ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women with ADHD are often misdiagnosed or are left undiagnosed because their symptoms are not as evident as those of men. Many find ways to hide their symptoms and blame themselves for their issues.
It is a sign of trouble staying organized, high distractibility and memory problems. Medications can help manage these symptoms.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women with ADHD often feel they're not as skilled or worthy of success as their peers. They might have a difficult time coping with frustration or disappointment caused by daily struggles to keep track of appointments, follow through on commitments and deadlines and stay organized at work or at home. This can create a vicious circle of self-criticism, depression and stress (Foster and Wolpe, 2010).
symptoms of add and ADHD in adults may struggle to develop healthy coping strategies. In order to combat their symptoms, women may turn to harmful or unhealthy behavior particularly during the adolescent stage. These harmful coping strategies can worsen their problems and negatively impact their lives. They can also make it difficult for professionals to identify signs and delay a proper diagnosis.
Impulsivity can lead to reckless behavior or outbursts, that aren't in line with the values one holds. This can cause feelings of shame. Many women with ADHD also struggle with controlling emotions or expressing themselves effectively, which can make it difficult for them to be a part of social settings. This can also make it difficult to make or keep relationships and, over time this can lead to feelings of shame and depression.
If family members don't know why things happen, such as not remembering birthdays, missing appointments, or getting behind on their assignments they may become frustrated. Women with ADHD can also have difficulty in expressing their feelings, which is why they may unintentionally blurt out things that hurt others or cause trouble at work or school.
In addition, people suffering from ADHD are more likely to procrastination and finding it difficult to begin or finish tasks. This could lead to being late for health checks or other important appointments which can leave them feeling overwhelmed and uncontrollable.
Fortunately, it's now more normal for professionals to recognize the symptoms of adult ADHD in women and refer them for treatment. In addition, advances in understanding the differentiators between men and women with ADHD have led to more effective treatments that help women manage their symptoms and restore confidence and self-esteem.
Relationship issues
A person with ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women with ADHD might have difficulties communicating with family members and friends ones because of their impulsivity, inability to focus on conversations, and inclination to drift off into diverging thoughts. 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 frequent issues in relationships for people with ADHD is "love bombing." Love bombing is a tactic where one lavishes their partner with affection and attention early on in the relationship to trigger intense feelings of dependency and to ignore any problematic behavior. Most of the time, this behavior is a result of untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also render people in a position to not plan ahead. This is crucial to ensure the health of a relationship. If a neurotypical partner wants an ADHD partner to do dishes, the person could be distracted by other chores, and never finish them. People with ADHD are also susceptible to switching from hobby to hobby, and putting money and time into their latest obsession. This can result in financial issues and a messy home.
Mood swings are a problem for people with ADHD in relationships. They may get angry at their partner or experience sudden, wide mood swings from anxiety to extreme happiness. This can leave their partners feeling overwhelmed and unable control the situation.
People with ADHD should focus on self-control, including calming themselves down and avoiding triggers which could trigger emotional outbursts. They should also try relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing. Additionally they should seek out help from an expert in mental health or ADHD specialist to develop strategies for coping and formulate a treatment strategy.
It's important that people with ADHD understand how their actions influence other people. Particularly in intimate relationships, it's essential for both parties to cultivate compassion and understanding. It is also important to establish clear boundaries to prevent feelings of resentment. It's also helpful for people with ADHD to be aware of accommodations such as taking notes, organizing their time and taking breaks from conversations to help them manage their issues at work and at school.
Work-related Issues
The demands of work can be overwhelming for women who suffer from ADHD. Working from home or at an office can be difficult. It is possible to manage emails, phone calls, and meetings all day long. Add to that the agitation disorganization, disarray, and difficulty in focusing on work and juggling deadlines triggered by ADHD it can be as if your job is a struggle.
There are a variety of ways to assist. One option is to speak with your health care provider or a mental health specialist. They will evaluate your symptoms and suggest the diagnosis. They may ask you to explain how your ADHD affects your life and suggest ways to manage the symptoms. They may suggest using a calendar for appointments or arranging your workspace. Some people suffering from ADHD benefit from having a plan or taking medication regularly and limiting distracting activities such as television or social media.
Women who suffer from ADHD are often afflicted with symptoms that are worsened by hormonal changes, like the menstrual period or pregnancy. They are more likely to have mood swings or feelings of dissatisfaction in their lives. This could make them difficult to comprehend by male colleagues or partners.
The good news is that a combination of self-care and treatment can assist you in overcoming these issues. Your doctor can suggest treatments that could help improve your symptoms, including medications such as stimulants or non-stimulants. They may be a reference to a group of women who suffer from ADHD.
The NIMH Tips for Talking to Your Health Care Provider factsheet can assist you in preparing for the conversation. click here. provides an exercise script and questions you can ask. You can also download a downloadable version of the fact sheet. NIMH also has resources to help find a doctor or mental health professional who is familiar with treating ADHD in adults. Then a full evaluation can be carried out to determine whether ADHD is causing your problems. If it is, you can also be referred to a specialist. You can find out more about this issue on NIMH's Adult ADHD page.
Social Issues
Women suffering from ADHD might experience mood disorders or anxiety in addition to ADHD. They could also have trouble navigating social situations due to being not able to read body language or pick up social cues. These issues can cause difficulties in romantic relationships as well as at home and at work. In addition, the symptoms of adult ADHD can impact physical health and lead to issues with weight and chronic stress, anxiety and depression.
Women often have a difficult time getting diagnosed as adults because they are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms. Women might have had treatment for other illnesses prior to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. They might have developed strategies for coping and developed strategies to hide their ADHD over the years, leading to self-blame for a lack of ability or a sense that they'll never get their lives back in order.
It can be a massive relief for women with ADHD when they finally receive a proper diagnosis. They realize that their problems aren't their fault and that the problems do not originate from a personal weakness or character flaw. A diagnosis can also be a powerful source of inspiration and motivation to change, as the women now know what they must do to reach their full potential.
There are a variety of resources to help women find ways to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life. These can include psychotherapy, cognitive behavior 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)). People who do not want to take stimulant medication can opt for non-stimulant options like atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) or viloxazine (Qelbree(r)) or Clonidine (Kapvay(r)).
For the most successful treatment, it's crucial to see an experienced healthcare professional who can provide an accurate diagnosis of their condition. Treatment options include medications and lifestyle changes, as well as an amalgamation of other treatments.