ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects women and men. However, social expectations and gender roles make it difficult for women to recognize. Women can also mask their symptoms better, which can result in them being incorrectly diagnosed or delayed in treatment.
Obscuring stereotypes, referral biases, 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. Difficulty Focusing
Although the symptoms of impulsive and hyperactive of ADHD are more common for both genders but women and those who are assigned female at birth (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.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include difficulty staying organized or on task, losing important things or appointments and being easily distracted by social or work occasions. People with this disorder may also find it difficult to concentrate on their schoolwork or other activities. Women with ADHD are often unable to fall asleep or staying asleep because of anxiety, depression, or medical problems.
People with inattention ADHD often attempt to hide their symptoms. Their behavior may be misinterpreted by others, resulting in confusion, anger and conflict in their relationships. It could result in difficulties in their careers and a lack of opportunities at work.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating consequences on female adults. Women may find it difficult to manage their issues both at home and in the workplace. This could make it difficult to keep afloat as they manage their tasks and strive to meet the goals they set for them.
Many women suffering from ADHD have trouble focusing and find it difficult to receive emotional support from their family and friends. In the end they may become lonely or develop self-defeating habits that are unhealthy such as alcohol use.
Women with untreated ADHD might also experience internalizing symptoms, such as low self esteem and feelings of guilt, shame or feeling of worthlessness. This can make them more prone to stress, physical illnesses as well as mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. In turn, they are more likely to turn to suicide or self-injury as compared to those without the condition. Women can feel empowered after receiving the diagnosis and can take action to improve her life. To be diagnosed the woman should first consult a qualified health professional for an evaluation and effective treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, particularly at work. Women with undiagnosed ADHD have trouble managing their daily schedule and completing work-related tasks. They may forget appointments, lose important documents or depend on productivity apps to help stay on task. These apps can be helpful but they cannot replace good organizational skills.
The gender role expectations of women can also increase the symptoms of ADHD. Women are expected to take care of their families and homes which requires a degree of coordination that ADHD sufferers have to work hard to maintain. This social pressure can cause feelings of shame and self-blame among women who suffer from ADHD who try to meet those demands which can cause them to conceal their symptoms.
Problems with time management can lead to frustration both in personal and professional relationships. ADHD symptoms can cause you underestimating the time it takes to complete tasks, causing you to be late to meetings or other commitments. If you are frequently late for meetings, think about using a planner or checklist to keep track of deadlines. Make sure to take frequent breaks to move around and clear your mind. You can also utilize a timer while working.
You can also use mindfulness techniques to help you stay focused on your focus and eliminate 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, consider switching to a car that has manual transmission. You may also want consider driving without your cellphone to avoid getting distracted by texting or calling.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD, an expert in mental health can recommend treatments and coping strategies. Treatment options can include medications, like stimulants, and psychotherapy. Your doctor will suggest an approach based on your symptoms and the current situation in your life. For instance, cognitive behavior therapy can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings while changing negative patterns of behavior to healthier ones. You can also seek out family or couples therapy to improve communication in your relationships.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females with ADHD report higher levels anxiety and depression than males. They may have difficulty coping with these issues, which can lead to a variety of unhealthy behaviors. In order to deal with their symptoms, they may resort to using substances or adopt unhealthy eating habits. These behaviors can make symptoms worse. Additionally, women are more likely to be misdiagnosed with these problems. They could receive the wrong treatment that could make them feel worse or cause other problems.
It's important that you know 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 disparity in the prevalence of ADHD diagnosis for women and men is due to a mix of social and biological gender roles. Women are usually expected to assume a larger share of household and parenting duties than their male counterparts. This pressure can cause feelings of low self-esteem and cause dysfunctional beliefs that can exacerbate symptoms of ADHD.
Women may also be less likely than men to tell doctors about their symptoms and believe that they are able to manage them on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to blame their symptoms on other factors, such as a lack of sleep or stress. doctors who treat adhd in adults near me can lead to many women who suffer from ADHD not being diagnosed until later in life.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic period has been particularly challenging for young adults, who are more likely to have higher rates of anxiety and depression than middle-aged adults. The peak in these levels coincided with a spike in COVID-19 case numbers 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. Stress exposure either in the form of chronic or recent, is known to increase anxiety and depression. This combination of factors may explain why these levels are so constant high.
4. Problems in Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD might have trouble forming and maintaining friendships, especially when they reach adulthood. Social isolation is associated with a range of health issues, including high blood pressure and chronic stress. It is beneficial to have close family and friends who can offer support, however many adults struggle to keep or form new connections.
The social norms that surround gender and sexual orientation can have an affect whether women suffering from ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis 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.
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 makes women and girls more likely to be punished for exhibiting ADHD-related symptoms like disorganization and inattention. It is possible that they are misdiagnosed with mood disorders or anxiety, and their ADHD symptoms may not be properly treated.
Furthermore, hormone changes can further increase ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels are typically lower at the end and during the ovulation phase of the menstrual period and can cause symptoms to become worse for women and girls. This can cause confusion among adolescents, especially when they are combined with hormonal changes. It is difficult to diagnose and treat them properly.
Although it is true that a number of the same treatments work for women with ADHD like they do for males A mental health professional will still have to take a look at each individual's unique symptoms and needs. The kind of therapy that a patient receives will be based on their ADHD symptoms as well as other factors that may contribute to their problems like the history of trauma or depression. The most common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps individuals are taught to change their negative thinking patterns and swap them out for healthier ones, and couples counseling that can help people improve their communication and solve issues in their relationships.