ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects women and men. However, the expectations of society & gender roles make it difficult for women to recognize. Women are also better in hiding their symptoms, which could result in a misdiagnosis or delay in treatment.
Obscuring stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptoms, and comorbidities all create obstacles to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are some of female adult symptoms that are not treated for adhd.
1. Problems with Focusing
Women and people who were assigned females at birth are still underdiagnosed with ADHD. 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 forgetting important appointments or things and being easily distracted by work or social events. Women with this disorder may also find it difficult to concentrate on schoolwork or other tasks. Women who suffer from ADHD can have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep because of depression, anxiety or medical issues.
People who have inattention ADHD often try to hide their symptoms. Others may not understand their behavior, leading to confusion, frustration and conflict within relationships. This can result in missed career opportunities and challenges at work.
This is why the effects of untreated ADHD in females who are adults can be devastating. Women may find themselves struggling to cope with their challenges at home and at work and this can make it hard to stay on top of their game as they juggle many responsibilities and strive to meet the goals they set for themselves.
In addition to having trouble focus, many women suffering from ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their family and friends. As a result they may become lonely or develop self-defeating habits that are unhealthy like alcohol abuse.
Women with untreated ADHD may also experience internalizing symptoms, such as low self-esteem, feelings of guilt, shame or a sense of worthlessness. This can lead them to be more vulnerable to physical illness, stress and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. In turn, they are more likely to suicide or self-injury as compared to those who don't suffer from the condition. A diagnosis can make a woman feel more confident in taking steps to change her life to the best of her abilities. However, obtaining a diagnosis requires that she first see an expert in healthcare for a thorough assessment and effective treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms are difficult to manage in the workplace, particularly. Women with no diagnosis of ADHD have trouble managing their day-to-day schedule and completing work-related tasks. They may lose important paperwork or appointments, or rely upon productivity apps to stay on track. These apps are useful but they cannot replace good organizational skills.
The expectations for gender roles of women can also exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD. Society expects women to be the caretakers of their homes and families, which requires a certain level of coordination that people suffering from ADHD struggle to maintain. This social pressure can cause feelings of shame and self-blame for women who suffer from ADHD who attempt to fulfill these expectations, causing them to mask their symptoms.
Troubles with time management could result in frustration in relationships both professional and personal. untreated adhd in female adults of ADHD can make you underestimate how you will take to finish a task, causing you to be late for meetings or other commitments. Use a checklist or a calendar to on track of deadlines when you are often late for events. Make frequent breaks to clear your mind and move around.
You can also practice mindfulness techniques to help you focus on your focus and eliminate distractions. For instance, instead of listening to music or podcasts while working, you can listen to the news on your smartphone. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, try switching to a manual transmission car. You may also want consider driving without your cellphone in order to avoid being distracted by texting or calling.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, the mental health professional can suggest treatments and strategies for coping. Treatment options may include medication, such as stimulants, and psychotherapy. The type of therapy that your doctor recommends will be based on the specific symptoms you have and the current state of your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for instance can help you to accept your thoughts and emotions while replacing negative patterns of behaviour with healthier ones. You can also receive family therapy or couples counseling to improve communication between you and your family members.
3. Anxiety and Depression
Females who suffer from ADHD are more prone to anxiety and depression than males. They may struggle to cope with the symptoms, which could lead to a variety of unhealthy behaviors. As a way to cope with their symptoms, they could resort to using substances or adopt unhealthy eating habits. These behaviors can exacerbate symptoms. Additionally, women are more likely to be misdiagnosed for these problems. In the end, they are treated incorrectly which may further aggravate their mood and trigger other problems.
It's important to note that many factors can cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD such as stress and certain physical ailments and illnesses. 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 biological and socially constructed roles. Women are expected to take on more household and parenting work than men. This can cause feelings of low self-esteem and dysfunctional beliefs, which can worsen ADHD symptoms.
Furthermore, women may be less likely to admit their symptoms to a medical professional because they believe they can handle them on their own. Women with ADHD also may be more likely to blame their symptoms on other factors such as lack of sleep or stress. This could lead to a lot of women who suffer from ADHD not being diagnosed until later in life.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic timeframe has been particularly difficult for young adults, who are more likely to suffer from more constant high rates of anxiety and depression than adults of middle age. These peaks coincided with COVID-19-related cases and were occurring at a time when there were racial injustice protests, mass shootings, decades of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine and other countries, frequent catastrophes and increasing unemployment. Stress exposure as a whole, whether it is chronic or recent, has been proven to increase depression and anxiety. This combination of factors could explain why these levels are persistently high.
4. Problems in Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD may have difficulty making and keeping friends particularly as they age. Social isolation is associated with a range of health issues, including high blood pressure and chronic stress. It is beneficial to have close family members and friends who can offer support, but many adults struggle to maintain or make new relationships.
The social norms surrounding gender and sex can influence whether women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In one study, teachers or parents were less likely than boys to refer girls to services 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.
These expectations from society for girls and women can also exacerbate their 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 prone to being punished for exhibiting ADHD-related symptoms like disorganization and inattention. They could be misdiagnosed as having mood disorders or anxiety, and their ADHD symptoms may not be properly treated.
Additionally, hormonal fluctuations can also amplify ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels may be lower at the end of and during the ovulation period of the menstrual cycle 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. It is difficult to recognize and treat them appropriately.
While many of the same treatment options are available to women suffering from ADHD However, a mental health professional must still assess each individual's symptoms and needs. The kind of treatment a person receives depends on the severity of their ADHD symptoms, as along with other factors that could be contributing to their difficulties. For example the history of trauma or depression. Some typical treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), where people learn to alter their negative thought patterns and swap them for healthier ones. Couples counseling can also help individuals improve their communication skills and solve issues in their relationships.