ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects both men & women. However, the expectations of society and gender roles make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women are also better at masking their symptoms, which can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.
Remaining stereotypes, referral bias, internalized symptoms and comorbidities all contribute to obstacles to a correct diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are a few of most frequently reported untreated adhd females.
1. Trouble focusing
Although the hyperactive and impulsive signs of ADHD are more common in boys and men however, women and those born female (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 include difficulty staying organized or on task, forgetting important things or appointments and easily being distracted by social or work events. It can also be hard for a woman with this disorder to sit down and concentrate on their homework or other assignments at work or school. Women with ADHD are often unable to fall asleep or staying asleep because of depression, anxiety, or medical problems.
People with inattentive ADHD often attempt to hide their symptoms. Their behavior may be misinterpreted by others, leading to confusion, anger and conflict in their relationships. It could result in problems in the workplace and missed career opportunities. in the workplace.
This is why the consequences of untreated ADHD in females who are adults can be devastating. Women may find themselves having to deal with their difficulties at home and at work, which can make it difficult to stay on top of their game as they juggle multiple responsibilities and try to achieve the goals they set for themselves.
In addition to having trouble in focusing, many women with ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their families and friends. They may feel isolated, or develop unhealthy patterns that can be self-defeating like drinking.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms like low self-esteem, feelings of shame, guilt or worthlessness. best treatment for adhd in adults makes them more susceptible to physical and mental stressors as well as mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. As a result, they are more likely to suicide or self-injury as compared to those who don't suffer from the condition. A woman can feel empowered after receiving an diagnosis and take steps to improve her life. However, getting diagnosed requires that she first see a qualified healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and efficient treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage in the workplace, especially. Women with no diagnosis of ADHD struggle with managing their day-to-day schedule and completing work-related tasks. They might forget important appointments or paperwork or rely on productivity apps to stay on track. These apps can be helpful but they are not a substitute for good organizational skills.
The expectations for gender roles of women can also exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD. Women are expected to care for their families and their homes which requires a degree of coordination that ADHD sufferers struggle to maintain. This social pressure can cause feelings of self-reflection and shame in women with ADHD who try to meet those demands and cause them to hide their symptoms.
Time management issues can lead to frustration in relationships, both personal and professional. ADHD symptoms can cause you underestimate the time it takes to complete tasks, causing you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If you're frequently late for meetings, think about using a planner or checklist to keep the track of deadlines. Take breaks frequently to move around and relax your mind. You can also employ a timer when you work.
You can also employ mindfulness techniques to focus and reduce distractions. Watching news stories on your phone instead of listening to music or podcasts could be an excellent alternative to listening to music while working. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, try switching to a manual transmission vehicle. It is also possible to drive with your cellphone switched off to stop distracted texting and calling.
A mental health professional can assist you to find the best treatment and coping method for ADHD. Treatment options include stimulants as well as psychotherapy. Your doctor will suggest the appropriate therapy based on your symptoms and the current circumstances in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for instance can help you accept your thoughts and feelings while replacing negative patterns of behaviour with healthier ones. You can also get family or couples therapy to improve communication in your relationships.
3. Anxiety and Depression
Females who suffer from ADHD report higher levels depression and anxiety than men. They may struggle to cope with the symptoms, which could cause a variety of unhealthy behavior. For instance, they could resort to using substances or develop unhealthy eating habits to deal with their symptoms. These behaviors can make symptoms worse. Women are more likely to have these issues that are not properly diagnosed. As a result, they receive the wrong treatment which can further aggravate their mood and lead to other issues.
It's important to recognize that a variety of factors can trigger similar symptoms to those of ADHD like stress and certain physical conditions and illnesses. That's why it's essential to see a medical provider or mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers suspect that this difference in the prevalence of ADHD diagnosis for women and men is due to a combination of biological and socially constructed gender roles. Women are generally expected to perform more household and parenting duties than their male counterparts. This can result in feelings of low self-esteem and untrue beliefs that can worsen ADHD symptoms.
Furthermore, women may be less likely to disclose their symptoms to a medical professional because they believe they're able to handle the symptoms on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD might also be more likely to blame their symptoms on other causes, such as a lack of sleep or excessive stress. This could lead to a lot of women who suffer from ADHD not being diagnosed until adulthood.
Research indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic has been especially difficult for young adults. They tend to have higher rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms than adults in their middle age. These peak levels coincided with COVID-19-related cases and occurred during a time where protests against racism were on the rise, mass shootings, decades of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine, recurrent catastrophes and rising unemployment. Stress exposure either in the form of chronic or recent, has been proven to cause depression and anxiety. This combination of factors may explain why these levels are so persistently high.
4. Difficulty Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD can have trouble finding and maintaining friendships particularly as they get older. Social isolation can cause health issues such as high blood pressure or chronic stress. Having close friends and family members who provide support can be beneficial however, many adults discover that they can't form new friends or maintain their current relationships.
The social norms relating to gender and sexuality can have an impact on whether women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In one study, teachers and parents were less likely to refer girls suffering from ADHD to services than boys. 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 of girls and women may also 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 makes women and girls more likely to be punished for having ADHD-related symptoms like disorganization and inattention. In the end, they could be misdiagnosed as having anxiety or a mood disorder, and their ADHD symptoms may not be treated appropriately.
Furthermore, hormone changes can further increase ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels can be lower towards the end and during ovulation of the menstrual period, which can make symptoms worse for women and girls. This can cause confusion among adolescents, particularly when it is combined with hormonal changes. It can be difficult to identify and treat them appropriately.
While it is true that many of the same treatment options are effective for women suffering from ADHD like they do for men However, a mental health professional will still need to evaluate each individual'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 may be contributing to their difficulties. For example the history of depression or trauma. Some typical treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a process where individuals learn to change their negative thought patterns and swap them for healthier ones. Couples counseling can also assist individuals to improve their communication and resolve relationship problems.