ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects males and females. However, social expectations and gender roles make it difficult for women to recognize. Women are also more adept at masking their symptoms, which can result in a misdiagnosis or delay in treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral bias persisting stereotypes, and comorbidities could all be obstacles to a correct diagnosis. Here are some of female adult symptoms that aren't being treated for adhd.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Women and people who were assigned females at birth are still underdiagnosed with ADHD. 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 not remembering important appointments or things and being easily distracted by work or social events. Women suffering from this disorder may also find it difficult to concentrate on their schoolwork or other activities. Women who suffer from ADHD are often unable to fall asleep or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression, or medical problems.
People with inattention ADHD often attempt to hide their symptoms. Their behavior may be misinterpreted by others, resulting in confusion, anger and conflict in their relationships. In the workplace, it could lead to lost opportunities and career challenges.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating effects on females. Women may have difficulty to manage their issues both at home and in the workplace. This makes it difficult for them to maintain a steady pace while they manage their obligations and try to reach the goals they set for them.
Many women with ADHD have difficulty focusing and find it difficult to receive emotional support from their family and friends. As a result they may become lonely or develop self-defeating patterns such as alcohol use.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also experience internalizing symptoms, such as low self-esteem, feelings of guilt, shame or deprivation. This can lead them to be more vulnerable to stress, physical illness and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. They are more likely than those who don't have the condition to take self-harm or commit suicide. A woman can feel empowered after receiving the diagnosis and can take action to improve her life. To receive a diagnosis the woman should first consult a licensed healthcare professional for an assessment and effective treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, especially in the workplace. Women with undiagnosed ADHD have trouble managing their day-to-day schedule and completing work-related tasks. They might forget appointments, lose important documents or depend on productivity apps to help them remain on track. These apps can be useful however they aren't able to substitute for the need for strong organization skills.
The expectations for gender roles of women can also exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD. Society expects women to be the caretakers of their home and family and require a certain level of coordination that those with ADHD struggle to maintain. This pressure from society can trigger feelings of self-reflection and shame among women with ADHD who attempt to meet these demands which can cause them to conceal their symptoms.
Problems with time management can lead to frustration, both in personal and professional relationships. ADHD symptoms can cause you to underestimate the time it takes to complete tasks, causing you to be late to meetings or other commitments. Consider using a checklist or a planner to on track of deadlines when you are frequently late for events. Use frequent breaks to calm your mind and get moving.
You can also try mindfulness techniques to help you focus on your task and reduce distractions. For instance, instead listening to music or podcasts while working, listen to an article on your mobile. If you have trouble concentrating while driving, try switching to a manual transmission car. You might also want to look into driving without a cellphone to avoid getting distracted by texting or calling.
A mental health professional can assist you to determine the most effective treatment and coping method for ADHD. Treatment options include medications, like stimulants, and psychotherapy. Your doctor will recommend an approach based on your symptoms and the current situation in your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you to learn to accept your thoughts and feelings while changing your negative patterns of behavior to healthier ones. You can also get family therapy or couples counseling to improve communication between your family members.
3. Depression and Anxiety
Females who suffer from ADHD are more prone to depression and anxiety than men. They may struggle to cope with the symptoms, which could lead to a variety of unhealthy behaviours. For instance, they may turn to substance use or develop unhealthy eating habits as a way of dealing with their symptoms. These actions can worsen symptoms. Women are also more likely to get these problems misdiagnosed. They may be given the wrong treatment, which could worsen their mood or cause other problems.
It's crucial to know that stress, certain physical conditions, and illnesses can cause symptoms 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 differences in ADHD diagnoses between women and men is due to a mix of socially and biologically imposed roles. Women are expected to take on more household and parenting tasks than men. This pressure can result in feelings of self-doubt and cause dysfunctional beliefs that can exacerbate symptoms of ADHD.
Additionally, women are less likely to disclose their symptoms to a medical professional due to the belief that they should be able to handle them on their own. Women with ADHD might also be more likely than other people to blame their symptoms on other factors, like sleep issues or stress. This could lead to a lot of women who suffer from ADHD not being diagnosed until later in life.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic 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 peak in these levels coincided with the peaks in the number of cases of COVID-19 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. psychological treatment for adhd in adults and frequent stress exposure is recognized as a risk factor for depression and anxiety and this combination of factors could explain why these levels have been constantly elevated.
4. Trouble Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD may have difficulty establishing and maintaining friendships, particularly in their later years. Social isolation can cause health problems such as high blood pressure or chronic stress. The presence of close family and friends members who can provide support can be beneficial but many adults find that they are unable to make new friends or maintain their current relationships.
The social norms surrounding gender and sex can impact on whether women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In one study, parents or teachers were less likely than males 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.
The social expectations for women and girls may contribute to 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 such as inattention and disorganization. They may be misdiagnosed with anxiety or mood disorders, and their ADHD symptoms may not be treated properly.
Moreover, hormone fluctuations can further amplify ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels can be lower at the end of and during ovulation of a woman's menstrual period which can cause symptoms worse for women and girls. This can lead to confusion in adolescents, particularly when it is combined with hormonal changes. It is difficult to diagnose and treat them properly.
While it is true that a lot of the same treatment options are effective for women suffering from ADHD like they do for men, a mental health professional will have to take a look at each individual's specific needs and symptoms. The type of treatment a person receives is based on their ADHD symptoms as well as other factors that may be contributing to their problems. For example, a history depression or trauma. The most common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), where people learn to change their negative thought patterns and swap them for healthier ones. Couples counseling can assist individuals to improve their communication skills and solve problems in relationships.