ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects both women and men. However, social expectations & gender roles make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women are also able to mask their symptoms more effectively, which could lead them to be not diagnosed or delayed in getting treatment.
Obscuring stereotypes, referral biases internalized symptoms and comorbidities can all create obstacles to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are a few of most common untreated adhd in female adults.
1. Problems with Focusing
Although the hyperactive and impulsive signs of ADHD are more prevalent in boys and men however, women and those assigned female at birth (AFAB) are not yet 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 forgetting important appointments or things and being easily distracted by work or social occasions. Women suffering from this disorder might also have difficulty to concentrate on their schoolwork or other activities. In some cases, women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty getting or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety or a medical issue.
People who have inattention ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms and try to compensate for them. Their behavior could be misinterpreted by others, resulting in conflicts, frustrations and miscommunication in their relationships. In the workplace, it can cause lost opportunities and career challenges.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating consequences on females. Women can be struggling to manage their challenges at home and at work, which can make it difficult for them to keep afloat when they juggle multiple responsibilities and try to achieve the goals they have set for themselves.
Alongside having issues focus, many women suffering from ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their family and friends. They may feel isolated or develop unhealthy habits that can be self-defeating like drinking.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can also experience internalizing symptoms such as low self-esteem and feelings of guilt, shame or worthlessness. This makes them more susceptible to physical illness, stress and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. They are more likely than those who do not have the condition to take self-harm or commit suicide. Women can feel empowered by a diagnosis and take action to improve her life. However, getting a diagnosis is a prerequisite for seeing an expert in healthcare for a thorough assessment and effective treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, particularly in the workplace. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD struggle with managing their daily schedule and completing work-related tasks. They may forget appointments, lose important documents or depend on productivity apps to help them keep track of their tasks. These apps are helpful but they cannot replace the ability to organize your life.
Gender role expectations can also increase the severity of ADHD symptoms for women. Women are required to look after their homes and families, which requires a level of coordination that ADHD sufferers have to work hard to maintain. This social pressure can cause feelings of shame and self-blame in women with ADHD who are trying to meet those demands and cause them to hide their symptoms.
Time management issues can lead to frustration, both in personal and professional relationships. ADHD symptoms can cause you to underestimating the time needed to complete tasks, causing you to be late to meetings or other commitments. Use a checklist or a planner to the track of deadlines if you're often late for meetings or other events. Use frequent breaks to calm your mind and move around.
You can also practice mindfulness techniques to help you focus on your focus and eliminate distractions. For instance, instead of listening to music or podcasts while working, you can listen to an article on your phone. If you are having trouble concentrating while driving, consider switching to a manual transmission vehicle. You may also want to look into driving without a cellphone in order to avoid being distracted by texting or calling.
Once you are diagnosed with ADHD, an expert in mental health can recommend treatment and strategies for coping. Treatment options can include medication, such as stimulants, as well as psychotherapy. Your doctor will suggest a therapy according to your health issues and the present situation in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for instance can help you accept your thoughts and feelings while replacing negative patterns of behaviour with healthier ones. You can also seek couples counseling or family therapy to improve communication in your relationships.
3. Depression and anxiety
Females suffering from ADHD report higher levels depression and anxiety than males. They may struggle to cope with the symptoms, and this can result in a range of unhealthy behaviours. To cope with their symptoms, they may use substances or develop unhealthy eating habits. These behaviors can make symptoms worse. In addition women are more prone to be misdiagnosed for these issues. They may receive the wrong treatment which can worsen their mood or cause other issues.
It's essential to be aware that stress, certain physical ailments, and illnesses can cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. This is why it's crucial to see a medical provider or a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the differences in ADHD diagnoses between women and men is due to a mix of biological and socially constructed roles. Women are generally expected to take on a larger share of parenting and household duties than their male counterparts. This pressure can result in feelings of self-doubt and cause dysfunctional beliefs that can exacerbate symptoms of ADHD.
In addition, women may be less likely to admit their symptoms to a healthcare professional because they believe they can handle them on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD may also be more likely than others to blame their symptoms on other factors, for example, sleep deprivation or stress. This can lead to many women who suffer from ADHD not being diagnosed until adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 period has been particularly challenging for young adults, who are more likely to suffer from more constant high rates of anxiety and depression than adults of middle age. These peak levels coincided with COVID-19 cases and occurred at a time when there were racial injustice protests and mass shootings, a decade of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine, recurrent catastrophes and rising unemployment. Stress exposure, both chronic and recent, has been proven to cause depression and anxiety. This combination of factors could be the reason why these levels are so constant high.
4. Difficulty Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD can have trouble making and keeping friends particularly as they age. Social isolation can cause health problems such as high blood pressure or chronic stress. It is beneficial to have close family and friends who are able to provide support, however many adults have difficulty maintaining or establish new relationships.
The social norms surrounding gender and sexuality can affect whether or not women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they need. In one study, parents or teachers 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 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. This makes girls and women more prone to being penalized for showing symptoms of ADHD such as disorganization and inattention. It is possible that they are misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety and their ADHD symptoms may not be treated properly.
In addition hormonal fluctuations can also cause ADHD in females. Estrogen levels are typically lower at the end of and during the ovulation phase of a woman's menstrual period, which can make symptoms more severe for females and girls. This can cause confusion among adolescents, especially when they are combined with hormonal changes. It is difficult to identify and treat them properly.
Although it is true that a lot of the same treatment options work for women with ADHD like they do for men A mental health professional will still have to take a look at each individual's particular needs and symptoms. The type of treatment a person receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms, as in addition to other factors that may be contributing to their difficulties. For instance the history of trauma or depression. adhd symptoms in adults treatment are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps people learn to alter their negative thought patterns and swap them for healthier ones. Couples counseling can aid individuals in improving their communication skills and solve issues in their relationships.