ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD affects both men and women, however, societal expectations and gender roles often make it difficult for them to get diagnosed. Women may also hide their symptoms better, which could cause them to be misdiagnosed or delayed in treatment.
Lingering stereotypes, referral biases internalized symptoms, and comorbidities all create obstacles to a correct diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are some of the most frequently reported untreated adhd female adults symptoms.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Although the symptoms of impulsive and hyperactive of ADHD are more prevalent in males and females, women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) are not yet 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.
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 occasions. Women with this disorder might also have difficulty to focus on schoolwork or other work. In some instances, women with ADHD might have difficulty falling or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety or a medical condition.
People who have inattention ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and try to cover them up. Their behavior could be misinterpreted by others, leading to conflicts, frustrations and miscommunication in their relationships. In the workplace, it could result in lost opportunities and career challenges.
This is why the effects 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 can make it difficult to keep afloat as they take on multiple tasks and strive to meet the goals they set for them.
Many women suffering from ADHD struggle to focus and also are unable to receive emotional support from family members and friends. In the end, they can become isolated or develop self-defeating patterns, such as alcohol abuse.
Women with untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms, such as low self-esteem and feelings of guilt, shame or a sense of worthlessness. This makes them more prone to physical and mental stress and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. In turn, they are more likely to turn to self-injury or suicide than those who don't suffer from the condition. A diagnosis can help women feel more empowered to take steps to change her life for the better. To get a diagnosis, a woman must first consult a qualified healthcare professional for an assessment and effective treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, especially at work. Women with no diagnosis of ADHD have a difficult time managing their schedules and completing their work. They may lose important appointments or paperwork or rely on productivity apps to stay on track. These apps can be helpful however they aren't able to substitute for the need for strong organization skills.
Gender role expectations can also amplify the impact of ADHD symptoms for women. Women are expected to take care of their homes and families, which requires an amount of coordination that those with ADHD struggle to maintain. This pressure from society can cause women with ADHD to feel ashamed and blame themselves for failing to fulfill these expectations.
Problems with time management can cause frustration in relationships both professional and personal. ADHD symptoms can cause you underestimate the time it takes to complete your tasks, which can cause you to be late for meetings or other commitments. Use a checklist or a planner to on track of deadlines when you are often late for meetings or other events. Take frequent breaks to relax your mind and get moving.
You can also use mindfulness techniques to remain focused and cut down on distractions. For instance, instead listening to music or podcasts while working, you can listen to an article on your smartphone. If you have trouble concentrating while driving, consider switching to a manual transmission car. Iam Psychiatry can also consider driving with your cell phone turned off to avoid distracted texting and calling.
A mental health professional can help determine the most effective treatment and coping strategy for ADHD. Treatment options may include medications, like stimulants, and psychotherapy. Your doctor will recommend an approach depending on your symptoms and the current situation 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 out family or couples therapy to improve communication in your relationships.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females suffering from ADHD often report higher levels of depression and anxiety than their male counterparts. They may have difficulty coping with these symptoms, leading to a range of unhealthy behaviors. To cope with their symptoms, they may use substances or develop unhealthy eating habits. These behaviors can make the symptoms worse. Women are more likely to have problems that are not diagnosed. This means that they receive the wrong treatment, which can further worsen their mood and lead to other issues.
It's important to recognize that a myriad of factors can cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD such as stress and certain physical ailments and illnesses. It is essential to consult an expert in mental health or health care professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the difference in ADHD diagnoses between men and women is due to a mix of biological and socially constructed roles. Women are generally expected to take on a larger share of parenting and household 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.
In addition, women may be less likely to disclose their symptoms to a medical professional due to the belief that they should be able to manage them on their own. Women with ADHD may also be more likely than other people to blame their symptoms on other factors, such as lack of sleep or stress. This can contribute to the fact that a lot of women with ADHD are undiagnosed in adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 era has been particularly difficult for young adults, who tend to suffer from more constant high levels of depression and anxiety than middle-aged adults. The peaks in these levels coincided with the peaks in the number of COVID-19 cases and occurred during a time of racial justice protests, mass shootings, decades-high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine and recurring climate catastrophes and rising unemployment. Recent and frequent stress exposure is recognized as a risk factor for depression and anxiety and this combination of factors could help explain why these levels have been so constantly elevated.
4. Difficulty Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD are more likely to have difficulty making and keeping friends particularly as they age. Social isolation can cause health issues like high blood pressure or chronic stress. It can be beneficial to have close family members and friends who can offer support, but many adults struggle to maintain or establish new relationships.
Societal norms about gender and sex may impact whether or not women suffering from ADHD receive the diagnosis and treatment they require. In one study, parents or teachers were less likely than men to recommend 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 societal expectations for women and girls could 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 experience punishment for symptoms of ADHD like disorganization and inattention. They could be misdiagnosed as having mood disorders or anxiety, and their ADHD symptoms might not be treated appropriately.
Additionally hormonal fluctuations can also cause ADHD in females. Estrogen levels may be lower at the end of and during the ovulation phase of the menstrual period and can cause symptoms to become more severe for females and girls. In conjunction with hormonal changes during the adolescent stage, this could lead to confusion about their symptoms, making it difficult for them to receive a correct diagnosis and adequate treatment.
While it is true that many of the same treatment options work for women with ADHD like they do for men A mental health professional will need to evaluate each individual's specific needs and symptoms. The kind of therapy a patient receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms as well as other factors that could be contributing to their problems like the history of depression or trauma. Some popular 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 relationship problems.