ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a problem that affects both men and women, however, societal expectations and gender roles often make it difficult for them to recognize the signs. Women may also hide their symptoms better, which could result in them being misdiagnosed or delayed in treatment.
Obscuring stereotypes, referral biases internalized symptoms and comorbidities can all create obstacles to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are some females' symptoms that aren't being treated for adhd.
1. Difficulty Focusing
While hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD are more common for both genders, women and people born female (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 difficulty staying organized or on task, forgetting important things or appointments and being easily distracted by social or work events. It can also be hard for a woman with this disorder to sit and focus on homework or other assignments at work or school. In some cases, people with ADHD may have trouble falling or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or a medical problem.
People who have inattention ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms and try to compensate for them. Their behavior could be misinterpreted by others, resulting in confusion, anger and conflict in their relationships. adhd treatment for adults medication can lead to problems in the workplace and missed career opportunities. in the workplace.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating effects on females. Women may find themselves struggling to manage their problems at home as well as at work, which can make it difficult to stay afloat as they manage many responsibilities and strive to reach the goals they set for themselves.
Many women with ADHD have trouble focusing and find it difficult to receive emotional support from family members and close friends. As a result they may become lonely or develop self-defeating habits that are unhealthy, such as alcohol abuse.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms, such as low self-esteem, feelings of guilt, shame or a sense of worthlessness. This makes them more susceptible to physical and mental stressors as well as mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. In turn, they are more likely to turn to suicide or self-injury as compared to those who don't suffer from the condition. A diagnosis can help a woman feel more empowered to take steps to alter her life for the better. To get a diagnosis, a woman must first speak with a qualified health professional for an evaluation and effective treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, especially in the workplace. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD have a difficult time managing their schedules and completing work-related tasks. They may miss appointments, misplace important paperwork or depend on productivity apps to help them remain on track. These apps can be useful but they are not able to replace the need for solid organizational skills.
Gender roles can increase the severity of ADHD symptoms in women. 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. This pressure from society can make women with ADHD to feel shame and blame themselves for failing to fulfill these expectations.
Time management issues can lead to frustration both in professional and personal relationships. ADHD symptoms can cause you to underestimate the time it takes to complete tasks, causing you to be late for meetings or other commitments. Use a checklist or a planner to track deadlines if you are often late for events. Take breaks frequently to move around and clear your mind. Also, utilize a timer while working.
You can also apply mindfulness techniques to focus and reduce distractions. For instance, instead of listening to music or podcasts while working, play an article on your mobile. If you are having trouble concentrating while driving, try switching to a manual-transmission car. You could also consider driving with your phone off to prevent distractions with texting and calls.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD, an expert in mental health can suggest treatments and coping strategies. Treatment options may include medications, like stimulants, and psychotherapy. The kind of therapy that your doctor recommends will depend on your specific needs and the current state of your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example can help you accept your thoughts and emotions while replacing negative patterns of behaviour with healthier ones. You can also seek family therapy or couples counseling to improve communication between you and your family members.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females suffering from ADHD have higher levels of anxiety and depression than males. They may struggle to deal with these issues, leading to a variety of unhealthy behavior. For instance, they may resort to using substances or develop unhealthy eating habits as a way of dealing with their symptoms. These behaviors can make the symptoms worse. In addition women are more prone to be misdiagnosed with these issues. They may be given the wrong treatment which can increase their mood or trigger other problems.
It's essential to be aware that stress, certain physical ailments, and illnesses can cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. That's why it's essential to consult a health care practitioner or a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the difference in ADHD diagnoses between men and women is due to a mixture of biological and socially constructed roles. Women are typically expected to take on a larger share of household and parenting duties than their male counterparts. This pressure can result in feelings of low self-esteem and cause dysfunctional beliefs that can cause symptoms of ADHD.
Additionally, women are less likely to disclose their symptoms to a healthcare professional because they think they should be able to handle the symptoms 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 can lead to many women who suffer from ADHD not being diagnosed until adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic era has been particularly difficult for young adults, who are more likely to have more persistently high rates of anxiety and depression than middle-aged adults. These peaks coincided with cases of COVID-19 and occurred during a time where there were racial injustice protests and mass shootings, years of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine and other countries, frequent catastrophes and increasing unemployment. Stress exposure as a whole, whether it is chronic or recent, has been proven to increase anxiety and depression. This combination of factors may explain why these levels are persistently high.
4. Difficulty Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD might have trouble forming and maintaining friendships, especially in adulthood. Social isolation can lead to health issues like high blood pressure or chronic stress. It can be beneficial to have close family members and friends who can offer support, however many adults struggle to keep or form new relationships.
The social norms surrounding gender and sexuality can affect the likelihood that women with ADHD receive the diagnosis and treatment they need. In one study, parents or teachers were less likely than boys to refer girls to treatment 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 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. This makes girls and women more prone to being penalized for showing symptoms of ADHD like inattention and disorganization. Consequently, they might be mistakenly diagnosed as having depression or anxiety or a mood disorder, and their ADHD symptoms might not be appropriately treated.
Additionally, hormonal fluctuations can further amplify ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels are lower at the end of their menstrual cycle and during ovulation. This can cause women's and girls' symptoms appear worse. This can cause confusion in adolescents, especially when combined with hormonal changes. It is difficult to identify and treat them appropriately.
Although it is true that many of the same therapies work for women with ADHD as they do for men, a mental health professional will still be required to assess each person's particular needs and symptoms. The type of treatment that a person receives depends on their ADHD symptoms as well as other factors that may be contributing to their difficulties. For instance, a history trauma or depression. Some common treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy, where individuals are taught to change their negative thoughts and swap them out for healthier ones, as well as couples counseling that can help people improve their communication and solve issues in their relationships.