ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects both women and men. However, societal expectations & gender roles make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women are also able to mask their symptoms more effectively, which could cause them to be misdiagnosed or delayed in treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral bias persisting stereotypes, and comorbidities could all be obstacles to a correct diagnosis. Here are some female adult symptoms that are not treated for adhd.
1. Problems with Focusing
Although the symptoms of impulsive and hyperactive 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 symptoms of inattention ADHD include having trouble staying organized or on task, losing important things or appointments and being easily distracted by work or social events. Women with this disorder may also find it difficult to concentrate on schoolwork or other work. Women with ADHD can have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety or medical issues.
People who have inattention ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms and attempt to cover them up. People may misinterpret their behavior, causing confusion, anger, and conflict within relationships. It could result in missed career opportunities and challenges in the workplace.
This is why the impact of untreated ADHD in females who are adults can be devastating. Women may find themselves struggling to manage their challenges at home and at work which can make it difficult to stay on top of their game as they juggle many responsibilities and strive to achieve the goals they set for themselves.
Alongside having issues focusing, many women with ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their families and friends. They can become isolated or develop unhealthy habits that lead to self-defeating behaviors, such as drinking.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD might also experience internalizing symptoms, such as low self esteem or feelings of guilt shame or worthlessness. This makes them more prone to stress, physical illness and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. In turn, they are more likely to suicide or self-injury as compared to those who don't suffer from the condition. A woman may feel empowered after receiving an diagnosis and take steps to improve her life. To get a diagnosis the woman should first consult a licensed healthcare provider for an evaluation and effective treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, especially at work. Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD often have a harder working through work assignments and coordinating their daily schedule. They might forget appointments, lose important paperwork or depend on productivity apps to help remain on track. These apps can be helpful but they cannot replace good organizational skills.
The gender roles expectations can enhance the impact of ADHD symptoms in women. Women are required to look after their homes and families which requires a degree of coordination that ADHD sufferers struggle to maintain. The pressures from society can make women with ADHD to feel embarrassed and blame themselves for trying to meet these demands.
Time management problems can lead to frustration, both in professional and personal relationships. Symptoms of ADHD can cause you to underestimate the long it takes to complete a task, leading you to be late for meetings or other commitments. Use a checklist or a planner to keep the track of deadlines if you're often late for events. Make frequent breaks to clear your mind and move around.
You can also practice mindfulness techniques to help you focus on your task and reduce distractions. The ability to listen to news stories on your smartphone instead of listening to music or podcasts can be a good alternative to listening to music while working. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, you might consider switching to a car that has a manual transmission. You could also consider driving with your cellphone switched off to avoid distracted texting and phone calls.
Once you are diagnosed with ADHD, the mental health professional can recommend treatments and coping strategies. Treatment options include stimulants and psychotherapy. The type of therapy that your doctor recommends is based on your specific symptoms and the current state of your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example can help you to accept your thoughts and emotions while replacing bad habits with healthier ones. You can also receive couples counseling or family therapy to improve communication between your family members.
3. Depression and anxiety
Females who suffer from ADHD report higher levels depression and anxiety than men. They may have difficulty coping with these symptoms, leading to a range of unhealthy behaviours. For instance, they may resort to using substances or develop unhealthy eating patterns as a means of dealing with their symptoms. These actions can worsen symptoms. Furthermore women are more likely to be misdiagnosed with these conditions. They may receive the wrong treatment, which could increase their mood or trigger other problems.
It's crucial to know that stress, physical conditions, and illnesses can cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. That's why it's essential to see a medical practitioner or mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers suspect that this difference in the frequency of ADHD diagnosis among males and women is due to a combination of biological and socially constructed gender roles. Women are typically expected to perform a larger share of parenting and household duties than their male counterparts. This can result in feelings of self-esteem loss and untrue beliefs that can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Women are also less likely than men to inform the doctor about their issues and believe that they can handle them themselves. Women who suffer from ADHD may also be more likely than others to blame their symptoms, such as lack of sleep or stress. This can contribute to the fact that many women with ADHD are not diagnosed until later in life.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 timeframe has been particularly difficult for young adults, who are more likely to have higher levels of depression and anxiety than middle-aged adults. These peak levels coincided with COVID-19 cases and occurred at a time when there were racial injustice protests and mass shootings, years of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine and recurrent catastrophes, as well as rising unemployment. Stress exposure, especially recent and chronic, is an important risk factor for depression and anxiety This combination of factors could explain why these levels have been so constantly elevated.
4. Trouble Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD might have trouble forming and maintaining friendships, especially in their later years. Social isolation can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure or chronic stress. It is beneficial to have close family members and friends who are able to provide assistance, but many adults struggle to maintain or establish new connections.
The social norms surrounding gender and sexual orientation can have an impact on whether women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they need. In how to get treated for adhd in adults , teachers or parents were less likely than boys 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.
These expectations from society for girls and women can also exacerbate their 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. Women and girls are more likely to suffer punishment for symptoms of ADHD such as inattention and disorganization. They may be misdiagnosed with mood disorders or anxiety, and their ADHD symptoms may not be treated properly.
Additionally, hormonal changes can further increase ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels can be lower at the end of and during the ovulation period of the menstrual cycle and can cause symptoms to become worse for girls and women. When combined with hormonal changes during the adolescent stage, this could cause confusion about their symptoms, making it difficult to get a correct diagnosis and adequate treatment.
While it is true that a lot of the same treatment options are effective for women suffering from ADHD like they do for males However, a mental health professional will still be required to assess each person's unique symptoms and needs. The kind of treatment a patient receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms, as in addition to other factors that could be the cause of their issues. For instance trauma, a history of trauma or depression. Some typical treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), where people learn how to change their negative thoughts and swap them for healthier ones. Couples counseling can also help individuals improve their communication and resolve problems in relationships.