ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a problem that affects both men and women, but societal expectations and gender roles can make it harder for them to be diagnosed. Women may also hide their symptoms more effectively, which could lead them to be misdiagnosed or delayed in treatment.
Remaining stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptoms, and comorbidities all create roadblocks to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are a few female adult symptoms that aren't treated for adhd.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Women and people who were assigned females 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.
The signs of inattention ADHD include having trouble staying organized or on task, losing important dates or items, and being easily distracted by work or social events. Women suffering from this disorder may also find it difficult to concentrate on schoolwork or other tasks. Women who suffer from ADHD can have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety or medical issues.
People who have inattention ADHD often try to hide their symptoms. Their behavior can be misinterpreted by others, leading to misunderstandings, frustration and conflict in their relationships. In the workplace, it could cause lost opportunities and career challenges.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating effects on females. Women can be struggling to cope with their difficulties at home and at work, which can make it difficult for them to keep afloat when they manage multiple responsibilities and try to achieve the goals they have set for themselves.
Many women with ADHD have difficulty focusing and also are unable to receive emotional support from family members and close friends. They may feel isolated or develop unhealthy habits that can be self-defeating like drinking.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can also develop internalizing symptoms like low self-esteem and feelings of guilt, shame or deprivation. This can make them more susceptible to physical and mental stress and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. They are more likely than people who do not suffer from the condition to commit suicide or self-harm. A woman can feel empowered after receiving an diagnosis and take steps to improve her life. To receive a diagnosis one must first consult a qualified healthcare provider for an evaluation and effective treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, particularly in the workplace. Women with undiagnosed ADHD have a difficult time managing their day-to-day schedule and completing their work. They might forget important documents or appointments, or rely upon productivity apps to keep on track. These apps are helpful but they are not a substitute for the ability to organize your life.
The gender-based expectations of women can also increase the symptoms of ADHD. Women are expected to be the caretakers of their homes and families which requires some degree of coordination that those with ADHD struggle to maintain. This pressure from society can trigger feelings of shame and self-blame for women with ADHD who attempt to meet those demands which can cause them to conceal their symptoms.
Problems with time management can cause frustration both in professional and personal relationships. ADHD symptoms can cause you underestimating the time it takes to complete tasks, causing you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If you're often late for meetings, think about using a planner or checklists to keep the track of deadlines. Make sure to take frequent breaks to move around and calm your mind, and utilize a timer while working.
You can also employ mindfulness techniques to stay focused and reduce distractions. For instance, instead of listening to music or podcasts while working, listen to a news story on your smartphone. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, think about changing to a vehicle with a manual transmission. You could also consider driving with your cellphone switched off to avoid distractions with texting and calls.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD, the mental health professional can recommend treatments and strategies for coping. Treatment options include stimulants as well as psychotherapy. Your doctor will recommend a therapy based on your symptoms and the present situation in your life. For instance, cognitive behavior therapy can help you to learn to accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing your negative behaviors for healthier ones. You can also receive couples counseling or family therapy to improve communication in your relationships.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females with ADHD often report higher levels of anxiety and depression than their male counterparts. They may be struggling to deal with the symptoms, which can lead to a variety of unhealthy behaviours. For instance, they could resort to using substances or develop unhealthy eating patterns as a way of dealing with their symptoms. These actions can make symptoms worse. Additionally women are more prone to be misdiagnosed with these issues. They could receive the wrong treatment that could worsen their mood or cause other problems.
It's crucial to know that stress, physical ailments, 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 disparity in ADHD diagnoses between men and women is due to a combination socially and biologically imposed roles. Women are expected to do more household and parenting work than men. This pressure can cause feelings of self-doubt and cause dysfunctional beliefs that can cause symptoms of ADHD.
In addition, women may be less likely to disclose their symptoms to a medical professional because they think they can manage them on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to blame their symptoms on other causes like a lack of sleep or excessive stress. This could contribute to the fact that many women with ADHD are undiagnosed in adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 timeframe has been particularly difficult for young adults, who are more likely to have more persistently high levels of depression and anxiety than middle-aged adults. evidence based treatment for adhd in adults 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 recurrent catastrophes, as well as rising unemployment. Stress exposure, especially recent and chronic, is known to be a risk factor for anxiety and depression This combination of factors could help explain why these levels have been so consistently raised.
4. Trouble Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD might have trouble forming and maintaining friendships, especially in their later years. Social isolation is linked to a variety of health issues, such as high blood pressure and chronic stress. Having close friends and family members who can provide support can be helpful, but many adults find that they simply can't make new friends or maintain their current relationships.
The social norms that surround gender and sex can influence whether women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they need. In one study, teachers and parents 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.
These societal expectations of women and girls can exacerbate 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 experience punishment for ADHD-related symptoms such as inattention and disorganization. It is possible that they are misdiagnosed with anxiety or mood disorders, and their ADHD symptoms may not be treated appropriately.
Additionally, hormonal fluctuations can also amplify ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels are lower towards the end of their menstrual cycle as well as during ovulation. This can make women's and girls' symptoms appear worse. This can lead to confusion in adolescents, especially when combined with hormonal changes. It is difficult to diagnose and treat them properly.
While many of the same treatment options are available to women suffering from ADHD A mental health professional will still have to evaluate the individual's needs and symptoms. The type of therapy that a patient receives will be based on their ADHD symptoms as well as other factors that may contribute to their difficulties like the history of trauma or depression. A few popular treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a process where individuals learn to change their negative thoughts and replace them with healthier ones. Couples counseling can aid individuals in improving their communication skills and solve problems in relationships.