ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is an illness that affects women and men. However, social expectations & gender roles make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women can also mask their symptoms better, which could result in them being not diagnosed or delayed in getting treatment.
Lingering stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptoms and comorbidities all contribute to obstacles to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are a few of most frequent untreated adhd female adults.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Although the symptoms of impulsive and hyperactive of ADHD are more common in males and females but women and those who are 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.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include difficulty staying organized or on track, ignoring important dates or items, and being easily distracted by social or work events. People with this disorder might also have difficulty to concentrate on schoolwork or other work. In some cases, people with ADHD may have trouble falling or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or a medical problem.
People with inattentive ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms and try to make up for them. Others might interpret their behavior incorrectly, leading to confusion, anger and conflict in relationships. In the workplace, it could cause missed opportunities and career challenges.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating consequences on female adults. Women may have a difficult time to manage their issues at home as well as in the workplace. This can make it difficult to keep afloat as they manage their responsibilities and attempt to achieve goals they have set for themselves.
In addition to having difficulty in focusing, many women with ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their families and friends. As a result they may feel isolated or develop self-defeating habits that are unhealthy, such as alcohol abuse.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can also develop internalizing symptoms like low self-esteem, feelings of shame, guilt or worthlessness. This can make them more susceptible to physical illness, stress and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. They are more likely than people who don't have the condition to commit suicide or self-harm. Women can be encouraged by a diagnosis and take action to improve her life. However, obtaining a diagnosis requires that she first see an experienced healthcare professional to conduct a thorough examination and effective treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms are difficult to manage in the workplace, particularly. Women with undiagnosed ADHD struggle with managing their schedules and completing their work. They may forget important appointments or paperwork, or rely upon productivity apps to stay on track. These apps are useful 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 families and their homes, which requires a level of coordination that ADHD sufferers have to work hard to maintain. The pressures from society can make women with ADHD to feel embarrassed and blame themselves for trying to meet these demands.
Troubles with time management could result in frustration in relationships, both personal and professional. ADHD symptoms can cause you underestimate the time it takes to complete your tasks, which can cause you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If you're often late for events, consider using a planner or checklists to keep on top of deadlines. Take frequent breaks to relax your mind and get moving.
You can also use mindfulness techniques to help you stay on task and reduce distractions. The ability to listen to news stories on your phone instead of music or podcasts could be a good alternative to listening to music while working. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, consider switching to a manual transmission vehicle. You may also want consider driving without your cellphone to avoid being distracted by texting or making calls.
A mental health professional can assist you to determine the best treatment and coping strategy for ADHD. Treatment options include medication, such as stimulants, and psychotherapy. Your doctor will suggest a therapy depending on your symptoms and the current situation in your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings while changing your negative patterns of behavior for healthier ones. You can also seek couples counseling or family therapy to improve communication between your family members.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females who suffer from ADHD report higher levels anxiety and depression than males. They may struggle to cope with the symptoms, which can cause a variety of unhealthy behaviors. For example, they might resort to using substances or develop unhealthy eating habits to deal with their symptoms. These behaviors can make symptoms worse. Additionally, women are more likely to be misdiagnosed for these conditions. They could receive the wrong treatment which can worsen their mood or cause other problems.
It's important to note that a myriad of factors can cause similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD, including stress as well as certain physical conditions and illnesses. It is essential to consult an expert in mental health or a health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers suspect that this disparity in the rate of ADHD diagnosis among women and men is due to a combination of social and biological gender roles. Women are generally expected to assume the majority of parenting and household duties than their male counterparts. This can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and untrue beliefs that can lead to an increase in ADHD symptoms.
Furthermore, women may be less likely to disclose their symptoms to a medical professional due to the belief that they can manage them on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD might also be more likely than others to blame their problems on external factors, for example, sleep deprivation or stress. This could contribute to the fact that a lot of women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until later in life.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly difficult for young adults. They tend to have higher levels of depression and anxiety than adults in their middle age. The peak in these levels coincided with a spike in the number of cases of COVID-19 and occurred in a period of racial justice protests mass shootings, decades of high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine, recurrent climate catastrophes, and a rise in unemployment. Stress exposure as a whole, whether it is chronic or recent, is known to increase depression and anxiety. This combination of factors may explain why these levels are so persistently high.
4. Trouble Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD may have trouble forming and maintaining friendships, particularly in adulthood. Social isolation can be connected to a myriad of health problems, including high blood pressure and chronic stress. It can be beneficial to have close family members and friends who can provide support, but many adults struggle to maintain or make new relationships.
adhd treatment for young adults regarding gender and sex may impact the likelihood that women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In one study, teachers and parents were less likely to refer girls suffering from ADHD to treatment than boys. 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 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 women and girls more likely to be punished for having ADHD-related symptoms like inattention and disorganization. They could be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety and their ADHD symptoms might not be treated properly.
Additionally, hormonal changes can further increase ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels may be lower at the end of and during ovulation of the menstrual cycle which can cause symptoms worse for girls and women. 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 a number of the same treatment options work for women with ADHD like they do for men, a mental health professional will be required to assess each person's specific needs and symptoms. The type of treatment that a person receives is based on the severity of their ADHD symptoms as in addition to other factors that could be the cause of their issues. For example the history of trauma or depression. The most popular treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), where people learn how to change their negative thoughts and switch them to healthier ones. Couples counseling can aid individuals in improving their communication skills and solve issues in their relationships.