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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 obvious as those of men. Many develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms and then blame themselves for their own problems. The symptoms include difficulty staying organized, high distractibility and memory problems. The use of medication can help treat these symptoms. Self-Esteem Issues Women with ADHD might feel they aren't as skilled or as deserving of success as their peers. They may have a difficult to deal with frustration or disappointment triggered by the daily struggle to keep the track of appointments, adhere through on commitments and deadlines and organize at home or work. This can result in to a vicious cycle of self-criticism, depression, and anxiety (Foster and Wolpe, 2010). Women may be unable to establish healthy coping strategies. They might turn to harmful or unhealthy behaviors as a way of trying to manage their symptoms, especially during adolescence, like excessive drinking and drug use. These unhealthy coping strategies can further exacerbate their problems and negatively impact their lives. They can also make it difficult for professionals to detect symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis. Impulsivity can lead to reckless behaviour or outbursts that are not in accordance with the values one holds. This can lead to feelings of shame. Many women suffering from ADHD also have trouble regulating emotions or communicating effectively which makes it difficult for them to interact in social situations. This can also make it difficult to form or maintain relationships and, as time passes this can lead to feelings of shame and loneliness. Inadvertently forgetting birthdays, missing meetings, or falling behind on assignments can cause anger with loved ones, especially when they don't understand the reason behind these events. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty expressing their emotions. They may unintentionally say things that are hurtful to others or get them in trouble at school or work. People with ADHD tend to delay their work and have difficulty to begin or finish tasks. This can lead to being late for health checks or other important appointments which can cause them to feel overwhelmed and a bit out of control. Fortunately, it's now more common for professionals to recognize 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 for women that help them manage their symptoms, and regain 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 family members and friends ones because of their impulsivity, inability to focus on conversations, and the tendency to drift off into off-topic topics. These problems can cause confusion and hurt feelings. The good part is that with the right care and treatment women can form friendships that are supportive and loving. One of the most common issues in relationships for people who suffer from ADHD is “love bombing.” Love bombing is a tactic where one lavishes their partner with affection and love at the beginning of a relationship to trigger strong feelings of dependency and ignore any problematic behavior. This is usually the result of untreated ADHD. ADHD can also make people unable to plan ahead. This is important for maintaining an enduring relationship. If a person with a neurotypical personality is asked by an ADHD partner to do dishes, the person could be distracted by other chores, and never finish the task. People with ADHD are also susceptible to jumping from hobby to interest and putting time and money into their latest passion. This can cause financial problems and a messy house. Mood swings are another frequent issue in relationships for those who suffer from ADHD. They might lash out in anger at their spouses or experience sudden, wide mood changes from extreme anxiety to extreme joy. Their loved ones may feel overwhelmed and feel unable to control the situation. It is crucial for those with ADHD to work on self-control, which includes slowing down and avoiding triggers that might elicit emotional outbursts. They should also try techniques for relaxation, like meditation and deep breathing. Additionally, they should seek support from a mental health professional or ADHD specialist to discover coping strategies and develop a treatment plan. It is crucial that those who suffer from ADHD be aware of how their behavior affect other people. In intimate relationships, both parties should develop empathy and compassion. They should also set the boundaries clearly to avoid anger. It is also beneficial for people who suffer from ADHD, to learn about accommodations for notetaking, organizing, or taking breaks from conversations to cope with their problems at school and at work. Work-related Issues Work can be overwhelming for women suffering from ADHD. Working from home or at an office can be difficult. You might have to deal with calls, emails, and meetings all day long. Add to that the agitation and disorganization, as well as difficulty keeping track of tasks or deadlines that are a hallmark of ADHD and it can feel as if your job is unattainable. There are plenty of ways to help. One way is to talk with your health medical professional or a mental health professional. They can evaluate your symptoms, and recommend an assessment. They might ask you to describe how your ADHD impacts your daily life, and they can suggest ways to manage your symptoms. They may suggest using a calendar to schedule appointments or arranging your workspace. Some people with ADHD benefit from a routine, taking medication regularly, and limiting distracting activities like TV or social media. Women suffering from ADHD may suffer from symptoms that are exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. They are more likely to experience mood fluctuation or feelings of unsatisfaction in their lives. This can make them harder to comprehend by male friends or colleagues. The good news is that a combination of self-care and treatment can help you overcome this challenge. Your doctor may prescribe medications including stimulants and non-stimulants that can help alleviate your symptoms. They could be a reference to a group of women suffering from ADHD. The NIMH's Tips to Talk with Your Health Care Provider fact sheet will help you prepare for this conversation. The fact sheet contains a practice script and questions that you can ask. You can download the fact sheet. NIMH also has resources to help locate a health care provider or mental health professional who is experienced with treating ADHD in adults. A comprehensive evaluation will be performed to determine if ADHD is causing your problems. ADHD symptoms in adulthood can also seek a referral to an expert, if required. Learn more about Adult ADHD on the NIMH page. Social Problems Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely than men to suffer mood-related or anxiety-related issues, and they may also have trouble navigating social situations because they are unable to discern social signals or detect body language. These challenges can cause difficulties in relationships with loved ones as well as in work and home life. In addition, the symptoms of adult ADHD can interfere with physical health, leading to issues with weight, chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. Women often have difficulty getting diagnosed as adults, since they are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms. Many of them may have been referred to treatment for other conditions prior to being diagnosed with ADHD. Over time, they might have developed coping skills and learned to hide their ADHD. This could lead to a feeling of self-blame or the feeling that their lives will never be arranged. After finally getting a proper diagnosis, it can be an immense relief for women with ADHD to realize that they're not at fault for their problems and that the problems don't stem from a character flaw or personal weakness. A diagnosis can be a fantastic source of motivation and hope for those suffering from ADHD, since they have the tools to reach their potential. There are a variety of resources to help women find solutions to ease symptoms and improve the quality of life. These include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or specialized ADHD medication. Medications used to treat ADHD in adults are typically stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin®), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall®) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse®). Those who prefer not to take stimulants can opt for non-stimulant options such as atomoxetine (Strattera®) and viloxazine (Qelbree®), or clonidine (Kapvay®). It is essential that women consult a trusted healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis. Treatment options include medication, lifestyle changes, and an amalgamation of other treatments.