ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women who suffer from ADHD are often left undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as their symptoms are more subtle than those of boys. Many develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms and end up blaming themselves for their issues.
It is a sign of trouble staying organized, high distractibility and memory issues. Medications can help manage these symptoms.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women with ADHD might feel they are not as competent or deserving of the same success as their peers. They might have a difficult dealing with anger or disappointment triggered by daily struggles to keep on top of appointments, keep through on commitments and deadlines and stay organized at home or work. This can result in a vicious circle of self-criticism, depression and stress (Foster and Wolpe, 2010).
Women may be struggling to develop healthy coping strategies. They may turn to unhealthy or harmful behaviors in order to manage their symptoms especially in adolescence like excessive drinking and substance use. These unhealthy coping strategies can make their problems worse and negatively impact their lives. In addition, they can make it difficult for professionals to recognize their symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis.
The urge to be reckless can lead to irresponsible behaviour or outbursts that aren't in line with one's values. ADHD symptoms adults male can cause feelings of shame. Many women with ADHD also struggle with controlling emotions or expressing themselves effectively which makes it difficult for them to be a part of social situations. This can make it difficult to make or keep relationships, and over time, this can contribute to feelings of shame and loneliness.
If family members don't know what causes things to happen like not being able to remember birthdays, ignoring appointments, or being behind on assignments, they can become annoyed. Women with ADHD might also have difficulty communicating their feelings. They might unintentionally say things that hurt to others or be a target for trouble at work or in school.
In addition, people suffering from ADHD are often prone to procrastination and finding it difficult to begin or finish tasks. This can result in missed health checkups or other important appointments, which can leave them feeling overwhelmed and out of control.
Today, it's more common for professionals to identify the signs of adult ADHD in women and refer them to treatment. Additionally, the recognition of the differentiators between men with ADHD and women has resulted in more effective treatment options that help women manage their symptoms, regain confidence and self-esteem.
Relationship issues
ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women may experience difficulties communicating with their loved ones due to their impulsivity as well as their inability to concentrate on conversations. These symptoms can cause misunderstandings and hurtful feelings. The good news is that with proper care and treatments, women can develop friendships that are loving.
One of the most common issues in relationships for people with ADHD is "love bombing." Love bombing is a strategy where people shower their partners with affection and love early on in the relationship to create strong feelings of dependency and to avoid noticing problematic behaviors. This is usually the result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also cause people to be incapable of planning ahead. This is essential to maintain the health of a relationship. If a neurotypical partner is asked by an ADHD partner to do dishes, the person may be distracted by other chores and not complete the task. People with ADHD are also prone to jumping from hobby to hobby and investing time and money into their latest passion. This can lead to financial issues and a messy home.
Mood swings are an issue for people suffering from ADHD in relationships. They may lash out in anger at their partner or experience sudden, broad mood swings from anxiety to extreme happiness. They may be overwhelmed and feel unable to control the situation.
It's important for people with ADHD to improve their self-control, which includes calmness and avoiding triggers that could cause emotional outbursts. They should also use relaxation techniques such as mindfulness meditation and deep breathing. They should also seek help from a mental health professional or ADHD specialist to learn coping skills and develop a treatment program.
It's also essential for people with ADHD to understand how their behavior impacts others. Particularly in intimate relationships, it's essential for both parties to cultivate compassion and understanding. It is also important to establish clear boundaries to avoid feelings of resentment. It is also beneficial for people with ADHD to understand accommodations for notetaking, organizing, or taking breaks from conversations in order to deal with their symptoms at school and work.
Work-related Issues
For women who suffer from ADHD working can be overwhelming. Working from home or at an office can be a challenge. You may have to handle calls, emails, and meetings all day. Add to that the agitation, disorganization and difficulty staying focused on tasks or remembering deadlines that are common to ADHD and it can feel like your job is a nightmare.
There are a variety of ways you can help. Talking with your doctor or a mental health professional is a good way. They can evaluate your symptoms, and recommend a diagnostic. They may ask you to describe how your ADHD impacts your daily life, and they may suggest ways to manage them. For instance, they could suggest using a calendar to track appointments or arranging your workspace. Some people with ADHD also benefit by having a routine of taking medication on a regular schedule and limiting distractions such as social media or television.
Women who suffer from ADHD may find their symptoms worsened by hormonal changes, like the menstrual period or pregnancy. They are more likely to experience mood fluctuations or feelings of discontent in their lives. This makes them difficult to comprehend by male friends or colleagues.
The good news is a combination of self-care and treatment could assist you in overcoming this problem. Your doctor can prescribe medications including stimulants and non-stimulants, which can help alleviate your symptoms. They can also refer to a group of women suffering from ADHD.
The NIMH Tips for Talking to Your Health Care Provider factsheet will help you prepare for the conversation. The fact sheet contains a practice script and questions that you can ask. You can also download the factsheet. NIMH also offers resources to help you find a doctor or mental health professional who is knowledgeable with treating ADHD in adults. Then, a thorough evaluation can be done to see if ADHD is the root cause of your problems. If it is, you can also be referred to a specialist. Find out more about Adult ADHD on the NIMH page.
Social Problems
Women with ADHD might experience mood disorders or anxiety in addition to ADHD. They may also have trouble navigating social situations because they are not able to read body language or detect social signals. These issues can cause difficulties in relationships with others as well as at work and at home. Adult ADHD symptoms can affect physical health, leading to weight issues, anxiety, depression, and chronic stress.
Due to their tendency to be more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms, women typically have a difficult time being diagnosed and being treated as adult. Many of these women may have been referred to treatment for other conditions prior to being diagnosed with ADHD. Through the years they might have developed coping skills and learned to hide their ADHD. This could lead to an internalized sense of blame or that their lives will never be organized.
After receiving a final diagnosis, it can be an enormous relief for those suffering from ADHD to know that they're not the cause for their problems and that the problems don't stem from an insecurities or personal weakness. A diagnosis can also be an incredible source of motivation and hope to change, as these women now know what they need to accomplish to realize their full potential.
There are many resources that can help women find ways to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life. 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)). People who do not want to take stimulant medication can choose non-stimulant alternatives such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) or viloxazine (Qelbree(r)), or clonidine (Kapvay(r)).
It is essential that women consult a trusted healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis. ADHD adult female symptoms include medication, lifestyle changes, and an amalgamation of other treatments.