ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD affects both men as well as women, but the expectations of society and gender roles often make it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. Women may also hide their symptoms better, which could result in them being not diagnosed or delayed in getting treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral biases persisting stereotypes, and comorbidities can all be obstacles to a clear diagnosis. Here are a few of most frequently reported untreated adhd female adults.
1. Difficulty Focusing
While hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent for both genders 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.
The signs of inattention ADHD are a lack of organization or on task, losing important appointments or things, and being easily distracted by work or social occasions. Women suffering from this disorder might also have difficulty to focus on schoolwork or other work. In some cases, people who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty getting or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or a medical condition.
People with inattention ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms and attempt to cover them up. Others may interpret their behavior incorrectly, leading to confusion, anger and conflict in relationships. In the workplace, it could lead to lost opportunities and career challenges.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating consequences on female adults. Women can be struggling to manage their challenges at home and at work and this can make it difficult to stay afloat as they take on multiple responsibilities and try to meet the goals they set for themselves.
Many women with ADHD have trouble focusing and struggle to get emotional support from their family and friends. They may become lonely or develop unhealthy habits that lead to self-defeating behaviors like drinking.
Women with untreated ADHD may also experience internalizing symptoms like low self-esteem and feelings of shame, guilt or worthlessness. This makes them more vulnerable to physical and mental stressors and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. This means they are more likely to suicide or self-injury than those who don't suffer from the condition. Women can be encouraged by an diagnosis and take steps to improve her life. To get a diagnosis, a woman 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, particularly at work. Women with undiagnosed ADHD have a difficult time managing their daily schedule and completing work-related tasks. They might forget appointments, lose important documents or depend on productivity apps to help stay on task. These apps can be helpful but they are not able to replace the need for solid organizational skills.
Gender roles can amplify the impact of ADHD symptoms in women. Women are expected to be the caretakers of their family and home and require some degree of coordination that those with ADHD struggle to maintain. This pressure from society can trigger feelings of guilt and shame among women with ADHD who attempt to fulfill these expectations, causing them to mask their symptoms.
Problems with time management can cause frustration in relationships both professional and personal. The signs of ADHD can cause you to underestimate how long it takes to complete a task, leading you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If you're often late for events, consider using a planner or checklists to keep track of deadlines. Take breaks frequently to move around and clear your mind, and use a timer when working.
You can also apply mindfulness techniques to stay focused and avoid distractions. For instance, instead listening to podcasts or music while working, listen to the news on your phone. If you are having trouble concentrating while driving, try switching to a manual-transmission car. You could also consider driving with your phone off to stop distracted texting and phone calls.
Once adhd in adults untreated are diagnosed with ADHD, the mental health professional can recommend treatment and coping strategies. Treatment options include stimulants and psychotherapy. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate therapy depending on your symptoms and the present situation in your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings while changing your negative patterns of behavior to healthier ones. You can also get family or couples therapy to improve communication in your relationships.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females with ADHD often report 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 behaviours. For instance, they could resort to using substances or develop unhealthy eating patterns as a means of dealing with their symptoms. These actions can make symptoms worse. In addition women are more prone to be misdiagnosed with these issues. They may be given the wrong treatment that could increase their mood or trigger other issues.
It's important to remember that many factors can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD, including stress and certain physical ailments and illnesses. It's important to consult a mental health professional or a health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the disparity in ADHD diagnoses between men and women is due to a combination socially and biologically imposed roles. Women are generally expected to assume a larger share of parenting and household duties than their male counterparts. This pressure can cause feelings of low self-esteem and cause dysfunctional beliefs that can lead to the emergence of symptoms of ADHD.
In addition, women may be less likely to admit their symptoms to a healthcare professional due to the belief that they can handle the symptoms on their own. Women with ADHD may also be more likely than others to blame their symptoms on other factors, such as lack of sleep or stress. This could contribute to the fact that many women with ADHD are undiagnosed in adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic era has been particularly difficult for young adults, who tend to suffer from more constant high levels of depression and anxiety than adults of middle age. These peak levels coincided with cases of COVID-19 and occurred at a time when there were racial injustice protests and mass shootings, a decade of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine and recurrent catastrophes, as well as rising 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 help explain why these levels have been so consistently raised.
4. Trouble Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can have trouble finding and maintaining friendships particularly as they age. Social isolation can cause health problems such as high blood pressure or chronic stress. It is beneficial to have close family members and friends who can offer support, however many adults have difficulty maintaining or make new relationships.
The social norms relating to gender and sex can affect whether women suffering from ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In one study, teachers or parents 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 expectations of society for women and girls can be a contributing factor 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 be the victims of punishment for ADHD-related symptoms such as inattention and disorganization. They may be misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety and their ADHD symptoms may not be treated appropriately.
Additionally hormonal fluctuations can cause ADHD in females. Estrogen levels are lower at the end of menstrual cycles and during ovulation, which can cause the symptoms of women and girls get worse. Combined with hormonal changes in the adolescent stage, this could lead to confusion about their symptoms, making it harder to get the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Although it is true that many of the same therapies are effective for women suffering from ADHD like they do for men, a mental health professional will still have to take a look at each individual's particular needs and symptoms. The type of therapy a person receives will depend on both their ADHD symptoms and other factors that could be contributing to their difficulties, such as the history of depression or trauma. adhd in adults untreated include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps people learn how to change their negative thoughts and switch them to healthier ones. Couples counseling can aid individuals in improving their communication skills and solve relationship problems.