ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is an illness that affects women and men. However, the expectations of society & gender roles make it difficult for women to recognize. Women are also better in minimizing their symptoms, which can cause misdiagnosis and delay in treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral bias, lingering stereotypes and comorbidities can all be obstacles to a correct diagnosis. Here are some 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, women and people who are assigned a female at birth (AFAB) aren't yet being 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 are a lack of organization or on task, forgetting important things or appointments and easily being distracted by work or social events. It can also be hard for a woman with this disorder to sit and focus on homework or other tasks at school or work. In some cases, women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty falling or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or a medical issue.
People with inattentive ADHD often try to hide their symptoms. Others may misinterpret their behavior, causing misunderstandings, frustration, and conflict within relationships. In the workplace, it can result in missed opportunities and career challenges.
In the end, the impact of untreated ADHD for females can be devastating. Women can be struggling to cope with their problems at home as well as at work which can make it difficult for them to stay afloat as they manage multiple responsibilities and attempt to reach the goals they have set for themselves.
Alongside having issues focus, many women suffering from ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their family and friends. As a result they may feel isolated or develop unhealthy patterns of self-defeating behaviors like alcohol abuse.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can also experience internalizing symptoms, such as low self esteem, feelings of guilt, shame or feeling of worthlessness. This makes them more susceptible to physical and mental stressors as well as mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. In turn, they are more likely to self-injury or suicide than those who don't suffer from the condition. Being diagnosed can make a woman feel more empowered to take steps to alter her life for the better. However, getting an diagnosis requires that she first consult an experienced healthcare professional for a thorough assessment and efficient treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms are difficult to manage in the workplace, especially. Women with no diagnosis of ADHD have a difficult time managing their daily schedule and completing work tasks. They might forget important paperwork or appointments, or rely upon productivity apps to stay on top of things. adhd treatment for adults medication can be helpful but they cannot replace the ability to organize your life.
The gender roles expectations can enhance the impact of ADHD symptoms for women. Society expects women to be the caretakers of their home and family, which requires a certain level of coordination that those with ADHD struggle to maintain. This pressure from society could cause women with ADHD to feel embarrassed and blame themselves for trying to meet these demands.
Time management issues can lead to frustration in relationships, both personal and professional. ADHD symptoms can cause you to 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 frequently late for events. Take frequent breaks to move around and calm your mind, and employ a timer when you work.
You can also employ mindfulness techniques to stay focused and cut down on distractions. The ability to listen to news stories on your smartphone instead of listening to music or podcasts can be an alternative to music while working. If you have trouble being able to concentrate while driving, think about switching to a car that has manual transmission. You may also want to think about driving without your phone to avoid getting distracted by texting or calling.
A mental health professional can help find the best treatment and coping strategy for ADHD. Treatment options include stimulants and psychotherapy. Your doctor will suggest the appropriate therapy according to your health issues and the present situation in your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings, while swapping out negative patterns of behavior for healthier ones. You can also receive family or couples therapy to improve communication in your relationships.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females with ADHD tend to have higher levels of anxiety and depression than their male counterparts. They may struggle to deal with these symptoms, leading to a range of unhealthy behaviours. To cope with their symptoms, they could turn to substances or unhealthy eating habits. These behaviors can exacerbate symptoms. Women are also more likely to get these problems misdiagnosed. In the end, they receive the wrong treatment which can further aggravate their mood and trigger other issues.
It's important that you know that stress, physical conditions and illnesses can trigger symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. It is important to speak with an expert in mental health or health care professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers suspect that this disparity in the frequency of ADHD diagnosis among males and females is due to a mix of biological and socially constructed gender roles. Women are typically expected to assume a larger share of household and parenting duties than their male counterparts. This pressure can cause feelings of low self-esteem and can lead to distorted beliefs that can cause symptoms of ADHD.
Women are also less likely than men to inform doctors about their symptoms as they believe they are able to manage them on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD may also be more likely than other people to blame their symptoms, for example, sleep deprivation or stress. This can lead to many women who suffer from ADHD not being diagnosed until later in life.
Research indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic has been especially difficult for young adults. They tend to have greater levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms than adults in their middle years. These peak levels coincided with cases of COVID-19 and were occurring at a time when protests against racism were on the rise and mass shootings, years of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine and recurrent catastrophes, as well as rising unemployment. Chronic and recent stress exposure is a risk cause for depression and anxiety and this combination of factors could help explain why these levels have been constantly raised.
4. Difficulty Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may have difficulty making and keeping friends, especially as they age. Social isolation can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure or chronic stress. Having close friends and family members who provide support can be helpful but many adults find that they can't form new friendships or maintain current relationships.
The social norms that surround gender and sexuality can have an influence whether women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In one study, parents or teachers were less likely than boys to refer 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 women and girls could 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 makes girls and women more likely to be punished for exhibiting ADHD-related symptoms like disorganization and inattention. They could be misdiagnosed as having mood disorders or anxiety, and their ADHD symptoms may not be properly treated.
Moreover, hormone fluctuations can further amplify ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels are lower at the end of their menstrual cycle and during ovulation. This can cause women's and girls' symptoms get worse. This can cause confusion among adolescents, particularly when it is combined with hormonal changes. It can be difficult to diagnose and treat them appropriately.
Although it is true that a number of the same treatments work for women with ADHD like they do for males A mental health professional will need to evaluate each individual's particular needs and symptoms. The kind of therapy a person receives will be based on their ADHD symptoms and other factors that could be contributing to their difficulties, such as a history of depression or trauma. A few common treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people learn to change their negative thoughts and replace them with healthier ones, and couples counseling that can help people improve communication and resolve problems in their relationships.