ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a problem that affects both men and women, but the expectations of society and gender roles often make it harder for them to get diagnosed. Women can also mask their symptoms more effectively, which could result in them being misdiagnosed or delayed in treatment.
Obscuring stereotypes, referral bias, internalized symptoms and comorbidities can all create obstacles to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are some of the most frequent untreated adhd females.
1. Trouble focusing
Although the hyperactive and impulsive signs of ADHD are more common in boys and men, women and people born female (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 symptoms of inattention ADHD include difficulty staying organized or on track, ignoring important things or appointments and being easily distracted by work or social occasions. Women with this disorder might also have difficulty to focus on schoolwork or other tasks. Women who suffer from ADHD are often unable to fall asleep or staying asleep because of anxiety, depression, or medical problems.
People who have inattention ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms and attempt to compensate for them. Their behavior could be misinterpreted by others, leading to confusion, anger and conflict in their relationships. This can result in problems in the workplace and missed career opportunities. at work.
As a result, the effects of untreated ADHD for females can be devastating. Women may find themselves struggling to manage their challenges at home and at work, which can make it difficult for them to keep afloat when they take on multiple responsibilities and try to reach the goals they set for themselves.
Many women with ADHD have trouble focusing and are unable to receive emotional support from family members and close friends. As a result, they can become isolated or develop unhealthy patterns of self-defeating behaviors like alcohol abuse.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can also develop internalizing symptoms like low self-esteem, feelings of shame, guilt or worthlessness. This can make them more prone to stress, physical illnesses and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. This means they are more likely to turn to suicide or self-injury as compared to those who don't suffer from the condition. A diagnosis can help women feel more confident in taking steps to change her life to the best of her abilities. However, getting a diagnosis is a prerequisite for seeing a qualified healthcare professional to conduct a thorough examination and efficient treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, especially in the workplace. Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD frequently have a hard to complete tasks at work and managing their daily schedule. They may forget important paperwork or appointments or rely on productivity apps to stay on track. These apps are useful but they are not a substitute for good organizational skills.
Gender roles can enhance the impact of ADHD symptoms in women. Society expects women to take care of their home and family and require some degree of coordination that those with ADHD struggle to maintain. This pressure from society can make women with ADHD to feel shame and blame themselves for trying to fulfill these expectations.
Time management problems can lead to frustration, both in professional and personal relationships. ADHD symptoms can cause you underestimating the time needed to complete your tasks, which can cause you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If you're frequently late for events, consider using a planner or checklist to keep on top of deadlines. Take breaks frequently to move around and clear your mind, and use a timer when working.
You can also practice mindfulness techniques to help you stay on the task and avoid distractions. Listening to news stories on your phone instead of listening to music or podcasts can be a good alternative to listening to music while working. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, think about changing to a vehicle with manual transmission. It is also possible to drive with your cell phone turned off to prevent distracted texting and phone calls.
Once you are diagnosed with ADHD, the mental health professional can recommend treatment and strategies for coping. Treatment options may include medications, like stimulants, as well as psychotherapy. The kind of therapy that your doctor recommends will depend on your specific needs and the current state of your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings while swapping out negative patterns of behavior to healthier ones. You can also receive family or couples therapy to improve communication in your relationships.
3. Depression and anxiety
Females with ADHD often report higher levels of depression and anxiety than their male counterparts. They may have difficulty coping with these symptoms, leading to a range of unhealthy behaviors. In order to deal with their symptoms, they could turn to substances or unhealthy eating habits. These behaviors can make symptoms worse. Women are also more likely to get these issues that are not properly diagnosed. As a result, they are treated in the wrong way which can further aggravate their mood and lead to other issues.
he has a good point to note that a myriad of factors can cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD, including stress and certain physical conditions and illnesses. It's important to consult a health care specialist or a mental health professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the difference in ADHD diagnoses between women and men is due to a mixture of socially and biologically constructed roles. Women are expected to take on more household and parenting work than men. This pressure can result in feelings of self-doubt and cause dysfunctional beliefs that can cause symptoms of ADHD.
In addition, women may be less likely to report their symptoms to a medical professional because they think they should be able to handle the symptoms on their own. Women with ADHD are also more likely than other people to blame their symptoms on other factors, for example, sleep deprivation or stress. This can result in many women with ADHD not being diagnosed until later in life.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 period has been particularly challenging for young adults, who tend to suffer from more constant high levels of depression and anxiety than adults of middle age. The peaks in these levels coincided with the peaks in COVID-19 case numbers and occurred during a time of protests against racial injustice, mass shooting events, decades-high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine as well as recurring climate disasters and the 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 explain why these levels are so consistently high.
4. Difficulty Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD are more likely to have difficulty finding and maintaining friendships, especially as they age. Social isolation can lead to health issues like high blood pressure or chronic stress. It is beneficial to have close family and friends who can offer support, however many adults have difficulty maintaining or make new connections.
The social norms surrounding gender and sex can affect whether women suffering from ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In one study, teachers and parents were less likely to refer girls suffering from ADHD to services than boys. 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 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 women and girls more likely to be punished for exhibiting ADHD-related symptoms like inattention and disorganization. It is possible that they are misdiagnosed with anxiety or mood disorders, and their ADHD symptoms may not be properly treated.
Additionally hormonal fluctuations can cause ADHD in females. Estrogen levels decrease at the end of their menstrual cycle and during ovulation, which can cause girls' and women's symptoms appear worse. When combined with hormonal changes during the adolescent stage, this could lead to confusion about their symptoms, making it harder for them to receive a correct diagnosis and adequate treatment.
Although it is true that a number of the same therapies work for women with ADHD like they do for men A mental health professional will still have to take a look at each individual's unique symptoms and needs. The kind of therapy a person receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms as well as other factors that could be contributing to their issues, such as a history of trauma or depression. The most common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy, in which individuals learn to alter their negative thoughts and replace them with healthier ones, as well as couples counseling, which can help individuals improve their communication and solve issues in their relationships.