ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a problem that affects both men and women, however, societal expectations and gender roles can make it difficult for them to get diagnosed. Women are also more adept in minimizing their symptoms, which could lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral bias persistent stereotypes and comorbidities could all be obstacles to a correct diagnosis. Here are a few of most common untreated adhd in female adults symptoms.
1. Trouble focusing
Women and people who were assigned female at birth are often not 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 being unable to remember important appointments or items, and being easily distracted by social or work occasions. Women suffering from this disorder might also have difficulty to concentrate on their schoolwork or other activities. In some cases, people with ADHD might have difficulty getting or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or a medical condition.
People with inattentive ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and attempt to make up for them. Their behavior could be misinterpreted by others, leading to conflicts, frustrations and miscommunication in their relationships. In the workplace, it can result in missed opportunities and career challenges.
As a result, the impact of untreated ADHD in female adults can be devastating. Women may find themselves struggling to cope with their challenges at home and at work, which can make it hard to stay afloat as they juggle multiple responsibilities and try to meet 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 close friends. As a result they may feel isolated or develop self-defeating habits that are unhealthy, such as alcohol abuse.
Women with untreated ADHD can also experience internalizing symptoms, such as low self esteem, feelings of guilt, shame or feeling of worthlessness. This makes them more prone to physical illness, stress and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. They are more likely than those who do not suffer from the condition to commit suicide or self-harm. Receiving adhd treatment for adult women can help a woman feel more confident in taking steps to transform her life to the best of her abilities. However, getting a diagnosis is a prerequisite for seeing an experienced healthcare professional for a thorough assessment and efficient treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, particularly at work. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD typically have a difficult time following through on tasks at work and managing their daily schedule. They might forget appointments, misplace important paperwork, or rely on productivity apps to help them remain on track. These apps can be useful, but they cannot substitute for the need for strong organization skills.
Gender roles can enhance the impact of ADHD symptoms for women. Women are expected to take care of their home and family, which requires a certain level of coordination that those with ADHD struggle to maintain. This societal pressure can trigger feelings of shame and self-blame for women who suffer from ADHD who try to fulfill these expectations, causing them to mask their symptoms.
Troubles with time management could result in frustration in relationships both professional and personal. ADHD symptoms can cause you to underestimating the time needed to complete your tasks, which can cause you to be late for meetings or other commitments. Use a checklist or a planner to track deadlines if you are frequently late for events. Use frequent breaks to calm your mind and move around.
You can also employ mindfulness techniques to focus and reduce distractions. For instance, instead of listening to podcasts or music while working, you can listen to a news story on your phone. If you have trouble being able to concentrate while driving, you might consider changing to a vehicle with manual transmission. It is also possible to drive with your cell phone turned off to avoid distracted texting and calling.
Once you are diagnosed with ADHD, the mental health professional can recommend treatment and strategies for coping. Treatment options include medications, like stimulants, as well as psychotherapy. Your doctor will recommend an approach according to your health issues and the current circumstances in your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you come to accept your thoughts and feelings while swapping out negative patterns of behavior for healthier ones. You can also receive couples counseling or family therapy to improve communication between your family members.
3. Anxiety and Depression
Females suffering from ADHD often report higher levels of depression and anxiety than their male counterparts. They may have difficulty coping with these issues, leading to a range of unhealthy behaviors. For instance, they may take up drug use or develop unhealthy eating patterns as a means of dealing with their symptoms. These actions can worsen symptoms. In addition, women are more likely to be misdiagnosed with these issues. They may receive the wrong treatment, which could increase their mood or trigger other problems.
It's important that you know that stress, certain 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 believe that the difference in the frequency of ADHD diagnosis between males and females is due to a mix of biological and socially constructed gender roles. Women are usually expected to assume a larger share of parenting and household duties than their male counterparts. This can lead to feelings of self-doubt and lead to dysfunctional beliefs that can exacerbate symptoms of ADHD.
Women may also be less likely than men to speak with the doctor about their issues and believe that they can handle them themselves. Women with ADHD are also more likely than other people to blame their symptoms on other factors, like sleep issues or stress. This can lead to many women who suffer from ADHD not being diagnosed until later in life.
Research indicates that the COVID-19 epidemic has been especially difficult for young adults. They are more likely to experience higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms than adults in their mid-life. The peak in these levels coincided with spikes in the number of COVID-19 cases and were triggered by a period of racial justice protests mass shootings, decades-high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine and recurring climate catastrophes and the rise in unemployment. Stress exposure as a whole, whether it is chronic or recent, is known to increase depression and anxiety. This combination of factors could be the reason why these levels are so persistently high.
4. Problems in Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can have trouble making and keeping friends particularly as they age. Social isolation is associated with a range of health problems, including high blood pressure and chronic stress. It is beneficial to have close family members and friends who can provide support, but many adults have difficulty maintaining or establish new relationships.
The social norms surrounding gender and sexual orientation can have an influence whether women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they need. In one study, parents or teachers were less likely than males 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.
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. This means that women and girls are more prone to being penalized for showing symptoms of ADHD such as disorganization and inattention. They could be misdiagnosed as having anxiety or mood disorders, and their ADHD symptoms might not be treated properly.
In addition, hormonal fluctuations can amplify ADHD in females. Estrogen levels can be lower at the end and during ovulation of a woman's menstrual period and can cause symptoms to become more severe for females and girls. This can cause confusion among adolescents, particularly when it is combined with hormonal changes. It can be difficult to recognize and treat them properly.
Although it is true that a number of the same treatments work for women with ADHD as they do for males A mental health professional will still need to evaluate each individual's unique symptoms and needs. The kind of treatment a patient receives will depend on the severity of their ADHD symptoms as in addition to other factors that may be contributing to their difficulties. For instance the history of depression or a traumatic experience. A few common treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps individuals learn to alter their negative thoughts and switch them to healthier ones, as well as couples counseling, which can help individuals improve communication and resolve issues in their relationships.