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 more adept in hiding their symptoms, which can result in a misdiagnosis or delay in treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral biases, lingering stereotypes and comorbidities can all be obstacles to a proper diagnosis. Here are a few female adults' symptoms that are not treated for adhd.
1. Difficulty Focusing
While hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD are more common in males and females but women and those who are born female (AFAB) aren't yet being 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.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD are a lack of organization or on task, forgetting important things or appointments and easily being distracted by work or social occasions. Women with this disorder may also find it difficult to focus on schoolwork or other tasks. In some cases, women with ADHD may have trouble falling or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety or a medical issue.
People with inattentive ADHD often try to hide their symptoms. Their behavior may be misinterpreted by others, resulting in conflicts, frustrations and miscommunication in their relationships. In the workplace, it can cause lost opportunities and career challenges.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating effects on female adults. Women may find it difficult 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.
Alongside having issues in focusing, many women with ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their family and friends. They may become lonely or develop unhealthy habits that lead to self-defeating behaviors like drinking.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms, such as low self esteem, feelings of guilt, shame or feelings of inadequacy. This can make them more susceptible to physical and mental stress and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. They are more likely than those who do not have the condition to take self-harm or commit suicide. Receiving a diagnosis can help women feel more empowered to take steps to change her life to the best of her abilities. To be diagnosed one must first consult a qualified healthcare professional for an assessment and effective treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, particularly in the workplace. Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD typically have a difficult to complete work assignments and coordinating their schedule. They may forget important documents or appointments, or rely upon productivity apps to keep on track. These apps can be helpful, but they cannot replace the need for good organizational skills.
The gender role expectations of women can also contribute to the symptoms of ADHD. Women are expected to take care of their home and family and require an amount of coordination that people with ADHD struggle to maintain. The pressures from society can cause women with ADHD to feel ashamed and blame themselves for trying to fulfill these expectations.
Problems with time management can result in frustration in relationships, both personal and professional. Symptoms of ADHD can cause you to underestimate the long it takes to finish a task, causing you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If you're often late for meetings, think about using a planner or checklists to keep the track of deadlines. Take frequent breaks to relax your mind and get moving.
You can also practice mindfulness techniques to help you focus on your focus and eliminate distractions. Listening to news stories on your phone instead of listening to music or podcasts is an alternative to music while working. If you are having trouble concentrating while driving, consider switching to a manual transmission car. You may also want to think about driving without your phone to avoid getting distracted by texting or calling.
A mental health professional can help determine the most effective treatment and coping strategy for ADHD. Treatment options include stimulants and psychotherapy. Your doctor will suggest a therapy depending on your symptoms and the present situation in your life. For instance, cognitive behavior therapy can help you to learn to accept your thoughts and feelings while swapping out negative patterns of behavior to healthier ones. You can also receive couples or family therapy to improve communication in your relationships.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females with ADHD tend to have higher levels of depression and anxiety than their male counterparts. adhd in adult women treatment may struggle to cope with the symptoms, which could cause a variety of unhealthy behaviors. In order to deal with their symptoms, they may resort to using substances or adopt unhealthy eating habits. These behaviors can make symptoms worse. Women are also more likely to get problems that are not diagnosed. They may be given the wrong treatment that could make them feel worse or cause other issues.
It's important to remember that a myriad of factors can cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD, including stress and certain physical conditions and illnesses. This is why it's crucial to see a health care practitioner or a mental health professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers suspect that this disparity in the prevalence of ADHD diagnosis among women and men is due to a combination of social and biological gender roles. Women are expected to do more household chores and parenting than men. This pressure can result in feelings of low self-esteem and lead to dysfunctional beliefs that can cause symptoms of ADHD.
Women are also less likely than men to inform the doctor about their issues, believing that they are able to manage them on their own. Women with ADHD might also be more likely to blame their symptoms on other causes like 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 suggests that the COVID-19 epidemic has been particularly difficult for young adults. They have greater levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms than adults in their middle age. The peak in these levels coincided with the peaks in COVID-19 case numbers and were triggered by a period of racial justice protests, mass shooting events, decades-high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine as well as recurring climate disasters and rising unemployment. Stress exposure either in the form of chronic or recent, is known to increase depression and anxiety. This combination of factors may explain why these levels are so constant high.
4. Difficulty Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD can have trouble making and maintaining friends particularly as they get older. Social isolation can cause health issues like high blood pressure or chronic stress. It can be beneficial to have close family and friends who are able to provide support, however many adults have difficulty maintaining or establish new connections.
The social norms that surround gender and sexuality can have an affect whether women suffering from ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In one study, parents or teachers were less likely than boys 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.
The expectations of society for women and girls can be a contributing factor 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 means that women and girls are more prone to being punished for having ADHD-related symptoms like inattention and disorganization. They may be misdiagnosed with mood disorders or anxiety, and their ADHD symptoms might not be treated appropriately.
Additionally hormonal fluctuations can cause ADHD in females. Estrogen levels may be lower at the end and during ovulation of the menstrual period which can cause symptoms more severe for females and girls. When combined with hormonal changes during adolescence, this can result in confusion regarding their symptoms, making it harder for them to receive a correct diagnosis and adequate treatment.
Although it is true that a number of the same treatment options work for women with ADHD as they do for males A mental health professional will still need to evaluate each individual's unique symptoms and needs. The kind of treatment a person receives depends on their ADHD symptoms as along with other factors contributing to their problems. For example the history of depression or trauma. A few popular treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a process where individuals learn to alter their negative thinking patterns and switch them to healthier ones. Couples counseling can also assist individuals to improve their communication skills and solve issues in their relationships.