ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD affects both men and women, but the expectations of society and gender roles often make it harder for them to be diagnosed. Women are also better at masking their symptoms, which can cause misdiagnosis and delay in treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral bias, lingering stereotypes and comorbidities could all be obstacles to a clear diagnosis. Here are some female adults' symptoms that aren't treated for adhd.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Although the symptoms of impulsive and hyperactive of ADHD are more prevalent in boys and men but women and those who are 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.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include forgetting important appointments or things and being easily distracted by work or social events. It can also be hard for a woman with this disorder to sit down and concentrate on their homework or other assignments at work or school. In some instances, women with ADHD might have difficulty sleeping or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety or a medical issue.
People who have inattention ADHD often attempt to hide their symptoms. Others may misinterpret their behavior, causing misunderstandings, frustration and conflict within relationships. It can lead to difficulties in their careers and a lack of opportunities at work.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating consequences on females. Women may find themselves struggling to manage their problems at home as well as at work and this can make it difficult for them to stay afloat as they take on multiple responsibilities and try to meet the goals they set for themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD have trouble focusing and struggle to get emotional support from their family and friends. In the end they may feel isolated or develop self-defeating habits that are unhealthy, such as alcohol abuse.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD might also experience internalizing symptoms like low self esteem and feelings of guilt, shame or feeling of worthlessness. This makes them more susceptible to stress, physical illnesses as well as mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. This means they are more likely to suicide or self-injury as compared to those who don't suffer from the condition. Women can be encouraged by a diagnosis and take action to improve her life. To receive a diagnosis, a woman must first speak with a qualified healthcare professional for an assessment and effective treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, especially at work. Women with no diagnosis of ADHD have trouble managing their day-to-day schedule and completing work tasks. They may miss appointments, lose important paperwork or use productivity apps to help them stay on task. These apps are helpful but they cannot replace good organizational skills.
The expectations for gender roles of women can also contribute to the symptoms of ADHD. Women are expected to take care of their family and home, which requires an amount of coordination that those with ADHD struggle to maintain. The pressures from society can make women with ADHD to feel ashamed and blame themselves for failing to meet these demands.
Troubles with time management could result in frustration in relationships, both personal and professional. ADHD symptoms can cause you to underestimating the time needed to complete your tasks, which can cause you to be late for meetings or other commitments. You might want to consider using a checklist or a planner to keep track deadlines if you are frequently late for events. Make sure to take frequent breaks to move around and relax your mind, and use a timer when working.
You can also use mindfulness techniques to stay focused and cut down on distractions. For instance, instead listening to podcasts or music while working, listen to the news on your phone. If you have trouble concentrating while driving, try switching to a manual transmission car. You may also want think about driving without your phone in order to avoid being distracted by texting or making calls.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD, an expert in mental health can suggest treatments and coping strategies. Treatment options include medication, such as stimulants, and psychotherapy. Your doctor will recommend an approach according to your health issues and the current situation in your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing negative patterns of behavior to healthier ones. You can also get family therapy or couples counseling to improve communication between your family members.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females suffering from ADHD have higher levels of depression and anxiety than males. They can struggle to cope with these symptoms, leading to a variety of unhealthy behaviours. As a way to cope with their symptoms, they could resort to using substances or adopt unhealthy eating habits. These behaviors can make the symptoms worse. In addition, women are more likely to be misdiagnosed for these conditions. This means that they receive the wrong treatment which can further aggravate their mood and trigger other problems.
It's important to note that a variety of factors can trigger similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD like stress as well as certain physical conditions and illnesses. It's important to consult an expert in mental health or health care professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers suspect that this disparity in the frequency of ADHD diagnosis among women and men is due to a combination of biological and socially constructed gender roles. Women are typically expected to assume the majority of parenting and household chores than their male counterparts. This pressure can result in feelings of self-doubt and cause dysfunctional beliefs that can lead to the emergence of symptoms of ADHD.
Additionally, women are less likely to disclose their symptoms to a medical professional because they think they should be able to handle the symptoms on their own. Women with ADHD are also more likely than other people to blame their problems on external factors, such as lack of sleep or stress. adhd in adults symptoms and treatment 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 era has been particularly difficult for young adults, who tend to suffer from more constant high rates of anxiety and depression than adults of middle age. The highs in these levels coincided with the peaks in the number of cases of COVID-19 and occurred in a period of protests against racial injustice, mass shootings, decades-high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine and recurring climate catastrophes and the rise in unemployment. Chronic and recent stress exposure is a risk factor for depression and anxiety This combination of factors may help explain why these levels have been so persistently increased.
4. Difficulty Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD may have trouble forming and maintaining friendships, especially in their later years. Social isolation can cause health issues like high blood pressure or chronic stress. It is beneficial to have close family members and friends who are able to provide assistance, but many adults struggle to keep or establish new relationships.
The social norms that surround gender and sexual orientation can have an affect whether women suffering from ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they need. In one study, parents and teachers 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 expectations of society for 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. Girls and women are more likely to suffer punishment for symptoms of ADHD such as inattention and disorganization. They could be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety and their ADHD symptoms may not be treated properly.
In addition, hormonal fluctuations can amplify ADHD in females. Estrogen levels are lower towards the end of menstrual cycles and during ovulation, and this can cause women's and girls' symptoms get worse. This can cause confusion among adolescents, especially when they are combined with hormonal changes. It can be difficult to recognize and treat them properly.
While it is true that many of the same treatment options work for women with ADHD as they do for males A mental health professional will have to take a look at each individual's unique symptoms and needs. The type of treatment a patient receives is based on their ADHD symptoms as in addition to other factors the cause of their issues. For example the history of depression or trauma. Some common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps people learn to change their negative thoughts and switch them to healthier ones. Couples counseling can help individuals improve their communication and resolve relationship problems.