ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects both women and men. However, social expectations and gender roles make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women may also hide their symptoms more effectively, which could lead them to be not diagnosed or delayed in getting treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral bias persistent stereotypes and comorbidities can all be obstacles to a proper diagnosis. Here are untreated adhd in adults relationships of most common untreated adhd in female adults.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Although the hyperactive and impulsive signs of ADHD are more prevalent in males and females, women and people born female (AFAB) are still underdiagnosed 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, losing important dates or items, and easily being distracted by social or work events. Women with this disorder might also have difficulty to focus on their schoolwork or other activities. In some instances, women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble falling or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or a medical problem.
People with inattention ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms and attempt to compensate for them. Others might not understand their behavior, leading to confusion, frustration, and conflict within relationships. In the workplace, it can cause problems in the workplace and missed opportunities.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating effects on females. Women may find themselves struggling to manage their difficulties at home and at work which can make it hard to keep afloat when they juggle many responsibilities and strive to reach the goals they set for themselves.
Many women with ADHD have trouble focusing and also are unable to receive emotional support from family members and friends. They may feel isolated or develop unhealthy habits that can be self-defeating like drinking.
Women with untreated ADHD might also experience internalizing symptoms like low self-esteem, feelings of guilt, shame or worthlessness. This makes them more vulnerable to physical illness, stress and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. They are more likely than those who don't have the condition to commit suicide or self-harm. A diagnosis can make a woman feel more empowered to take steps to change her life for the better. However, getting a diagnosis requires that she first consult a qualified healthcare professional to conduct a thorough examination and effective treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage in the workplace, particularly. Women with undiagnosed ADHD struggle with managing their day-to-day schedule and completing work-related tasks. They may forget appointments, lose important documents, or use productivity apps to help keep track of their tasks. These apps can be useful, but they cannot replace the need for solid organization skills.
The gender-based expectations of women can also exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD. Women are expected to take care of their families and homes, which requires a level of coordination that ADHD sufferers have to work hard to maintain. This pressure from society could make women with ADHD to feel embarrassed and blame themselves for not being able to meet these demands.
Time management issues can cause frustration in relationships, both personal and professional. ADHD symptoms can cause you underestimating the time needed to complete tasks, causing you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If you're often late for events, consider using a planner or checklist to keep the track of deadlines. Use frequent breaks to calm your mind and get moving.
You can also try mindfulness techniques to help you focus on your task and reduce distractions. For example, instead of listening to podcasts or music while working, play a news story on your smartphone. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, think about switching to a car with a manual transmission. You might also want to think about driving without your phone in order to avoid being distracted by texting or making calls.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD, a mental health professional can suggest treatments and strategies for coping. Treatment options can include medication, such as stimulants, and psychotherapy. Your doctor will suggest an approach based on your symptoms and the present situation in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for instance can help you accept your thoughts and emotions while replacing destructive patterns of behavior with healthier ones. You can also seek out couples or family therapy to improve communication within your relationships.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females who suffer from ADHD have higher levels of depression and anxiety than males. They may struggle to deal with these symptoms, leading to a variety of unhealthy behaviours. In order to deal with their symptoms, they might turn to substances or unhealthy eating habits. These behaviors can make symptoms worse. Additionally, women are more likely to be misdiagnosed with these conditions. They could receive the wrong treatment which can worsen their mood or cause other problems.
It's important to recognize that a myriad of factors can cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD like stress and certain physical conditions and illnesses. It is essential to consult an expert in mental health or health care provider for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the disparity in ADHD diagnoses between women and men is due to a mixture of socially and biologically imposed roles. Women are expected to take on more household and parenting work than men. This pressure can cause feelings of self-doubt and can lead to distorted beliefs that can exacerbate symptoms of ADHD.
Furthermore, women may be less likely to disclose their symptoms to a medical professional because they think they should be able to handle the symptoms on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely than other people to blame their symptoms on other factors, like sleep issues or stress. This could contribute to the fact that a lot of women suffering from ADHD are undiagnosed in adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic era has been particularly difficult for young adults, who are more likely to have more persistently high rates of anxiety and depression than middle-aged adults. The peaks in these levels coincided with spikes in the number of COVID-19 cases and occurred in a period of racial justice protests mass shootings, decades of high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine as well as recurring climate disasters and a rise in unemployment. Stress exposure as a whole, whether it is chronic or recent, has been proven to increase depression and anxiety. This combination of factors could be the reason why these levels are so persistently high.
4. Difficulty Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD are more likely to have difficulty making and keeping friends, especially as they age. Social isolation is connected to a myriad of health problems, including high blood pressure and chronic stress. The presence of close family and friends members who provide assistance can be beneficial, but many adults find that they are unable to make new friendships or maintain current relationships.
The social norms surrounding gender and sex may impact whether or not women suffering from ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. 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 of women and girls may 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. Women and girls are more likely to be the victims of punishment for ADHD-related symptoms like disorganization and inattention. This means that they may be incorrectly diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder, and their ADHD symptoms may not be properly treated.
Furthermore, hormone changes can further increase ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels are lower at the end of menstrual cycles and during ovulation, and this can make girls' and women's symptoms appear worse. Combined with hormonal changes in the adolescent years, this can result in confusion regarding their symptoms, making it more difficult to get the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Although many of the same treatment options are available to women with ADHD However, a mental health professional must still assess the individual's needs and symptoms. The type of therapy a patient receives will be based on their ADHD symptoms and other factors that may contribute to their problems, such as a history of depression or trauma. The most common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a process where individuals learn to change their negative thinking patterns and replace them with healthier ones. Couples counseling can help individuals improve their communication and resolve problems in relationships.