ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects women and men. However, the expectations of society and gender roles make it difficult for women to recognize. Women are also more adept in hiding their symptoms, which can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral bias, lingering stereotypes and comorbidities can all be obstacles to a correct diagnosis. Here are a few of most frequently reported untreated adhd female adults symptoms.
1. Difficulty Focusing
While hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD are more common in boys and men, 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 forgetting important appointments or things, and being easily distracted by work or social events. It can be difficult for women with this disorder to sit down and concentrate on their homework or other assignments at school or work. In some cases, people who suffer from ADHD may have trouble sleeping or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or a medical issue.
People with inattention ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms and attempt to compensate for them. Others might interpret their behavior incorrectly, leading to misunderstandings, frustration, and conflict within relationships. In the workplace, it could result in problems in the workplace and missed opportunities.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating effects on females. Women can 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 meet the goals they have set for themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD have difficulty focusing and also find it difficult to receive emotional support from family members and close friends. As a result they may feel isolated or develop unhealthy patterns of self-defeating behaviors, such as alcohol abuse.
Women with untreated ADHD can also develop internalizing symptoms, like low self-esteem and feelings of guilt, shame or a sense of worthlessness. This makes them more prone to physical illness, stress and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. They are more likely than people who do not have the condition to take self-harm or commit suicide. A woman can feel empowered by the diagnosis and can take action to improve her life. However, obtaining diagnosed requires that she first consult an experienced healthcare professional for a thorough assessment and efficient treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, particularly in the workplace. Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD frequently have a hard to complete work assignments and coordinating their daily schedule. They may miss appointments, lose important documents or use productivity apps to help stay on task. These apps can be useful, but they cannot replace the need for good organizational skills.
Gender roles can amplify the impact of ADHD symptoms in women. Society expects women to take care of their homes and families which requires a certain level of coordination that people with ADHD struggle to maintain. This pressure from society can trigger feelings of guilt and shame in women who suffer from ADHD who attempt to meet these demands which can cause them to conceal their symptoms.
Problems with time management can lead to frustration in relationships both professional and personal. ADHD symptoms can cause you underestimating the time it takes to complete a task, causing you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If you are frequently late for events, consider using a planner or checklist to keep the track of deadlines. Make frequent breaks to clear your mind and move around.
You can also use mindfulness techniques to remain focused and avoid distractions. The ability to listen to news stories on your phone instead of listening to music or podcasts could be a good alternative to listening to music while working. If you are having trouble concentrating while driving, consider switching to a manual-transmission car. untreated adhd in female adults is also possible to drive with your phone off to stop distractions with texting and calls.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, the mental health professional can recommend treatment and coping strategies. Treatment options include stimulants and psychotherapy. Your doctor will suggest the appropriate therapy according to your health issues and the current circumstances in your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing your negative behaviors for healthier ones. You can also receive couples counseling or family therapy to improve communication between your family members.
3. Depression and Anxiety
Females with ADHD have higher levels of anxiety and depression than males. They may struggle to cope with the symptoms, which could lead to a variety of unhealthy behaviors. For instance, they could take up drug use 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 for these issues. They may receive the wrong treatment that could worsen their mood or cause other problems.
It's essential to be aware that stress, certain physical ailments, and illnesses can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. It is important to speak with a mental health professional or health care provider for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the differences in ADHD diagnoses between men and women is due to a mixture of socially and biologically imposed roles. Women are typically expected to assume a larger share of parenting and household duties than their male counterparts. This can cause feelings of low self-esteem and untrue beliefs that can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Women are also less likely than men to speak with a doctor about their symptoms and believe that they can handle them themselves. 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 could lead to a lot of women who suffer from ADHD not being diagnosed until they reach adulthood.
Research indicates that the COVID-19 epidemic has been especially difficult for young adults. They tend to have higher rates of depression and anxiety than adults in their middle age. The peaks in these levels coincided with a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases and occurred during a time of racial justice protests mass shootings, decades of high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine as well as recurring climate disasters and a rise in unemployment. Stress exposure, especially recent and chronic, is known to be an important risk cause for depression and anxiety, so this combination of factors could explain why these levels have been so consistently elevated.
4. Trouble Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can have trouble making and keeping friends particularly as they get older. Read Alot more is associated with a range of health issues, such as high blood pressure and chronic stress. The presence of close family and friends members who provide support can be beneficial but many adults find that they simply can't make new friends or maintain their current relationships.
The social norms surrounding gender and sex may impact whether or not women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In one study, parents or teachers were less likely than boys to recommend 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.
The social expectations for women and girls can increase the severity of 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 means that women and girls are more likely to be penalized for showing symptoms of ADHD such as disorganization and inattention. This means that they may be incorrectly diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder and their ADHD symptoms might not be treated appropriately.
Furthermore, hormone fluctuations can further amplify ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels are lower towards the end of menstrual cycles and during ovulation, and this can make women's and girls' symptoms appear to be more severe. In conjunction with hormonal changes during the adolescent years, this can cause confusion about their symptoms, making it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
While many of the same treatment options are available for women with ADHD, a mental healthcare professional will still have to evaluate the individual's needs and symptoms. The type of therapy that a patient receives will depend on both their ADHD symptoms and any other factors that might be contributing to their problems, such as an experience of trauma or depression. Some common treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy, where individuals are taught to change their negative thoughts and replace them with healthier ones, and couples counseling, which can help individuals improve communication and resolve issues in their relationships.