ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD affects both men as well as women, but the expectations of society and gender roles often make it harder for them to get diagnosed. Women are also better in hiding their symptoms, which could lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral biases, lingering stereotypes and comorbidities could all be obstacles to a proper diagnosis. Here are some females' symptoms that aren't treated for adhd.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Although the hyperactive and impulsive signs of ADHD are more prevalent in males and females however, women and those who are assigned a female at birth (AFAB) are still underdiagnosed 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.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include being unable to remember important appointments or items, and being easily distracted by social or work occasions. It can also be hard for women with this disorder to sit and concentrate on their homework or other tasks at school or work. In some cases, people who suffer from ADHD may have trouble sleeping or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety or a medical problem.
People with inattention ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms. Others might interpret their behavior incorrectly, leading to misunderstandings, frustration and conflict in relationships. In the workplace, it could result in lost opportunities and career challenges.
This is why the effects of untreated ADHD for females can be devastating. Women can find themselves struggling to manage their challenges at home and at work which can make it hard to stay on top of their game as they manage many responsibilities and strive to achieve the goals they have set for themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD have difficulty focusing and also struggle to get emotional support from family members and close friends. In the end, they can become isolated or develop unhealthy patterns of self-defeating behaviors, such as alcohol abuse.
Women with untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms such as low self esteem and feelings of guilt, shame or worthlessness. This can make them more prone to physical and mental stressors as well as mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. They are more likely than people who don't have the condition to commit suicide or self-harm. Women can feel empowered by the diagnosis and can take action to improve her life. To receive a diagnosis, a woman must first consult a licensed healthcare professional for an assessment and effective treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms are difficult to manage in the workplace, particularly. 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 depend on productivity apps to help remain on track. These apps can be useful however they aren't able to substitute for the need for strong organizational skills.
The gender role expectations of women can also contribute to the symptoms of ADHD. Women are required to look after their families and their homes, which requires a level of coordination that ADHD sufferers struggle to maintain. This pressure from society can trigger feelings of self-reflection and shame for women with ADHD who are trying to meet these demands and cause them to hide their symptoms.
Problems with time management can result in frustration in relationships, both personal and professional. long-term effects of untreated adhd in adults of ADHD can make you underestimate how you will take to complete a task, which can cause you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If you are frequently late for meetings, think about using a planner or checklist to keep on top of deadlines. Take frequent breaks to relax your mind and get moving.
You can also apply mindfulness techniques to focus and cut down on distractions. Listening to news stories on your smartphone instead of listening to music or podcasts could be an excellent alternative to listening to music while working. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, think about switching to a car that has manual transmission. You may also want to think about driving without your phone in order to avoid being distracted by texting or calling.
A mental health professional can help determine the best treatment and coping strategy for ADHD. Treatment options include stimulants and psychotherapy. Your doctor will recommend an approach according to your health issues and the current circumstances in your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you come to accept your thoughts and feelings while swapping out negative patterns of behavior for healthier ones. You can also receive couples counseling or family therapy to improve communication between your family members.
3. Depression and Anxiety
Females who suffer from ADHD often report higher levels of depression and anxiety than their male counterparts. They may be struggling to deal with the symptoms, which can result in a range of unhealthy behaviors. As a way to cope with their symptoms, they could use substances or develop unhealthy eating habits. These habits can cause symptoms to worsen. Women are also more likely to get problems that are not diagnosed. They may receive the wrong treatment, which could increase their mood or trigger other issues.
It's essential to be aware that stress, physical conditions and illnesses can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. It is essential to consult an expert in mental health or health care professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the disparity in ADHD diagnoses between men and women is due to a combination biological and socially constructed roles. Women are generally expected to take on more household and parenting duties than their male counterparts. This pressure can result in feelings of self-doubt and cause dysfunctional beliefs that can cause symptoms of ADHD.
Women may also be less likely than men to tell a doctor about their symptoms as they believe they are able to manage them on their own. Women with ADHD might also be more likely than other people 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 later in life.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 epidemic has been particularly difficult for young adults. They tend to have greater levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms than adults in their middle years. These highs coincided with cases of COVID-19 and occurred during a time where protests against racism were on the rise and mass shootings, years of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine and other countries, frequent catastrophes and increasing unemployment. Recent and frequent stress exposure is known to be a risk factor for anxiety and depression and this combination of factors could explain why these levels have been so constantly raised.
4. Problems in Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD might have trouble forming and maintaining friendships, especially in adulthood. Social isolation can cause health issues like high blood pressure or chronic stress. Being close to family and friends members who provide support can be helpful however, many adults discover that they simply can't make new acquaintances or maintain existing relationships.
The social norms surrounding gender and sexuality can affect whether or not women suffering from ADHD receive the diagnosis and treatment they require. In one study, teachers and parents were less likely to refer girls suffering from ADHD to treatment 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.
The social expectations for women and girls may increase the severity of 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 penalized for showing symptoms of ADHD like inattention and disorganization. They could be misdiagnosed as having anxiety or mood disorders, and their ADHD symptoms might not be treated appropriately.
In addition, hormonal fluctuations can amplify ADHD in females. Estrogen levels may be lower at the end of and during the ovulation phase of the menstrual period which can cause symptoms worse for women and girls. In conjunction with hormonal changes during the adolescent years, this can result in confusion regarding their symptoms, making it more difficult to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Although untreated adhd in female adults symptoms of the same treatment options are available for women suffering from ADHD A mental health professional will still have to evaluate each individual's symptoms and needs. The kind of therapy a person receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms and other factors that might be contributing to their difficulties like an experience of depression or trauma. The most common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a process where individuals learn to change their negative thinking patterns and switch them to healthier ones. Couples counseling can also aid individuals in improving their communication and resolve issues in their relationships.