ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a problem that affects both men and women, but societal expectations and gender roles can make it difficult for them to get diagnosed. Women can also mask their symptoms better, which can lead them to be incorrectly diagnosed or delayed in treatment.
Lingering stereotypes, referral biases internalized symptoms, and comorbidities all create obstacles to a correct diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are some of female adult symptoms that aren't treated for adhd.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Women and people who were assigned females at birth are still underdiagnosed with ADHD. 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 symptoms of inattention ADHD include difficulty staying organized or on task, losing important things or appointments and easily being distracted by social or work occasions. It can also be hard for a woman with this disorder to sit down and focus on homework or other tasks at work or school. Women with ADHD may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression, or medical problems.
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. It can lead to missed career opportunities and challenges in the workplace.
This is why the consequences of untreated ADHD in females who are adults can be devastating. adhd in adult women treatment may have a difficult time to deal with their problems at home as well as in the workplace. This could make it difficult to maintain a steady pace while they manage their obligations and try to reach the goals they have set for themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD struggle to focus and also are unable to receive emotional support from family members and friends. They may become lonely or develop unhealthy habits that are self-defeating like drinking.
Women with untreated ADHD can also develop internalizing symptoms like low self-esteem, feelings of shame, guilt or worthlessness. This makes them more susceptible to physical illness, stress and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. 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 a woman feel more empowered to take steps to alter her life for the better. However, getting diagnosed requires that she first consult an expert in healthcare for a thorough evaluation and efficient treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, especially in the workplace. Women with undiagnosed ADHD frequently have a hard time following through on work tasks and managing their schedule. They might forget important documents or appointments, or rely upon productivity apps to keep on track. These apps can be helpful but they cannot replace the ability to organize your life.
The gender role expectations of women can also increase the symptoms of ADHD. Society expects women to take care of their homes and families which requires an amount of coordination that those with ADHD struggle to maintain. This pressure from society could make women with ADHD to feel embarrassed and blame themselves for trying to meet these demands.
Troubles with time management could lead to frustration in relationships both professional and personal. Symptoms of ADHD can cause you to underestimate the long it takes to finish a task, causing you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If you're frequently late for meetings, think about using a planner or checklists to keep the track of deadlines. Take breaks frequently to move around and calm your mind, and employ a timer when you work.
You can also practice mindfulness techniques to help you stay focused on your task and reduce distractions. For instance, instead listening to podcasts or music while working, you can listen to an article on your mobile. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, consider switching to a manual transmission car. It is also possible to drive with your phone off to prevent distractions with texting and calls.
A mental health professional can help you find the best treatment and coping method for ADHD. Treatment options may include medication, such as stimulants, and psychotherapy. Your doctor will recommend an approach depending on your symptoms and the current circumstances in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for instance can help you accept your thoughts and emotions while replacing bad habits with healthier ones. You can also receive couples or family therapy to improve communication within your relationships.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females with ADHD often report higher levels of depression and anxiety than their male counterparts. They can struggle to cope with these symptoms, leading to a range of unhealthy behaviours. As a way to cope with their symptoms, they may resort to using substances or adopt unhealthy eating habits. These behaviors can make the symptoms worse. Furthermore, women are more likely to be misdiagnosed for these problems. They could receive the wrong treatment which can worsen their mood or cause other problems.
It's important to remember that many factors can cause similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD such as stress and certain physical ailments and illnesses. It's important to see a medical provider or a mental health professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the differences in ADHD diagnoses between men and women is due to a mixture of biological and socially constructed roles. Women are expected to do more household chores and parenting than men. This pressure can result in feelings of self-doubt and can lead to distorted beliefs that can exacerbate symptoms of ADHD.
Women are also less likely than men to inform the doctor about their issues, believing that they can handle them themselves. Women who suffer from ADHD also may be more likely to blame their symptoms on other factors such as lack of sleep or excessive stress. This can lead to many women with ADHD not being diagnosed until later in life.
Research indicates that the COVID-19 epidemic has been particularly difficult for young adults. They have higher rates of depression and anxiety than adults in their mid-life. The peak in these levels coincided with the peaks 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 rising unemployment. Stress exposure either in the form of chronic or recent, is known to cause depression and anxiety. This combination of factors could explain why these levels are so consistently high.
4. Trouble Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD might have trouble forming and maintaining friendships, particularly when they reach adulthood. Social isolation can be linked to a variety of health problems, including high blood pressure and chronic stress. Having close friends and family members who can provide support can be beneficial however, many adults discover that they can't form new friends or maintain their current relationships.
Social norms regarding gender and sex may impact the likelihood that women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In one study, teachers or parents 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 expectations from society for girls and women can be a contributing factor to 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. Girls and women are more likely to be the victims of punishment for symptoms of ADHD such as inattention and disorganization. It is possible that they are misdiagnosed with anxiety or mood disorders, and their ADHD symptoms may not be properly treated.
In addition, hormonal fluctuations can amplify ADHD in females. Estrogen levels are lower at the end of their menstrual cycle as well as during ovulation, and this can cause women's and girls' symptoms get worse. When combined with hormonal changes during adolescence, this can cause confusion about their symptoms, making it more difficult to get a correct diagnosis and adequate treatment.
Although many of the same treatment options are available to women with ADHD A mental health professional must still assess the individual's needs and symptoms. The type of therapy a patient receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms as well as other factors that might be contributing to their problems, such as a history of depression or trauma. A few popular treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a process where individuals learn to change their negative thoughts and swap them for healthier ones. Couples counseling can help individuals improve their communication skills and solve issues in their relationships.