ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD affects both men as well as women, but societal expectations and gender roles often make it harder for them to recognize the signs. Women may also hide their symptoms better, which can lead them to be incorrectly diagnosed or delayed in treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral bias persisting stereotypes, and comorbidities could all be obstacles to a proper diagnosis. Here are a few of the most common untreated adhd in females.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Although the hyperactive and impulsive signs of ADHD are more common in males and females but women and those who are who are assigned a 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 signs of inattention ADHD include having trouble staying organized or on task, forgetting important things or appointments and being easily distracted by work or social occasions. It can also be hard for women with this disorder to sit and concentrate on assignments or other work at work or school. In some cases, people with ADHD might have difficulty falling or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or a medical issue.
People with inattentive ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and try to compensate for them. Others may interpret their behavior incorrectly, leading to confusion, anger, and conflict within relationships. In the workplace, it could result in missed opportunities and career challenges.
In the end, the consequences of untreated ADHD in female adults can be devastating. Women may find themselves struggling to manage their challenges at home and at work, which can make it hard to keep afloat when they take on multiple responsibilities and attempt to meet the goals they set for themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD have difficulty focusing and are unable to receive emotional support from their family and friends. In the end they may become lonely or develop unhealthy patterns of self-defeating behaviors like alcohol abuse.
Women with untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms, such as low self esteem, feelings of guilt, shame or feelings of inadequacy. This makes them more prone to physical and mental stress and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. In turn, they are more likely to turn to suicide or self-injury than those who do not suffer from the condition. A diagnosis can help a woman feel more confident in taking steps to transform her life for the better. However, getting a diagnosis requires that she first see an expert in healthcare for a thorough evaluation and effective treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, especially at work. Women with undiagnosed ADHD typically have a difficult time following through on work tasks and managing their schedule. They might forget important appointments or paperwork, or rely upon productivity apps to stay on track. These apps can be helpful however they aren't able to replace the need for solid organizational skills.
The gender roles expectations can amplify the impact of ADHD symptoms for women. Society expects women to be the caretakers of their home and family and require an amount of coordination that people with ADHD struggle to maintain. This pressure from society can make women with ADHD to feel ashamed and blame themselves for failing to fulfill these expectations.
Time management problems can cause frustration both in professional and personal relationships. The signs of ADHD can cause you to underestimate the time it takes to finish a task, causing you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If you are frequently late for meetings, think about using a planner or checklist to keep on top of deadlines. Make frequent breaks to clear your mind and get moving.
You can also use mindfulness techniques to help you focus on your the task and avoid distractions. Listening to news stories on your smartphone instead of music or podcasts is an excellent alternative to listening to music while working. If you have trouble being able to concentrate while driving, consider switching to a car that has a manual transmission. You can also consider driving with your cell phone turned off to avoid distracted texting and calling.
A mental health professional can help you determine the best treatment and coping method for ADHD. Treatment options can include medication, such as stimulants, and psychotherapy. Your doctor will suggest the appropriate therapy depending on your symptoms and the current circumstances in your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings, while swapping out negative patterns of behavior for healthier ones. You can also get family therapy or couples counseling to improve communication between you and your family members.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females with ADHD tend to have higher levels of depression and anxiety than their male counterparts. adhd in adults untreated may struggle to deal with these issues, which can lead to a variety of unhealthy behaviors. To cope with their symptoms, they might resort to using substances or adopt unhealthy eating habits. These behaviors can make the symptoms worse. Women are also more likely to get these issues that are not properly diagnosed. They may be given the wrong treatment which can make them feel worse or cause other issues.
It's important that you know that stress, physical conditions and illnesses can trigger symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. That's why it's essential to see a health care practitioner or a mental health professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the difference in the frequency of ADHD diagnosis between women and men is due to a mix of biological and socially constructed gender roles. Women are expected to perform more household and parenting work than men. This can lead to feelings of low self esteem and distorted beliefs, which can worsen ADHD symptoms.
In addition, women may be less likely to disclose their symptoms to a medical professional because they believe they can handle them on their own. Women with ADHD might also be more likely than others to blame their symptoms, such as lack of sleep or stress. This can result in 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 tend to have higher levels of depression and anxiety than middle-aged adults. These peaks coincided with COVID-19-related cases and were occurring at a time when there were racial injustice protests, mass shootings, decades of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine and recurrent catastrophes, as well as rising unemployment. Stress exposure either in the form of chronic or recent, is known to cause depression and anxiety. This combination of factors could explain why these levels are persistently high.
4. Trouble Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD may have trouble forming and maintaining friendships, particularly when they reach adulthood. Social isolation can lead to health issues such as high blood pressure or chronic stress. Having close friends and family members who can provide assistance can be beneficial, but many adults find that they are unable to make new friends or maintain their current relationships.
The social norms surrounding gender and sexuality can have an influence whether women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In one study, parents or teachers were less likely than men 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.
The social expectations for women and girls can increase the severity of 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 means that women and girls are more likely to be punished for having ADHD-related symptoms like inattention and disorganization. They could be misdiagnosed as having anxiety or mood disorders, and their ADHD symptoms might not be properly treated.
Additionally hormonal fluctuations can also cause ADHD in females. Estrogen levels are lower towards the end of menstrual cycles and during ovulation. This can cause women's and girls' symptoms get worse. This can cause confusion in adolescents, particularly when it is combined with hormonal changes. It is difficult to recognize and treat them appropriately.
While it is true that many of the same treatments work for women with ADHD like they do for males A mental health professional will still have to take a look at each individual's unique symptoms and needs. The kind of therapy that a patient receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms and any other factors that might be contributing to their problems, such as a history of trauma or depression. adhd in adults characterization diagnosis and treatment are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a process where individuals learn how to change their negative thoughts and switch them to healthier ones. Couples counseling can help individuals improve their communication and resolve problems in relationships.