ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a problem that affects both men and women, however, societal expectations and gender roles can make it more difficult for them to get diagnosed. Women are also able to mask their symptoms more effectively, which could cause them to be not diagnosed or delayed in getting treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral bias persisting stereotypes, and comorbidities could all be obstacles to a clear diagnosis. Here are some of female adults' symptoms that are not treated for adhd.
1. Trouble focusing
Although the hyperactive and impulsive signs of ADHD are more common in boys and men however, women and those who are assigned a 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.
The signs of inattention ADHD include difficulty staying organized or on task, losing important things or appointments and easily being distracted by social or work events. It can also be hard for women suffering from this disorder to sit and concentrate on their homework or other tasks at work or school. In some cases, women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble falling or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or a medical problem.
People with inattentive ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms and attempt to compensate for them. Others might interpret their behavior incorrectly, leading to misunderstandings, frustration, and conflict within relationships. It can lead to missed career opportunities and challenges at work.
This is why the effects of untreated ADHD for females can be devastating. Women may find it difficult to deal with their problems both at home and in the workplace. This could make it difficult to keep afloat as they take on multiple obligations and try to reach the goals they have set for themselves.
In addition to having trouble focus, many women suffering from ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their family and friends. In the end they may become lonely or develop self-defeating habits that are unhealthy such as alcohol use.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can also experience internalizing symptoms, such as low self-esteem or feelings of guilt shame or worthlessness. This can make them more susceptible to stress, physical illness and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. This means they are more likely to self-injury or suicide than those who don't suffer from the condition. A woman can feel empowered by an diagnosis and take steps to improve her life. To be diagnosed the woman should first speak with a qualified health professional for an evaluation and effective treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage at work, particularly. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD often have a harder to complete tasks at work and managing their schedule. They might forget appointments, lose important documents or use productivity apps to help stay on task. These apps can be helpful however they aren't able to substitute for the need for strong organizational skills.
The gender role expectations of women can also exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD. Women are expected to care for their families and homes, which requires a level of coordination that ADHD sufferers have to work hard to maintain. This pressure from society can cause women suffering from ADHD to feel shame and blame themselves for trying to fulfill these expectations.
Problems with time management can lead to frustration, both in professional and personal relationships. The symptoms of ADHD can cause you to underestimate the time it takes to complete a task, leading you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If you're often late for events, consider using a planner or checklists to keep track of deadlines. Take breaks frequently to move around and calm your mind. Also, utilize a timer while working.
You can also apply mindfulness techniques to remain focused and reduce distractions. The ability to listen to news stories on your phone instead of listening to music or podcasts can be an alternative to music while working. If you find it difficult to concentrate when driving, you can switch to a manual transmission vehicle. You could also consider driving with your phone off to avoid distracted texting and phone calls.
A mental health professional can help you determine the most effective treatment and coping method for ADHD. Treatment options include stimulants and psychotherapy. The kind of therapy that your doctor recommends will be based on your specific needs and the current state of your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you come to accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing negative behaviors for healthier ones. You can also receive family or couples therapy to improve communication within your relationships.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females who suffer from ADHD typically have higher levels of depression and anxiety than their male counterparts. They may have difficulty coping with the symptoms, and this can lead to a variety of unhealthy behaviours. For instance, they could turn to substance use or develop unhealthy eating habits as a means of dealing with their symptoms. These habits can cause symptoms to worsen. Women are also more likely to have these issues that are not properly diagnosed. They may receive the wrong treatment which can increase their mood or trigger other problems.
It's important to note that many factors can cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD, including stress and certain physical conditions and illnesses. It is important to speak with an expert in mental health or a health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the difference in ADHD diagnoses between women and men is due to a mix of biological and socially constructed roles. Women are expected to perform more household chores and parenting than men. This can cause feelings of self-esteem loss and dysfunctional beliefs, which can worsen ADHD symptoms.
Additionally, women are less likely to disclose their symptoms to a healthcare professional because they believe they should be able to handle the symptoms on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD might also be more likely than others to blame their problems on external factors, like sleep issues or stress. This can lead to many women with ADHD not being diagnosed until later in life.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic is particularly difficult for young adults. They have higher rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms than adults in their middle years. These peaks coincided with COVID-19-related cases and occurred at a time when protests against racial discrimination were taking place, mass shootings, decades of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine and other countries, frequent catastrophes and increasing unemployment. Chronic and recent stress exposure is known to be a risk cause for depression and anxiety, so this combination of factors may help explain why these levels have been so constantly raised.
4. Problems in Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD may have difficulty finding and maintaining friendships, especially as they age. adhd treatment for adult women can be associated with a range of health issues, including high blood pressure and chronic stress. Having close friends and family members who provide support can be beneficial but many adults find that they can't form new friends or maintain their current relationships.
Societal norms about gender and sex may impact the likelihood that women with 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 expectations of society for women and girls can exacerbate 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 prone to being punished for having ADHD-related symptoms like inattention and disorganization. In the end, they could be incorrectly diagnosed with anxiety or a mood disorder and their ADHD symptoms may not be properly treated.
Additionally hormonal fluctuations can also cause ADHD in females. Estrogen levels are typically lower at the end of and during the ovulation period of a woman's menstrual period which can cause symptoms more severe for females and girls. This can cause confusion in adolescents, particularly when it is combined with hormonal changes. It is difficult to diagnose and treat them appropriately.
Although many of the same treatment options are available for women suffering from ADHD A mental health professional will still need evaluate each individual's symptoms and needs. The type of therapy a person receives will depend on both their ADHD symptoms and other factors that might be contributing to their issues like an experience of depression or trauma. Some typical treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), where people learn to change their negative thinking patterns and switch them to healthier ones. Couples counseling can assist individuals to improve their communication skills and solve problems in relationships.