ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD affects both men as well as women, but the expectations of society and gender roles can make it harder for them to recognize the signs. Women are also better in minimizing their symptoms, which could lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral bias persistent stereotypes and comorbidities are all obstacles to a correct diagnosis. Here are some of the most common untreated adhd in female adults .
1. Difficulty Focusing
Although the hyperactive and impulsive signs of ADHD are more prevalent in boys and men but women and those who are 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.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include difficulty staying organized or on task, losing important things or appointments and being easily distracted by work or social occasions. Women suffering from this disorder might also have difficulty to concentrate on their schoolwork or other activities. In some cases, women with ADHD might have difficulty sleeping or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or a medical problem.
People with inattentive ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and attempt to make up for them. Their behavior could be misinterpreted by others, resulting in misunderstandings, frustration and conflict in their relationships. In the workplace, it can result in missed opportunities and career challenges.
This is why the consequences of untreated ADHD in females who are adults can be devastating. Women may have a difficult time to deal with their problems both at home and at the workplace. This could make it difficult to keep afloat as they juggle their multiple obligations and try to reach the goals they set for them.
In addition to having trouble in focusing, many women with ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their family and friends. They can become isolated, or develop unhealthy patterns that lead to self-defeating behaviors like drinking.
untreated adhd in adults with untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms such as low self esteem or feelings of guilt shame or worthlessness. This makes them more vulnerable to physical and mental stressors and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. In turn, they are more likely to turn to suicide or self-injury as compared to those who do not suffer from the condition. Being diagnosed can make a woman feel more empowered to take steps to change her life for the better. To be diagnosed the woman should first consult a licensed healthcare professional for an assessment and effective treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, especially in the workplace. Women with undiagnosed ADHD typically have a difficult working through work assignments and coordinating their schedule. They may forget appointments, misplace important paperwork, or use productivity apps to help them remain on track. These apps are helpful but they cannot replace good organizational skills.
The gender-based expectations of women can also exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD. Women are expected to take care of their family and home and require a certain level of coordination that people suffering from ADHD struggle to maintain. The pressures from society can cause women suffering from ADHD to feel shame and blame themselves for failing to fulfill these expectations.
Problems with time management can cause frustration both in professional and personal relationships. ADHD symptoms can cause you underestimating the time it takes to complete your tasks, which can cause you to be late for meetings or other commitments. Consider using a checklist or a planner to on track of deadlines when you are frequently late for events. Take frequent breaks to relax your mind and get moving.
You can also use mindfulness techniques to remain focused and avoid distractions. Watching news stories on your phone instead of music or podcasts is an alternative to music while working. If you are having trouble concentrating when driving, you can switch to a manual transmission vehicle. You may also want to look into driving without a cellphone in order to avoid being distracted by texting or calling.
A mental health professional can help find the best treatment and coping strategies for ADHD. Treatment options include stimulants as well as psychotherapy. The kind of therapy your doctor recommends is based on your specific symptoms and the circumstances in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example can help you to accept your thoughts and feelings while replacing bad habits with healthier ones. You can also seek couples counseling or family therapy to improve communication between your family members.
3. Anxiety and Depression
Females with ADHD tend to have higher levels of anxiety and depression than their male counterparts. They may struggle to cope with the symptoms, and this can lead to a variety of unhealthy behaviors. For instance, they could turn to substance use or develop unhealthy eating habits as a way of dealing with their symptoms. These behaviors can make symptoms worse. Furthermore women are more prone to be misdiagnosed with these conditions. As a result, they receive the wrong treatment, which can further worsen their mood and trigger other issues.
It's important to recognize that many factors can cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD such as stress as well as certain physical conditions and illnesses. This is why it's crucial to see a medical specialist or a mental health professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers suspect that this disparity in the frequency of ADHD diagnosis between males and females is due to a combination of social and biological gender roles. Women are usually expected to assume the majority of household and parenting duties than their male counterparts. This can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and cause dysfunctional beliefs that can lead to the emergence of symptoms of ADHD.
Furthermore, women may be less likely to disclose their symptoms to a healthcare professional due to the belief that they can manage them on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD might also be more likely to blame their symptoms on other factors such as lack of sleep or excessive stress. This could lead to a lot of women with ADHD not being diagnosed until adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 timeframe has been particularly difficult for young adults, who are more likely to have more persistently high levels of depression and anxiety than middle-aged adults. These peaks coincided with COVID-19-related cases and occurred at a time when protests against racial discrimination were taking place and mass shootings, years of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine and other countries, frequent catastrophes and increasing unemployment. Chronic and recent stress exposure is known to be a risk factor for depression and anxiety This combination of factors could explain why these levels have been persistently raised.
4. Difficulty Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may have trouble forming and maintaining friendships, particularly when they reach adulthood. Social isolation can cause health problems such as high blood pressure or chronic stress. It is beneficial to have close family members and friends who can offer assistance, but many adults have difficulty maintaining or establish new connections.
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, teachers or parents were less likely than males 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.
The expectations of society for women and girls may increase the severity of 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 penalized for showing symptoms of ADHD like inattention and disorganization. They could be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety and their ADHD symptoms might not be treated properly.
Moreover, hormone fluctuations can further amplify ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels decrease at the end of their menstrual cycle as well as during ovulation. This can make the symptoms of women and girls appear worse. This can lead to confusion in adolescents, especially when combined with hormonal changes. It is difficult to recognize and treat them appropriately.
While it is true that many of the same therapies work for women with ADHD like they do for males A mental health professional will still have to take a look at each individual's specific needs and symptoms. The type of therapy a person receives will be based on their ADHD symptoms and other factors that may contribute to their problems like an experience of depression or trauma. The most typical treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps people learn to change their negative thought patterns and switch them to healthier ones. Couples counseling can also aid individuals in improving their communication skills and solve problems in relationships.