ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD affects both men as well as women, but societal expectations and gender roles can make it harder for them to be diagnosed. Women may also hide their symptoms better, which could cause them to be misdiagnosed or delayed in treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral bias persistent stereotypes and comorbidities are all obstacles to a correct diagnosis. Here are a few of most frequently reported untreated adhd female adults.
1. Trouble focusing
Although the hyperactive and impulsive signs of ADHD are more common for both genders, women and people 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.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include not remembering important appointments or things, and being easily distracted by work or social occasions. Women suffering from this disorder might also have difficulty to concentrate on schoolwork or other work. Women who suffer from ADHD are often unable to fall asleep or staying asleep because of anxiety, depression, or medical problems.
People with inattentive ADHD often try to hide their symptoms. Their behavior may be misinterpreted by others, resulting in misunderstandings, frustration and conflict in their relationships. In the workplace, it could result in problems in the workplace and missed opportunities.
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 that they set for themselves.
Many women with ADHD have trouble focusing and are unable to receive emotional support from their family and friends. They can become isolated, or develop unhealthy patterns that lead to self-defeating behaviors, such as drinking.
Women with untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms such as low self esteem, feelings of guilt, shame or worthlessness. This can make them more susceptible to stress, physical illness and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. They are more likely than people who don't have the condition to commit suicide or self-harm. A woman can feel empowered by the diagnosis and can take action to improve her life. However, getting a diagnosis requires that she first consult an experienced healthcare professional for a thorough assessment and effective treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, particularly at work. Women with undiagnosed ADHD have trouble managing their daily schedule and completing work tasks. They might forget appointments, lose important paperwork or rely on productivity apps to help remain on track. These apps can be useful, but they cannot replace the need for good organization skills.
The gender role expectations of women can also contribute to the symptoms of ADHD. Women are expected to take care of their family and home which requires some degree of coordination that those with ADHD struggle to maintain. This pressure from society can make women with ADHD to feel ashamed and blame themselves for trying to fulfill these expectations.
Troubles with time management could lead to frustration in relationships, both personal and professional. Symptoms of ADHD can cause you to underestimate the you will take to complete a task, which can cause you to be late for meetings or other commitments. You might want to consider using a checklist or a planner to keep track deadlines if you are often late for meetings or other events. Make sure to take frequent breaks to move around and relax your mind. You can also utilize a timer while working.
You can also apply mindfulness techniques to remain focused and reduce distractions. Watching news stories on your phone instead of listening to music or podcasts can be a good alternative to listening to music while working. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, consider switching to a car with a manual transmission. You could also consider driving with your phone off to stop distracted texting and phone calls.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD, a mental health professional can recommend treatment and strategies for coping. Treatment options include stimulants and psychotherapy. Your doctor will recommend a therapy depending on your symptoms and the current situation in your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you come to accept your thoughts and feelings while changing negative patterns of behavior for healthier ones. You can also get family therapy or couples counseling 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 struggle to cope with the symptoms, and this can cause a variety of unhealthy behaviors. For example, they might turn to substance use or develop unhealthy eating habits as a way of dealing with their symptoms. These habits can cause symptoms to worsen. Women are more likely to have these issues that are not properly diagnosed. They may be given the wrong treatment that could worsen their mood or cause other problems.
adult adhd diagnosis and treatment to be aware that stress, certain physical conditions, and illnesses can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. That's why it's essential to consult a health care provider or mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the difference in the prevalence of ADHD diagnosis among males and females is due to a mix of biological and socially constructed gender roles. Women are expected to take on more household and parenting tasks than men. This pressure can result in feelings of low self-esteem and lead to dysfunctional beliefs that can lead to the emergence of symptoms of ADHD.
Furthermore, women may be less likely to report their symptoms to a healthcare professional because they think they're able to handle them on their own. Women with ADHD also may be more likely to blame their symptoms on other causes like a lack of sleep or excessive stress. This can contribute to the fact that a lot of women with ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic period has been particularly challenging for young adults, who are more likely to suffer from more constant high rates of anxiety and depression than middle-aged adults. The highs in these levels coincided with spikes in COVID-19 case numbers and occurred during a time of protests against racial injustice, mass shooting events, decades-high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine, recurrent climate catastrophes, and a rise in unemployment. Stress exposure as a whole, whether it is chronic or recent, is known to increase depression and anxiety. This combination of factors may explain why these levels are so persistently high.
4. Trouble Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD are more likely to have difficulty making and maintaining friends particularly as they age. Social isolation can lead to health issues like high blood pressure or chronic stress. It is beneficial to have close family members and friends who are able to provide assistance, but many adults have difficulty maintaining or make new relationships.
The social norms surrounding gender and sexuality may affect whether or not women suffering from ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they need. In one study, teachers or parents were less likely than men 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.
These expectations from 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. Women and girls are more likely to experience punishment for ADHD-related symptoms such as inattention and disorganization. In the end, they could be incorrectly diagnosed with anxiety or a mood disorder or a mood disorder, and their ADHD symptoms might not be appropriately treated.
Moreover, hormone fluctuations can also amplify ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels can be lower at the end of and during the ovulation phase of the menstrual period which can cause symptoms more severe for females and girls. This can lead to confusion in adolescents, particularly when it is combined with hormonal changes. It is difficult to identify and treat them properly.
Although it is true that many of the same therapies are effective for women suffering from ADHD like they do for men 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 might be contributing to their difficulties like a history of depression or trauma. The most common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people learn to change their negative thinking patterns and replace them with healthier ones, and couples counseling which can help couples improve communication and resolve problems in their relationships.