ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a problem that affects both men and women, but societal expectations and gender roles can make it difficult for them to be diagnosed. Women may also hide their symptoms more effectively, which could cause them to be incorrectly diagnosed or delayed in treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral bias persisting stereotypes, and comorbidities can all be obstacles to a correct diagnosis. Here are a few of the most frequently reported untreated adhd female adults.
1. Problems with Focusing
Women and those who were assigned female at birth are not yet 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.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include forgetting important appointments or things that are important, and getting easily distracted by social or work events. It can also be hard for a woman with this disorder to sit down and concentrate on their homework or other work at work or school. In some cases, people with ADHD may have trouble getting or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or a medical condition.
People with inattention ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and try to compensate for them. Their behavior could be misinterpreted by others, resulting in confusion, anger and conflict in their relationships. This can result in difficulties in their careers and a lack of opportunities at work.
In the end, the effects of untreated ADHD for females can be devastating. Women may find it difficult to deal with their problems both at home and in the workplace. This could make it difficult to stay afloat while they manage their obligations and try to reach the goals that they set for themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD have trouble focusing and also struggle to get emotional support from family members and friends. They may become lonely, or develop unhealthy patterns that are self-defeating, such as drinking.
Women with untreated ADHD might also experience internalizing symptoms such as low self-esteem and feelings of guilt, shame or worthlessness. This can lead them to be more vulnerable to physical illness, stress and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. This means they are more likely to self-injury or suicide than those who do not suffer from the condition. A diagnosis can make a woman feel more confident in taking steps to change her life to the best of her abilities. However, obtaining an diagnosis requires that she first consult an experienced healthcare professional for a thorough assessment and effective treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, particularly at work. Women with no diagnosis of ADHD struggle with managing their day-to-day schedule and completing work tasks. They might forget appointments, lose important documents, or rely on productivity apps to help keep track of their tasks. These apps can be useful, but they cannot replace the need for good organization skills.
The gender role expectations of women can also contribute to the symptoms of ADHD. Women are expected to take care of their families and homes and homes, which require a level of coordination that ADHD sufferers struggle to maintain. This social pressure can cause feelings of self-reflection and shame among women who suffer from ADHD who are trying to meet these demands, causing them to mask their symptoms.
Problems with time management can lead to frustration both in personal and professional relationships. Symptoms of ADHD can cause you to underestimate how time it takes to complete a task, which can cause you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If you are frequently late for events, consider using a planner or checklist to keep on top of deadlines. Make sure to take frequent breaks to move around and relax your mind, and use a timer when working.
You can also employ mindfulness techniques to stay focused and avoid distractions. For example, instead of listening to podcasts or music while working, play the news on your smartphone. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, try switching to a manual transmission car. You may also want to look into driving without a cellphone to avoid being distracted by texting or making calls.
Once you are diagnosed with ADHD, a mental health professional can recommend treatments and strategies for coping. Treatment options include medication, such as stimulants, and psychotherapy. The kind of therapy that your doctor recommends will depend on your specific needs and the circumstances in your life. For instance, cognitive behavior therapy can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing negative patterns of behavior for healthier ones. You can also receive couples or family therapy to improve communication within your relationships.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females with ADHD are more prone to depression and anxiety than males. They may be struggling to deal with the symptoms, which could cause a variety of unhealthy behaviours. To cope with their symptoms, they might use substances or develop unhealthy eating habits. These actions can worsen symptoms. Women are also more likely to have these problems misdiagnosed. They could receive the wrong treatment, which could make them feel worse or cause other issues.
It's important to recognize that many factors can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD, including stress and certain physical conditions and illnesses. It's important to see a health care practitioner or a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the differences in ADHD diagnoses between men and women is due to a mix of biological and socially constructed roles. Women are typically expected to perform a larger share of household and parenting duties than their male counterparts. This can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and cause dysfunctional beliefs that can exacerbate symptoms of ADHD.
In addition, women may be less likely to report their symptoms to a healthcare professional because they think they should be able to manage them on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD may also be more likely than others to blame their symptoms, such as lack of sleep or stress. This could lead to a lot of women who suffer from ADHD not being diagnosed until adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 timeframe has been particularly difficult for young adults, who tend to have more persistently high levels of depression and anxiety than adults of middle age. The highs in these levels coincided with the peaks in the number of COVID-19 cases 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 rising unemployment. online adhd treatment for adults and frequent stress exposure is known to be a risk factor for anxiety and depression and this combination of factors could explain why these levels have been constantly increased.
4. Difficulty Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD are more likely to have difficulty finding and maintaining friendships particularly as they get older. Social isolation can be associated with a range of health problems, including high blood pressure and chronic stress. It can be beneficial to have close family members and friends who are able to provide support, but many adults struggle to keep or make new connections.
The social norms surrounding gender and sexuality can have an impact on whether women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they need. In one study, parents or teachers were less likely than boys to refer girls to services 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.
These societal expectations of women and girls can exacerbate 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 like inattention and disorganization. This means that they may be misdiagnosed as having anxiety or a mood disorder and their ADHD symptoms might not be treated appropriately.
Furthermore, hormone changes can further increase ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels are typically lower towards the end and during ovulation of the menstrual period which can cause symptoms worse for women and girls. This can lead to confusion in adolescents, especially when they are combined with hormonal changes. It is difficult to recognize and treat them properly.
While many of the same treatments are available to women with ADHD, a mental healthcare professional will still need evaluate each person's individual needs and symptoms. The kind of treatment a patient receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms as in addition to other factors that could be the cause of their issues. For example, a history depression or a traumatic experience. The most common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps people learn how to change their negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier ones. Couples counseling can also assist individuals to improve their communication and resolve issues in their relationships.