Adult ADHD page.
Social Problems
Women with ADHD may experience anxiety or mood disorders in addition to ADHD. They might also have difficulty navigating social situations since they are unable to read body language or recognize social cues. These issues can cause difficulties in romantic relationships as well as at work and at home. Additionally, the signs of adult ADHD can interfere with physical health and cause weight problems, anxiety, stress, and depression.
Because of their tendency to be more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms, women typically have a difficult time being diagnosed and being treated as adult. These women may have received treatment for other ailments prior to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. Through the years, they may have developed coping skills and have learned to conceal their ADHD. This can 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 get a proper diagnosis. They understand that their problems are not their own fault and that the issues do not stem from a personal weakness or character flaw. A diagnosis can also be a great source of motivation and hope to change, since these women are aware of what they must accomplish to realize their full potential.
Although the difficulties associated with being diagnosed with adult ADHD can be a lot, there are also many options to assist women in finding effective treatments to alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life. ADHD symptoms in adults males can include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy therapy, or 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 wish to take stimulant medications, there are other options such as atomoxetine(Strattera(r), viloxazine(Qelbree[r]) or clonidine(Kapvay[r[r]).
For the most successful treatment, it's essential to see an experienced medical professional for an accurate diagnosis of their condition. Treatment options include medications, lifestyle changes, and an amalgamation of other treatments.