ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects both men & women. However, the expectations of society and gender roles make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women are also able to mask their symptoms better, which could cause them to be incorrectly diagnosed or delayed in treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral bias persistent stereotypes and comorbidities are all obstacles to a correct diagnosis. Here are some female adults' symptoms that aren't treated for adhd.
1. Trouble focusing
Women and those 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.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include not remembering important appointments or things and being easily distracted by work or social events. It can also be hard for women with this disorder to sit down and concentrate on their homework or other tasks at school or work. In some cases, women with ADHD may have trouble sleeping or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety or a medical issue.
People with inattentive ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms and attempt to cover them up. Their behavior may be misinterpreted by others, leading to misunderstandings, frustration and conflict in their relationships. This can result in missed career opportunities and challenges at work.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating consequences on females. Women can be struggling to manage their problems at home as well as at work which can make it difficult to keep afloat when they juggle multiple responsibilities and attempt to reach the goals they have set for themselves.
Alongside having issues focus, many women suffering from ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their families and friends. They may feel isolated or develop unhealthy habits that can be self-defeating, such as drinking.
Women with untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms, such as low self-esteem, feelings of guilt, shame or feeling of worthlessness. This can lead them to be more vulnerable to stress, physical illness and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. This means they are more likely to suicide or self-injury than those who don't suffer from the condition. A woman may be encouraged by a diagnosis and take action to improve her life. However, obtaining diagnosed requires that she first consult an experienced healthcare professional for a thorough assessment and efficient treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, particularly in the workplace. Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD typically have a difficult to complete work assignments and coordinating their daily schedule. They might forget important documents or appointments or rely on productivity apps to stay on track. These apps are helpful, but cannot replace good organizational skills.
The gender-based expectations of women can also contribute to the symptoms of ADHD. Women are required to look after their homes and families and homes, which require a level of coordination that ADHD sufferers have to work hard to maintain. The pressures from society can cause women suffering from ADHD to feel embarrassed and blame themselves for not being able to meet these demands.
Troubles with time management could lead to frustration in relationships both professional and personal. Symptoms of ADHD can make you underestimate how you will take to complete a task, which can cause you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If you are frequently late for meetings, think about using a planner or checklist to keep on top of deadlines. Take breaks frequently to move around and clear your mind. Also, employ a timer when you work.
You can also use mindfulness techniques to help you focus on your task and reduce distractions. For instance, instead listening to podcasts or music while working, play a news story on your phone. If you have trouble being able to concentrate while driving, think about changing to a vehicle with a manual transmission. You may also want to consider driving without your cellphone to avoid getting distracted by texting or making calls.
Once you are diagnosed with ADHD, an expert in mental health can recommend treatments and strategies for coping. Treatment options include medications, like stimulants, and psychotherapy. The kind of therapy your doctor recommends will be based on your specific symptoms and what's going on in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example can help you to accept your thoughts and emotions while replacing negative patterns of behaviour with healthier ones. You can also receive family or couples therapy to improve communication within your relationships.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females suffering from ADHD have higher levels of anxiety and depression than males. They may have difficulty coping with these symptoms, leading to a variety of unhealthy behaviors. For instance, they may take up drug use or develop unhealthy eating habits to deal with their symptoms. These actions can make symptoms worse. Women are more likely to have these issues that are not properly diagnosed. They may receive the wrong treatment that could make them feel worse or cause other problems.
It's important to recognize that a myriad of factors can cause similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD, including stress and certain physical conditions and illnesses. This is why it's crucial to consult a health care practitioner or a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the difference in the rate of ADHD diagnosis for women and men is due to a combination of biological and socially constructed gender 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 may also be less likely than men to speak with a doctor about their symptoms, believing that they can manage them on their own. Women with ADHD also may be more likely to blame their symptoms on other causes like a lack of sleep or stress. This can result in many women with ADHD not being diagnosed until later in life.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic is especially difficult for young adults. adhd in adults characterization diagnosis and treatment have higher levels of depression and anxiety than adults in their middle years. The peaks in these levels coincided with a spike in COVID-19 case numbers and were triggered by a period of racial justice protests mass shootings, decades-high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine and recurring climate catastrophes and rising unemployment. Stress exposure as a whole, whether it is chronic or recent, has been proven to increase anxiety and depression. This combination of factors could be the reason why these levels are so persistently high.
4. Difficulty Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD may have difficulty finding and maintaining friendships particularly as they age. Social isolation can cause health issues such as high blood pressure or chronic stress. The presence of close family and friends members who provide support can be beneficial, but many adults find that they simply can't make new friendships or maintain current relationships.
Societal norms about gender and sexuality may affect the likelihood that women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In one study, parents and teachers were less likely to refer girls with 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.
The expectations of society for women and girls can increase the severity of 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. Girls and women are more likely to experience the consequences of ADHD-related symptoms like inattention and disorganization. They could be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety and their ADHD symptoms might not be treated properly.
In addition hormonal fluctuations can also cause ADHD in females. Estrogen levels decrease at the end of their menstrual cycle and during ovulation. This can make women's and girls' symptoms appear worse. This can cause confusion in adolescents, especially when they are combined with hormonal changes. It is difficult to diagnose and treat them properly.
While many of the same treatments are available to women suffering from ADHD A mental health professional will still have to evaluate each individual's symptoms and needs. The type of therapy a person receives will be based on their ADHD symptoms and any other factors that might be contributing to their difficulties like a history of depression or trauma. The most common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy, where individuals are taught to change their negative thoughts and switch them to healthier ones, and couples counseling which can help couples improve communication and resolve issues in their relationships.