ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a problem that affects both men and women, however, societal expectations and gender roles often make it difficult for them to be 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 biases, lingering stereotypes and comorbidities can all be obstacles to a correct diagnosis. Here are some of the most frequently reported untreated adhd female adults symptoms.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Although the symptoms of impulsive and hyperactive of ADHD are more common in boys and men, women and people 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.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include not remembering important appointments or things and being easily distracted by social or work occasions. People with this disorder might also have difficulty to concentrate on schoolwork or other tasks. Women with ADHD may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety or medical issues.
People who have inattention ADHD often attempt to hide their symptoms. Their behavior may be misinterpreted by others, leading to conflicts, frustrations and miscommunication in their relationships. In the workplace, it could cause problems in the workplace and missed opportunities.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating consequences on female adults. Women can find themselves struggling to cope with their problems at home as well as at work which can make it difficult for them to stay on top of their game as they take on multiple responsibilities and attempt to meet the goals they set for themselves.
Many women with ADHD struggle to focus and also are unable to receive emotional support from family members and close friends. In the end they may feel isolated or develop self-defeating habits that are unhealthy like alcohol abuse.
adhd treatment for adults with untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms, such as low self esteem, feelings of guilt, shame or worthlessness. This makes them more susceptible to physical and mental stressors and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. They are more likely than those who don't have the condition to take self-harm or commit suicide. A diagnosis can help a woman feel more confident in taking steps to alter her life to the best of her abilities. However, obtaining a diagnosis is a prerequisite for seeing an expert in healthcare for a thorough assessment 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 schedules and completing work-related tasks. They might forget important appointments or paperwork, or rely upon productivity apps to stay on track. These apps are helpful, but cannot replace good organizational skills.
Gender roles can increase the severity of ADHD symptoms in women. Society expects women to be the caretakers of their homes and families which requires an amount of coordination that people with ADHD struggle to maintain. This pressure from society could make women with ADHD to feel embarrassed and blame themselves for not being able to meet these demands.
Time management problems can lead to frustration, both in professional and personal relationships. ADHD symptoms can cause you to underestimating the time it takes to complete tasks, causing you to be late to meetings or other commitments. If you're often late for meetings, think about using a planner or checklists to keep the track of deadlines. Take breaks frequently to move around and relax your mind. Also, use a timer when working.
You can also try mindfulness techniques to help you stay focused on your task and reduce 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 when driving, you can switch to a manual transmission car. You may also want to look into driving without a cellphone in order to avoid being distracted by texting or calling.
A mental health professional can help you find the best treatment and coping strategy for ADHD. Treatment options include stimulants and psychotherapy. Your doctor will suggest the appropriate therapy based on your symptoms and the current circumstances in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for instance, can help you accept your thoughts and feelings while replacing bad habits with healthier ones. You can also receive couples counseling or family therapy to improve communication between you and your family members.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females who suffer from ADHD typically have higher levels of anxiety and depression than their male counterparts. They can struggle to cope with these issues, which can lead to a range of unhealthy behavior. For instance, they may take up drug use or develop unhealthy eating patterns to deal with their symptoms. These actions can worsen symptoms. Women are more likely to have these problems misdiagnosed. They may receive the wrong treatment which can worsen their mood or cause other issues.
It's crucial to know that stress, physical conditions and illnesses can trigger symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. It's important to consult a health care practitioner or a mental health professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the difference in the frequency of ADHD diagnosis for males and women is due to a combination of social and biological gender roles. Women are typically expected to assume a larger share of parenting and household duties than their male counterparts. This pressure can cause feelings of self-doubt and can lead to distorted beliefs that can exacerbate symptoms of ADHD.
Women are also less likely than men to tell doctors about their symptoms, believing that they are able to manage them on their own. Women with ADHD might also be more likely than others to blame their symptoms on other factors, like sleep issues or stress. This could lead to a lot of women who suffer from ADHD not being diagnosed until adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 period has been particularly challenging for young adults, who are more likely to suffer from more constant high rates of anxiety and depression than middle-aged adults. The peak in these levels coincided with spikes in the number of COVID-19 cases and were triggered by a period of racial justice protests mass shootings, decades of high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine as well as recurring climate disasters and a rise in unemployment. Stress exposure either in the form of chronic or recent, has been proven to cause depression and anxiety. This combination of factors could be the reason why these levels are so consistently high.
4. Problems in Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD can have trouble finding and maintaining friendships particularly as they age. Social isolation can lead to health issues like high blood pressure or chronic stress. It is beneficial to have close family members and friends who can offer support, but many adults struggle to keep or establish new connections.
The social norms relating to gender and sexual orientation can have an affect whether women suffering from ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In one study, parents or teachers were less likely than males to recommend girls to services for ADHD. 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.
These societal expectations for girls and women can cause them to develop 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 penalized for showing symptoms of ADHD such as disorganization and inattention. Consequently, they might be incorrectly diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder and their ADHD symptoms may not be appropriately treated.
Moreover, hormone changes can further increase ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels can be lower at the end and during ovulation of the menstrual period, which can make symptoms more severe for females and girls. This can cause confusion among adolescents, especially when combined with hormonal changes. It can be difficult to identify and treat them appropriately.
Although many of the same treatment options are available to women with ADHD However, a mental health professional must still assess the individual's needs and symptoms. The kind of treatment that a person receives is based on the severity of their ADHD symptoms, as well as other factors that may be contributing to their problems. For example the history of trauma or depression. Some typical treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a process where individuals learn to alter their negative thinking patterns and switch them to healthier ones. Couples counseling can assist individuals to improve their communication and resolve relationship problems.