ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects men & women. However, the expectations of society & gender roles make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women can also mask their symptoms better, which can lead them to be not diagnosed or delayed in getting treatment.
Remaining stereotypes, referral biases internalized symptoms and comorbidities can all create roadblocks to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are a few of most frequently reported untreated adhd female adults symptoms.
1. Trouble focusing
Although the symptoms of impulsive and hyperactive of ADHD are more prevalent in males and females however, women and those 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.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include forgetting important appointments or things that are important, and getting easily distracted by work or social events. It can also be hard for a woman with this disorder to sit down and concentrate on their homework or other tasks at school or work. Women who suffer from ADHD are often unable to fall asleep or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety or medical issues.
People who have inattention ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and attempt to cover them up. Others might not understand their behavior, leading to confusion, frustration, and conflict within relationships. In the workplace, it can lead to missed opportunities and career challenges.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating consequences on females. Women can find themselves struggling to manage their challenges at home and at work, which can make it difficult to stay on top of their game as they take on many responsibilities and strive to meet the goals they have set for themselves.
Many women with ADHD have trouble focusing and also find it difficult to receive emotional support from family members and close friends. As a result they may become lonely or develop self-defeating habits that are unhealthy, such as alcohol abuse.
Women with untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms such as low self esteem or feelings of guilt shame or feeling of worthlessness. This makes them more prone to stress, physical illness and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. This means they are more likely to turn to suicide or self-injury than those without the condition. A woman may feel empowered by a diagnosis and take action to improve her life. However, getting a diagnosis requires that she first consult an expert in healthcare to conduct a thorough examination and efficient treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage in the workplace, particularly. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD typically have a difficult time following through on tasks at work and managing their daily schedule. They might forget important documents or appointments, or rely upon productivity apps to keep on track. These apps can be useful however they aren't able to replace the need for solid organizational skills.
The expectations for gender roles of women can also exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD. Women are expected to take care of their families and their homes, which requires a level of coordination that ADHD sufferers struggle to maintain. The pressures from society can make women with ADHD to feel embarrassed and blame themselves for trying to fulfill these expectations.
Troubles with time management could lead to frustration in relationships both professional and personal. ADHD symptoms can cause you underestimate the time it takes to complete tasks, causing you to be late to meetings or other commitments. If you're often late for meetings, think about using a planner or checklist to keep on top of deadlines. Make frequent breaks to clear your mind and get moving.
You can also use mindfulness techniques to stay focused and reduce distractions. For example, instead of listening to music or podcasts while working, listen to an article on your smartphone. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, think about changing to a vehicle with manual transmission. You could also consider driving with your phone off to stop distracted texting and calling.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, a mental health professional can suggest treatments and coping strategies. Treatment options may include medications, like stimulants, as well as psychotherapy. Your doctor will suggest an approach based on your symptoms and the present situation in your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings while changing your negative patterns of behavior to healthier ones. You can also receive couples or family therapy to improve communication within 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, and this can result in a range of unhealthy behaviors. In order to deal with their symptoms, they could use substances or develop unhealthy eating habits. These behaviors can make the symptoms worse. In addition women are more prone to be misdiagnosed with these issues. As a result, they are treated incorrectly which can further aggravate their mood and trigger other problems.
It's crucial to know that stress, certain physical conditions, and illnesses can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. long-term effects of untreated adhd in adults to consult an expert in mental health or a health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the difference in ADHD diagnoses between women and men is due to a mixture of socially and biologically imposed roles. Women are expected to do more household and parenting tasks than men. This pressure can cause feelings of self-doubt and can lead to distorted beliefs that can cause 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 with ADHD might also be more likely to blame their symptoms on other causes like a lack of sleep or excessive stress. This can contribute to the fact that many women with ADHD are undiagnosed in adulthood.
Research indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic is particularly difficult for young adults. They tend to have higher levels of depression and anxiety than adults in their mid-life. These peak levels coincided with cases of COVID-19 and occurred during a time where protests against racial discrimination were taking place and mass shootings, a decade of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine and other countries, frequent catastrophes and increasing unemployment. Stress exposure either in the form of chronic or recent, is known to increase anxiety and depression. This combination of factors could be the reason why these levels are so consistently high.
4. Trouble Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD can have trouble finding and maintaining friendships, especially as they age. Social isolation is associated with a range of health issues, including high blood pressure and chronic stress. Being close to family and friends members who provide assistance can be beneficial but many adults find that they are unable to make new friends or maintain their current relationships.
Societal norms about gender and sexuality may affect whether or not women suffering from ADHD receive the diagnosis and treatment they require. In one study, teachers and parents 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 can 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. This means that women and girls are more prone to being punished for having ADHD-related symptoms such as disorganization and inattention. In the end, they could be incorrectly diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder or a mood disorder, and their ADHD symptoms might not be properly treated.
Additionally, hormonal changes can further increase ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels can be lower at the end and during the ovulation phase of the menstrual cycle which can cause symptoms worse for women and girls. In conjunction with hormonal changes during adolescence, this can cause confusion about their symptoms, making it more difficult for them to receive a correct diagnosis and adequate treatment.
Although it is true that a number of the same treatment options work for women with ADHD like they do for men However, a mental health professional will still have to take a look at each individual's particular needs and symptoms. The type of therapy that a patient receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms as well as other factors that might be contributing to their issues like an experience of trauma or depression. The most common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps individuals learn to alter their negative thinking patterns and replace them with healthier ones, as well as couples counseling that can help people improve their communication and solve issues in their relationships.