ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD affects both men and women, but societal expectations and gender roles often make it harder for them to recognize the signs. Women are also more adept in minimizing their symptoms, which can result in a misdiagnosis or delay in treatment.
Lingering stereotypes, referral biases internalized symptoms, and comorbidities all create obstacles to a correct diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are some of the most common untreated adhd in females.
1. Difficulty Focusing
While hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent in males and females, women and people 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.
The symptoms of inattention ADHD include having trouble staying organized or on task, losing important appointments or things, and easily being distracted by work or social occasions. People with this disorder might also have difficulty to concentrate on schoolwork or other tasks. Women who suffer from ADHD can have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep because of anxiety, depression or medical issues.
People with inattentive ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms and attempt to make up for them. Their behavior can be misinterpreted by others, resulting in misunderstandings, frustration and conflict in their relationships. This can result in difficulties in their careers and a lack of opportunities at work.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating consequences on females. Women may find themselves having to deal with their challenges at home and at work, which can make it hard to stay afloat as they take on multiple responsibilities and attempt to achieve the goals they set for themselves.
In addition to having difficulty in focusing, many women with ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their family and friends. They may become lonely or develop unhealthy habits that are self-defeating like drinking.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also experience internalizing symptoms, such as low self-esteem and feelings guilt, shame or deprivation. This makes them more vulnerable to physical illness, stress and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. As a result, they are more likely to turn to self-injury or suicide than those who do not suffer from the condition. Being diagnosed can help women feel more confident in taking steps to alter her life for the better. However, getting diagnosed requires that she first see an expert in healthcare for a thorough evaluation and effective treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms are difficult to manage in the workplace, especially. Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD often have a harder time following through on work assignments and coordinating their schedule. They may lose important paperwork or appointments or rely on productivity apps to stay on top of things. adhd in adults untreated can be helpful, but cannot replace good organizational skills.
The gender roles expectations can increase the severity of ADHD symptoms for women. Women are expected to take care of their homes and families and require a certain level of coordination that people with ADHD struggle to maintain. This social pressure can cause feelings of guilt and shame in women with ADHD who attempt to meet these demands and cause them to hide their symptoms.
Problems with time management can lead to frustration in relationships both professional and personal. The symptoms of ADHD can cause you to underestimate the 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 on track of deadlines when you are frequently late for events. Take frequent breaks to relax your mind and get moving.
You can also employ mindfulness techniques to focus and cut down on distractions. For example, instead of listening to music or podcasts while working, play an article on your mobile. If adhd in adults untreated find it difficult to concentrate when driving, you can switch to a manual transmission vehicle. You may also want to look into driving without a cellphone to avoid being distracted by texting or making calls.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, a mental health professional can recommend treatment and coping strategies. Treatment options include medication, such as stimulants, and psychotherapy. The type of therapy your doctor recommends will depend on your specific symptoms and the current state of your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you come to accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing your negative patterns of behavior to healthier ones. You can also seek family therapy or couples counseling to improve communication between your family members.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females with ADHD have higher levels of depression and anxiety than males. They may have difficulty coping with the symptoms, which can cause a variety of unhealthy behaviours. For instance, they may resort to using substances or develop unhealthy eating patterns to deal with their symptoms. These behaviors can make the symptoms worse. Furthermore women are more prone to be misdiagnosed with these problems. They may receive the wrong treatment that could worsen their mood or cause 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 a mental health professional or health care professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the difference in the frequency of ADHD diagnosis for women and men is due to a combination of social and biological gender roles. Women are expected to do more household and parenting tasks than men. This can lead to feelings of self-doubt and lead to dysfunctional beliefs that can cause symptoms of ADHD.
Furthermore, women may be less likely to report their symptoms to a medical professional because they think they can handle 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 can lead to many women who suffer from ADHD not being diagnosed until they reach adulthood.
Research indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic is particularly difficult for young adults. They are more likely to experience greater levels of depression and anxiety than adults in their middle years. These highs coincided with cases of COVID-19 and occurred at a time when protests against racism were on the rise and mass shootings, a decade of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine and recurrent catastrophes, as well as rising unemployment. Stress exposure, both chronic and recent, has been proven to increase anxiety and depression. This combination of factors could be the reason why these levels are so constant high.
4. Problems in Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may have trouble forming and maintaining friendships, particularly when they reach adulthood. Social isolation is associated with a range of health problems, including high blood pressure and chronic stress. It can be beneficial to have close family and friends who are able to provide support, however many adults struggle to keep or establish new relationships.
Societal norms about gender and sexuality may affect the likelihood that women with ADHD receive the diagnosis and treatment they need. In one study, teachers or parents 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 for women and girls could 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 the consequences of ADHD-related symptoms such as inattention and disorganization. Consequently, they might be misdiagnosed as having anxiety or a mood disorder, and their ADHD symptoms might not be properly treated.
Furthermore, hormone fluctuations can also amplify ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels decrease at the end of menstrual cycles and during ovulation, which can make the symptoms of women and girls appear to be more severe. This can cause confusion in adolescents, especially when they are combined with hormonal changes. It is difficult to recognize and treat them appropriately.
While it is true that a number of the same treatments are effective for women suffering from ADHD like they do for men However, a mental health professional will need to evaluate each individual's specific needs and symptoms. The kind of treatment a patient receives depends on the severity of their ADHD symptoms, as in addition to other factors contributing to their problems. For instance trauma, a history of depression or a traumatic experience. A few typical treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), where people learn to alter their negative thought patterns and switch them to healthier ones. Couples counseling can help individuals improve their communication skills and solve issues in their relationships.