ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is an illness that affects males and females. However, the expectations of society & gender roles make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women may also hide their symptoms more effectively, which could cause them to be not diagnosed or delayed in getting treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral bias, lingering stereotypes and comorbidities are all obstacles to a proper diagnosis. Here are some of female adult symptoms that are not treated for adhd.
1. Trouble focusing
Women and people who were assigned females at birth are not yet diagnosed 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 forgetting important appointments or things and being easily distracted by social or work events. People with this disorder might also have difficulty to concentrate on schoolwork or other tasks. Women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep because of depression, anxiety, or medical problems.
People with inattention ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms and attempt to cover them up. Others might interpret their behavior incorrectly, leading to confusion, anger, and conflict within relationships. In the workplace, it could cause problems in the workplace and missed opportunities.
In the end, the effects of untreated ADHD in females who are adults can be devastating. Women can find themselves having to deal with their difficulties at home and at work which can make it difficult for them to keep afloat when they juggle many responsibilities and strive to achieve the goals they set for themselves.
In addition to having difficulty focusing, many women with ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their families and friends. As a result they may become lonely or develop unhealthy patterns of self-defeating behaviors, such as alcohol abuse.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can also experience internalizing symptoms like low self-esteem or feelings of guilt shame or feelings of inadequacy. This makes them more prone to physical and mental stress and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. This means they are more likely to self-injury or suicide than those without the condition. A woman may feel empowered after receiving an diagnosis and take steps to improve her life. To get 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, particularly at work. Women with undiagnosed ADHD have a difficult time managing their schedules and completing their work. They may forget appointments, misplace important paperwork or rely on productivity apps to help keep track of their tasks. These apps can be helpful, but they cannot replace the need for solid organizational skills.
The gender roles expectations can amplify the impact of ADHD symptoms in women. Women are expected to be the caretakers of their family and home, which requires an amount of coordination that people suffering from ADHD struggle to maintain. This pressure from society can trigger feelings of shame and self-blame for women with ADHD who are trying to meet these demands and cause them to hide their symptoms.
Troubles with time management could lead to frustration in relationships, both personal and professional. ADHD symptoms can cause you underestimate the time it takes to complete a task, causing you to be late for meetings or other commitments. You might want to consider using a checklist or a planner to the track of deadlines if you're frequently late for events. Take frequent breaks to relax your mind and get moving.
You can also try mindfulness techniques to help you focus on your the task and avoid distractions. Watching news stories on your smartphone instead of listening to music or podcasts could be a good alternative to listening to music while working. If you are having trouble concentrating while driving, try switching to a manual-transmission car. It is also possible to drive with your phone off to stop distracted texting and calling.
Once you are diagnosed with ADHD, a mental health professional can recommend treatment and coping strategies. Treatment options include stimulants and psychotherapy. Your doctor will suggest an approach depending on your symptoms and the current circumstances in your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you to learn to accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing negative patterns of behavior to healthier ones. You can also see k out couples or family therapy to improve communication within your relationships.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females suffering from ADHD report higher levels depression and anxiety than males. They may struggle to deal with these symptoms, leading to a variety of unhealthy behaviours. As a way to cope with their symptoms, they might resort to using substances or adopt unhealthy eating habits. These behaviors can make symptoms worse. Women are also more likely to get these problems misdiagnosed. This means that they are treated in the wrong way which may further aggravate their mood and lead to other issues.
It's essential to be aware that stress, physical ailments, and illnesses can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. It's important to consult an expert in mental health or health care provider for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers suspect that this difference in the rate of ADHD diagnosis between males and females is due to a combination of social and biological gender roles. Women are expected to perform more household and parenting tasks than men. This can lead to feelings of low self esteem and dysfunctional beliefs, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
In addition, women may be less likely to admit their symptoms to a medical professional because they think they should be able to handle them on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD might also be more likely to blame their symptoms on other factors like a lack of sleep or stress. This can contribute to the fact that a lot of women with ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has been especially difficult for young adults. They have greater levels of depression and anxiety than adults in their middle years. The peak in these levels coincided with spikes in COVID-19 case numbers and occurred in a period of racial justice protests, mass shootings, decades-high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine as well as recurring climate disasters and the rise in unemployment. Stress exposure either in the form of chronic or recent, has been proven to cause depression and anxiety. This combination of factors could be the reason why these levels are so consistently high.
4. Trouble Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD may have trouble forming and maintaining friendships, particularly when they reach adulthood. Social isolation can lead to health issues such as high blood pressure or chronic stress. It is beneficial to have close family members and friends who can provide support, but many adults struggle to keep or make new relationships.
The social norms that surround gender and sex can impact on whether women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they need. In one study, teachers or parents 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.
These societal expectations for girls and women 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 suffer the consequences of ADHD-related symptoms such as inattention and disorganization. Consequently, they might be mistakenly diagnosed as having depression or anxiety or a mood disorder, and their ADHD symptoms may not be appropriately treated.
Furthermore, hormone changes can further increase ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels are typically lower towards the end and during the ovulation period of the menstrual period and can cause symptoms to become worse for women and girls. This can cause confusion among adolescents, especially when combined with hormonal changes. It can be difficult to diagnose and treat them properly.
Although many of the same treatments are available to women with ADHD, a mental healthcare professional will still need evaluate each individual's symptoms and needs. The kind of therapy that a patient receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms and other factors that may contribute to their problems, such as a history of depression or trauma. A few typical treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps people learn how to change their negative thoughts and swap them for healthier ones. Couples counseling can assist individuals to improve their communication skills and solve relationship problems.