ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is an illness that affects men & women. However, the expectations of society and gender roles make it difficult for women to recognize. Women are also able to mask their symptoms better, which could lead them to be not diagnosed or delayed in getting treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral bias persisting stereotypes, and comorbidities can all be obstacles to a correct diagnosis. Here are a few female adult symptoms that aren't treated for adhd.
1. Problems with Focusing
Although the symptoms of impulsive and hyperactive of ADHD are more common in males and females however, women and those born female (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 forgetting important appointments or things, and being easily distracted by social or work occasions. Women suffering from this disorder might also have difficulty to concentrate on their schoolwork or other activities. Women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep because of anxiety, depression, or medical problems.
People with inattention ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms and attempt to compensate for them. People may interpret their behavior incorrectly, leading to misunderstandings, frustration, and conflict within relationships. In the workplace, it could cause problems in the workplace and missed opportunities.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating effects on females. Women may find it difficult to deal with their problems at home as well as in the workplace. This makes it difficult for them to keep afloat as they manage their obligations and try to reach the goals they set for them.
Many women with ADHD have difficulty focusing and struggle to get emotional support from their family and friends. They may become lonely, or develop unhealthy patterns that are self-defeating like drinking.
Women with untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms, such as low self-esteem, feelings of shame, guilt or worthlessness. This makes them more vulnerable to stress, physical illnesses and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. This means they are more likely to suicide or self-injury than those without the condition. A woman can feel empowered by a diagnosis and take action to improve her life. To be diagnosed the woman should first speak with a qualified healthcare provider for an evaluation and effective treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms are difficult to manage in the workplace, especially. Women with no diagnosis of ADHD have trouble managing their daily schedule and completing work tasks. They may miss appointments, lose important paperwork or rely on productivity apps to help stay on task. These apps can be useful, but they cannot replace the need for good organizational skills.
Gender roles can amplify the impact of ADHD symptoms for women. Women are required to look after their families and their homes which requires a degree of coordination that ADHD sufferers struggle to maintain. This pressure from society could cause women suffering from ADHD to feel embarrassed and blame themselves for failing to meet these demands.
Time management issues can lead to frustration, both in professional and personal relationships. The symptoms of ADHD can cause you to underestimate how long it takes to complete a task, leading you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If you're frequently late for events, consider using a planner or checklists to keep the track of deadlines. Make frequent breaks to clear your mind and move around.
You can also use mindfulness techniques to stay focused and cut down on distractions. Listening to news stories on your phone instead of music or podcasts is an excellent alternative to listening to music while working. If you have trouble being able to concentrate while driving, you might consider changing to a vehicle with manual transmission. It is also possible to drive with your cellphone switched off to prevent distractions with texting and calls.
Once you are diagnosed with ADHD, a mental health professional can suggest treatments and coping strategies. Treatment options include stimulants and psychotherapy. The type of therapy that your doctor recommends is based on the specific symptoms you have and the 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 get family or couples therapy to improve communication in your relationships.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females with 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 variety of unhealthy behaviors. For instance, they may take up drug use or develop unhealthy eating patterns to deal with their symptoms. These behaviors can exacerbate symptoms. Women are more likely to have these issues that are not properly diagnosed. In the end, they are treated in the wrong way which may further aggravate their mood and cause other issues.
It's important to remember that a myriad of factors can cause similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD, including stress and certain physical conditions and illnesses. It's important to consult a mental health professional or a health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers suspect that this difference in the prevalence of ADHD diagnosis between males and women is due to a combination of biological and socially constructed gender roles. untreated adhd in adults are expected to do more household chores and parenting than men. This pressure can cause feelings of self-doubt and lead to dysfunctional beliefs that can lead to the emergence of symptoms of ADHD.
Women may also be less likely than men to inform the doctor about their issues, believing that they can handle them themselves. Women who suffer from ADHD also may be more likely to blame their symptoms on other factors, such as a lack of sleep or excessive stress. This can contribute to the fact that a lot of women with ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly difficult for young adults. They tend to have greater levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms than adults in their middle years. The highs in these levels coincided with spikes in the number of cases of COVID-19 and occurred during a time of racial justice protests, mass shootings, decades of high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine and recurring climate catastrophes and rising unemployment. Stress exposure, especially recent and chronic, is known to be a risk factor for depression and anxiety, so this combination of factors could help explain why these levels have been so consistently increased.
4. Trouble Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can have trouble making and maintaining friends particularly as they age. Social isolation can be connected to a myriad of health issues, including high blood pressure and chronic stress. It can be beneficial to have close family members and friends who can offer assistance, but many adults have difficulty maintaining or make new relationships.
The social norms that surround gender and sex can impact on whether women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In one study, teachers and parents were less likely to refer girls suffering from ADHD to services 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 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 makes girls and women more prone to being penalized for showing symptoms of ADHD like disorganization and inattention. It is possible that they are misdiagnosed with anxiety or mood disorders, and their ADHD symptoms might not be treated appropriately.
In addition, hormonal fluctuations can amplify ADHD in females. Estrogen levels are lower at the end of menstrual cycles and during ovulation. This can make women's and girls' symptoms appear worse. Combined with hormonal changes in the adolescent stage, this could result in confusion regarding their symptoms, making it difficult for them to receive the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Although it is true that many of the same treatments work for women with ADHD as they do for males A mental health professional will still have to take a look at each individual's particular needs and symptoms. The kind of therapy a patient receives will be based on their ADHD symptoms and other factors that may contribute to their problems, such as an experience of trauma or depression. Some common treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps individuals learn to alter their negative thinking patterns and swap them out for healthier ones, as well as couples counseling, which can help individuals improve communication and resolve problems in their relationships.