ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects women and men. However, social expectations & gender roles make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women may also hide their symptoms more effectively, which could cause them to be misdiagnosed or delayed in treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral bias, lingering stereotypes and comorbidities could all be obstacles to a proper diagnosis. Here are some of the most common untreated adhd in females.
1. Trouble focusing
While hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD are more common in boys and men however, women and those who are assigned a female at birth (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.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include difficulty staying organized or on track, ignoring important dates or items, and easily being distracted by social or work occasions. It can be difficult for a woman with this disorder to sit down and focus on homework or other assignments at school or work. In some cases, women with ADHD might have difficulty falling or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety or a medical problem.
People with inattentive ADHD often try to hide their symptoms. Others might interpret their behavior incorrectly, leading to confusion, frustration and conflict within relationships. This can result in difficulties in their careers and a lack of opportunities in the workplace.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating effects on females. Women may have difficulty to cope with their difficulties both at home and in the workplace. This could make it difficult to maintain a steady pace while they juggle their multiple tasks and strive to meet the goals they set for them.
Many women with ADHD have trouble focusing and are unable to receive emotional support from their family and friends. They may become lonely, or develop unhealthy patterns that lead to self-defeating behaviors like drinking.
Women with untreated ADHD can also experience internalizing symptoms, such as low self-esteem and feelings of guilt, shame or feelings of inadequacy. This can lead them to be more vulnerable to physical and mental stress and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. They are more likely than those who do not have the condition to take self-harm or commit suicide. Receiving a diagnosis can help women feel more empowered to take steps to change her life to the best of her abilities. To get a diagnosis, a woman must first consult a licensed healthcare professional for an assessment and effective treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage at work, particularly. Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD typically have a difficult time following through on tasks at work and managing their schedule. They might forget appointments, misplace important paperwork or rely on productivity apps to help them keep track of their tasks. These apps are helpful, but cannot replace good organizational skills.
The gender role expectations of women can also exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD. Women are expected to take care of their home and family which requires an amount of coordination that people with ADHD struggle to maintain. This societal pressure can trigger feelings of guilt and shame in women who suffer from ADHD who try to meet those demands, causing them to mask their symptoms.
Troubles with time management could cause frustration in relationships, both personal and professional. The symptoms of ADHD can make you underestimate how time it takes to finish a task, causing you to be late for meetings or other commitments. Consider using a checklist or a planner to track deadlines if you are frequently late for events. Take breaks frequently to move around and clear your mind, and employ a timer when you work.
You can also practice mindfulness techniques to help you stay focused on your the task and avoid distractions. Watching news stories on your phone instead of listening to music or podcasts can be an alternative to music while working. If you find it difficult to concentrate when driving, you can switch to a manual-transmission car. You can also consider driving with your cellphone switched off to avoid distracted texting and calling.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, a mental health professional can suggest treatments and strategies for coping. Treatment options include medication, such as stimulants, and psychotherapy. Your doctor will recommend a therapy depending on your symptoms and the current situation in your life. For instance, cognitive behavior therapy can help you come to accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing negative patterns of behavior to healthier ones. You can also receive family or couples therapy to improve communication within your relationships.
3. alternative adhd treatment for adults and Depression
Females who suffer from ADHD have higher levels of depression and anxiety than males. They may have difficulty coping with these symptoms, leading to a range of unhealthy behaviors. For example, they might turn to substance use or develop unhealthy eating habits as a means of dealing with their symptoms. These actions can worsen symptoms. In addition women are more prone to be misdiagnosed with these problems. They may receive the wrong treatment, which could make them feel worse or cause other problems.
It's essential to be aware that stress, certain physical conditions, and illnesses can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. This is why it's crucial to consult a health care provider or a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the disparity in ADHD diagnoses between men and women is due to a mixture of socially and biologically imposed roles. Women are generally expected to perform more parenting and household chores than their male counterparts. This can result in feelings of self-esteem loss and dysfunctional beliefs, which can lead to an increase in ADHD symptoms.
Furthermore, women may be less likely to admit their symptoms to a medical professional because they believe they're able to manage them on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD might also be more likely than others to blame their problems on external factors, such as lack of sleep or stress. This could be a contributing factor to the fact that a lot of women with ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood.
Research indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly difficult for young adults. They tend to have greater levels of depression and anxiety than adults in their middle age. These peak levels coincided with cases of COVID-19 and were occurring at a time when protests against racial discrimination were taking place, mass shootings, decades 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 depression and anxiety. This combination of factors may explain why these levels are persistently high.
4. Problems in Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may have difficulty establishing and maintaining friendships, especially in adulthood. Social isolation can cause health problems such as high blood pressure or chronic stress. It can be beneficial to have close family and friends who are able to provide support, but many adults have difficulty maintaining or establish new relationships.
The social norms surrounding gender and sexuality can have an affect whether women suffering from ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In one study, teachers or parents were less likely than men 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.
These expectations from society for girls and women can cause them to develop 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 be the victims of punishment for ADHD-related symptoms such as inattention and disorganization. They may be misdiagnosed with anxiety or mood disorders, and their ADHD symptoms might not be properly treated.
In addition, hormonal fluctuations can amplify ADHD in females. Estrogen levels may be lower at the end of and during the ovulation period of a woman's menstrual period and can cause symptoms to become more severe for females and girls. This can cause confusion in adolescents, particularly when it is 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 However, a mental health professional must still assess the individual's needs and symptoms. treat adhd without medication adults of therapy a patient receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms and any other factors that might be contributing to their difficulties like the history of depression or trauma. The most common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps individuals are taught to change their negative thinking patterns and switch them to healthier ones, and couples counseling that can help people improve their communication and solve issues in their relationships.