ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a problem that affects both men and women, but societal expectations and gender roles often make it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. Women are also better in hiding their symptoms, which can result in a misdiagnosis or delay in treatment.
Obscuring stereotypes, referral bias, internalized symptoms and comorbidities can all create roadblocks to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are some females' symptoms that are not treated for adhd.
1. Problems with Focusing
Women and people who were deemed female 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.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include not remembering important appointments or things, and being easily distracted by work or social events. Women with this disorder may also find it difficult to focus on schoolwork or other tasks. In some instances, women with ADHD might have difficulty getting or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or a medical problem.
People with inattentive ADHD often try to hide their symptoms. Others might misinterpret their behavior, causing confusion, frustration and conflict within relationships. It could result in missed career opportunities and challenges in the workplace.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating effects on females. Women may have a difficult time to cope with their difficulties both at home and in the workplace. This makes it difficult for them to maintain a steady pace while they take on multiple tasks and strive to meet the goals that they set for themselves.
In addition to having difficulty in focusing, many women with ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their family and friends. They may become lonely, or develop unhealthy patterns that are self-defeating like drinking.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms like low self-esteem and feelings guilt, shame or deprivation. This can lead them to be more vulnerable to physical and mental stress and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. They are more likely than those who don't have the condition to commit suicide or self-harm. A woman may feel empowered by an diagnosis and take steps to improve her life. However, obtaining an diagnosis is a prerequisite for seeing a qualified healthcare professional to conduct a thorough examination and effective treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, particularly in the workplace. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD struggle with managing their day-to-day schedule and completing work-related tasks. They may forget important paperwork or appointments or rely on productivity apps to keep on track. These apps are helpful, but cannot replace good organizational skills.
Gender role expectations can also amplify the impact of ADHD symptoms in women. Women are expected to take care of their homes and families which requires a degree of coordination that ADHD sufferers struggle to maintain. This pressure from society can make women with ADHD to feel ashamed and blame themselves for not being able to fulfill these expectations.
Time management issues can lead to frustration, both in personal and professional relationships. 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 on track of deadlines when you are often late for meetings or other events. Make frequent breaks to clear your mind and move around.
You can also use mindfulness techniques to help you focus on your focus and eliminate distractions. For instance, instead of listening to podcasts or music while working, listen to the news on your mobile. 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 cellphone switched off to stop distracted texting and calling.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, a mental health professional can recommend treatments and strategies for coping. Treatment options include stimulants as well as psychotherapy. adhd in adults characterization diagnosis and treatment of therapy that your doctor recommends will depend on the specific symptoms you have and the circumstances in your life. For instance, cognitive behavior therapy can help you to learn to accept your thoughts and feelings while changing your negative patterns of behavior to healthier ones. You can also seek out family or couples therapy to improve communication within your relationships.
3. Depression and Anxiety
Females with ADHD tend to have higher levels of anxiety and depression than their male counterparts. They may be struggling to deal with the symptoms, which can cause a variety of unhealthy behaviors. To cope with their symptoms, they could resort to using substances or adopt unhealthy eating habits. These behaviors can make the symptoms worse. Furthermore women are more likely to be misdiagnosed for these conditions. This means that they are treated in the wrong way which can further aggravate their mood and lead to other issues.
It's important to remember that many factors can cause similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD such as stress as well as certain physical conditions and illnesses. That's why it's essential to consult a health care provider or a mental health professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers suspect that this disparity in the prevalence of ADHD diagnosis for males and females is due to a mix of social and biological gender roles. Women are expected to perform more household and parenting work than men. This can result in feelings of low self-esteem and untrue beliefs that can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
In addition, women may be less likely to admit their symptoms to a healthcare professional because they believe they're able to manage them on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to blame their symptoms on other factors like a lack of sleep or stress. This can lead to many women with 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 depression and anxiety than adults in their middle years. These highs coincided with cases of COVID-19 and occurred at a time when protests against racism were on the rise and mass shootings, years of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine and other countries, frequent catastrophes and increasing unemployment. Chronic and recent stress exposure is recognized as an important risk factor for depression and anxiety and this combination of factors may help explain why these levels have been constantly raised.
4. Difficulty Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may have trouble forming and maintaining friendships, especially when they reach adulthood. Social isolation can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure or chronic stress. Being close to family and friends members who offer support can be helpful, but many adults find that they can't form new acquaintances or maintain existing relationships.
The social norms relating to gender and sex can impact on whether women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they need. In one study, teachers and parents were less likely to refer girls suffering from ADHD to services 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 women and girls can contribute 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 prone to being penalized for showing symptoms of ADHD like disorganization and inattention. This means that they may be incorrectly diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder and their ADHD symptoms might not be appropriately treated.
Furthermore, hormone changes can further increase ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels may be lower at the end and during ovulation of a woman's menstrual period, which can make symptoms more severe for females and girls. Combined with hormonal changes in the adolescent years, this can lead to confusion about their symptoms, making it harder for them to receive the correct diagnosis and treatment.
While many of the same treatments are available to women with ADHD, a mental healthcare professional will still need evaluate the individual's needs and symptoms. The type of treatment a person receives is based on their ADHD symptoms, as in addition to other factors that may be contributing to their difficulties. For example, a history depression or a traumatic experience. A few common treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, in which individuals learn to alter their negative thoughts and replace them with healthier ones, as well as couples counseling which can help couples improve their communication and solve issues in their relationships.