ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects men & women. However, social expectations and gender roles make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women are also better in hiding their symptoms, which can cause misdiagnosis and delay in treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral bias persisting stereotypes, and comorbidities are all obstacles to a correct diagnosis. Here are some females' symptoms that aren't treated for adhd.
1. Trouble focusing
Women and those who were assigned females at birth are often not diagnosed 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 track, ignoring important appointments or things, and easily being distracted by social or work events. It can be a challenge for a woman with this disorder to sit and focus on homework or other assignments at work or school. In some cases, people with ADHD may have trouble sleeping or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety or a medical issue.
People who have inattention ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms. Others may not understand their behavior, leading to misunderstandings, frustration, and conflict within relationships. It could result in difficulties in their careers and a lack of opportunities at work.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating effects on females. Women may have a difficult time to cope with their difficulties both at home and at the workplace. This makes it difficult for them to keep afloat as they take on multiple tasks and strive to meet the goals that they set for themselves.
In addition to having trouble focusing, many women with ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their family and friends. They may feel isolated, or develop unhealthy patterns that lead to self-defeating behaviors, such as drinking.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms, like low self-esteem and feelings shame, guilt or worthlessness. This makes them more vulnerable to physical and mental stressors and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. They are more likely than those who do not suffer from the condition to commit suicide or self-harm. Being diagnosed can help women feel more confident in taking steps to transform her life to the best of her abilities. To receive a diagnosis the woman should first speak with a qualified health professional for an evaluation and effective treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, particularly in the workplace. Women with undiagnosed ADHD frequently have a hard to complete work assignments and coordinating their schedule. They may lose important paperwork or appointments or rely on productivity apps to stay on track. These apps can be helpful however they aren't able to replace the need for solid organization skills.
The expectations for gender roles of women can also exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD. Women are required to look after their families and their homes and homes, which require a level of coordination that ADHD sufferers have to work hard to maintain. The pressures from society can make women with ADHD to feel shame and blame themselves for not being able to meet these demands.
Problems with time management can lead to frustration both in professional and personal relationships. ADHD symptoms can cause you underestimate the time it takes to complete a task, causing you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If you're often late for meetings, think about using a planner or checklists to keep on top of deadlines. Take breaks frequently to move around and calm your mind. Also, employ a timer when you work.
You can also apply mindfulness techniques to remain focused and reduce distractions. Listening to news stories on your smartphone instead of music or podcasts is an excellent alternative to listening to music while working. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, try switching to a manual transmission vehicle. It is also possible to drive with your phone off to avoid distracted texting and phone calls.
A mental health professional can help you determine the best treatment and coping method for ADHD. Treatment options include stimulants as well as psychotherapy. The kind of therapy your doctor recommends is based on your specific needs and what's going on in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example can help you to accept your thoughts and feelings while replacing destructive patterns of behavior with healthier ones. You can also get couples counseling or family therapy to improve communication between you and your family members.
3. Anxiety and Depression
Females with ADHD tend to have higher levels of anxiety and depression than their male counterparts. They may be struggling to deal with the symptoms, and this can result in a range of unhealthy behaviours. For adhd in adults untreated , they might resort to using substances or develop unhealthy eating habits as a means of dealing with their symptoms. These behaviors can make symptoms worse. Additionally women are more likely to be misdiagnosed with these problems. In the end, they are treated incorrectly, which can further worsen their mood and cause other issues.
It's crucial to know that stress, physical ailments, and illnesses can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. It's important to see a health care provider or a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the difference in ADHD diagnoses between men and women is due to a mixture of socially and biologically constructed roles. Women are typically expected to assume the majority of household and parenting duties than their male counterparts. This can cause feelings of low self-esteem and untrue beliefs that can lead to an increase in ADHD symptoms.
Women are also less likely than men to tell doctors about their symptoms, believing that they can manage them on their own. Women with ADHD might also be more likely to blame their symptoms on other factors such as lack of sleep or excessive stress. This can contribute to the fact that a lot of women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until later in life.
Research indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic is particularly challenging for young adults. They tend to have higher rates of depression and anxiety than adults in their middle age. These peaks coincided with COVID-19-related cases and occurred 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 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 constant high.
4. Difficulty Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD are more likely to have difficulty making and maintaining friends particularly as they age. Social isolation is associated with a range of health problems, including high blood pressure and chronic stress. Having close friends and family members who provide assistance can be beneficial but many adults find that they simply can't make new friends or maintain their current relationships.
Societal norms about gender and sexuality may affect the likelihood that women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they need. In one study, teachers or parents were less likely than males 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 of girls and women may also contribute 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. This makes women and girls more prone to being punished for exhibiting ADHD-related symptoms like disorganization and inattention. It is possible that they are misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety and their ADHD symptoms might not be treated appropriately.
In addition hormonal fluctuations can also cause ADHD in females. Estrogen levels may be lower towards the end and during ovulation of a woman's menstrual period which can cause symptoms more severe for females and girls. This can cause confusion among adolescents, especially when they are combined with hormonal changes. It can be difficult to recognize and treat them appropriately.
While many of the same treatment options are available for women suffering from ADHD However, a mental health professional will still need evaluate each individual's symptoms and needs. The type of treatment that a person receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms, as in addition to other factors contributing to their problems. For instance trauma, a history of depression or a traumatic experience. A few common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps people learn to alter their negative thought patterns and switch them to healthier ones. Couples counseling can help individuals improve their communication skills and solve problems in relationships.