ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD affects both men and women, but societal expectations and gender roles often make it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. Women are also better at masking their symptoms, which can cause misdiagnosis and delay in treatment.
Lingering stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptoms, and comorbidities all create obstacles to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are a few of the most frequent untreated adhd females.
1. Trouble focusing
Although the symptoms of impulsive and hyperactive of ADHD are more prevalent in boys and men however, women and those who are assigned a female at birth (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.
online adhd treatment for adults of inattentive ADHD are a lack of organization or on track, ignoring important things or appointments and easily being distracted by social or work occasions. People with this disorder may also find it difficult to focus on their schoolwork or other activities. In some cases, people with ADHD may have trouble getting or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety or a medical condition.
People with inattention ADHD often attempt to hide their symptoms. Their behavior could be misinterpreted by others, leading to misunderstandings, frustration and conflict in their relationships. This can result in missed career opportunities and challenges in the workplace.
This is why the consequences of untreated ADHD in females who are adults can be devastating. Women can be having to deal with their difficulties at home and at work, which can make it difficult to stay on top of their game as they take on many responsibilities and strive to meet the goals they set for themselves.
Alongside having issues focus, many women suffering from ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their families and friends. In the end they may feel isolated or develop self-defeating patterns such as alcohol use.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can also experience internalizing symptoms such as low self esteem, feelings of guilt, shame or feeling of worthlessness. This can make them more susceptible to physical and mental stress and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. They are more likely than those who do not suffer from the condition to commit suicide or self-harm. A woman can be encouraged by a diagnosis and take action to improve her life. To receive a diagnosis one must first speak with a qualified healthcare provider for an evaluation and effective treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage in the workplace, particularly. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD often have a harder working through tasks at work and managing their daily schedule. They might forget important documents or appointments or rely on productivity apps to stay on track. These apps are useful but they cannot replace the ability to organize your life.
Gender role expectations can also increase the severity of ADHD symptoms in women. Women are expected to be the caretakers of their family and home, which requires some degree of coordination that people with ADHD struggle to maintain. This pressure from society can trigger feelings of guilt and shame among women with ADHD who try to meet these demands, causing them to mask their symptoms.
Time management issues can lead to frustration both in professional and personal relationships. ADHD symptoms can cause you underestimating the time it takes to complete a task, causing you to be late to meetings or other commitments. If you are frequently late for meetings, think about using a planner or checklists to keep track of deadlines. Take breaks frequently to move around and calm your mind. You can also utilize a timer while working.
You can also practice mindfulness techniques to help you stay on task and reduce distractions. Watching news stories on your smartphone instead of listening to music or podcasts could be an alternative to music while working. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, try switching to a manual-transmission car. It is also possible to drive with your cell phone turned off to avoid distracted texting and calling.
A mental health professional can assist you to determine the best treatment and coping strategies for ADHD. Treatment options include stimulants as well as psychotherapy. The kind of therapy your doctor recommends will depend on the specific symptoms you have and what's going on in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example can help you accept your thoughts and feelings while replacing negative patterns of behaviour with healthier ones. You can also seek couples counseling or family therapy to improve communication between your family members.
3. Depression and anxiety
Females who suffer from ADHD tend to have higher levels of anxiety and depression than their male counterparts. They can struggle to cope with these symptoms, leading to a variety of unhealthy behavior. As a way to cope with their symptoms, they might turn to substances or unhealthy eating habits. These behaviors can exacerbate symptoms. Women are also more likely to get these issues that are not properly diagnosed. This means that they receive the wrong treatment which can further aggravate their mood and lead to other problems.
It's important to note that a myriad of factors can cause similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD, including stress and certain physical conditions and illnesses. It's important to consult an expert in mental health or health care professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the disparity in ADHD diagnoses between women and men is due to a mix of socially and biologically constructed roles. Women are expected to do more household and parenting tasks than men. This can result in feelings of low self esteem and untrue beliefs that can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Women may also be less likely than men to inform a doctor about their symptoms as they believe they are able to manage them on their own. Women with ADHD are also more likely to blame their symptoms on other causes like a lack of sleep or excessive stress. This could contribute to the fact that a lot of women with ADHD are not 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 higher levels of depression and anxiety than adults of middle age. The peaks in these levels coincided with the peaks in the number of COVID-19 cases and were triggered by a period of racial justice protests, mass shooting events, decades-high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine and recurring climate catastrophes and a rise in unemployment. Chronic and recent stress exposure is recognized as an important risk factor for anxiety and depression and this combination of factors could explain why these levels have been so constantly increased.
4. Difficulty Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD might have trouble forming and maintaining friendships, particularly when they reach adulthood. Social isolation is associated with a range of health issues, such as high blood pressure and chronic stress. It can be beneficial to have close family and friends who can offer support, however many adults have difficulty maintaining or establish new connections.
The social norms that surround gender and sexual orientation can have an affect whether women suffering from ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they need. In one study, teachers or parents were less likely than men 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 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 be the victims of the consequences of ADHD-related symptoms like inattention and disorganization. This means that they may be misdiagnosed as having anxiety or a mood disorder or a mood disorder, and their ADHD symptoms might not be properly treated.
Additionally, hormonal fluctuations can amplify ADHD in females. Estrogen levels are lower towards the end of menstrual cycles and during ovulation, which can make girls' and women's symptoms appear worse. Combined with hormonal changes in the adolescent years, this can cause confusion about their symptoms, making it harder for them to receive the correct diagnosis and treatment.
While it is true that a lot of the same treatment options are effective for women suffering from ADHD as they do for males, a mental health professional will need to evaluate each individual's specific needs and symptoms. The type of treatment a person receives is based on the severity of their ADHD symptoms as along with other factors the cause of their issues. For instance trauma, a history of depression or trauma. Some typical treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), where people learn to alter their negative thought patterns and switch them to healthier ones. Couples counseling can also help individuals improve their communication and resolve issues in their relationships.