ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD affects both men and women, however, societal expectations and gender roles often make it more difficult for them to recognize the signs. Women are also more adept in hiding their symptoms, which can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.
Obscuring stereotypes, referral bias, internalized symptoms and comorbidities can all create obstacles to a correct diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are some of the most frequently reported untreated adhd female adults symptoms.
1. Problems with Focusing
While hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD are more common for both genders but women and those who are born female (AFAB) aren't yet being 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.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include forgetting important appointments or things, and being easily distracted by social or work events. Women suffering from this disorder might also have difficulty to concentrate on schoolwork or other work. In some instances, women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty getting or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or a medical issue.
People with inattentive ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and attempt to make up for them. People may not understand their behavior, leading to confusion, anger and conflict in relationships. It could result in difficulties in their careers and a lack of opportunities in the workplace.
As a result, the consequences of untreated ADHD in females who are adults can be devastating. Women may find themselves struggling to manage their challenges at home and at work, which can make it hard to stay afloat as they take on multiple responsibilities and try to reach the goals they have set for themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD have trouble focusing and are unable to receive emotional support from family members and friends. They can become isolated or develop unhealthy habits that can be self-defeating like drinking.
Women with untreated ADHD may also experience internalizing symptoms, such as low self-esteem and feelings guilt, shame or deprivation. This can make them more susceptible to physical illness, stress and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. In turn, they are more likely to turn to self-injury or suicide than those who don't suffer from the condition. Receiving a diagnosis can help women feel more empowered to take steps to transform her life to the best of her abilities. However, obtaining diagnosed requires that she first consult an expert in healthcare for a thorough assessment and effective treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, particularly in the workplace. Women with undiagnosed ADHD typically have a difficult working through work assignments and coordinating their daily schedule. They might forget appointments, lose important paperwork or rely on productivity apps to help stay on task. These apps can be helpful but they are not able to substitute for the need for strong organizational skills.
The gender role expectations of women can also contribute to the symptoms of ADHD. adhd treatment for older adults are expected to take care of their families and homes which requires a degree of coordination that ADHD sufferers struggle to maintain. The pressures from society can make women with ADHD to feel embarrassed and blame themselves for failing to fulfill these expectations.
Time management issues can result in frustration in relationships both professional and personal. ADHD symptoms can cause you to underestimating the time it takes to complete your tasks, which can cause you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If you are frequently late for meetings, think about using a planner or checklists to keep the track of deadlines. Take breaks frequently to move around and clear your mind. You can also employ a timer when you work.
You can also try mindfulness techniques to help you stay on task and reduce distractions. The ability to listen to news stories on your smartphone instead of listening to music or podcasts can be a good alternative to listening to music while working. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, you might consider changing to a vehicle with manual transmission. You could also consider driving with your phone off to prevent distracted texting and calling.
A mental health professional can help you determine the best treatment and coping strategy for ADHD. Treatment options may include medication, such as stimulants, and psychotherapy. Your doctor will recommend a therapy according to your health issues and the present situation in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, can help you accept your thoughts and emotions while replacing negative patterns of behaviour with healthier ones. You can also receive couples counseling or family therapy to improve communication in your relationships.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females who suffer from ADHD tend to have higher levels of depression and anxiety than their male counterparts. They can struggle to cope with these issues, which can lead to a range of unhealthy behaviors. In order to deal with their symptoms, they could resort to using substances or adopt unhealthy eating habits. These habits can cause symptoms to worsen. Additionally, women are more likely to be misdiagnosed with these issues. As a result, they are treated in the wrong way which can further aggravate their mood and cause 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 professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the difference in the frequency of ADHD diagnosis for males and women 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 result in feelings of self-esteem loss and untrue beliefs that can worsen ADHD symptoms.
Additionally, women are less likely to report their symptoms to a medical professional because they think they can manage them on their own. Women with ADHD might also be more likely to blame their symptoms on other causes, such as a lack of sleep or excessive stress. This could contribute to the fact that many women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood.
Research indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic has been especially difficult for young adults. They have higher rates of depression and anxiety than adults in their middle years. The peak in these levels coincided with spikes in the number of cases of COVID-19 and occurred in a period of racial justice protests mass shooting events, decades-high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine and recurring climate catastrophes and the rise in unemployment. Chronic and recent stress exposure is recognized as an important risk factor for anxiety and depression, so this combination of factors could explain why these levels have been so persistently increased.
4. Problems in Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD might have trouble forming and maintaining friendships, especially in their later years. Social isolation can cause health issues such as high blood pressure or chronic stress. Being close to family and friends members who provide support can be beneficial but many adults find that they are unable to make new friendships or maintain current relationships.
Social norms regarding gender and sexuality may affect the likelihood that women with ADHD receive the diagnosis and treatment they need. In one study, parents and teachers were less likely to refer girls suffering from ADHD to treatment than boys. 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. Girls and women are more likely to experience punishment for ADHD-related symptoms like inattention and disorganization. They may be misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety and their ADHD symptoms might not be properly treated.
In addition, hormonal fluctuations can amplify ADHD in females. Estrogen levels can be lower towards the end and during the ovulation period of a woman's menstrual period, which can make symptoms worse for girls and women. In conjunction with hormonal changes during the adolescent stage, this could cause confusion about their symptoms, making it difficult for them to receive a correct diagnosis and adequate treatment.
While it is true that many of the same treatments work for women with ADHD like they do for males A mental health professional will need to evaluate each individual's unique symptoms and needs. The kind of therapy a person receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms and any other factors that may contribute to their difficulties, such as the history of depression or trauma. The most common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a process where individuals learn how to change their negative thoughts and replace them with healthier ones. Couples counseling can also assist individuals to improve their communication and resolve relationship problems.