ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD affects both men as well as women, but societal expectations and gender roles can make it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. Women may also hide their symptoms better, which can cause them to be not diagnosed or delayed in getting treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral biases persisting stereotypes, and comorbidities can all be obstacles to a proper diagnosis. Here are some females' symptoms that aren't treated for adhd.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Although the hyperactive and impulsive signs of ADHD are more common in males and females however, women and those born female (AFAB) are still underdiagnosed 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 task, losing important dates or items, and being easily distracted by social or work occasions. Women suffering from this disorder might also have difficulty to concentrate on their schoolwork or other activities. Women with ADHD can have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep because of anxiety, depression, or medical problems.
People who have inattention ADHD often try to hide their symptoms. People may not understand their behavior, leading to confusion, anger, and conflict within relationships. It can lead to problems in the workplace and missed career opportunities. at work.
As a result, the impact of untreated ADHD for females can be devastating. Women may find themselves having to deal with their challenges at home and at work and this can make it difficult for them to stay on top of their game as they take on multiple responsibilities and try to achieve the goals they set for themselves.
In addition to having trouble focusing, many women with ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their family and friends. In the end, they can become isolated or develop self-defeating habits that are unhealthy, such as alcohol abuse.
Women with untreated ADHD can also develop internalizing symptoms, such as low self-esteem, feelings of guilt, shame or a sense of worthlessness. This makes them more susceptible to stress, physical illnesses and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. This means they are more likely to turn to suicide or self-injury as compared to those who do not suffer from the condition. Receiving a diagnosis can help women feel more empowered to take steps to alter her life to the best of her abilities. To receive a diagnosis the woman should first speak with a qualified health professional 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 often have a harder working through work tasks and managing their schedule. symptoms of adhd in adults treatment might forget important paperwork or appointments or rely on productivity apps to stay on top of things. These apps are helpful but they cannot replace the ability to organize your life.
The gender roles expectations can enhance the impact of ADHD symptoms for women. Women are expected to care for their homes and families which requires a degree of coordination that ADHD sufferers have to work hard to maintain. This pressure from society could cause women suffering from ADHD to feel shame and blame themselves for trying to meet these demands.
Problems with time management can lead to frustration, both in professional and personal relationships. Symptoms of ADHD can make you underestimate how time it takes to finish a task, causing you to be late for meetings or other commitments. You might want to consider using a checklist or a planner to keep track deadlines if you are frequently late for events. Take frequent breaks to move around and clear your mind. Also, employ a timer when you work.
You can also employ mindfulness techniques to focus and avoid distractions. Watching news stories on your smartphone instead of listening to music or podcasts could be an excellent alternative to listening to music while working. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, think about switching to a car with manual transmission. You may also want to look into driving without a cellphone to avoid getting distracted by texting or making calls.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, the mental health professional can recommend treatment and coping strategies. Treatment options can include medications, like stimulants, and psychotherapy. Your doctor will recommend a therapy according to your health issues and the current situation in your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you come to accept your thoughts and feelings, while swapping out negative patterns of behavior to healthier ones. You can also seek family therapy or couples counseling to improve communication between you and your family members.
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 lead to a variety of unhealthy behaviors. For example, they might turn to substance use or develop unhealthy eating patterns as a way of dealing with their symptoms. These behaviors can make symptoms worse. In addition, women are more likely to be misdiagnosed for these issues. As a result, they are treated in the wrong way which can further aggravate their mood and trigger other problems.
It's essential to be aware that stress, physical ailments and illnesses can trigger symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. It's important to consult a health care practitioner or a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the disparity in ADHD diagnoses between men and women is due to a combination socially and biologically constructed roles. Women are usually expected to assume a larger share of household and parenting duties than their male counterparts. This pressure can result in feelings of low self-esteem and cause dysfunctional beliefs that can lead to the emergence of symptoms of ADHD.
Women may also be less likely than men to tell the doctor about their issues as they believe they can manage them on their own. Women with ADHD are also more likely than other people to blame their symptoms, for example, sleep deprivation or stress. This could contribute to the fact that many women with ADHD are not diagnosed until later in life.
Research indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly difficult for young adults. They tend to have higher rates of depression and anxiety than adults in their middle age. These peak levels coincided with COVID-19 cases and occurred during a time where there were racial injustice protests, mass shootings, decades of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine, recurrent catastrophes and rising unemployment. Stress exposure either in the form of chronic or recent, has been proven to cause depression and anxiety. This combination of factors could be the reason why these levels are persistently high.
4. Difficulty Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may have difficulty establishing and maintaining friendships, especially in adulthood. Social isolation can cause health issues like high blood pressure or chronic stress. It can be beneficial to have close family and friends who can provide assistance, but many adults struggle to keep or form new connections.
The social norms surrounding gender and sex may impact the likelihood that women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In one study, teachers or parents were less likely than males 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 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. This makes girls and women more likely to be punished for having ADHD-related symptoms like disorganization and inattention. This means that they may be mistakenly diagnosed as having anxiety or a mood disorder or a mood disorder, and their ADHD symptoms might not be appropriately treated.
Additionally, hormonal fluctuations can further amplify ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels can be lower at the end and during the ovulation period of the menstrual cycle and can cause symptoms to become more severe for females and girls. When combined with hormonal changes during the adolescent years, this can cause confusion about their symptoms, making it harder for them to receive the correct diagnosis and treatment.
While many of the same treatments are available to women with ADHD A mental health professional will still need evaluate the individual's needs and symptoms. The kind of treatment a patient receives is based on the severity of their ADHD symptoms as in addition to other factors contributing to their difficulties. For instance the history of depression or trauma. A few typical treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps people learn how to change their negative thoughts and switch them to healthier ones. Couples counseling can assist individuals to improve their communication skills and solve issues in their relationships.