ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is an illness that affects males and females. However, societal expectations and gender roles make it difficult for women to recognize. Women are also better in hiding their symptoms, which could result in a misdiagnosis or delay in treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral biases, lingering stereotypes and comorbidities could all be obstacles to a clear diagnosis. Here are some female adult symptoms that are not treated for adhd.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Women and those who were assigned females at birth are often not 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.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include forgetting important appointments or things and being easily distracted by social or work occasions. It can be difficult for a woman with this disorder to sit down and focus on homework or other work at school or work. Women with ADHD are often unable to fall asleep or staying asleep because of anxiety, depression, or medical problems.
People with inattention ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and attempt to make up for them. Others might misinterpret their behavior, causing misunderstandings, frustration and conflict within relationships. In the workplace, it can result in missed opportunities and career challenges.
As a result, the consequences of untreated ADHD in female adults can be devastating. Women may find themselves struggling to manage their problems at home as well as at work and this can make it hard to stay afloat as they juggle many responsibilities and strive to achieve the goals they have set for themselves.
Many women with ADHD struggle to focus and are unable to receive emotional support from their family and friends. In the end they may feel isolated or develop unhealthy patterns of self-defeating behaviors such as alcohol use.
Women with untreated ADHD may also experience internalizing symptoms, such as low self-esteem, feelings of guilt, shame or a sense of worthlessness. This can lead them to be more vulnerable to physical illness, stress and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. As a result, they are more likely to suicide or self-injury as compared to those who don't suffer from the condition. A diagnosis can help a woman feel more empowered to take steps to alter her life for the better. However, obtaining 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, particularly at work. Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD frequently have a hard working through tasks at work and managing their daily schedule. They might forget important appointments or paperwork, or rely upon productivity apps to stay on track. These apps can be helpful but they are not a substitute for the ability to organize your life.
The gender-based expectations of women can also contribute to the symptoms of ADHD. Women are expected to take care of their homes and families which requires a certain level of coordination that people suffering from ADHD struggle to maintain. This societal pressure can trigger feelings of shame and self-blame in women who suffer from ADHD who attempt to fulfill these expectations which can cause them to conceal their symptoms.
Problems with time management can result in frustration in relationships both professional and personal. Symptoms of ADHD can cause you to underestimate the long it takes to complete a task, which can cause you to be late for meetings or other commitments. You might want to consider using a checklist or a calendar to the track of deadlines if you're often late for meetings or other events. Make sure to take frequent breaks to move around and relax your mind, and use a timer when working.
You can also use mindfulness techniques to focus and avoid distractions. For example, instead of listening to music or podcasts while working, you can listen to a news story on your smartphone. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, you might consider switching to a car with a manual transmission. You may also want consider driving without your cellphone in order to avoid being distracted by texting or making calls.
Once you are diagnosed with ADHD, the mental health professional can recommend treatments and coping strategies. Treatment options include stimulants and psychotherapy. The kind of therapy your doctor recommends is based on your specific symptoms and the circumstances in your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you to learn to accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing negative behaviors for healthier ones. You can also get family therapy or couples counseling to improve communication between your family members.
3. Depression and Anxiety
Females with ADHD tend to have higher levels of anxiety and depression than their male counterparts. They can struggle to cope with these issues, leading to a range of unhealthy behavior. For instance, they may resort to using substances or develop unhealthy eating habits as a means of dealing with their symptoms. These actions can worsen symptoms. Women are also more likely to get problems that are not diagnosed. They may be given the wrong treatment that could worsen their mood or cause other issues.
It's crucial to know that stress, physical conditions, and illnesses can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. It is essential to consult a mental health professional or a health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the differences in ADHD diagnoses between men and women is due to a combination biological and socially constructed roles. Women are expected to do more household and parenting work than men. This can result in feelings of low self esteem and dysfunctional beliefs, which can worsen ADHD symptoms.
Women are also less likely than men to inform doctors about their symptoms, believing that they can manage them on their own. Women with ADHD are also more likely to blame their symptoms on other factors such as lack of sleep or stress. This could contribute to the fact that a lot of women with ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 era has been particularly difficult for young adults, who tend to suffer from more constant high rates of anxiety and depression than middle-aged adults. These peaks coincided with COVID-19 cases and occurred at a time when protests against racial discrimination were taking place, 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, has been proven to increase anxiety and depression. This combination of factors could explain why these levels are so consistently high.
4. Problems in Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD can have trouble finding and maintaining friendships particularly as they age. Social isolation can be associated with a range of health issues, including high blood pressure and chronic stress. It can be beneficial to have close family members and friends who can offer assistance, but many adults have difficulty maintaining or form new relationships.
The social norms surrounding gender and sex may impact whether or not women suffering from ADHD receive the diagnosis and treatment they need. In one study, parents or teachers 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 social expectations for women and girls may 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 makes women and girls more likely to be penalized for showing symptoms of ADHD like inattention and disorganization. They may be misdiagnosed with anxiety or mood disorders, and their ADHD symptoms might not be treated appropriately.
Additionally, hormonal fluctuations can amplify ADHD in females. Estrogen levels are typically lower at the end of and during ovulation of the menstrual period which can cause symptoms worse for girls and women. This can lead to 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 a lot of the same treatments work for women with ADHD like they do for men A mental health professional will have to take a look at each individual's unique symptoms and needs. The kind of treatment a person receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms, as well as other factors contributing to their problems. For instance trauma, a history of depression or trauma. The most common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), where people learn how to change their negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier ones. untreated adhd in adults depression can also aid individuals in improving their communication skills and solve problems in relationships.