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 at masking their symptoms, which can result in a misdiagnosis or delay in treatment.
Remaining stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptoms and comorbidities can all create roadblocks to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are some of female adults' symptoms that are not treated for adhd.
1. Trouble focusing
Although the symptoms of impulsive and hyperactive of ADHD are more common in boys and men however, women and those born female (AFAB) aren't yet being 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 include difficulty staying organized or on task, losing important dates or items, and being easily distracted by social or work events. It can be difficult for women with this disorder to sit down and concentrate on assignments or other work at school or work. Women who suffer from ADHD are often unable to fall asleep or staying asleep because of anxiety, depression, or medical problems.
People with inattentive ADHD often attempt to hide their symptoms. Others may not understand their behavior, leading to confusion, frustration and conflict in relationships. In the workplace, it can lead to lost opportunities and career challenges.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating consequences on female adults. Women may have a difficult time to cope with their difficulties at home as well as in the workplace. This could make it difficult to maintain a steady pace while they juggle their multiple obligations and try to reach the goals they have set for themselves.
Many women with ADHD struggle to focus and also are unable to receive emotional support from family members and friends. In the end, they can become isolated or develop self-defeating habits that are unhealthy such as alcohol use.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms, like low self-esteem and feelings guilt, shame or a sense of worthlessness. This can make them more prone to physical illness, stress and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. This means they are more likely to suicide or self-injury as compared to those without the condition. Being diagnosed can help a woman feel more confident in taking steps to change her life to the best of her abilities. To receive a diagnosis one must first consult a licensed healthcare provider for an evaluation and effective treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms are difficult to manage in the workplace, particularly. Women with undiagnosed ADHD frequently have a hard working through tasks at work and managing their daily schedule. They might forget important appointments or paperwork or rely on productivity apps to keep on track. These apps are helpful but they are not a substitute for the ability to organize your life.
Gender roles can enhance the impact of ADHD symptoms in women. Society expects women to be the caretakers of their home and family, which requires an amount of coordination that people with ADHD struggle to maintain. This pressure from society could cause women with ADHD to feel ashamed and blame themselves for trying to meet these demands.
Problems with time management can cause frustration both in personal and professional relationships. ADHD symptoms can cause you underestimating the time needed to complete your tasks, which can cause you to be late to meetings or other commitments. If you are frequently late for meetings, think about using a planner or checklists to keep on top of deadlines. Take frequent breaks to relax your mind and get moving.
You can also use mindfulness techniques to focus and reduce distractions. For instance, instead of listening to podcasts or music while working, play a news story on your smartphone. If you have trouble concentrating when driving, you can switch to a manual-transmission car. You could also consider driving with your phone off to stop distractions with texting and calls.
A mental health professional can help you determine the best treatment and coping method for ADHD. Treatment options include medication, such as stimulants, and psychotherapy. The type of therapy your doctor recommends is based on your specific symptoms and the circumstances in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for instance, can help you accept your thoughts and emotions while replacing destructive patterns of behavior with healthier ones. You can also receive family or couples therapy to improve communication within your relationships.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females suffering from ADHD report higher levels depression and anxiety than males. They may have difficulty coping with the symptoms, and this can lead to a variety of unhealthy behaviours. In order to deal with their symptoms, they may turn to substances or unhealthy eating habits. These habits can cause symptoms to worsen. Women are also more likely to have problems that are not diagnosed. They may be given the wrong treatment, which could worsen their mood or cause other problems.
It's important to recognize that a myriad of factors can cause similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD like stress and certain physical ailments and illnesses. This is why it's crucial to see a health care specialist or mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the disparity in ADHD diagnoses between women and men is due to a combination socially and biologically imposed roles. Women are typically expected to assume the majority of parenting and household chores than their male counterparts. This can lead to feelings of self-doubt and can lead to distorted beliefs that can lead to the emergence of symptoms of ADHD.
Women may also be less likely than men to tell the doctor about their issues as they believe they can manage them on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD also may be more likely to blame their symptoms on other causes, such as a lack of sleep or excessive stress. This can contribute to the fact that a lot of women suffering from ADHD are undiagnosed in adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 epidemic has been particularly challenging for young adults. They tend to have higher levels of depression and anxiety than adults in their middle years. These highs coincided with cases of COVID-19 and occurred during a time where protests against racial discrimination were taking place and mass shootings, a decade of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine and other countries, frequent catastrophes and increasing unemployment. Stress exposure either in the form of chronic or recent, has been proven to cause depression and anxiety. This combination of factors could be the reason why these levels are persistently high.
4. Problems in Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD can have trouble finding and maintaining friendships particularly as they age. Social isolation can lead to health issues like high blood pressure or chronic stress. It is beneficial to have close family members and friends who can offer support, however many adults have difficulty maintaining or make new connections.
The social norms surrounding gender and sexuality may affect whether or not women suffering from ADHD receive the diagnosis and treatment they require. In one study, parents or teachers were less likely than males 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.
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 means that women and girls are more likely to be punished for exhibiting ADHD-related symptoms such as disorganization and inattention. They could be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety and their ADHD symptoms may not be treated appropriately.
Furthermore, hormone changes can further increase ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels are lower towards the end of their menstrual cycle and during ovulation. This can cause girls' and women's symptoms appear to be more severe. When combined with hormonal changes during the adolescent stage, this could lead to confusion about their symptoms, making it difficult to get a correct diagnosis and adequate treatment.
While it is true that a lot of the same treatment options work for women with ADHD like they do for men A mental health professional will still have to take a look at each individual's unique symptoms and needs. The kind of treatment a person receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms as along with other factors contributing to their difficulties. For example trauma, a history of trauma or depression. best treatment for adhd in adults are cognitive behavioral therapy, in which individuals learn to alter their negative thoughts and switch them to healthier ones, as well as couples counseling that can help people improve their communication and solve issues in their relationships.