ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects both women and men. However, social expectations and gender roles make it difficult for women to recognize. Women are also better at masking their symptoms, which can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.
Remaining stereotypes, referral biases internalized symptoms and comorbidities all contribute to roadblocks to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are some of the most frequently reported untreated adhd female adults symptoms.
1. Trouble focusing
Women and people who were assigned female 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.
The symptoms of inattention ADHD include difficulty staying organized or on track, ignoring important dates or items, and easily being distracted by social or work events. Women suffering from this disorder might also have difficulty to focus on their schoolwork or other activities. Women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety, or medical problems.
People with inattentive ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and try to cover them up. Others may not understand their behavior, leading to confusion, frustration, and conflict within relationships. It can lead to difficulties in their careers and a lack of opportunities in the workplace.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating consequences on females. Women may find it difficult to cope with their difficulties at home as well as in the workplace. This could make it difficult to stay afloat while they juggle their multiple responsibilities and attempt to achieve goals they set for them.
In addition to having trouble focus, many women suffering from ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their families and friends. They may become lonely or develop unhealthy habits that are self-defeating like drinking.
Women with untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms such as low self esteem, feelings of guilt, shame or feeling of worthlessness. This makes them more vulnerable to stress, physical illnesses as well as mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. This means they are more likely to turn to suicide or self-injury than those without the condition. A diagnosis can make a woman feel more confident in taking steps to alter her life to the best of her abilities. However, getting a diagnosis requires that she first consult an experienced healthcare professional to conduct a thorough examination and efficient treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, particularly at work. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD have a difficult time managing their schedules and completing work tasks. They may forget appointments, lose important documents, or rely on productivity apps to help them remain on track. These apps can be helpful, but they cannot replace the need for solid organization skills.
The expectations for gender roles of women can also increase the symptoms of ADHD. Women are expected to be the caretakers of their home and family which requires some degree of coordination that those with ADHD struggle to maintain. This social pressure can cause feelings of shame and self-blame among women with ADHD who attempt to meet those demands, causing them to mask their symptoms.
Time management issues can cause frustration both in personal and professional relationships. The 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 track deadlines if you are often late for events. Take frequent breaks to move around and clear your mind, and employ a timer when you work.
You can also use mindfulness techniques to help you stay focused on your the task and avoid distractions. For example, instead of listening to podcasts or music while working, you can listen to the news on your mobile. If you have trouble being able to concentrate while driving, you might consider switching to a car with manual transmission. It is also possible to drive with your phone off to prevent distractions with texting and calls.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD, a mental health professional can suggest treatments and strategies for coping. doctors that treat adhd in adults include stimulants and psychotherapy. Your doctor will suggest the appropriate therapy based on your symptoms and the current circumstances in your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you to learn to accept your thoughts and feelings while swapping out negative behaviors for healthier ones. You can also receive family therapy or couples counseling to improve communication between your family members.
3. Depression and Anxiety
Females who suffer from ADHD report higher levels depression and anxiety than males. They may have difficulty coping with these issues, which can lead to a range of unhealthy behaviours. In order to deal with their symptoms, they could resort to using substances or adopt unhealthy eating habits. These behaviors can exacerbate symptoms. Additionally women are more likely to be misdiagnosed with these issues. In the end, they are treated in the wrong way which can further aggravate their mood and cause other problems.
It's important that you know that stress, certain physical conditions, and illnesses can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. It's important to see a medical specialist or a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers suspect that this difference in the rate of ADHD diagnosis for women and men is due to a combination of social and biological gender roles. Women are expected to take on more household and parenting tasks than men. This can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and distorted beliefs, which can worsen ADHD symptoms.
long-term effects of untreated adhd in adults may also be less likely than men to speak with the doctor about their issues as they believe they can handle them themselves. Women who suffer from ADHD might also be more likely than other people to blame their symptoms, such as lack of sleep or stress. This can lead to many women with ADHD not being diagnosed until adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 era has been particularly difficult for young adults, who are more likely to have higher levels of depression and anxiety than adults of middle age. These peaks coincided with cases of COVID-19 and were occurring at a time when protests against racial discrimination were taking place and mass shootings, years of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine, recurrent catastrophes and rising unemployment. Stress exposure as a whole, whether it is chronic or recent, has been proven to increase depression and anxiety. This combination of factors could explain why these levels are constant high.
4. Difficulty Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD may have difficulty making and maintaining friends particularly as they age. Social isolation can be associated with a range of health issues, such as high blood pressure and chronic stress. Having close friends and family members who can provide assistance can be beneficial however, many adults discover that they can't form new acquaintances or maintain existing relationships.
The social norms surrounding gender and sex may impact whether or not women with ADHD receive the diagnosis and treatment they need. 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.
The social expectations for women and girls may exacerbate 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 be the victims of punishment for symptoms of ADHD such as inattention and disorganization. This means that they may be incorrectly diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder and their ADHD symptoms might not be treated appropriately.
Additionally, hormonal fluctuations can amplify ADHD in females. Estrogen levels are lower at the end of their menstrual cycle as well as during ovulation, which can cause the symptoms of women and girls get worse. This can cause confusion in adolescents, especially when combined with hormonal changes. It can be difficult to recognize and treat them appropriately.
While many of the same treatments are available to women with ADHD A mental health professional will still have to evaluate the individual's needs and symptoms. The kind of treatment that a person receives depends on the severity of their ADHD symptoms, as in addition to other factors that may be contributing to their problems. For example the history of trauma or depression. The most common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy, where people learn to change their negative thoughts and switch them to healthier ones, and couples counseling that can help people improve their communication and solve issues in their relationships.