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 be diagnosed. Women are also better in minimizing their symptoms, which could lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.
Remaining stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptoms and comorbidities can all create roadblocks to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are a few female adults' symptoms that aren't treated for adhd.
1. Trouble focusing
Although the hyperactive and impulsive signs of ADHD are more common for both genders but women and those who are who are assigned a female at birth (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 being unable to remember important appointments or items, and being easily distracted by social or work occasions. It can also be hard for a woman with this disorder to sit down and concentrate on assignments or other assignments at work or school. Women with ADHD may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep because of anxiety, depression, or medical problems.
People who have inattention ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and try to cover them up. Their behavior could be misinterpreted by others, resulting in misunderstandings, frustration and conflict in their relationships. In the workplace, it could result in lost opportunities and career challenges.
As a result, the effects of untreated ADHD for females can be devastating. Women can find themselves having to deal with their difficulties at home and at work which can make it hard to stay afloat as they juggle multiple responsibilities and attempt to achieve the goals they set for themselves.
Many women with ADHD have difficulty focusing and also struggle to get emotional support from family members and friends. They can become isolated, or develop unhealthy patterns that are self-defeating like drinking.
Women with untreated ADHD might also experience internalizing symptoms such as low self esteem, feelings of guilt, shame or feeling of worthlessness. This makes them more prone to physical illness, stress and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. In turn, they are more likely to turn to self-injury or suicide than those who do not suffer from the condition. Being diagnosed can help women feel more confident in taking steps to change her life to the best of her abilities. However, obtaining diagnosed is a prerequisite for seeing an experienced healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and effective treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, especially at work. Women with undiagnosed ADHD struggle with managing their day-to-day schedule and completing work-related tasks. They may forget important appointments or paperwork, or rely upon productivity apps to stay on track. These apps are useful, but cannot replace good organizational skills.
The expectations for gender roles of women can also exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD. Society expects women to be the caretakers of their homes and families, which requires an amount of coordination that people suffering from ADHD struggle to maintain. This societal pressure can trigger feelings of self-reflection and shame for women who suffer from ADHD who attempt to meet these demands, causing them to mask their symptoms.
Time management issues can lead to frustration in relationships both professional and personal. Symptoms of ADHD can make you underestimate how long it takes to finish a task, causing you to be late for meetings or other commitments. Use a checklist or a planner to the track of deadlines if you're often late for events. Take frequent breaks to relax your mind and get moving.
You can also try mindfulness techniques to help you stay focused on your focus and eliminate distractions. The ability to listen to news stories on your smartphone instead of listening to music or podcasts is a good alternative to listening to music while working. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, think about switching to a car with manual transmission. You could also consider driving with your phone off to stop distractions with texting and calls.
Once you are diagnosed with ADHD, the mental health professional can recommend treatments and coping strategies. Treatment options include stimulants as well as psychotherapy. The kind of therapy your doctor recommends will be based on the specific symptoms you have and the current state of your life. For instance, cognitive behavior therapy can help you come to accept your thoughts and feelings, while swapping out negative patterns of behavior for healthier ones. You can also receive couples counseling or family therapy to improve communication between your family members.
3. Depression and Anxiety
Females suffering from ADHD tend to have higher levels of anxiety and depression than their male counterparts. They may have difficulty coping with these symptoms, leading to a range of unhealthy behavior. In order to deal with their symptoms, they may resort to using substances or adopt unhealthy eating habits. These behaviors can make symptoms worse. Women are also more likely to get these issues that are not properly diagnosed. They may receive the wrong treatment which can worsen their mood or cause other problems.
It's important that you know that stress, certain physical ailments, and illnesses can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. That's why it's essential to see a health care provider or a 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 biological and socially constructed roles. Women are typically expected to assume a larger share of parenting and household duties than their male counterparts. This can lead to feelings of self-esteem loss and untrue beliefs that can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Furthermore, women may be 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 to blame their symptoms on other causes such as lack of sleep or stress. This could lead to a lot of women with ADHD not being diagnosed until later in life.
Research indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly difficult for young adults. They tend to have higher levels of depression and anxiety than adults in their mid-life. The peaks in these levels coincided with the peaks in the number of cases of COVID-19 and were triggered by a period of racial justice protests, mass shooting events, decades-high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine, recurrent climate catastrophes, and the rise in unemployment. Stress exposure, both chronic and recent, is known to increase depression and anxiety. This combination of factors could be the reason why these levels are so constant high.
4. Trouble Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD may have difficulty making and maintaining friends particularly as they age. Social isolation is linked to a variety of health issues, such as high blood pressure and chronic stress. The presence of close family and friends members who can provide assistance can be beneficial however, many adults discover that they can't form new friends or maintain their current relationships.
The social norms that surround gender and sexuality can have an influence whether women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis 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 women and girls may 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 makes girls and women more prone to being penalized for showing symptoms of ADHD like inattention and disorganization. They may be misdiagnosed with anxiety or mood disorders, and their ADHD symptoms may not be properly treated.
Furthermore, hormone changes can further increase ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels can be lower at the end of and during the ovulation period of the menstrual cycle which can cause symptoms worse for girls and women. This can lead to confusion in adolescents, especially when combined with hormonal changes. It can be difficult to diagnose and treat them properly.
Although many of the same treatment options are available to women suffering from ADHD A mental health professional will still need evaluate each individual's symptoms and needs. The kind of therapy a person receives will be based on their ADHD symptoms and other factors that might be contributing to their difficulties, such as a history of depression or trauma. The most common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy, in which individuals learn to alter their negative thinking patterns and replace them with healthier ones, as well as couples counseling, which can help individuals improve communication and resolve issues in their relationships.