ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is an illness that affects women and men. However, social 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.
here. , referral bias persisting stereotypes, and comorbidities could all be obstacles to a proper diagnosis. Here are some of the most frequently reported untreated adhd female adults.
1. Trouble focusing
Although the symptoms of impulsive and hyperactive of ADHD are more common for both genders, 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.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD are a lack of organization or on task, forgetting important things or appointments and easily being distracted by social or work occasions. Women suffering from this disorder may also find it difficult to concentrate on schoolwork or other work. In some cases, women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble sleeping or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety or a medical problem.
People with inattentive ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms and try to compensate for them. Others might interpret their behavior incorrectly, leading to confusion, frustration and conflict within relationships. This can result in missed career opportunities and challenges at work.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating consequences on females. Women may have a difficult time to deal with their problems both at home and in the workplace. This can make it difficult to maintain a steady pace while they manage their tasks and strive to meet the goals that they set for themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD have difficulty focusing and also find it difficult to receive emotional support from family members and friends. In the end, they can become isolated or develop self-defeating habits that are unhealthy such as alcohol use.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms, such as low self-esteem, feelings of shame, guilt or worthlessness. This can lead them to be more vulnerable to stress, physical illness and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. As a result, they are more likely to suicide or self-injury as compared to those without the condition. A woman may feel empowered after receiving the diagnosis and can take action to improve her life. To be diagnosed the woman should first consult a qualified health professional for an evaluation and effective treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage at work, particularly. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD often have a harder time following through on work tasks and managing their daily schedule. They might forget important documents or appointments or rely on productivity apps to keep on track. These apps can be useful but they are not able to substitute for the need for strong organizational skills.
The expectations for gender roles of women can also contribute to the symptoms of ADHD. Women are expected to care for their families and their homes which requires a degree of coordination that ADHD sufferers have to work hard to maintain. This pressure from society can trigger feelings of guilt and shame in women who suffer from ADHD who are trying to meet those demands which can cause them to conceal their symptoms.
Problems with time management can result in frustration in relationships, both personal and professional. ADHD symptoms can cause you to underestimate the time it takes to complete tasks, causing you to be late to meetings or other commitments. If you're frequently late for events, consider using a planner or checklists to keep the track of deadlines. Take frequent breaks to relax your mind and move around.
You can also use mindfulness techniques to remain focused and reduce distractions. For instance, instead of listening to podcasts or music while working, play an article on your phone. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, consider switching to a manual transmission car. It is also possible to drive with your cellphone switched off to avoid distracted texting and calling.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD, an expert in mental health can suggest treatments and coping strategies. Treatment options include stimulants and psychotherapy. The type of therapy that your doctor recommends will be based on the specific symptoms you have and the current state of 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 seek family therapy or couples counseling to improve communication in your relationships.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females who suffer from ADHD are more prone to depression and anxiety than males. They may struggle to deal with these symptoms, leading to a range of unhealthy behaviors. For instance, they could turn to substance use or develop unhealthy eating habits as a means of dealing with their symptoms. These actions can make symptoms worse. Women are also more likely to have problems that are not diagnosed. They may receive the wrong treatment, which could make them feel worse or cause other problems.
It's crucial to know that stress, certain physical conditions and illnesses can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. It's important to see a health care specialist or a mental health professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the difference in the prevalence of ADHD diagnosis between males and females is due to a combination of biological and socially constructed gender roles. Women are expected to do more household and parenting tasks than men. This can result in feelings of self-esteem loss and distorted beliefs, which can lead to an increase in ADHD symptoms.
Additionally, women are less likely to disclose their symptoms to a healthcare professional due to the belief that they should be able to handle the symptoms on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely than other people to blame their symptoms on other factors, like sleep issues or stress. This can lead to many women with ADHD not being diagnosed until later in life.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 timeframe has been particularly difficult for young adults, who tend to have higher rates of anxiety and depression than middle-aged adults. The peaks in these levels coincided with the peaks in COVID-19 case numbers and were triggered by a period of racial justice protests, mass shootings, decades of high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine as well as recurring climate disasters and rising unemployment. Recent and frequent stress exposure is recognized as a risk factor for depression and anxiety This combination of factors could help explain why these levels have been persistently elevated.
4. Problems in Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may have difficulty establishing and maintaining friendships, especially when they reach adulthood. Social isolation can cause health problems such as high blood pressure or chronic stress. It is beneficial to have close family members and friends who can offer assistance, but many adults struggle to maintain or make new connections.
The social norms that surround gender and sexual orientation can have an influence whether women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they need. In one study, teachers and parents were less likely to refer girls suffering from ADHD to treatment than boys. 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 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. Girls and women are more likely to be the victims of punishment for symptoms of ADHD like inattention and disorganization. In the end, they could be incorrectly diagnosed with depression or anxiety, and their ADHD symptoms may not be treated appropriately.
Furthermore, hormone fluctuations can also amplify ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels decrease at the end of their menstrual cycle as well as during ovulation, which can make girls' and women's symptoms appear worse. When combined with hormonal changes during the adolescent years, this can lead to confusion about their symptoms, making it more difficult to get the correct diagnosis and treatment.
While many of the same treatment options are available for women with ADHD A mental health professional will still have to evaluate the individual's needs and symptoms. The kind of treatment that a person receives is based on the severity of their ADHD symptoms as in addition to other factors that could be the cause of their issues. For example the history of trauma or depression. The most popular treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a process where individuals learn how to change their negative thinking patterns and swap them for healthier ones. Couples counseling can help individuals improve their communication skills and solve problems in relationships.