ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is an illness that affects men & women. However, social expectations & gender roles make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women are also better in minimizing their symptoms, which could lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral bias, lingering stereotypes and comorbidities can all be obstacles to a proper diagnosis. Here are a few of most common untreated adhd in female adults.
1. Trouble focusing
While hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD are more common for both genders but women and those who are born female (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.
The symptoms of inattention ADHD include having trouble staying organized or on task, losing important things or appointments and being easily distracted by social or work occasions. It can also be hard for a woman with this disorder to sit down and concentrate on their homework or other tasks at school or work. In some cases, people who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty sleeping or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety or a medical condition.
People who have inattention ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms. Their behavior could be misinterpreted by others, resulting in misunderstandings, frustration and conflict in their relationships. In the workplace, it could lead to lost opportunities and career challenges.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating effects on female adults. Women can find themselves struggling to manage their problems at home as well as at work and this can make it difficult for them to stay on top of their game as they take on multiple responsibilities and attempt to reach the goals they have set for themselves.
In addition to having difficulty focus, many women suffering from ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their family and friends. They can become isolated or develop unhealthy habits that lead to self-defeating behaviors, such as drinking.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can also experience internalizing symptoms like low self esteem and feelings of guilt, shame or feelings of inadequacy. This can make them more susceptible to physical illness, stress and mental health disorders 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 can feel empowered by a diagnosis and take action to improve her life. To get a diagnosis 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, especially in the workplace. alternative adhd treatment for adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD have a difficult time managing their daily schedule and completing work-related tasks. They may lose important paperwork or appointments or rely on productivity apps to stay on top of things. These apps can be helpful but they cannot replace the ability to organize your life.
Gender roles can enhance the impact of ADHD symptoms for women. Women are expected to take care of their homes and families and require an amount of coordination that people suffering from ADHD struggle to maintain. This societal pressure can trigger feelings of self-reflection and shame for women who suffer from ADHD who attempt to meet those demands and cause them to hide their symptoms.
Time management issues can result in frustration in relationships both professional and personal. ADHD symptoms can cause you to underestimate the time it takes to complete a task, causing you to be late to meetings or other commitments. If you're frequently late for meetings, think about using a planner or checklists to keep on top of deadlines. Take frequent breaks to move around and calm your mind. Also, employ a timer when you work.
You can also use mindfulness techniques to remain focused and avoid distractions. For instance, instead listening to podcasts or music while working, listen to a news story on your phone. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, think about switching to a car that has manual transmission. It is also possible to drive with your phone off to prevent distracted texting and phone calls.
Once you are diagnosed with ADHD, an expert in mental health can suggest treatments and strategies for coping. Treatment options include stimulants and psychotherapy. The kind of therapy your doctor recommends will be based on the specific symptoms you have and the circumstances in your life. For instance, cognitive behavior therapy can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings while changing your negative patterns of behavior to healthier ones. You can also receive family or couples therapy to improve communication within your relationships.
3. Anxiety and Depression
Females who suffer from ADHD are more prone to depression and anxiety than males. They may struggle to deal with these issues, leading to a range of unhealthy behaviors. 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 have these problems misdiagnosed. They may receive the wrong treatment, which could make them feel worse or cause other issues.
It's important to recognize that a myriad of factors can cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD such as stress and certain physical ailments and illnesses. It's important to consult a mental health professional or health care professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers suspect that this disparity in the prevalence of ADHD diagnosis for males and females is due to a combination of social and biological gender roles. Women are usually expected to assume a larger share of parenting and household duties than their male counterparts. This can result in feelings of low self esteem and untrue beliefs that can worsen ADHD symptoms.
Additionally, women are less likely to admit their symptoms to a medical 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 to blame their symptoms on other factors like a lack of sleep or stress. This can lead to many women who suffer from ADHD not being diagnosed until later in life.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic era has been particularly difficult for young adults, who tend 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 occurred in a period of racial justice protests mass shootings, decades of high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine, recurrent climate catastrophes, and a rise in unemployment. Stress exposure as a whole, whether it is chronic or recent, has been proven to increase anxiety and depression. This combination of factors could be the reason why these levels are constant high.
4. Trouble Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD are more likely to have difficulty finding and maintaining friendships particularly as they get older. Social isolation can lead to health issues 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 can't form new friendships or maintain current relationships.
The social norms surrounding 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 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.
The social expectations for girls and women may also exacerbate 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. Women and girls are more likely to suffer punishment for symptoms of ADHD like disorganization and inattention. Consequently, they might be mistakenly diagnosed as having anxiety or a mood disorder, and their ADHD symptoms might not be appropriately treated.
Moreover, hormone fluctuations can further amplify ADHD symptoms in females. treat adhd without medication adults are lower towards the end of their menstrual cycle as well as during ovulation, and this can cause the symptoms of women and girls get worse. When combined with hormonal changes during the adolescent years, this can result in confusion regarding their symptoms, making it difficult to get the correct diagnosis and treatment.
While it is true that a lot of the same treatment options work for women with ADHD as they do for men However, a mental health professional will be required to assess each person's unique symptoms and needs. The kind of treatment a person receives depends on their ADHD symptoms as along with other factors that may be contributing to their difficulties. For instance trauma, a history of depression or a traumatic experience. A few common treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, where individuals learn to alter their negative thinking patterns and swap them out for healthier ones, as well as couples counseling, which can help individuals improve communication and resolve issues in their relationships.