ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a problem that affects both men and women, but societal expectations and gender roles often make it harder for them to get diagnosed. Women are also able to mask their symptoms better, which can cause them to be not diagnosed or delayed in getting treatment.
Obscuring stereotypes, referral biases internalized symptoms, and comorbidities all create obstacles to a correct diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are some female adult symptoms that are not treated for adhd.
1. Trouble focusing
While hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent in males and females, women and people 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.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include having trouble staying organized or on track, ignoring important dates or items, and being easily distracted by social or work occasions. It can also be hard for a woman with this disorder to sit and concentrate on their homework or other work at school or work. In adhd symptoms in adults treatment , women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble sleeping or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or a medical problem.
People with inattention ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms. Others may interpret their behavior incorrectly, leading to misunderstandings, frustration, and conflict within relationships. In the workplace, it could cause lost opportunities and career challenges.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating consequences on female adults. Women can be struggling to manage their difficulties at home and at work and this can make it difficult to stay afloat as they take on many responsibilities and strive to reach the goals they set for themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD have difficulty focusing and also find it difficult to receive emotional support from family members and friends. In the end they may feel isolated or develop self-defeating patterns, such as alcohol abuse.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms like low self-esteem and feelings of guilt, shame or deprivation. This can make them more susceptible to physical illness, stress and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. This means they are more likely to turn to suicide or self-injury than those who do not suffer from the condition. Receiving a diagnosis can help women feel more confident in taking steps to change her life for the better. However, obtaining a diagnosis requires that she first see a qualified healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and efficient treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms are difficult to manage at work, particularly. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD often have a harder time following through on work assignments and coordinating their schedule. They might forget important paperwork or appointments or rely on productivity apps to keep 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. Society expects women to be the caretakers of their homes and families, which requires a certain level 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 trying to fulfill these expectations.
Problems with time management can lead to frustration both in personal and professional relationships. The signs of ADHD can make you underestimate how you will take to finish a task, causing you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If you're often late for events, consider using a planner or checklists to keep the track of deadlines. Take frequent breaks to relax your mind and move around.
You can also employ mindfulness techniques to focus and avoid distractions. For instance, instead listening to music or podcasts while working, you can listen to a news story on your phone. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, consider switching to a car with manual transmission. You could also consider driving with your cell phone turned off to prevent distracted texting and calling.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD, an expert in mental health can suggest treatments and coping strategies. Treatment options can include medication, such as stimulants, as well as psychotherapy. Your doctor will suggest the appropriate therapy depending on your symptoms and the current circumstances in your life. For instance, cognitive behavior therapy can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing your negative behaviors for healthier ones. You can also seek out family or couples therapy to improve communication within your relationships.
3. Depression and Anxiety
Females suffering from ADHD tend to have higher levels of depression and anxiety than their male counterparts. They may struggle to deal with these symptoms, leading to a range of unhealthy behaviours. As a way to cope with their symptoms, they may resort to using substances or adopt unhealthy eating habits. These habits can cause symptoms to worsen. Women are also more likely to have problems that are not diagnosed. This means that they are treated incorrectly, which can further worsen their mood and cause other issues.
It's essential to be aware that stress, certain physical ailments and illnesses can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. It's important to consult a health care practitioner or mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the disparity in ADHD diagnoses between women and men is due to a mix of socially and biologically constructed roles. Women are expected to take on more household and parenting tasks than men. This can cause feelings of self-esteem loss and untrue beliefs that can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
In addition, women may be less likely to report their symptoms to a medical professional because they believe they can handle the symptoms on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD might also be more likely to blame their symptoms on other causes such as lack of sleep or stress. untreated adhd in adults relationships could contribute to the fact that many women suffering from ADHD are undiagnosed in adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic period has been particularly challenging for young adults, who are more likely to suffer from more constant high levels of depression and anxiety than adults of middle age. These highs coincided with COVID-19 cases and occurred at a time when there were racial injustice protests and mass shootings, a decade of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine, recurrent catastrophes and rising unemployment. Stress exposure, especially recent and chronic, is known to be an important risk factor for depression and anxiety, so this combination of factors could explain why these levels have been so consistently raised.
4. Problems in Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD might have trouble forming and maintaining friendships, particularly in adulthood. Social isolation can lead to health issues such as high blood pressure or chronic stress. It can be beneficial to have close family and friends who can provide assistance, but many adults have difficulty maintaining or establish new connections.
Social norms regarding gender and sexuality can affect the likelihood that women with ADHD receive the diagnosis and treatment they need. In one study, parents and teachers were less likely to refer girls with 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 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 makes girls and women more likely to be punished for exhibiting ADHD-related symptoms such as disorganization and inattention. Consequently, they might be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety and their ADHD symptoms might not be appropriately treated.
In addition hormonal fluctuations can cause ADHD in females. Estrogen levels are typically lower towards the end and during the ovulation period of the menstrual period which can cause symptoms more severe for females and girls. This can cause confusion among adolescents, particularly when it is combined with hormonal changes. It can be difficult to diagnose and treat them properly.
Although it is true that a lot of the same therapies work for women with ADHD like they do for males A mental health professional will still need to evaluate each individual's particular needs and symptoms. The type of treatment a person receives depends on their ADHD symptoms, as along with other factors that could be contributing to their problems. For example, a history depression or a traumatic experience. The most common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy, where people learn to change their negative thinking patterns and switch them to healthier ones, as well as couples counseling, which can help individuals improve their communication and solve issues in their relationships.