ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a problem that affects both men and women, but societal expectations and gender roles often make it difficult for them to be diagnosed. Women are also better at masking their symptoms, which could result in a misdiagnosis or delay in treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral biases persistent stereotypes and comorbidities could all be obstacles to a correct diagnosis. Here are some of the most common untreated adhd in females.
1. Trouble focusing
Although the symptoms of impulsive and hyperactive of ADHD are more common in boys and men 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.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include forgetting important appointments or things and being easily distracted by social or work events. It can be a challenge for women with this disorder to sit down and focus on homework or other assignments at school or work. In some cases, people who suffer from ADHD may have trouble falling or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or a medical issue.
People with inattentive ADHD often attempt to hide their symptoms. Others may not understand their behavior, leading to misunderstandings, frustration and conflict in relationships. In the workplace, it can cause problems in the workplace and missed opportunities.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating consequences on females. Women can be struggling to manage their problems at home as well as at work which can make it difficult to stay afloat as they take on many responsibilities and strive to achieve the goals they set for themselves.
In addition to having difficulty focusing, many women with ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their families and friends. They may become lonely or develop unhealthy habits that lead to self-defeating behaviors, such as drinking.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms, such as low self-esteem, feelings of guilt, shame or a sense of worthlessness. This makes them more susceptible to physical and mental stressors and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. In turn, they are more likely to turn to suicide or self-injury than those without the condition. Women can feel empowered by the diagnosis and can take action to improve her life. However, obtaining an diagnosis requires that she first see a qualified healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and effective treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, particularly in the workplace. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD struggle with managing their schedules and completing work tasks. They might forget appointments, misplace important paperwork or use productivity apps to help them keep track of their tasks. These apps can be helpful, but they cannot replace the need for solid organization skills.
Gender roles can enhance the impact of ADHD symptoms for women. Women are expected to take care of their families and homes, which requires a level of coordination that ADHD sufferers have to work hard to maintain. This pressure from society could make women with ADHD to feel ashamed and blame themselves for not being able to meet these demands.
Problems with time management can cause frustration both in professional and personal relationships. The signs of ADHD can make you underestimate how you will take to complete a task, leading you to be late for meetings or other commitments. Consider using a checklist or a planner to the track of deadlines if you're frequently late for events. Use frequent breaks to calm your mind and get moving.
You can also use mindfulness techniques to remain focused 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, consider changing to a vehicle with manual transmission. You may also want look into driving without a cellphone to avoid being distracted by texting or calling.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, an expert in mental health can recommend treatments and strategies for coping. Treatment options can include medication, such as stimulants, and psychotherapy. The kind of therapy that your doctor recommends will be based on the specific symptoms you have and what's going on in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for instance, can help you accept your thoughts and feelings while replacing bad habits with healthier ones. You can also get couples counseling or family therapy to improve communication between you and your family members.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females who suffer from ADHD typically have higher levels of anxiety and depression than their male counterparts. They can struggle to cope with these symptoms, leading to a range of unhealthy behavior. For instance, they may turn to substance use or develop unhealthy eating habits as a means of dealing with their symptoms. These actions can make symptoms worse. Additionally women are more prone to be misdiagnosed with these conditions. They may receive the wrong treatment which can increase their mood or trigger other issues.
It's important to note that many factors can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD, including stress and certain physical ailments and illnesses. This is why it's crucial to see a health care provider or a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.
evidence based treatment for adhd in adults suspect that this difference in the rate of ADHD diagnosis between males and females is due to a mix of social and biological gender roles. Women are typically expected to assume more parenting and household chores than their male counterparts. This can lead to feelings of low self esteem and untrue beliefs that can worsen ADHD symptoms.
Women may also be less likely than men to inform a doctor about their symptoms as they believe 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, such as lack of sleep or stress. This can result in many women with ADHD not being diagnosed until adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic is particularly difficult for young adults. They tend to have higher levels of depression and anxiety than adults in their mid-life. The peak in these levels coincided with spikes 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 as well as recurring climate disasters and a rise in unemployment. Chronic and recent stress exposure is a risk factor for anxiety and depression and this combination of factors could explain why these levels have been so persistently elevated.
4. Trouble Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may have difficulty making and maintaining friends particularly as they age. Social isolation can be linked to a variety of health problems, including high blood pressure and 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 friendships or maintain current relationships.
The social norms surrounding gender and sexuality can have an affect whether women suffering from ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they need. In one study, parents or teachers 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.
The expectations of society 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 means that women and girls are more likely to be penalized for showing symptoms of ADHD like disorganization and inattention. It is possible that they are misdiagnosed with mood disorders or anxiety, and their ADHD symptoms may not be properly treated.
Additionally hormonal fluctuations can cause ADHD in females. Estrogen levels are lower towards the end of their menstrual cycle and during ovulation. This can make women's and girls' symptoms appear to be more severe. This can cause confusion among adolescents, especially when combined with hormonal changes. It is difficult to identify and treat them appropriately.
While it is true that a lot of the same therapies are effective for women suffering from 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 type of therapy a patient receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms as well as other factors that could be contributing to their difficulties, such as an experience of trauma or depression. A few common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), where people learn to alter their negative thoughts and switch them to healthier ones. Couples counseling can help individuals improve their communication skills and solve issues in their relationships.