ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is an illness that affects men & women. However, societal expectations and gender roles make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women may also hide their symptoms more effectively, which could cause them to be not diagnosed or delayed in getting treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral bias, lingering stereotypes and comorbidities can all be obstacles to a clear diagnosis. Here are some of females' symptoms that aren't being treated for adhd.
1. Difficulty 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.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include forgetting important appointments or things, and being easily distracted by work or social events. Women suffering from this disorder may also find it difficult to concentrate on schoolwork or other tasks. In some cases, women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble getting or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or a medical problem.
People who have inattention ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and attempt to make up for them. Their behavior could be misinterpreted by others, resulting in misunderstandings, frustration and conflict in their relationships. It can lead to difficulties in their careers and a lack of opportunities at work.
This is why the consequences of untreated ADHD in female adults can be devastating. Women may have difficulty to deal with their problems both at home and at the workplace. This could make it difficult to keep afloat as they take on multiple obligations and try to reach the goals they set for them.
Many women suffering from ADHD have difficulty focusing and find it difficult to receive emotional support from family members and close friends. In the end, they can become isolated or develop self-defeating habits that are unhealthy such as alcohol use.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms, like low self-esteem, feelings of guilt, shame or a sense of worthlessness. This makes them more susceptible to physical illness, stress as well as mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. They are more likely than people who don't have the condition to take self-harm or commit suicide. Being diagnosed can help a woman feel more confident in taking steps to change her life for the better. To be diagnosed, a woman must first consult a qualified healthcare provider for an evaluation and effective treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage in the workplace, particularly. Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD typically have a difficult to complete tasks at work and managing their daily schedule. They may miss appointments, lose important paperwork, or depend on productivity apps to help them keep track of their tasks. These apps can be helpful but they are not able to replace the need for good organization skills.
The gender-based expectations of women can also increase the symptoms of ADHD. Women are required to look after their families and homes which requires a degree of coordination that ADHD sufferers have to work hard to maintain. This pressure from society can cause women suffering from ADHD to feel embarrassed and blame themselves for trying to fulfill these expectations.
Time management problems can cause frustration both in personal and professional relationships. ADHD symptoms can cause you to underestimating the time it takes to complete a task, causing you to be late to meetings or other commitments. If you are frequently late for meetings, think about using a planner or checklist to keep on top of deadlines. Take breaks frequently to move around and calm your mind, and use a timer when working.
You can also use mindfulness techniques to stay focused and reduce distractions. Listening to news stories on your smartphone instead of listening to music or podcasts could be an alternative to music while working. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, consider switching to a manual-transmission car. You may also want to consider driving without your cellphone to avoid being distracted by texting or calling.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD, the mental health professional can recommend treatment and coping strategies. Treatment options include stimulants and psychotherapy. The kind of therapy your doctor recommends will depend on your specific needs and what's going on in your life. For instance, cognitive behavior 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 therapy or couples counseling to improve communication in your relationships.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females with ADHD typically have higher levels of depression and anxiety than their male counterparts. They may struggle to deal with these symptoms, leading to a variety of unhealthy behaviors. For example, they might take up drug use or develop unhealthy eating patterns to deal with their symptoms. These behaviors can make symptoms worse. Furthermore, women are more likely to be misdiagnosed for these problems. They could receive the wrong treatment that could make them feel worse or cause other problems.
It's important to recognize that a variety of factors can trigger similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD such as stress and certain physical conditions and illnesses. This is why it's crucial to see a health care specialist or mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers suspect that this disparity in the rate of ADHD diagnosis between males and women is due to a combination of biological and socially constructed gender roles. Women are typically expected to perform more parenting and household chores than their male counterparts. This can cause feelings of low self esteem and untrue beliefs that can worsen ADHD symptoms.
Women are also less likely than men to tell doctors about their symptoms and believe that they are able to manage them on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD might also be more likely to blame their symptoms on other causes, such as a lack of sleep or excessive stress. untreated adhd in adults could be a contributing factor to the fact that many women suffering from ADHD are undiagnosed in adulthood.
Research indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic is especially difficult for young adults. They are more likely to experience higher rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms than adults in their middle years. These peaks coincided with cases of COVID-19 and occurred during a time where there were racial injustice protests and mass shootings, a decade of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine and other countries, frequent catastrophes and increasing unemployment. Stress exposure, especially recent and chronic, is a risk cause for depression and anxiety This combination of factors could help explain why these levels have been constantly elevated.
4. Difficulty Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD can have trouble making and maintaining friends particularly as they age. Social isolation is associated with a range of health issues, such as high blood pressure and chronic stress. It is beneficial to have close family and friends who can provide support, but many adults struggle to keep or make new relationships.
Societal norms about gender and sexuality can affect the likelihood that women with ADHD receive the diagnosis and treatment they require. In one study, parents or teachers were less likely than boys to refer girls to treatment 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 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. Women and girls are more likely to be the victims of the consequences of ADHD-related symptoms such as inattention and disorganization. Consequently, they might be incorrectly diagnosed with depression or anxiety, and their ADHD symptoms may not be properly treated.
In addition hormonal fluctuations can cause ADHD in females. Estrogen levels are typically lower towards the end and during the ovulation phase of the menstrual cycle and can cause symptoms to become worse for women and girls. This can cause confusion in adolescents, particularly when it is combined with hormonal changes. It can be difficult to recognize and treat them appropriately.
Although many of the same treatments are available to women suffering from ADHD A mental health professional will still have to evaluate each person's individual needs and symptoms. The type of therapy that a patient receives will depend on both their ADHD symptoms as well as other factors that might be contributing to their problems like the history of depression or trauma. A few common treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, where individuals are taught to change their negative thinking patterns and swap them out for healthier ones, as well as couples counseling that can help people improve communication and resolve problems in their relationships.