ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects both men & women. However, societal expectations & gender roles make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women can also mask their symptoms more effectively, which could result in them being misdiagnosed or delayed in treatment.
Lingering stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptoms and comorbidities can all create obstacles to a correct diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are some of the most common untreated adhd in females.
1. Trouble focusing
Although the symptoms of impulsive and hyperactive of ADHD are more common in boys and men, women and people who are assigned a female at birth (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.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include not remembering important appointments or things that are important, and getting easily distracted by social or work events. It can be a challenge for women suffering from this disorder to sit down and concentrate on their homework or other work at work or school. In some cases, women with ADHD might have difficulty falling or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or a medical problem.
People with inattention ADHD often attempt to hide their symptoms. Their behavior can 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. in the workplace.
In the end, the impact of untreated ADHD for females can be devastating. Women may have a difficult time to deal with their problems both at home and at the workplace. This could make it difficult to keep afloat as they juggle their multiple tasks and strive to meet the goals they have set for themselves.
Alongside having issues focusing, many women with ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their family and friends. As a result they may feel isolated or develop unhealthy patterns of self-defeating behaviors such as alcohol use.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also experience internalizing symptoms like low self-esteem, feelings of guilt, shame or deprivation. This makes them more susceptible to stress, physical illnesses as well as mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. They are more likely than people who do not have the condition to commit suicide or self-harm. Women can feel empowered after receiving a diagnosis and take action to improve her life. However, obtaining diagnosed is a prerequisite for seeing an expert in healthcare for a thorough assessment and efficient treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, especially at work. adhd treatment for older adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD typically have a difficult to complete tasks at work and managing their daily schedule. They may miss appointments, misplace important paperwork or depend on productivity apps to help them remain on track. These apps can be useful, but they cannot replace the need for solid organization skills.
Gender roles can increase the severity of ADHD symptoms for women. Society expects women to take care of their homes and families, which requires some degree of coordination that people with ADHD struggle to maintain. The pressures from society can make women with ADHD to feel embarrassed and blame themselves for not being able to meet these demands.
Troubles with time management could cause frustration in relationships, both personal and professional. The symptoms of ADHD can cause you to underestimate how you will take to complete a task, leading you to be late for meetings or other commitments. Use a checklist or a planner to keep the track of deadlines if you're frequently late for events. Take breaks frequently to move around and clear your mind. Also, employ a timer when you work.
You can also apply mindfulness techniques to remain focused and avoid distractions. Listening to news stories on your smartphone instead of music or podcasts could be a good 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 cell phone turned off to prevent distractions with texting and calls.
A mental health professional can help you determine the most effective treatment and coping strategies for ADHD. Treatment options can include medication, such as stimulants, and psychotherapy. The kind of therapy your doctor recommends is based on the specific symptoms you have and the circumstances in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, can help you accept your thoughts and feelings while replacing destructive patterns of behavior with 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 cope with the symptoms, which can result in a range of unhealthy behavior. In order to deal with their symptoms, they could turn to substances or unhealthy eating habits. These behaviors can make the symptoms worse. Additionally women are more prone to be misdiagnosed for these conditions. In the end, they are treated incorrectly which may further aggravate their mood and lead to other problems.
It's crucial to know that stress, physical conditions and illnesses can trigger symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. It is essential to consult an expert in mental health or a health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers suspect that this disparity in the rate of ADHD diagnosis between males and women is due to a mix of biological and socially constructed gender roles. Women are expected to take on more household chores and parenting than men. This can lead to feelings of self-doubt and cause dysfunctional beliefs that can exacerbate symptoms of ADHD.
Additionally, women are less likely to disclose their symptoms to a medical professional because they believe they can handle the symptoms on their own. Women with ADHD might also be more likely than others to blame their symptoms, such as lack of sleep or stress. This can contribute to the fact that a lot of women with ADHD are not diagnosed until later in life.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has been especially difficult for young adults. They have greater levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms than adults in their mid-life. These peak levels coincided with COVID-19-related cases and occurred during a time where protests against racial discrimination were taking place and mass shootings, years of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine, recurrent catastrophes and rising unemployment. Stress exposure, especially recent and chronic, is known to be a risk factor for depression and anxiety, so this combination of factors could explain why these levels have been so consistently raised.
4. Trouble Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD are more likely to have difficulty making and maintaining friends particularly as they age. Social isolation can be connected to a myriad of health issues, including high blood pressure and chronic stress. It is beneficial to have close family and friends who can offer assistance, but many adults struggle to maintain or establish new connections.
The social norms surrounding gender and sexual orientation can have an influence whether women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they need. In one study, teachers or parents were less likely than men 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 girls and women can 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 punishment for symptoms of ADHD like inattention and disorganization. In the end, they could be mistakenly diagnosed as having an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder, and their ADHD symptoms may not be properly treated.
In addition hormonal fluctuations can cause ADHD in females. Estrogen levels may be lower at the end of and during the ovulation period of the menstrual cycle and can cause symptoms to become 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.
Although it is true that many of the same treatment options work for women with ADHD like they do for males However, a mental health professional will still need to evaluate each individual's unique symptoms and needs. The kind of treatment that a person receives is based on their ADHD symptoms as in addition to other factors the cause of their issues. For instance trauma, a history of depression or trauma. A few common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), where people learn to change their negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier ones. Couples counseling can also aid individuals in improving their communication skills and solve problems in relationships.