ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD affects both men as well as women, but societal expectations and gender roles often make it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. Women are also able to mask their symptoms better, which could result in them being misdiagnosed or delayed in treatment.
Remaining stereotypes, referral biases internalized symptoms and comorbidities all contribute to obstacles to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are some female adult symptoms that aren't treated for adhd.
1. Trouble focusing
Although the hyperactive and impulsive signs of ADHD are more common for both genders, women and people born female (AFAB) are not yet 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.
The signs of inattention ADHD are a lack of organization or on task, forgetting important things or appointments and being easily distracted by work or social events. It can be difficult for women suffering from this disorder to sit down and concentrate on assignments or other work at work or school. In some cases, people who suffer from ADHD may have trouble getting or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or a medical condition.
People with inattention ADHD often try to hide their symptoms. Their behavior could be misinterpreted by others, leading to misunderstandings, frustration and conflict in their relationships. In the workplace, it could cause missed opportunities and career challenges.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating effects on female adults. Women can find themselves struggling to manage their challenges at home and at work which can make it hard to keep afloat when they juggle multiple responsibilities and attempt to meet the goals they set for themselves.
Many women with ADHD have trouble focusing and also struggle to get emotional support from family members and close friends. They can become isolated, or develop unhealthy patterns that are self-defeating, such as drinking.
Women who suffer from 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 and mental stress and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. They are more likely than those who do not suffer from the condition to take self-harm or commit suicide. A woman may feel empowered by a diagnosis and take action to improve her life. To be diagnosed, a woman must first consult a qualified healthcare provider for an evaluation and effective treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, especially in the workplace. Women with undiagnosed ADHD frequently have a hard to complete work tasks and managing their daily schedule. They might forget important paperwork or appointments or rely on productivity apps to keep on track. These apps are useful but they cannot replace the ability to organize your life.
The gender role expectations of women can also increase the symptoms of ADHD. Women are required to look after their families and homes, which requires a level of coordination that ADHD sufferers struggle to maintain. This pressure from society could cause women suffering from ADHD to feel ashamed and blame themselves for not being able to fulfill these expectations.
Problems with time management can cause frustration both in personal and professional relationships. The signs of ADHD can cause you to underestimate how long it takes to complete a task, which can cause you to be late for meetings or other commitments. Consider using a checklist or a planner to keep on track of deadlines when you are frequently late for events. Take frequent breaks to move around and calm your mind. You can also use a timer when working.
You can also try mindfulness techniques to help you stay on the task and avoid distractions. For instance, instead of listening to music or podcasts while working, play the news on your phone. If you are having trouble concentrating while driving, consider switching to a manual-transmission car. You may also want look into driving without a cellphone in order to avoid being distracted by texting or making calls.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD, an expert in mental health can suggest treatments and strategies for coping. Treatment options can include medication, such as stimulants, and psychotherapy. Your doctor will recommend a therapy according to your health issues and the current situation in your life. For instance, cognitive behavior therapy can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings while swapping out negative behaviors for healthier ones. You can also get family therapy or couples counseling to improve communication between you and your family members.
3. Depression and anxiety
Females suffering from ADHD report higher levels depression and anxiety than males. They may have difficulty coping with the symptoms, and this can lead to a variety of unhealthy behaviours. To cope with their symptoms, they could turn to substances or unhealthy eating habits. These habits can cause symptoms to worsen. Women are also more likely to get problems that are not diagnosed. This means that they are treated in the wrong way which may further aggravate their mood and trigger other issues.
It's crucial to know that stress, certain physical conditions, and illnesses can cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. This is why it's crucial to see a medical provider or a mental health professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the difference in ADHD diagnoses between men and women is due to a mix of socially and biologically imposed roles. Women are expected to do more household and parenting work than men. This pressure can result in feelings of low self-esteem and cause dysfunctional beliefs that can cause symptoms of ADHD.
Women are also less likely than men to speak with a doctor about their symptoms and believe that they can handle them themselves. Women with ADHD are also more likely to blame their symptoms on other factors such as lack of sleep or stress. This could lead to a lot of women with ADHD not being diagnosed until later in life.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic timeframe has been particularly difficult for young adults, who are more likely to have higher rates of anxiety and depression than middle-aged adults. These peaks coincided with COVID-19-related cases and were occurring at a time when protests against racial discrimination were taking place, mass shootings, decades of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine and recurrent catastrophes, as well as rising unemployment. Stress exposure, both chronic and recent, is known to increase anxiety and depression. This combination of factors could explain why these levels are so consistently high.
4. Problems in Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can have trouble making and keeping friends, especially as they age. Social isolation can be connected to a myriad of health issues, such as high blood pressure and chronic stress. It can be beneficial to have close family members and friends who are able to provide support, however many adults struggle to maintain or establish new connections.
The social norms surrounding gender and sex may impact the likelihood that women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they need. In one study, parents and teachers 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 expectations of society 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 girls and women more likely to be 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.
Furthermore, untreated adhd in adults uk can further increase ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels are lower at the end of their menstrual cycle as well as during ovulation, and this can make women's and girls' symptoms get worse. When combined with hormonal changes during the adolescent years, this can cause confusion about their symptoms, making it difficult to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
While many of the same treatment options are available for women suffering from ADHD, a mental healthcare professional will still need evaluate each individual's symptoms and needs. The kind of therapy a person receives will be based on their ADHD symptoms and other factors that could be contributing to their difficulties, such as an experience of trauma or depression. The most popular treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps people learn to alter their negative thought patterns and swap them for healthier ones. Couples counseling can assist individuals to improve their communication skills and solve relationship problems.