ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women who suffer from ADHD often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as their symptoms are less apparent than those of boys. Many develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms and then blame themselves for their own problems.
Symptoms include trouble staying organized, high distractibility and memory issues. These symptoms can be controlled with medication.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women who suffer from ADHD might feel that they aren't as proficient or deserving of the same success as their peers. They might have a difficult dealing with anger or disappointment caused by the daily struggle to keep the track of appointments, adhere through on commitments and deadlines and organize at work or at home. This can result in a vicious cycle of inner self-criticism and stress, as well as depression (Foster and Wolpe, 2010).
Women may have difficulty developing healthy strategies for coping. They might turn to harmful or unhealthy behaviors in order to manage their symptoms, especially during adolescence, for example, excessive drinking and drug use. These unhealthy coping strategies can worsen their issues and negatively impact their lives. In addition, they can also make it harder for medical professionals to identify their symptoms and delay a proper diagnosis.
Insanity can lead to reckless behavior or outbursts, which are not in accordance with one's values. This can result in feelings of shame. Many women suffering from ADHD also struggle with controlling emotions or expressing themselves effectively and this can make it difficult for them to be a part of social settings. This can also make it difficult to form or maintain relationships and, as time passes, this can contribute to feelings of shame and isolation.
Missing birthdays, forgetting meetings, or being late on assignments can cause frustration for family members, particularly when they don't understand the reason behind these events. Women with ADHD might also have difficulty communicating their feelings. They might unintentionally make statements that are hurtful to others or get them in trouble at school or work.
Additionally, those with ADHD are often prone to procrastination and finding it difficult to begin or finish tasks. This can result in being late for health checks or other important appointments which can cause them to feel overwhelmed and out of control.
Today, it's more common for professionals to identify the symptoms of adult ADHD in women and refer them to treatment. In addition advances in understanding the differences between men and women with ADHD have resulted in more effective treatments that help women manage their symptoms and restore confidence and self-esteem.
Relationship Issues
Being diagnosed with 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 to concentrate on conversations. These symptoms can cause misunderstandings and hurtful feelings. The good news is, with the right treatment and care women can build loving relationships.
One of the most frequent issues in relationships for people with ADHD is "love bombing." Love bombing is a tactic where people shower their partners with affection and attention at the beginning of a relationship to create strong feelings of dependency and to ignore any problematic behavior. This behavior is often the result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also cause people to be unable to plan ahead. This is important to ensure an enduring relationship. If a neurotypical spouse wants an ADHD partner to help with the dishes, that person may be distracted by other chores, and not complete the task. People with ADHD are also more prone to switching from hobby to interest and putting time and money into their latest obsession. I Am Psychiatry can lead to financial issues and a messy house.
Mood swings can be an issue for people suffering from ADHD in relationships. They might lash at their partner in anger or have sudden, wide mood swings ranging from a flurry of anxiety to extreme happiness. They may leave their loved ones feeling overwhelmed and unable to manage the situation.
It is essential for those suffering from ADHD to improve their self-control, including calmness and avoiding triggers that may cause emotional outbursts. They should also try relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing. Finally they should seek out help from an expert in mental health or ADHD specialist to discover coping strategies and create a treatment plan.
It's also important for people who suffer from ADHD to understand how their behavior impacts other people. In intimate relationships, both parties should cultivate empathy and compassion. It is also important to establish clear boundaries to prevent feelings of resentment. It is also beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD to understand accommodations like notetaking and organizing or taking breaks from conversations in order to deal with their symptoms at school and at work.
Work Problems
For women who suffer from ADHD working can be overwhelming. No matter if you work from home or a formal office managing calls, emails and meetings throughout the day can be challenging. Add to that the anxiety and disorganization as well as the difficulty in keeping track of tasks or deadlines that are common to ADHD and it can feel like your job is impossible.
There are a variety of ways to help. One way is to talk with your health care provider or a mental health professional. They can evaluate your symptoms and recommend an assessment. They may ask you what aspects of ADHD affects your everyday life and suggest ways to manage it. For instance, they may suggest using a calendar to keep track of your appointments or organizing your workspace. Some people suffering from ADHD benefit from a routine or taking medication regularly and limiting distractions like television or social media.
Women with ADHD might experience symptoms that are worsened by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. They are more likely to experience mood fluctuations or feelings of discontent in their lives. This can make them harder to be understood by male coworkers or partners.
The good news is a combination of treatment and self-care can assist you in overcoming this problem. Your doctor can recommend treatments that could help alleviate your symptoms, including medication like stimulants or non-stimulants. They can also refer to a group of women suffering from ADHD.
NIMH's Tips on Talking with Your Health Care Provider factsheet will assist you in preparing for the conversation. This fact sheet provides an exercise script and questions you can ask. You can also download the fact sheet. NIMH has resources that can help you find an expert in mental health or health care provider who is experienced in treating ADHD among adults. Then, a complete evaluation can be done to see if ADHD is the primary cause of your problems. You can also get a referral to a specialist, if needed. Find out more about Adult ADHD on the NIMH page.
Social Issues
Women who suffer from ADHD might experience anxiety or mood disorders in addition to ADHD. They might be unable to navigate social situations because they are incapable of reading body language or pick up social cues. These issues can cause problems in romantic relationships as well as in work and home life. Adult ADHD symptoms can also affect physical health, causing weight problems 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 being diagnosed and being treated as adults. Many of these women have been referred for treatment for other conditions prior to receiving a diagnosis of ADHD. They could have developed strategies to cope and developed strategies to disguise their ADHD through the years which can lead to self-blame for their inability or a fear that they'll never get their lives together.
It can be a tremendous relief for women with ADHD when they finally receive a diagnosis that is accurate. They realize that their issues aren't their fault and that the issues are not a result of an individual weakness or flaw. A diagnosis can also be a powerful source of motivation and hope to change, as the women now know what they need to do to reach their full potential.
There are a variety of resources to help women find solutions to ease symptoms and improve the quality of life. This can include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy therapy, or 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 don't wish to take medication that is stimulant-like you can choose other alternatives like atomoxetine(Strattera(r), viloxazine(Qelbree[r]) or clonidine(Kapvay[rKAPVAY[r]).
It is important that these women consult a trusted healthcare provider to obtain a precise diagnosis. In addition, to medication treatments, other options for treatment include lifestyle changes and a mix of other treatments.