3 Common Causes For Why Your ADHD In Adults Symptoms Women Isn't Working (And What You Can Do To Fix It)
ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of
Women suffering from ADHD are often misdiagnosed, or left undiagnosed, as their symptoms aren't as evident like those of males. Many develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms and end up blaming themselves for their problems.
The symptoms can include a lack of organization as well as high levels of distraction and memory issues. The use of medication can help treat these symptoms.
Self-Esteem Issues
Women who suffer from ADHD might feel they are not as competent or deserving of the same success as their peers. They may have a hard time coping with frustration or discontent caused by their every day struggles to keep track of appointments, follow the deadlines and commitments, and get organized at home or work. This can create to a vicious cycle of self-criticism, depression, and stress (Foster & Wolpe 2010).
Women may struggle to develop healthy strategies for coping. They might turn to unhealthy or harmful behaviors to try to manage their symptoms, especially during adolescence, for example, excessive drinking and substance use. These unhealthy coping methods can make their problems worse and negatively impact their lives. In addition, they may also make it harder for professionals to recognize their symptoms and delay a proper diagnosis.
The impulsivity that often comes with ADHD can manifest as reckless behavior or outbursts that aren't in line with one's values, which can lead to feelings of shame. Many women with ADHD also have trouble regulating emotions or expressing themselves effectively which makes it challenging for them to be a part of social situations. This can make it difficult for women who suffer from ADHD to build or maintain relationships. As time passes this can result in feelings of guilt and loneliness.
Forgetting birthdays, missing meetings, or falling late on assignments can cause frustration with family members, particularly when they aren't sure why these things happen. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have trouble expressing their emotions. They may accidentally say things that are hurtful to others or can be a target for trouble at work or in school.
In addition, people suffering from ADHD are often prone to putting off tasks and find it hard to start or finish tasks. This could lead to missed health checks or other important appointments. They may feel overwhelmed and out of control.
It's becoming more common for professionals to identify the signs of adult ADHD in women and refer them for treatment. Additionally advances in understanding the differentiators between women and men suffering from ADHD have led to more effective treatments that allow women to manage their symptoms and gain confidence and self-esteem.
Relationship Issues
ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women may have difficulty communicating with their friends and loved ones due to their impulsivity as well as their inability to concentrate on conversations. These symptoms can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. The good news is that with proper care and treatment women can build loving and supportive relationships.
One of the most frequent issues that couples face when they have someone with ADHD is "love bombing." Love bombing is a method of ensuring that someone showers their partner with love and attention as early as they begin a relationship to induce strong feelings of dependency and ignore any problematic behavior. This is usually caused by untreated ADHD.
ADHD can also make it difficult for people with ADHD to think ahead which is a major aspect in maintaining a relationship. If a person with a neurotypical personality wants an ADHD partner to help with the dishes, that person could be distracted by other chores, and not complete the task. People with ADHD are also prone to switching from hobby to hobby and investing money and time into their latest passion. This can result in financial issues and a messy house.
Mood swings are an issue for people suffering from ADHD in relationships. They may be angry with their partners or experience sudden, broad mood swings from anxiety to extreme happiness. The result is that their partners are feeling overwhelmed and unable to control the situation.
It is crucial for those with ADHD to improve their self-control, such as slowing down and avoiding triggers that may trigger emotional outbursts. They should also engage in relaxation techniques such as mindfulness meditation and deep breathing. Additionally they should seek help from a mental health professional or ADHD specialist to learn coping strategies and create a treatment plan.
It's also crucial for those who suffer from ADHD to recognize how their behavior impacts others. Particularly in intimate relationships, it's crucial for both partners to develop compassion and understanding. They should also establish the boundaries clearly to avoid anger. It's also helpful for those who suffer from ADHD to learn about accommodations such as notetaking, organizing, and taking breaks from conversations to help them manage their issues in the workplace and school.
Work-related Problems
The demands of work can be overwhelming for women suffering from ADHD. Working from home or in the office can be challenging. You may have to manage calls, emails, and meetings all day. Add to this the restlessness and disorganization as well as the difficulty in staying focused on tasks or remembering deadlines that are common to ADHD and it could seem like your job is a nightmare.

There are what is ADHD symptoms in adults of ways to assist. Talking with your doctor or mental health professional is a good way. They can evaluate your symptoms and recommend a diagnosis. They might ask you how ADHD affects your daily life and suggest ways to manage it. For instance, they could suggest using a planner to keep track of appointments or arranging your workspace. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from a routine, taking medication on a regular basis, and limiting distractions like television or social media.
Women with ADHD might suffer from symptoms that are exacerbated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycle or pregnancy. They are also more likely to experience mood swings and feelings of general discontent with their lives which makes them more likely to be overlooked by male friends or colleagues.
The good news is a combination of self-care and treatment can assist you in overcoming this problem. Your doctor can prescribe medication, such as stimulants and non-stimulants that can help alleviate your symptoms. They can also refer to a subset of women with ADHD.
The NIMH's Tips for Talking with Your Health Care Provider fact sheet can assist you in preparing for this conversation. This fact sheet includes a practice script and questions you can ask. You can also download a printable version of the fact sheet. NIMH also offers resources to help you locate a health care provider or mental health professional who is knowledgeable with treating ADHD in adults. A thorough assessment can be conducted to see whether ADHD is the primary cause of your problems. If necessary, you could be referred to a specialist. You can learn more about this on the NIMH's Adult ADHD page.
Social Issues
Women with ADHD are more likely than men to experience mood-related disorders or anxiety and may struggle to navigate social situations due to their inability to discern social signals or detect body language. These challenges can cause difficulties in romantic relationships as well as at home and at work. In addition, the symptoms of adult ADHD can interfere with physical health, leading to issues with weight as well as chronic stress, anxiety, and depression.
Due to their tendency be more adept at concealing their ADHD symptoms, women typically struggle to be diagnosed and being treated as adult. These women may have received treatment for other illnesses prior to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. Over the years they might have developed coping strategies and learned to hide their ADHD. This can result in a feeling of self-blame or the fear that their lives will never be in order.
After finally getting a proper diagnosis, it can be an enormous relief for women with ADHD to realize that they're not responsible for their problems and that the issues don't stem from a character flaw or personal weaknesses. A diagnosis can also be a great source of hope and motivation to make changes, since these women now know what they must do to reach their maximum potential.
While the challenges of the diagnosis of adult ADHD can be considerable There are a variety of resources available to help women find effective treatments to alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life. These include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral 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 medications may choose to use non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera(r)), viloxazine (Qelbree(r)), or clonidine (Kapvay(r)).
For the most successful treatment, it's important that these women see a trusted healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis of their condition. Treatment options include medication or lifestyle changes and a combination with other treatments.