ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects both men & women. However, the expectations of society & gender roles make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women are also better in minimizing their symptoms, which can result in a misdiagnosis or delay in treatment.
Obscuring stereotypes, referral bias, internalized symptoms and comorbidities can all create obstacles to a correct diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are some females' symptoms that are not treated for adhd.
1. Problems with Focusing
Women and those who were assigned female 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 having trouble staying organized or on task, forgetting important dates or items, and easily being distracted by work or social events. It can be difficult for women suffering from this disorder to sit down and concentrate on assignments or other work at school or work. In some instances, women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty falling or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or a medical condition.
People with inattentive ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and attempt to compensate for them. Their behavior could be misinterpreted by others, leading to conflicts, frustrations and miscommunication in their relationships. In the workplace, it could cause lost opportunities and career challenges.
This is why the impact of untreated ADHD in female adults can be devastating. Women can find themselves having to deal with their difficulties at home and at work, which can make it difficult to stay afloat as they manage many responsibilities and strive to meet the goals they set for themselves.
In addition to having trouble focus, many women suffering from ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their family and friends. They may become lonely, or develop unhealthy patterns that are self-defeating like drinking.
Women with untreated ADHD may also experience internalizing symptoms, like low self-esteem and feelings guilt, shame or a sense of worthlessness. This makes them more vulnerable to physical illness, stress and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. They are more likely than people who don't have the condition to take self-harm or commit suicide. Receiving a diagnosis can make a woman feel more confident in taking steps to transform her life for the better. However, getting diagnosed is a prerequisite for seeing an expert in healthcare for a thorough evaluation and effective treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage in the workplace, especially. Women with undiagnosed ADHD struggle with managing their day-to-day schedule and completing work tasks. They may miss appointments, lose important paperwork, or use productivity apps to help remain on track. These apps can be helpful however they aren't able to replace the need for solid organization skills.
Gender role expectations can also enhance the impact of ADHD symptoms for women. Women are expected to take care of their home and family which requires a certain level of coordination that those with ADHD struggle to maintain. This pressure from society can trigger feelings of guilt and shame for women with ADHD who attempt to fulfill these expectations which can cause them to conceal their symptoms.
Troubles with time management could result in frustration in relationships both professional and personal. ADHD symptoms can cause you to underestimating the time needed to complete a task, causing you to be late to meetings or other commitments. If you are frequently late for events, consider using a planner or checklist 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 practice mindfulness techniques to help you focus on your task and reduce distractions. Listening to news stories on your phone instead of music or podcasts can be an excellent alternative to listening to music while working. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, consider switching to a manual transmission car. You can also consider driving with your cellphone switched off to stop distracted texting and phone calls.
Once you are diagnosed with ADHD, the mental health professional can recommend treatments and strategies for coping. Treatment options include medication, such as stimulants, and psychotherapy. Your doctor will recommend a therapy depending on your symptoms and the current circumstances in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, can help you accept your thoughts and emotions while replacing negative patterns of behaviour with healthier ones. You can also receive family or couples therapy to improve communication within your relationships.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females with ADHD report higher levels depression and anxiety than males. They may be struggling to deal with the symptoms, and this can result in a range of unhealthy behavior. In order to deal with their symptoms, they might use substances or develop unhealthy eating habits. These behaviors can make the symptoms worse. Furthermore women are more prone to be misdiagnosed for these conditions. As a result, they receive the wrong treatment which can further aggravate their mood and cause other issues.
It's essential to be aware that stress, physical conditions and illnesses can trigger symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. It is essential to consult an expert in mental health or health care provider for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the difference in the rate of ADHD diagnosis between males and females is due to a mix of biological and socially constructed gender roles. Women are generally expected to assume more parenting and household chores than their male counterparts. This pressure can result in feelings of self-doubt and can lead to distorted beliefs that can cause symptoms of ADHD.
Women are also less likely than men to tell the doctor about their issues, believing that they can manage them on their own. Women with ADHD also may be more likely to blame their symptoms on other factors, such as a lack of sleep or stress. This could be a contributing factor to the fact that many women suffering from ADHD are undiagnosed in adulthood.
adhd treatment for adults medication indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic is especially difficult for young adults. They have greater levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms than adults in their mid-life. The peaks in these levels coincided with spikes in the number of cases of COVID-19 and occurred during a time of racial justice protests mass shootings, decades-high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine, recurrent climate catastrophes, and the rise in unemployment. Stress exposure either in the form of 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. Difficulty Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD might have trouble forming and maintaining friendships, particularly in their later years. Social isolation can be associated with a range of health problems, including high blood pressure and chronic stress. It can be beneficial to have close family members and friends who can offer support, but many adults struggle to keep or make new relationships.
The social norms surrounding gender and sex may impact the likelihood that women with ADHD receive the diagnosis and treatment they require. In one study, teachers or parents were less likely than men 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.
The expectations of society for women and girls may increase the severity of 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. Women and girls are more likely to experience punishment for ADHD-related symptoms like inattention and disorganization. In the end, they could be incorrectly diagnosed with depression or anxiety or a mood disorder, and their ADHD symptoms might not be treated appropriately.
Additionally, hormonal changes can further increase ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels may be lower towards the end and during the ovulation phase of a woman's menstrual period, which can make symptoms worse for girls and women. This can cause confusion in adolescents, especially when they are combined with hormonal changes. It is difficult to diagnose and treat them appropriately.
While many of the same treatments are available to women with ADHD A mental health professional will still have to evaluate each individual's symptoms and needs. The type of therapy a patient receives will depend on both their ADHD symptoms and any other factors that could be contributing to their issues like the history of trauma or depression. A few popular treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps people learn how to change their negative thinking patterns and replace them with healthier ones. Couples counseling can also help individuals improve their communication and resolve issues in their relationships.