ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD affects both men as well as women, but the expectations of society and gender roles can make it difficult for them to get diagnosed. Women can also mask their symptoms better, which could cause them to be not diagnosed or delayed in getting treatment.
Lingering stereotypes, referral biases internalized symptoms, and comorbidities all create roadblocks to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are a few of most common untreated adhd in females.
1. Problems with Focusing
While hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent for both genders, women and people who are assigned a female at birth (AFAB) aren't yet being 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 symptoms of inattention ADHD include having trouble staying organized or on task, forgetting important dates or items, and being easily distracted by work or social occasions. It can be a challenge for a woman with this disorder to sit down and focus on homework or other work at work or school. Women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep because of depression, anxiety or medical issues.
People with inattention ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms. online adhd treatment for adults might not understand their behavior, leading to confusion, anger and conflict within relationships. It could result in missed career opportunities and challenges in the workplace.
In the end, the impact of untreated ADHD for females can be devastating. Women can be having to deal with their challenges at home and at work and this can make it hard to stay afloat as they take on multiple responsibilities and attempt to reach the goals they set for themselves.
Many women with ADHD struggle to focus and also struggle to get emotional support from family members and friends. They may become lonely, or develop unhealthy patterns that can be self-defeating like drinking.
Women with untreated ADHD can also experience internalizing symptoms such as low self esteem and feelings of guilt, shame or feeling of worthlessness. This can make them more prone to physical and mental stressors as well as mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. They are more likely than those who do not have the condition to take self-harm or commit suicide. A woman can feel empowered 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 are difficult to manage at work, particularly. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD frequently have a hard working through work tasks and managing their daily schedule. They may lose important paperwork or appointments or rely on productivity apps to stay on top of things. These apps can be helpful, but they cannot replace the need for good organization skills.
Gender roles can increase the severity of ADHD symptoms for women. Women are expected to take care of their families and homes which requires a degree of coordination that ADHD sufferers have to work hard to maintain. This pressure from society can trigger feelings of guilt and shame among women who suffer from ADHD who attempt to meet these demands which can cause them to conceal their symptoms.
Problems with time management can cause frustration in relationships both professional and personal. ADHD symptoms can cause you underestimating the time it takes to complete tasks, causing you to be late to meetings or other commitments. If you're frequently late for events, consider using a planner or checklists to keep on top of deadlines. Make sure to take frequent breaks to move around and clear your mind, and utilize a timer while working.
You can also apply mindfulness techniques to stay focused and cut down on distractions. For instance, instead listening to podcasts or music while working, listen to an article on your smartphone. If you have trouble being able to concentrate while driving, consider changing to a vehicle with a manual transmission. You might also want to think about driving without your phone to avoid getting distracted by texting or calling.
A mental health professional can help determine the most effective treatment and coping strategies for ADHD. Treatment options can include medications, like stimulants, as well as psychotherapy. Your doctor will recommend a therapy based on your symptoms and the current circumstances in your life. For instance, cognitive behavior therapy can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings while changing your negative behaviors for healthier ones. You can also seek family therapy or couples counseling to improve communication in your relationships.
3. Depression and anxiety
Females who suffer from ADHD tend to have higher levels of depression and anxiety than their male counterparts. They may have difficulty coping with these symptoms, leading to a range of unhealthy behavior. As a way to cope with their symptoms, they may use substances or develop unhealthy eating habits. These behaviors can exacerbate symptoms. In addition women are more likely to be misdiagnosed with these conditions. This means that they are treated in the wrong way which may further aggravate their mood and trigger other issues.
It's important to recognize that many factors can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD, including stress and certain physical conditions and illnesses. This is why it's crucial to see a medical specialist or a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the disparity in ADHD diagnoses between women and men is due to a combination biological and socially constructed roles. Women are usually expected to take on more parenting and household duties than their male counterparts. This pressure can result in feelings of self-doubt and cause dysfunctional beliefs that can exacerbate symptoms of ADHD.
Furthermore, women may be less likely to disclose their symptoms to a medical professional because they believe they can manage them on their own. Women with ADHD are also more likely to blame their symptoms on other causes like a 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 era has been particularly difficult for young adults, who tend to have higher levels of depression and anxiety than middle-aged adults. These peaks coincided with COVID-19-related cases and occurred during a time where there were racial injustice protests, mass shootings, decades of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine, recurrent catastrophes and rising unemployment. Chronic and recent stress exposure is recognized as an important risk factor for anxiety and depression and this combination of factors could explain why these levels have been persistently elevated.
4. Difficulty Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may have difficulty establishing and maintaining friendships, particularly in adulthood. Social isolation can be connected to a myriad of health issues, such as high blood pressure and chronic stress. Having close friends and family members who provide assistance can be beneficial, but many adults find that they can't form new friendships or maintain current relationships.
The social norms surrounding gender and sex may impact whether or not women with ADHD receive the diagnosis and treatment they require. In one study, teachers or parents were less likely than males to recommend girls to services for ADHD. 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 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. Girls and women are more likely to suffer the consequences of ADHD-related symptoms like disorganization and inattention. In the end, they could be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety or a mood disorder, and their ADHD symptoms may not be treated appropriately.
Furthermore, hormone fluctuations can further amplify ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels decrease at the end of their menstrual cycle and during ovulation. This can make women's and girls' symptoms appear to be more severe. This can cause confusion in adolescents, especially when they are combined with hormonal changes. It is difficult to diagnose and treat them properly.
Although many of the same treatment options are available for women suffering from ADHD, a mental healthcare professional will still need evaluate each person's individual needs and symptoms. The kind of treatment a person receives is based on their ADHD symptoms, as along with other factors that could be the cause of their issues. For instance the history of trauma or depression. Some common treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy, where individuals are taught to change their negative thoughts and replace them with healthier ones, as well as couples counseling, which can help individuals improve their communication and solve issues in their relationships.