ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a problem that affects both men and women, however, societal expectations and gender roles can make it difficult for them to be diagnosed. Women can also mask their symptoms better, which could lead them to be not diagnosed or delayed in getting treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral biases persistent stereotypes and comorbidities can all be obstacles to a proper diagnosis. Here are a few of most frequent untreated adhd female adults symptoms.
1. Problems with Focusing
Although the hyperactive and impulsive signs of ADHD are more prevalent in boys and men but women and those who are assigned 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 being unable to remember important appointments or items, and being easily distracted by work or social occasions. Women suffering from this disorder may also find it difficult to concentrate on schoolwork or other work. Women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or medical issues.
People who have inattention ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms and try to make up for them. Their behavior may be misinterpreted by others, leading to conflicts, frustrations and miscommunication in their relationships. It could result in difficulties in their careers and a lack of opportunities at work.
In the end, the consequences of untreated ADHD for females can be devastating. Women can be struggling to manage their problems at home as well as at work, which can make it difficult to stay on top of their game as they juggle multiple responsibilities and attempt to reach the goals they set for themselves.
In addition to having difficulty focus, many women suffering from ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their families and friends. They may feel isolated, or develop unhealthy patterns that lead to self-defeating behaviors, such as drinking.
Women with untreated ADHD might also experience internalizing symptoms like low self esteem, feelings of guilt, shame or feeling of worthlessness. This can make them more prone to physical and mental stressors and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. In turn, they are more likely to turn to suicide or self-injury than those who don't suffer from the condition. A diagnosis can help women 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. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, particularly at work. Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD often have a harder to complete work assignments and coordinating their daily schedule. They may miss appointments, lose important documents, or depend on productivity apps to help them keep track of their tasks. These apps can be helpful but they cannot replace good organizational skills.
Gender roles can enhance the impact of ADHD symptoms in women. Society expects women to take care of their family and home which requires a certain level of coordination that people suffering from ADHD struggle to maintain. This pressure from society could cause women suffering from ADHD to feel shame and blame themselves for trying to meet these demands.
Time management issues can result in frustration in relationships both professional and personal. ADHD symptoms can cause you underestimating the time it takes to complete tasks, causing you to be late to meetings or other commitments. Consider using a checklist or a planner to keep track deadlines if you are frequently late for events. Make sure to take frequent breaks to move around and calm your mind. You can also employ a timer when you work.
You can also employ mindfulness techniques to focus and reduce distractions. Listening to news stories on your phone instead of music or podcasts can be a good alternative to listening to music while working. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, consider changing to a vehicle with a manual transmission. It is also possible to drive with your cell phone turned off to avoid distracted texting and phone calls.
Once you are diagnosed with ADHD, a mental health professional can recommend treatments and coping strategies. Treatment options may include medication, such as stimulants, and psychotherapy. The kind of therapy your doctor recommends is based on your specific symptoms and the current state of your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for instance can help you accept your thoughts and emotions while replacing destructive patterns of behavior with healthier ones. You can also receive couples counseling or family therapy to improve communication between your family members.
3. Depression and Anxiety
Females suffering from ADHD tend to have higher levels of depression and anxiety than their male counterparts. They may have difficulty coping with these issues, which can lead to a variety of unhealthy behaviours. For instance, they could turn to substance use or develop unhealthy eating habits to deal with their symptoms. These behaviors can make symptoms worse. In addition, women are more likely to be misdiagnosed with these problems. They may be given the wrong treatment which can make them feel worse or cause other problems.
It's important that you know that stress, physical conditions, and illnesses can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. It is important to speak with a mental health professional or health care professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the difference in ADHD diagnoses between men and women is due to a mix of socially and biologically constructed roles. Women are typically expected to assume a larger share of parenting and household duties than their male counterparts. This pressure can cause feelings of low self-esteem and cause dysfunctional beliefs that can lead to the emergence of 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 who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to blame their symptoms on other factors such as lack of sleep or stress. Full Write-up could lead to a lot of women who suffer from ADHD not being diagnosed until later in life.
Research indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic is particularly difficult for young adults. They tend to have greater levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms than adults in their mid-life. The peaks in these levels coincided with the peaks in COVID-19 case numbers and occurred during a time of racial justice protests mass shootings, decades of high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine as well as recurring climate disasters and rising unemployment. Chronic and recent stress exposure is a risk cause for depression and anxiety This combination of factors could help explain why these levels have been persistently raised.
4. Difficulty Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD might have trouble forming and maintaining friendships, particularly in their later years. Social isolation is associated with a range of health issues, such as high blood pressure and chronic stress. The presence of close family and friends members who can provide assistance can be beneficial however, many adults discover that they can't form new friends or maintain their current relationships.
The social norms that surround gender and sexuality can have an affect whether women suffering from ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they need. In one study, parents and teachers were less likely to refer girls suffering from ADHD to treatment 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 social expectations for women and girls may 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. Women and girls are more likely to experience the consequences of ADHD-related symptoms like inattention and disorganization. They could be misdiagnosed as having mood disorders or anxiety, and their ADHD symptoms may not be treated properly.
Moreover, hormone fluctuations can further amplify ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels are lower at the end of menstrual cycles and during ovulation, which can cause girls' and women's symptoms get worse. In conjunction with hormonal changes during the adolescent stage, this could cause confusion about their symptoms, making it harder for them to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Although it is true that a lot of the same treatment options are effective for women suffering from ADHD like they do for males, a mental health professional will still have to take a look at each individual's specific needs and symptoms. The type of treatment a person receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms as along with other factors that could be contributing to their difficulties. For example, a history trauma or depression. A few common treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, where individuals are taught to change their negative thoughts and replace them with healthier ones, and couples counseling, which can help individuals improve their communication and solve issues in their relationships.