ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of

Women who suffer from ADHD are often misdiagnosed, or left undiagnosed, as their symptoms are not as obvious like those of males. Many develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms, and then blame themselves for their own problems.

It is a sign of trouble keeping track of things, a high level of distraction and memory problems. These symptoms can be controlled by taking medication.

Self-Esteem Issues


Women with ADHD often feel that they're not as capable or capable of making the same strides as their peers. They might have a difficult to deal with frustration or discontent caused by their daily struggles to keep track of appointments, follow through on commitments and deadlines and organize at home or work. This can create a vicious cycle of inner self-criticism and depression, stress, and anxiety (Foster & Wolpe, 2010).

Women may be unable to develop healthy coping mechanisms. They may find themselves turning to harmful or unhealthy behaviors in order to manage their symptoms especially in adolescence like excessive drinking and substance use. These unhealthy ways of coping can worsen their problems and negatively affect their lives. In addition, they may also make it harder for medical professionals to identify their symptoms and delay a proper diagnosis.

Insanity can lead to reckless behavior or outbursts, that aren't in line with the values one holds. This can result in feelings of shame. Many women with ADHD also have trouble regulating emotions or communicating effectively which makes it difficult to engage in social settings. This can also make it difficult to make or keep relationships, and over time, this can contribute to feelings of shame and depression.

If family members don't know what causes things to happen like not remembering birthdays, missing appointments, or being behind in their work, they can become annoyed. Women with ADHD might also have issues communicating their feelings. They may unintentionally say things that hurt to others or get them in trouble at school or work.

Finally, people with ADHD tend to procrastination and finding it hard to start or complete tasks. This can result in missing health check-ups or other important appointments. They might be overwhelmed and uncontrollable.

It's more common now for professionals to recognize adult ADHD symptoms in women and recommend treatment. Additionally, the recognition of the differentiators between men with ADHD and women has led to more effective treatment options that help women manage their symptoms and gain self-esteem and confidence.

Relationship issues

A person with ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women in particular might have difficulties communicating with friends and loved ones due to their impulsivity, inability to focus on conversations, and the tendency to drift off into diverging thoughts. These signs can cause miscommunication and hurtful feelings. The good part is that with the right care and treatment women can build loving and supportive relationships.

One of the most common issues that couples face when they have someone who suffer from ADHD is "love bombing." Love bombing is a method of ensuring that people shower their partners with love and attention as early as they begin a relationship to create strong feelings of dependency and to overlook concerning behaviors. This behavior is often the result of untreated ADHD.

ADHD can also render people in a position to not plan ahead. This is crucial to ensure a healthy relationship. If a person with a neurotypical personality is asked by an ADHD partner to wash the dishes, that person may be distracted by other chores and may not finish the task. People with ADHD are also susceptible to hopping from one hobby to another hobby and investing time and money into their latest passion. This can cause financial problems and a messy house.

Mood swings are a common issue in relationships for those who suffer from ADHD. They may be angry with their partner or experience sudden, sweeping mood swings from extreme anxiety to extreme joy. The result is that their partners are feeling overwhelmed and unable to manage the situation.

People suffering from ADHD should work on self control, including calming themselves down and avoiding triggers that can cause emotional outbursts. They should also practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and mindfulness meditation. 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 is crucial that those who suffer from ADHD recognize how their behaviors impact others. Particularly in intimate relationships, it's important for both partners to cultivate compassion and understanding. They should also set clear boundaries to avoid anger. It's also helpful for people who suffer from ADHD to understand the importance of accommodating such as notetaking, organizing and taking breaks from conversations, to help them manage their issues in the workplace and school.

Work-related Issues

For women with ADHD working can be overwhelming. Working from home or at an office can be a challenge. It is possible to handle phone calls, emails, and meetings all day. Add to that the agitation, disorganization and difficulty keeping track of tasks or deadlines that are associated with ADHD and it could seem like your job is a nightmare.

Fortunately, there are adult male ADHD symptoms to assist. One way is to talk with your health doctor or mental health professional. They will evaluate your symptoms and suggest an assessment. They might ask you to describe how your ADHD affects your life and they may suggest strategies to manage them. They may suggest using a planner for appointments or organizing your workspace. Some people suffering from ADHD benefit from a schedule, taking medication regularly, and limiting distractions like TV or social media.

Women with ADHD are often afflicted with symptoms that are caused by hormonal changes such as the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. They are more likely to have mood fluctuations or feelings of discontent in their lives. This makes them difficult to comprehend by male coworkers or partners.

The good news is that a combination of treatment and self-care can assist you in overcoming these issues. Your doctor can recommend treatments that could help alleviate your symptoms, including medications like stimulants or non-stimulants. They may also refer you to a group of women who support women with ADHD.

The NIMH's Tips for Talking with Your Health Care Provider factsheet will assist you in preparing for the conversation. The fact sheet contains a script for practice and questions that you can ask. You can also download a printable version of the fact sheet. NIMH has resources to help you find an expert in mental health or health professional who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. A thorough evaluation can be done to determine if ADHD is the primary cause of your problems. You can also seek a referral to a specialist, if needed. You can find out more about this on the NIMH's Adult ADHD page.

Social Issues

Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely than men to experience mood-related disorders or anxiety and may be unable to handle social situations due to their inability to recognize social cues or detect body language. These issues can cause problems in relationships with loved ones and also in work and home life. Adult ADHD symptoms can also impact physical health, causing weight issues depression, anxiety, and chronic stress.

Because of their tendency to be more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms, women typically struggle to be diagnosed and being treated as adults. These women may have received treatment for other conditions prior to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. Over the years, they may have developed coping skills and have learned to hide their attention deficit disorder. This can result in feelings of guilt or the feeling that their lives will never be organized.

After receiving a final diagnosis, it's an enormous relief for those with ADHD to know that they're not responsible for their issues and that the issues don't stem from an insecurities or personal weakness. A diagnosis can be a wonderful source of motivation and optimism for women with ADHD, because they now have the tools to reach their potential.

While the challenges of being diagnosed with adult ADHD can be considerable but there are plenty of resources to help women find effective treatments to alleviate their symptoms and improve their lives. These include psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and special 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 may choose to use non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) or viloxazine (Qelbree(r)) or Clonidine (Kapvay(r)).

For the most successful treatment, it's important that these women see an experienced medical professional for an accurate diagnosis of their condition. Treatment options include medications, lifestyle changes, and an amalgamation of other treatments.