ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects males and females. However, the expectations of society & gender roles make it difficult for women to recognize. Women may also hide their symptoms better, which could cause them to be misdiagnosed or delayed in treatment.
Obscuring stereotypes, referral biases internalized symptoms and comorbidities all contribute to roadblocks to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are some of the most common untreated adhd in female adults symptoms.
1. Problems with Focusing
Although the symptoms of impulsive and hyperactive of ADHD are more prevalent for both genders, women and people 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 being unable to remember important appointments or items and being easily distracted by work or social occasions. People with this disorder might also have difficulty to concentrate on schoolwork or other tasks. Women who suffer from ADHD are often unable to fall asleep or staying asleep because of depression, anxiety, or medical problems.
People with inattentive ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and attempt to cover them up. Others may not understand their behavior, leading to misunderstandings, frustration and conflict within relationships. It can lead to missed career opportunities and challenges at work.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating consequences on female adults. signs of untreated adhd in adults can find themselves struggling to cope with their problems at home as well as at work, which can make it difficult to keep afloat when they manage multiple responsibilities and attempt to achieve the goals they have set for themselves.
Alongside having issues in focusing, many women with ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their family and friends. They may feel isolated, or develop unhealthy patterns that are self-defeating like drinking.
Women with untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms, like low self-esteem and feelings of shame, guilt or worthlessness. This makes them more vulnerable to stress, physical illnesses and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. In turn, they are more likely to suicide or self-injury than those who don't suffer from the condition. A woman may feel empowered by the diagnosis and can take action to improve her life. However, getting diagnosed requires that she first see a qualified healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and effective treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, particularly in the workplace. Women with undiagnosed ADHD have a difficult time managing their day-to-day schedule and completing work tasks. They may forget appointments, lose important paperwork, or depend on productivity apps to help them keep track of their tasks. These apps are useful, but cannot replace the ability to organize your life.
Gender role expectations can also increase the severity of ADHD symptoms for women. Women are required to look after their homes and families, which requires a level of coordination that ADHD sufferers struggle to maintain. This pressure from society can trigger feelings of guilt and shame among women who suffer from ADHD who attempt to meet these demands which can cause them to conceal their symptoms.
Time management issues can result in frustration in relationships, both personal and professional. ADHD symptoms can cause you underestimating the time needed to complete a task, causing you to be late for meetings or other commitments. Use a checklist or a calendar to track deadlines if you are often late for meetings or other events. Take frequent breaks to move around and calm your mind, and use a timer when working.
You can also employ mindfulness techniques to remain focused and cut down on distractions. Listening to news stories on your phone instead of music or podcasts could be an excellent alternative to listening to music while working. If you have trouble concentrating while driving, consider switching to a manual-transmission car. You might also want to think about driving without your phone in order to avoid being distracted by texting or making calls.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, an expert in mental health can recommend treatments and strategies for coping. Treatment options may include medications, like stimulants, as well as psychotherapy. Your doctor will suggest an approach according to your health issues and the current circumstances in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, can help you accept your thoughts and feelings while replacing bad habits with healthier ones. You can also seek family therapy or couples counseling to improve communication between your family members.
3. Depression and Anxiety
Females with ADHD report higher levels anxiety and depression than males. They may struggle to cope with the symptoms, which could lead to a variety of unhealthy behavior. For instance, they could take up drug use or develop unhealthy eating habits to deal with their symptoms. These actions can make symptoms worse. Women are also more likely to have problems that are not diagnosed. They may be given the wrong treatment which can worsen their mood or cause other problems.
It's essential to be aware that stress, certain physical conditions, and illnesses can cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. It's important to consult a health care practitioner or mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers suspect that this difference in the prevalence of ADHD diagnosis for women and men is due to a combination of biological and socially constructed gender roles. Women are expected to take on more household chores and parenting than men. This can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and dysfunctional beliefs, which can lead to an increase in ADHD symptoms.
Women are also less likely than men to speak with the doctor about their issues and believe that they can manage them on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to blame their symptoms on other factors like a lack of sleep or excessive stress. This can contribute to the fact that a lot of women with ADHD are not diagnosed until later in life.
Research indicates that the COVID-19 epidemic has been especially difficult for young adults. They have greater levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms than adults in their middle years. These peak levels coincided with COVID-19 cases and were occurring at a time when protests against racism were on the rise and mass shootings, a decade of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine, recurrent catastrophes and rising unemployment. Stress exposure as a whole, whether it is chronic or recent, has been proven to increase depression and anxiety. This combination of factors could be the reason why these levels are so constant high.
4. Problems in Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD are more likely to have difficulty making and keeping friends particularly as they age. Social isolation is linked to a variety of health issues, such as high blood pressure and chronic stress. It is beneficial to have close family and friends who can offer support, but many adults struggle to maintain or establish new connections.
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 with 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 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 makes women and girls more likely to be punished for having ADHD-related symptoms like disorganization and inattention. Consequently, they might be incorrectly diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder or a mood disorder, and their ADHD symptoms may not be treated appropriately.
Additionally, hormonal changes can further increase ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels are lower at the end of their menstrual cycle as well as during ovulation, which can make women's and girls' symptoms appear to be more severe. Combined with hormonal changes in the adolescent years, this can cause confusion about their symptoms, making it more difficult for them to receive a correct diagnosis and adequate treatment.
While many of the same treatment options are available for women with ADHD However, a mental health professional will still have to evaluate each person's individual needs and symptoms. The type of treatment a patient receives will depend on the severity of their ADHD symptoms as along with other factors that may be contributing to their difficulties. For example the history of depression or trauma. Some common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps people learn how to change their negative thoughts and replace them with healthier ones. Couples counseling can also help individuals improve their communication skills and solve problems in relationships.