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 better in hiding their symptoms, which could lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral bias, lingering stereotypes and comorbidities are all obstacles to a correct diagnosis. Here are some females' symptoms that aren't being treated for adhd.
1. Problems with Focusing
Women and people who were deemed female at birth are still underdiagnosed with ADHD. 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 having trouble 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 women with this disorder to sit down and focus on homework or other work at work or school. In some cases, women with ADHD might have difficulty getting or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or a medical issue.
People with inattention ADHD often try to hide their symptoms. Their behavior may be misinterpreted by others, leading to confusion, anger and conflict in their relationships. It can lead to difficulties in their careers and a lack of opportunities in the workplace.
In the end, the effects of untreated ADHD in females who are adults can be devastating. Women may find themselves struggling to cope with their problems at home as well as at work, which can make it hard to stay afloat as they manage multiple responsibilities and attempt to reach the goals they have set for themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD have trouble focusing and also find it difficult to receive emotional support from their family and friends. They may become lonely, or develop unhealthy patterns that lead to self-defeating behaviors like drinking.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms like low self esteem and feelings of guilt, shame or feelings of inadequacy. This makes them more prone to physical illness, stress and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. This means they are more likely to turn to suicide or self-injury than those who do not suffer from the condition. A woman may feel empowered by an diagnosis and take steps to improve her life. However, getting diagnosed is a prerequisite for seeing a qualified healthcare professional for a thorough assessment 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 struggle with managing their day-to-day schedule and completing their work. They may lose important paperwork or appointments, or rely upon productivity apps to stay on top of things. These apps can be useful but they are not able to substitute for the need for strong organizational skills.
The gender role expectations of women can also exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD. Women are expected to take care of their homes and families and require a certain level of coordination that people suffering from ADHD struggle to maintain. The pressures from society can cause women suffering from ADHD to feel embarrassed and blame themselves for not being able to meet these demands.
Troubles with time management could lead to frustration in relationships both professional and personal. ADHD symptoms can cause you underestimating the time needed to complete tasks, causing you to be late to meetings or other commitments. You might want to consider using a checklist or a planner to keep on track of deadlines when you are frequently late for events. Take frequent breaks to relax your mind and get moving.
You can also employ mindfulness techniques to stay focused and reduce distractions. Listening to news stories on your phone instead of listening to music or podcasts is a good alternative to listening to music while working. If you have trouble being able to concentrate while driving, you might consider switching to a car that has a manual transmission. You can also consider driving with your cell phone turned off to stop distractions with texting and calls.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, an expert in mental health can recommend treatment and coping strategies. Treatment options may include medications, like stimulants, as well as psychotherapy. Your doctor will suggest an approach depending on your symptoms and the present situation in your life. For instance, cognitive behavior therapy can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings while swapping out negative patterns of behavior for healthier ones. You can also seek out family or couples therapy to improve communication in your relationships.
3. Anxiety and Depression
Females with ADHD often report higher levels of anxiety and depression than their male counterparts. They may struggle to deal with these issues, which can lead to a variety of unhealthy behaviours. In order to deal with their symptoms, they might resort to using substances or adopt unhealthy eating habits. These behaviors can exacerbate symptoms. Women are also more likely to get these issues that are not properly diagnosed. In the end, they are treated incorrectly which can further aggravate their mood and cause other issues.
It's important to recognize that many factors can cause similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD like stress as well as 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 believe that the differences in ADHD diagnoses between women and men is due to a mix of socially and biologically imposed roles. Women are expected to perform more household and parenting work than men. untreated adhd in adults depression can result in feelings of self-esteem loss and untrue beliefs that can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Women may also be less likely than men to inform doctors about their symptoms as they believe they can manage them on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD might also be more likely to blame their symptoms on other causes such as lack of sleep or stress. This can result in many women with ADHD not being diagnosed until later in life.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 era has been particularly difficult for young adults, who are more likely to have more persistently high levels of depression and anxiety than adults of middle age. These highs coincided with cases of COVID-19 and were occurring at a time when protests against racial discrimination were taking place and mass shootings, years of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine and recurrent catastrophes, as well as rising unemployment. Stress exposure either in the form of chronic or recent, is known to increase depression and anxiety. This combination of factors could be the reason why these levels are so constant high.
4. Problems in Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD can have trouble finding and maintaining friendships particularly as they get older. Social isolation can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure or chronic stress. Being close to family and friends members who can provide support can be helpful however, many adults discover that they are unable to make new friendships or maintain current relationships.
The social norms that surround gender and sex can influence whether women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In one study, teachers or parents 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.
The expectations of society for women and girls could cause them to develop 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. Girls and women are more likely to experience punishment for ADHD-related symptoms like disorganization and inattention. They may be misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety and their ADHD symptoms may not be treated appropriately.
Additionally hormonal fluctuations can also cause ADHD in females. Estrogen levels decrease at the end of their menstrual cycle and during ovulation. This can make the symptoms of women and girls appear to be more severe. This can cause confusion in adolescents, especially when they are combined with hormonal changes. It can be difficult to identify and treat them properly.
Although it is true that a number of the same therapies are effective for women suffering from ADHD like they do for men A mental health professional will still be required to assess each person's unique symptoms and needs. The kind of therapy a patient receives will be based on their ADHD symptoms and any 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 individuals learn to alter their negative thoughts and replace them with healthier ones, as well as couples counseling which can help couples improve communication and resolve problems in their relationships.