ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a problem that affects both men and women, but societal expectations and gender roles can make it difficult for them to get diagnosed. Women are also better in minimizing their symptoms, which can 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 of the most common untreated adhd in female adults.
1. Trouble focusing
Although the hyperactive and impulsive signs of ADHD are more common in boys and men however, women and those who are assigned a female at birth (AFAB) are still underdiagnosed 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 are a lack of organization or on task, losing important things or appointments and easily being distracted by work or social events. People with this disorder may also find it difficult to focus on their schoolwork or other activities. Women who suffer from ADHD are often unable to fall asleep or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or medical issues.
People with inattention ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and try to make up for them. Others might misinterpret their behavior, causing misunderstandings, frustration and conflict within relationships. In the workplace, it can cause lost opportunities and career challenges.
In the end, the effects of untreated ADHD for females can be devastating. Women may have difficulty to cope with their difficulties both at home and in the workplace. This can make it difficult to stay afloat while they manage their responsibilities and attempt to achieve goals they have set for themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD struggle to focus and find it difficult to receive emotional support from their family and friends. They can become isolated or develop unhealthy habits that lead to self-defeating behaviors like drinking.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms such as low self-esteem or feelings of guilt shame or feeling of worthlessness. This makes them more susceptible to physical and mental stressors and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. They are more likely than people who don't have the condition to take self-harm or commit suicide. A woman can feel empowered by the diagnosis and can take action to improve her life. However, obtaining diagnosed requires that she first see a qualified healthcare professional for a thorough assessment and effective treatment.
2. adhd treatment for young adults are difficult to manage in the workplace, particularly. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD have a difficult time managing their schedules and completing their work. They may lose important paperwork or appointments, or rely upon productivity apps to stay on top of things. 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 increase the symptoms of ADHD. Society expects women to be the caretakers of their family and home and require a certain level of coordination that those with ADHD struggle to maintain. This pressure from society could cause women with ADHD to feel shame and blame themselves for trying to meet these demands.
Time management issues can lead to frustration both in professional and personal relationships. The symptoms of ADHD can cause you to underestimate how long it takes to finish a task, causing you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If you're frequently late for events, consider using a planner or checklist to keep the track of deadlines. Make sure to take frequent breaks to move around and relax your mind, and utilize a timer while working.
You can also use mindfulness techniques to help you stay focused on your the task and avoid distractions. The ability to listen to news stories on your smartphone instead of music or podcasts is an alternative to music while working. If you have trouble being able to concentrate while driving, you might consider switching to a car that has manual transmission. You may also want look into driving without a cellphone in order to avoid being distracted by texting or calling.
A mental health professional can assist you to find the best treatment and coping strategies for ADHD. Treatment options include stimulants and psychotherapy. Your doctor will suggest the appropriate therapy depending on your symptoms and the current circumstances in your life. For instance, cognitive behavior therapy can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing your negative behaviors for healthier ones. You can also seek out couples or family therapy to improve communication in your relationships.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females who suffer from ADHD report higher levels depression and anxiety than men. They may be struggling to deal with the symptoms, which can result in a range of unhealthy behavior. For example, they might turn to substance use or develop unhealthy eating habits as a means of dealing with their symptoms. These behaviors can exacerbate symptoms. Women are also more likely to have problems that are not diagnosed. In the end, they receive the wrong treatment, which can further worsen their mood and lead to other issues.
It's important to recognize that a variety of factors can trigger similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD, including stress and certain physical conditions and illnesses. That's why it's essential to consult a health care specialist or a mental health professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the difference in the frequency of ADHD diagnosis among males and females 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 lead to dysfunctional beliefs that can cause symptoms of ADHD.
Additionally, women are less likely to report their symptoms to a healthcare professional because they think they're able to handle them on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD may also be more likely than others to blame their symptoms on other factors, like sleep issues or stress. This could contribute to the fact that a lot of women with ADHD are undiagnosed in adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly difficult for young adults. They have higher rates of depression and anxiety than adults in their mid-life. The peaks in these levels coincided with spikes in the number of cases of COVID-19 and occurred during a time of protests against racial injustice, mass shootings, decades of high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine as well as recurring climate disasters and a rise in unemployment. Recent and frequent stress exposure is an important risk cause for depression and anxiety, so this combination of factors could explain why these levels have been constantly increased.
4. Problems in Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can have trouble making and keeping friends, especially as they age. Social isolation can lead to health issues like high blood pressure or chronic stress. Being close to family and friends members who offer assistance can be beneficial but many adults find that they simply can't make new friendships or maintain current relationships.
The social norms that surround gender and sexuality can have an impact on whether women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In one study, teachers or parents were less likely than boys 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.
These societal expectations for girls and women can 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. Girls and women are more likely to experience the consequences of ADHD-related symptoms like inattention and disorganization. Consequently, they might be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety or a mood disorder, and their ADHD symptoms may not be properly treated.
Moreover, hormone fluctuations can also amplify ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels can be lower at the end of and during the ovulation period of the menstrual cycle, which can make symptoms worse for girls and women. Combined with hormonal changes in the adolescent stage, this could cause confusion about their symptoms, making it harder to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Although it is true that many of the same treatments work for women with ADHD as they do for males, a mental health professional will have to take a look at each individual's specific needs and symptoms. The type of therapy that a patient receives will be based on their ADHD symptoms and other factors that might be contributing to their difficulties like the history of trauma or depression. Some popular treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a process where individuals learn to alter their negative thoughts and swap them for healthier ones. Couples counseling can aid individuals in improving their communication and resolve problems in relationships.