ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD affects both men as well as women, however, societal expectations and gender roles can make it difficult for them to be diagnosed. Women are also more adept in hiding their symptoms, which can result in a misdiagnosis or delay in treatment.
Lingering stereotypes, referral bias, internalized symptoms and comorbidities all contribute to roadblocks to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are a few of most frequent untreated adhd female adults.
1. Problems with Focusing
Although the symptoms of impulsive and hyperactive of ADHD are more common for both genders however, women and those who are assigned a female at birth (AFAB) are not yet diagnosed for the condition. This is in part because women's symptoms are more often inattentive than those of the hyperactive/impulsive type, which make them less likely to get referred for assessment and treatment.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD are a lack of organization or on task, losing important appointments or things, and being easily distracted by work or social events. Women suffering from this disorder may also find it difficult to concentrate on schoolwork or other work. In some cases, women with ADHD might have difficulty sleeping or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety or a medical condition.
People who have inattention ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and attempt to compensate for them. Their behavior can be misinterpreted by others, leading to confusion, anger and conflict in their relationships. In the workplace, it can result in problems in the workplace and missed opportunities.
This is why the impact of untreated ADHD in female adults can be devastating. Women can find themselves struggling to cope with their challenges at home and at work which can make it hard to stay afloat as they take on many responsibilities and strive to reach the goals they have set for themselves.
In addition to having difficulty focus, many women suffering from ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their family and friends. As a result, they can become isolated or develop self-defeating patterns such as alcohol use.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms such as low self esteem and feelings of guilt, shame or feelings of inadequacy. This makes them more prone to physical and mental stress and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. As a result, they are more likely to self-injury or suicide than those who don't suffer from the condition. Receiving a diagnosis can make a woman feel more empowered to take steps to change her life for the better. To get a diagnosis, a woman must first speak with a qualified health professional for an evaluation and effective treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms are difficult to manage in the workplace, especially. Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD frequently have a hard to complete work tasks and managing their schedule. They may miss appointments, misplace important paperwork, or depend on productivity apps to help remain on track. These apps can be helpful, but they cannot replace the need for solid organizational skills.
The gender role expectations of women can also increase the symptoms of ADHD. Women are required to look after their families and homes, which requires a level of coordination that ADHD sufferers struggle to maintain. This pressure from society can cause women with ADHD to feel embarrassed and blame themselves for failing to fulfill these expectations.
Problems with time management can cause frustration in relationships both professional and personal. ADHD symptoms can cause you underestimating the time it takes to complete tasks, causing you to be late to meetings or other commitments. If you are frequently late for events, consider using a planner or checklist to keep on top of deadlines. Take breaks frequently to move around and clear your mind. You can also use a timer when working.
You can also use mindfulness techniques to help you stay focused on your task and reduce distractions. For instance, instead listening to music or podcasts while working, you can listen to the news on your phone. If you have trouble being able to concentrate while driving, you might consider switching to a car that has a manual transmission. You may also want consider driving without your cellphone to avoid getting distracted by texting or calling.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD, the mental health professional can recommend treatment and strategies for coping. Treatment options may include medication, such as stimulants, as well as psychotherapy. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate therapy based on your symptoms and the current circumstances in your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you come to accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing negative behaviors for healthier ones. You can also seek couples counseling or family therapy to improve communication in your relationships.
3. adhd in adults untreated and Depression
Females with ADHD tend to have higher levels of depression and anxiety than their male counterparts. They can struggle to cope with these issues, leading to a variety of unhealthy behaviors. In order to deal with their symptoms, they might use substances or develop unhealthy eating habits. These habits can cause symptoms to worsen. Women are also more likely to have problems that are not diagnosed. As a result, they are treated in the wrong way which can further aggravate their mood and cause other issues.
It's important to recognize that many factors can cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD, including stress as well as certain physical conditions and illnesses. It is important to speak with a mental health professional or a health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers suspect that this disparity in the prevalence of ADHD diagnosis for males and females is due to a combination of social and biological gender roles. Women are typically expected to take on more parenting and household duties than their male counterparts. This can result in feelings of self-esteem loss and untrue beliefs that can lead to an increase in ADHD symptoms.
In addition, women may be less likely to report their symptoms to a healthcare professional because they believe they should be able to manage them on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD might also be more likely than other people to blame their problems on external factors, for example, sleep deprivation or stress. This can contribute to the fact that a lot of women with ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic is particularly challenging for young adults. They have greater levels of depression and anxiety than adults in their middle years. The peak in these levels coincided with the peaks in the number of cases of COVID-19 and were triggered by a period of racial justice protests mass shootings, decades of high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine, recurrent climate catastrophes, and a rise in unemployment. Stress exposure, especially recent and chronic, is known to be an important risk cause for depression and anxiety, so this combination of factors may help explain why these levels have been so persistently raised.
4. Problems in Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD can have trouble finding and maintaining friendships particularly as they get older. Social isolation is associated with a range of health problems, including high blood pressure and chronic stress. It is beneficial to have close family members and friends who are able to provide support, but many adults struggle to keep or establish new connections.
The social norms that surround gender and sex can impact on whether women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In one study, teachers or parents were less likely than men to refer girls to treatment for ADHD. This is thought to be partly due to the different types of symptoms that manifest in girls and boys: boys and men typically display hyperactive/impulsive-type symptoms, while girls and women typically show primarily inattentive-type symptoms.
The social expectations for women and girls may contribute to ADHD symptoms. Girls and women are often held to a higher standard than boys and men for the behaviors, attitudes, and traits they exhibit--particularly in relation to their empathy and ability to relate to others. This makes women and girls more likely to be punished for exhibiting ADHD-related symptoms like disorganization and inattention. This means that they may be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety, and their ADHD symptoms might not be properly treated.
Additionally, hormonal fluctuations can also amplify ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels are lower towards the end of their menstrual cycle and during ovulation. This can make women's and girls' symptoms get worse. This can cause confusion in adolescents, particularly when it is combined with hormonal changes. It is difficult to identify and treat them properly.
Although it is true that many of the same treatment options work for women with ADHD as they do for men, a mental health professional will have to take a look at each individual's particular needs and symptoms. The kind of treatment a patient receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms, as along with other factors contributing to their difficulties. For instance, a history depression or trauma. The most common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a process where individuals learn to alter their negative thoughts and replace them with healthier ones. Couples counseling can also assist individuals to improve their communication and resolve problems in relationships.