ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women suffering from ADHD often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as their symptoms are more subtle than those of boys. Many develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms and then blame themselves for their issues.
The symptoms include difficulty staying organized, high distraction and memory problems. Medicines can help with these symptoms.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women who suffer from ADHD might feel they aren't as proficient or worthy of success as their peers. They may be struggling to deal with frustration and disappointment because of daily struggles such as keeping the track of appointments, delivering on deadlines, commitments or organising their work or at home. This can lead to a vicious cycle of self-criticism, depression and anxiety (Foster & Wolpe 2010).
Women may have difficulty to establish healthy coping strategies. They may find themselves turning to unhealthy or harmful behaviors as a way of trying to cope with their issues particularly during adolescence such as excessive alcohol and substance use. These harmful coping strategies can worsen their problems and negatively impact their lives. In addition, they can make it more difficult for professionals to detect their symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis.
The impulsivity that often comes with ADHD can manifest itself in reckless behaviors or rants that don't match one's values, which can lead to feelings of shame. Many women with ADHD have trouble in expressing themselves or controlling their emotions, which can make social interactions difficult. This can make it difficult for those who suffer from ADHD to build or keep relationships. In time it can cause feelings of guilt and loneliness.
Missing birthdays, forgetting meetings, or being late on assignments can cause frustration for loved ones, especially when they don't know the reasons behind these incidents. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty communicating their feelings. They might unintentionally say things that are hurtful to others or can be a target for trouble at work or in school.
People suffering from ADHD tend to delay their work and have a difficult time begin or finish tasks. This can result in missing health check-ups or other important appointments. They might feel overwhelmed and out-of-control.
Fortunately, it's now more normal for professionals to recognize the signs of adult ADHD in women and refer them for treatment. In addition, the understanding of differences between men with ADHD and women has led to more effective treatment options that allow women to manage their symptoms, and regain self-esteem and confidence.
Relationship issues
ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women may experience difficulties communicating with their loved ones due to their impulsivity and inability concentrate on conversations. These problems can cause misunderstandings and hurt feelings. The good news is that with proper care and treatments, women can develop friendships that are loving.
Love bombing, or "showing love and attention to your partner at the beginning of the relationship" is among the most common issues that people with ADHD encounter in relationships. This tactic is used to create a sense of dependency to deflect problematic behaviors and to create strong feelings. In most cases, this is the result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also make people unable to plan ahead. This is important for maintaining an enduring relationship. If a neurotypical partner is asked by an ADHD partner to help with dishes, the person may be distracted by other chores and may not finish the task. Similarly those with ADHD tend to switch from hobby to hobby spending time and money into their latest passion. This can cause financial issues and a messy home.
Mood swings are an issue for those with ADHD in relationships. They might get angry at their spouses or experience sudden, sweeping mood swings ranging from extreme anxiety to extreme joy. The result is that their partners are feeling overwhelmed and unable control the situation.
It is essential for those suffering from ADHD to work on self-control, including calming down and avoiding triggers that might cause emotional outbursts. They should also practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing. Finally, they should seek support from a mental health professional or ADHD specialist to learn coping strategies and formulate a treatment strategy.
It's also essential for people who suffer from ADHD to be aware of how their behavior impacts others. In intimate relationships, both partners should develop empathy and compassion. They should also establish clear boundaries to avoid resentment. It is also beneficial for those with ADHD to be aware of accommodations like notetaking, organizing and taking breaks from conversations, to help them cope with their issues at work and at school.
Work-related Problems
For women with ADHD working can be overwhelming. Whether you work from home or a formal office setting dealing with calls, emails and meetings throughout the day can be a challenge. Add to that the restlessness disorganization, disarray, and difficulty with focusing on tasks and juggling deadlines triggered by ADHD, it can feel like your job is unattainable.
There are a myriad of ways to assist. One way is to talk with your health doctor or mental health professional. They will evaluate your symptoms, and recommend an assessment. They might ask you to describe how your ADHD affects your life, and they may suggest strategies to manage your symptoms. They might suggest using a planner for appointments or arranging your workspace. Some people with ADHD also benefit by having a routine, taking medication on a regular basis and limiting distractions like TV or social media.
Women suffering from ADHD might suffer from symptoms that are exacerbated by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. They are also more likely to experience mood swings and feelings of general dissatisfaction with their lives which could make them more susceptible to being dismissed by male partners or colleagues.
The good news is a combination of treatment and self-care can assist you in overcoming this problem. Your doctor can recommend treatments that may alleviate your symptoms, including medications such as stimulants or non-stimulants. They may also recommend an organization that helps women suffering from ADHD.
The NIMH Tips for Talking to Your Health Care Provider factsheet can aid you in preparing for the conversation. It contains a script to practice and questions to ask. You can also download the factsheet. I Am Psychiatry has resources that can help you locate a mental health professional or health professional who is experienced in treating ADHD among adults. A thorough evaluation can be carried out to determine whether ADHD is the cause of your issues. If it is, you can also be referred to an specialist. You can find out more about this on NIMH's Adult ADHD page.
Social Problems
Women who suffer from 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 detect body language. These issues can cause problems in relationships with loved ones as well as in the home and work environment. Additionally, the signs of adult ADHD can interfere with physical health and cause weight problems and anxiety, stress, and depression.
Women often have difficulty getting diagnosed as adults, since they are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms. These women may have received treatment for other illnesses prior to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. Over the years they may have developed coping skills and have learned to conceal their attention deficit disorder. This can result in feelings of guilt or the feeling that their lives will never be organized.
It can be a tremendous relief for women suffering from ADHD when they finally receive a diagnosis that is accurate. They realize that their problems aren't their fault and that the problems are not a result of a personal weakness or character flaw. A diagnosis can also be a powerful source of hope and motivation to change, as these women now know what they need to do to reach their full potential.
There are numerous resources that can help women find solutions to ease symptoms and improve the quality of life. These include psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, or specialized 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)). Those who prefer not to take stimulant medication can choose non-stimulant alternatives such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r)), viloxazine (Qelbree(r)) or clonidine (Kapvay(r)).
To ensure the most effective treatment, it's important to see a trusted healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis of their condition. In addition to medications treatment options, treatments can include lifestyle changes and a mix of other treatments.