ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD affects both men as well as women, however, societal expectations and gender roles often make it more difficult for them to recognize the signs. Women may also hide their symptoms more effectively, which could cause them to be not diagnosed or delayed in getting treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral biases persistent stereotypes and comorbidities can all be obstacles to a clear diagnosis. Here are a few of 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 born female (AFAB) are still underdiagnosed 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 include having trouble staying organized or on track, ignoring important things or appointments and easily being distracted by work or social occasions. Women with this disorder might also have difficulty to focus on schoolwork or other work. Women who suffer from ADHD can have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep because of depression, anxiety or medical issues.
People with inattentive ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms and attempt to compensate for them. Their behavior can be misinterpreted by others, leading to confusion, anger and conflict in their relationships. In the workplace, it could result in lost opportunities and career challenges.
In the end, the impact of untreated ADHD in female adults can be devastating. Women may find themselves having to deal with their difficulties at home and at work which can make it difficult to keep afloat when they manage many responsibilities and strive to reach the goals they set for themselves.
Alongside having issues in focusing, many women with ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their family and friends. They may become lonely or develop unhealthy habits that are self-defeating, such as drinking.
Women with untreated ADHD can also experience internalizing symptoms like low self esteem, feelings of guilt, shame or feelings of inadequacy. This makes them more vulnerable to physical and mental stressors as well as mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. They are more likely than people who don't have the condition to take self-harm or commit suicide. A woman may feel empowered after receiving the diagnosis and can take action to improve her life. To be diagnosed one must first consult a licensed healthcare professional for an assessment and effective treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms are difficult to manage in the workplace, particularly. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD struggle with managing their schedules and completing work tasks. They may forget appointments, misplace important paperwork or rely on productivity apps to help remain on track. These apps can be helpful but they are not able to substitute for the need for strong organizational skills.
online adhd treatment for adults for gender roles of women can also contribute to the symptoms of ADHD. Women are required to look after their families and homes which requires a degree of coordination that ADHD sufferers struggle to maintain. This pressure from society could cause women with ADHD to feel ashamed and blame themselves for not being able to meet these demands.
Troubles with time management could cause frustration in relationships both professional and personal. ADHD symptoms can cause you to underestimate the time it takes to complete tasks, 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 track of deadlines. Make sure to take frequent breaks to move around and calm your mind. Also, employ a timer when you work.
You can also use mindfulness techniques to help you stay on task and reduce distractions. Watching news stories on your smartphone instead of listening to music or podcasts is a good alternative to listening to music while working. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, consider switching to a manual transmission car. You might also want to think about driving without your phone to avoid being distracted by texting or calling.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, the mental health professional can recommend treatment and strategies for coping. Treatment options include medication, such as stimulants, and psychotherapy. Your doctor will suggest the appropriate therapy based on your symptoms and the current situation in your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you come to accept your thoughts and feelings, while swapping out negative behaviors for healthier ones. You can also receive couples or family therapy to improve communication within your relationships.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females who suffer from ADHD typically have higher levels of depression and anxiety than their male counterparts. They can struggle to cope with these issues, leading to a range of unhealthy behaviors. For instance, they may turn to substance use or develop unhealthy eating patterns as a way of dealing with their symptoms. These behaviors can make symptoms worse. Women are more likely to have these problems misdiagnosed. They may be given the wrong treatment which can worsen their mood or cause other problems.
It's essential to be aware that stress, certain physical ailments and illnesses can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. That's why it's essential to consult a health care practitioner or mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the differences in ADHD diagnoses between men and women is due to a mix of socially and biologically constructed roles. Women are expected to do more household and parenting work than men. This pressure can cause feelings of self-doubt and cause dysfunctional beliefs that can cause symptoms of ADHD.
Women are also less likely than men to tell a doctor about their symptoms and believe that they can manage them on their own. Women with ADHD may also be more likely than others to blame their symptoms, like sleep issues or stress. This could contribute to the fact that a lot of women suffering from ADHD are undiagnosed in adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 period has been particularly challenging for young adults, who are more likely to suffer from more constant high rates of anxiety and depression than middle-aged adults. The peaks in these levels coincided with spikes in the number of COVID-19 cases and occurred in a period of racial justice protests mass shootings, decades-high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine and recurring climate catastrophes and rising unemployment. Chronic and recent stress exposure is known to be a risk factor for anxiety and depression and this combination of factors could help explain why these levels have been so constantly elevated.
4. Difficulty Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD may have difficulty making and maintaining friends, especially as they age. Social isolation is connected to a myriad of health issues, including high blood pressure and chronic stress. It can be beneficial to have close family and friends who can provide support, but many adults struggle to maintain or form new relationships.
The social norms surrounding gender and sexual orientation can have an impact on whether women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In one study, parents or teachers were less likely than boys 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 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. This makes girls and women more likely to be punished for having ADHD-related symptoms like disorganization and inattention. It is possible that they are misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety and their ADHD symptoms may not be properly treated.
In addition hormonal fluctuations can also cause ADHD in females. Estrogen levels may be lower at the end and during the ovulation period of the menstrual cycle and can cause symptoms to become worse for girls and women. This can cause confusion among adolescents, particularly when it is combined with hormonal changes. It is difficult to recognize and treat them properly.
While many of the same treatment options are available for women with ADHD However, a mental health professional will still have to evaluate each person's individual needs and symptoms. The type of therapy a person receives will depend on both their ADHD symptoms as well as other factors that might be contributing to their problems like a history of depression or trauma. The most common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy, where individuals are taught to change their negative thoughts and swap them out for healthier ones, and couples counseling that can help people improve their communication and solve issues in their relationships.