ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD affects both men as well as women, but societal expectations and gender roles often make it more difficult for them to get diagnosed. Women are also more adept in hiding their symptoms, which could cause misdiagnosis and delay in treatment.
Lingering stereotypes, referral biases internalized symptoms and comorbidities can all create obstacles to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are some of female adult symptoms that aren't being treated for adhd.
1. Problems with Focusing
Although the hyperactive and impulsive signs of ADHD are more prevalent in boys and men but women and those who are assigned 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.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include not remembering important appointments or things that are important, and getting easily distracted by work or social events. Women suffering from this disorder might also have difficulty to focus on schoolwork or other work. In some cases, people who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty sleeping or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety or a medical condition.
People with inattentive ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and attempt to make up for them. Others may misinterpret their behavior, causing confusion, frustration and conflict in relationships. In the workplace, it can lead to missed opportunities and career challenges.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating effects on female adults. Women can be struggling to cope with their difficulties at home and at work, which can make it difficult to keep afloat when they juggle many responsibilities and strive to reach the goals they set for themselves.
In addition to having difficulty focusing, many women with ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their family and friends. In the end, they can become isolated or develop unhealthy patterns of self-defeating behaviors like alcohol abuse.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms such as low self-esteem or feelings of guilt shame or feelings of inadequacy. This can make them more prone to stress, physical illnesses as well as mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. This means they are more likely to turn to suicide or self-injury as compared to those without the condition. Receiving a diagnosis can make a woman feel more empowered to take steps to alter her life to the best of her abilities. However, getting an diagnosis requires that she first see a qualified healthcare professional for a thorough assessment and efficient treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, especially in the workplace. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD struggle with managing their day-to-day schedule and completing work tasks. They might forget appointments, lose important paperwork or use productivity apps to help remain on track. These apps can be helpful however they aren't able to replace the need for good organization skills.
Gender roles can enhance the impact of ADHD symptoms for women. Women are expected to take care of their homes and families, which requires some degree of coordination that those with ADHD struggle to maintain. This societal pressure can trigger feelings of guilt and shame in women with ADHD who try to fulfill these expectations which can cause them to conceal their symptoms.
Time management issues can cause frustration in relationships, both personal and professional. ADHD symptoms can cause you underestimate the time it takes to complete your tasks, which can cause you to be late to meetings or other commitments. You might want to consider using a checklist or a calendar to on track of deadlines when you are frequently late for events. Use frequent breaks to calm your mind and move around.
You can also apply mindfulness techniques to stay focused and reduce distractions. For untreated adhd in adults depression , instead listening to music or podcasts while working, play an article on your mobile. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, consider changing to a vehicle with manual transmission. You could also consider driving with your cell phone turned off to avoid distractions with texting and calls.
A mental health professional can assist you to determine the most effective treatment and coping method for ADHD. Treatment options can include medications, like stimulants, and psychotherapy. The kind of therapy your doctor recommends will depend on your specific needs and the circumstances in your life. For instance, cognitive behavior therapy can help you to learn to accept your thoughts and feelings while swapping out negative behaviors for healthier ones. You can also seek out family or couples therapy to improve communication within your relationships.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females who suffer from ADHD are more prone to anxiety and depression than males. They may struggle to cope with the symptoms, and this can lead to a variety of unhealthy behavior. To cope with their symptoms, they might turn to substances or unhealthy eating habits. These behaviors can make symptoms worse. Additionally women are more prone to be misdiagnosed with these problems. As a result, they are treated in the wrong way which can further aggravate their mood and lead to other problems.
It's important that you know that stress, certain physical conditions and illnesses can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. It's important to consult an expert in mental health or a health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the differences in ADHD diagnoses between women and men is due to a combination socially and biologically imposed roles. Women are expected to take on more household chores and parenting than men. This can lead to feelings of self-esteem loss and dysfunctional beliefs, which can lead to an increase in ADHD symptoms.
In addition, women may be less likely to report their symptoms to a medical professional because they believe they can handle them on their own. Women with ADHD are also more likely than others to blame their problems on external factors, like sleep issues or stress. This could contribute to the fact that a lot of women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 epidemic has been especially difficult for young adults. They tend to have higher levels of depression and anxiety than adults in their mid-life. The highs 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 and recurring climate catastrophes and rising unemployment. Stress exposure, both chronic and recent, is known to increase depression and anxiety. This combination of factors may explain why these levels are consistently high.
4. Trouble Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD can have trouble making and keeping friends, especially as they age. Social isolation is linked to a variety of health issues, including high blood pressure and chronic stress. It can be beneficial to have close family members and friends who can provide support, but many adults have difficulty maintaining or form new connections.
Social norms regarding gender and sexuality can affect the likelihood that women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In one study, teachers and parents were less likely to refer girls with ADHD to services than boys. 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.
These societal expectations of girls and women may also 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 means that women and girls are more likely to be punished for exhibiting ADHD-related symptoms like disorganization and inattention. They could be misdiagnosed as having anxiety or mood disorders, and their ADHD symptoms might not be treated properly.
In addition, hormonal fluctuations can amplify ADHD in females. Estrogen levels may be lower towards the end and during the ovulation period of the menstrual period and can cause symptoms to become worse for women and girls. This can cause confusion in adolescents, especially when they are combined with hormonal changes. untreated adhd in adults depression can be difficult to diagnose and treat them properly.
Although adhd symptoms in adults treatment is true that many of the same treatment options are effective for women suffering from ADHD as they do for males, a mental health professional will need to evaluate each individual's unique symptoms and needs. The type of therapy a person receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms and other factors that might be contributing to their problems, such as the history of trauma or depression. The most common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a process where individuals learn how to change their negative thinking patterns and switch them to healthier ones. Couples counseling can assist individuals to improve their communication skills and solve problems in relationships.