ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women who suffer from ADHD often go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed since their symptoms are less apparent than those of males. Many develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms, and blame themselves for their issues.
Symptoms can include difficulty staying organized, high distractionibility and memory issues. Medications can help manage these symptoms.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women who suffer from ADHD often feel they're not as capable or capable of achieving the same level as their peers. They may have a difficult time coping with frustration or discontent caused by their the daily struggle to keep the track of appointments, adhere through on commitments and deadlines, and get organized at work or home. This can lead to a vicious cycle of self-criticism, depression and stress (Foster and Wolpe, 2010).
Women may be struggling to develop healthy strategies for coping. They may find themselves turning to harmful or unhealthy habits to try to cope with their issues, especially during adolescence, for example, excessive drinking and substance use. These harmful coping strategies can make their problems worse and negatively impact their lives. In addition, they may make it more difficult for professionals to detect their symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis.
The impulsivity that often comes with ADHD can manifest in reckless behaviors or rants that don't align with one's values, leading to feelings of shame. Many women suffering from ADHD have trouble communicating their feelings or managing their emotions, which can make social interactions a challenge. This makes it difficult for women with ADHD to form or maintain relationships. As time passes it can cause feelings of guilt and isolation.
Forgetting birthdays, missing meetings, or being behind on assignments can cause frustration with loved ones, particularly if they aren't sure the reason behind these events. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have issues expressing their feelings. They might unintentionally make statements that are hurtful to others or get them in trouble at school or work.
People suffering from ADHD often put off tasks and find it difficult to begin or finish tasks. This can result in missing health check-ups or other important appointments. They may feel overwhelmed and out of control.
Fortunately, it's now more common for professionals to recognize the symptoms of adult ADHD in women and refer them to treatment. Additionally, advances in understanding the differences between women and men with ADHD have resulted in more effective treatments that allow women to manage their symptoms and gain confidence and self-esteem.
Relationship issues
Being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women especially may have trouble communicating with loved ones due to their impulsivity, inability focus on conversations, and inclination to go off on off-topic topics. These issues can lead to misunderstandings and hurtful feelings. The good news is that with proper care and treatments, women can develop affectionate relationships.
One of the most common issues in relationships for people who suffer from ADHD is "love bombing." Love bombing is a strategy where people shower their partners with affection and love at the beginning of a relationship to induce strong feelings of dependency and to avoid noticing problematic behaviors. This Web-site is often the result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can make it difficult for people with ADHD to plan ahead, which is a key aspect of maintaining a good relationship. If a person with a neurotypical personality wants an ADHD partner to help with the dishes, that person may be distracted by other chores and not complete them. Similarly, people with ADHD tend to switch between hobbies spending time and money into their newest obsession. This can lead to financial difficulties and a messy home.
Mood swings can be an issue for those with ADHD in relationships. They may lash at their partner in anger or experience abrupt, broad mood swings that range from a sudden burst of anxiety to extreme happiness. Their loved ones may feel overwhelmed and feel unable to control the situation.
People with ADHD need to focus on self-control by calming themselves and avoiding triggers which could cause emotional outbursts. They should also use relaxation methods, such as deep breathing and meditation. Finally they should seek help from a mental health professional or ADHD specialist to develop strategies for coping and develop a treatment plan.
It's crucial that people who suffer from ADHD be aware of how their behavior influence other people. In intimate relationships, both partners should cultivate compassion and empathy. It is also important to establish boundaries that are clear to avoid anger. It is also beneficial for people who suffer from ADHD to understand accommodations for notetaking, organizing or taking breaks from conversations to deal with their issues at school and at work.
Work-related Problems
Work can be overwhelming for women with ADHD. Working from home or in an office can be difficult. It is possible to handle phone calls, emails, and meetings all day long. Add to that the agitation, disorganization and difficulty focusing on tasks or remembering deadlines that are associated with ADHD and it can seem like your job is a nightmare.
There are a variety of ways to help. One option is to speak with your health care provider or mental health specialist. They can evaluate your symptoms and recommend an assessment. They may ask you to explain how your ADHD affects your life and they can suggest ways to manage them. They might suggest using a calendar for appointments or organizing your workspace. Some people suffering from ADHD benefit from having a plan and taking their medication regularly and limiting distracting activities like TV or social media.
Women suffering from ADHD can have their symptoms exacerbated during hormonal changes, like the menstrual period or pregnancy. They are also more likely to experience mood swings and feelings of general dissatisfaction with their lives, which can make them more easily dismissed by male partners or colleagues.
The good news is a combination of self-care and treatment could help you overcome this challenge. Your doctor may prescribe medications, such as stimulants and non-stimulants, that can help alleviate your symptoms. They can also refer to a subset of women suffering from ADHD.
The NIMH Tips for Talking to Your Health Care Provider factsheet can aid you in preparing for the conversation. This fact sheet includes an exercise script and questions that you can ask. You can also download a printable version of the fact sheet. NIMH also has resources to help you locate a health care provider or mental health professional who is experienced with treating ADHD in adults. Then, a complete assessment can be conducted to see if ADHD is the reason behind your issues. If necessary, you could also be referred to an specialist. You can learn more about this on the NIMH's Adult ADHD page.
Social Issues
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely than men to suffer mood-related or anxiety-related issues and may struggle to navigate social situations due to their inability discern social signals or interpret body language. These issues can cause problems in romantic relationships, as well as work and home life. Additionally, the signs of adult ADHD can impact physical health and cause obesity-related issues, chronic stress, anxiety, and depression.
Women often have a difficult time getting diagnosed as adults, since they are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms. Many of these women may have been referred to treatment for other ailments prior to being diagnosed with ADHD. They may have developed coping strategies and learned to mask their ADHD over time, leading to self-blame for a lack of ability or a fear that they'll never get their lives in order.
After receiving a final diagnosis, it's an enormous relief for those with ADHD to realize that they're not the cause for their problems and that the issues do not stem from a character flaw or personal weaknesses. A diagnosis can be a fantastic source of motivation and optimism for those with ADHD because they now know what they can do to achieve their goals.
There are a variety of resources that can help women find ways to manage symptoms and improve the 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)). If you do not want to take medication that is stimulant-like there are alternatives such as atomoxetine(Strattera(r), viloxazine(Qelbree[r]), or clonidine(Kapvay[r]).
To ensure the most effective treatment, it's essential to see a trusted healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis of their condition. Treatment options include medications or lifestyle changes and the combination of other treatments.