ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects males and females. However, societal expectations and gender roles make it difficult for women to recognize. Women are also better in hiding their symptoms, which could result in a misdiagnosis or delay in treatment.
Remaining stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptoms and comorbidities can all create roadblocks to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are some female adult symptoms that aren't being treated for adhd.
1. Trouble focusing
While hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD are more common in males and females but women and those who are who are assigned a 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.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include being unable to remember important appointments or items and being easily distracted by work or social occasions. It can be a challenge for a woman with this disorder to sit down and concentrate on assignments or other tasks at work or school. In some instances, women with ADHD may have trouble getting or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or a medical condition.
People with inattentive ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and try to make up for them. Their behavior may be misinterpreted by others, resulting in misunderstandings, frustration and conflict in their relationships. In the workplace, it could cause lost opportunities and career challenges.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating effects on female adults. Women may have a difficult time to deal with their problems both at home and at the workplace. This makes it difficult for them to stay afloat while they take on multiple tasks and strive to meet the goals that they set for themselves.
In untreated adhd in female adults to having trouble in focusing, many women with ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their family and friends. They can become isolated or develop unhealthy habits that are self-defeating, such as drinking.
Women with untreated ADHD may also experience internalizing symptoms like low self-esteem, feelings of guilt, shame or a sense of worthlessness. This can make them more prone to physical and mental stressors and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. They are more likely than people who do not suffer from the condition to commit suicide or self-harm. A woman may feel empowered after receiving a diagnosis and take action to improve her life. However, getting diagnosed is a prerequisite for seeing an expert in healthcare for a thorough assessment and effective treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, especially in the workplace. Women with undiagnosed ADHD typically have a difficult time following through on tasks at work and managing their daily schedule. They may miss appointments, lose important paperwork, or use productivity apps to help keep track of their tasks. These apps are useful, but cannot replace good organizational skills.
Gender roles can amplify the impact of ADHD symptoms for women. Women are required to look after their families and homes and homes, which require a level of coordination that ADHD sufferers struggle to maintain. The pressures from society can cause women suffering from ADHD to feel ashamed and blame themselves for trying to meet these demands.
Troubles with time management could cause frustration in relationships, both personal and professional. The signs of ADHD can cause you to underestimate how time it takes to complete a task, leading you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If you're frequently late for meetings, think about using a planner or checklists to keep track of deadlines. Use frequent breaks to calm your mind and move around.
You can also apply mindfulness techniques to stay focused and cut down on distractions. For instance, instead of listening to podcasts or music while working, you can listen to the news on your smartphone. If you have trouble concentrating while driving, try switching to a manual transmission vehicle. You may also want look into driving without a cellphone to avoid getting distracted by texting or calling.
A mental health professional can help you find the best treatment and coping strategies for ADHD. Treatment options include medications, like stimulants, and psychotherapy. Your doctor will recommend a therapy according to your health issues and the present situation in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for instance, can help you accept your thoughts and feelings while replacing bad habits with healthier ones. You can also receive family therapy or couples counseling to improve communication in your relationships.
3. Anxiety and Depression
Females suffering from ADHD typically have higher levels of depression and anxiety than their male counterparts. They may be struggling to deal with the symptoms, which could result in a range of unhealthy behavior. As a way to cope 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 have these issues that are not properly diagnosed. They may be given the wrong treatment which can worsen their mood or cause other problems.
It's essential to be aware that stress, physical ailments and illnesses can trigger symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. It's important to consult a health care practitioner or a mental health professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the difference in ADHD diagnoses between men and women is due to a combination socially and biologically constructed roles. Women are generally expected to take on more parenting and household chores than their male counterparts. This can result in feelings of low self esteem and dysfunctional beliefs, which can worsen ADHD symptoms.
In addition, women may be less likely to admit their symptoms to a medical professional because they believe they can manage them on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD also may be more likely to blame their symptoms on other factors, such as a lack of sleep or stress. This can lead to many women with ADHD not being diagnosed until they reach adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 timeframe has been particularly difficult for young adults, who tend to have more persistently high levels of depression and anxiety than middle-aged adults. The highs in these levels coincided with the peaks in the number of cases of COVID-19 and occurred in a period of protests against racial injustice, mass shootings, decades of high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine and recurring climate catastrophes and rising unemployment. Stress exposure, especially recent and chronic, is recognized as a risk factor for depression and anxiety This combination of factors could help explain why these levels have been so constantly elevated.
4. Difficulty Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD are more likely to have difficulty making and maintaining friends particularly as they get older. Social isolation can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure or chronic stress. It can be beneficial to have close family members and friends who can offer assistance, but many adults have difficulty maintaining or make new connections.
The social norms relating to gender and sex can affect whether women suffering from ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they need. In one study, parents or teachers 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 societal expectations for girls and women can 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 such as inattention and disorganization. Consequently, they might be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety, and their ADHD symptoms may not be appropriately treated.
Moreover, hormone fluctuations can further amplify ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels are typically lower at the end of and during ovulation of the menstrual cycle, which can make symptoms worse for women and girls. This can cause confusion among adolescents, particularly when it is combined with hormonal changes. It can be difficult to identify and treat them appropriately.
While many of the same treatment options are available to women with ADHD However, a mental health professional will still have to evaluate each person's individual needs and symptoms. The kind of therapy a person receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms and other factors that might be contributing to their difficulties like the history of depression or trauma. The most common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy, where individuals are taught to change their negative thoughts and swap them out for healthier ones, and couples counseling that can help people improve communication and resolve problems in their relationships.