ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects males and females. However, social expectations and gender roles make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women are also more adept in minimizing their symptoms, which could cause misdiagnosis and delay in treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral bias persistent stereotypes and comorbidities can all be obstacles to a clear diagnosis. Here are a few of most frequent untreated adhd female adults.
1. Problems with Focusing
Although the hyperactive and impulsive signs of ADHD are more prevalent in boys and men but women and those who are who are assigned a female at birth (AFAB) are still underdiagnosed 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 signs of inattention ADHD are a lack of organization or on task, forgetting important things or appointments and being easily distracted by social or work occasions. It can also be hard for women with this disorder to sit and concentrate on their homework or other tasks at school or work. Women with ADHD can have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety or medical issues.
People who have inattention ADHD often attempt to hide their symptoms. Their behavior may be misinterpreted by others, resulting in misunderstandings, frustration and conflict in their relationships. In the workplace, it could lead to problems in the workplace and missed opportunities.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating effects on females. Women may find it difficult to deal with their problems both at home and in the workplace. This could make it difficult to keep afloat as they manage their obligations and try to reach the goals they set for them.
Many women with ADHD struggle to focus and also struggle to get emotional support from family members and friends. They may feel isolated, or develop unhealthy patterns that can be self-defeating like drinking.
Women with untreated ADHD may also experience internalizing symptoms, like low self-esteem and feelings of guilt, shame or a sense of worthlessness. This makes them more vulnerable to stress, physical illnesses and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. They are more likely than those who do not have the condition to take self-harm or commit suicide. A diagnosis can help a woman feel more empowered to take steps to alter her life to the best of her abilities. However, obtaining a diagnosis is a prerequisite for seeing a qualified healthcare professional for a thorough assessment and efficient treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms are difficult to manage at work, particularly. Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD frequently have a hard time following through on work tasks and managing their daily schedule. They may miss appointments, lose important paperwork or rely on productivity apps to help keep track of their tasks. These apps can be helpful but they are not able to replace the need for good organization skills.
first line treatment for adhd in adults -based expectations of women can also contribute to the symptoms of ADHD. Society expects women to be the caretakers of their home and family, which requires some degree of coordination that people with ADHD struggle to maintain. The pressures from society can cause women suffering from ADHD to feel ashamed and blame themselves for not being able to fulfill these expectations.
Problems with time management can cause frustration in relationships, both personal and professional. Symptoms of ADHD can cause you to underestimate how long it takes to finish a task, causing you to be late for meetings or other commitments. Consider using a checklist or a planner to the track of deadlines if you're often late for events. Use frequent breaks to calm your mind and get moving.
You can also employ mindfulness techniques to stay focused and reduce distractions. For instance, instead listening to podcasts or music while working, you can listen to an article on your smartphone. If you have trouble being able to concentrate while driving, you might consider switching to a car with manual transmission. It is also possible to drive with your phone off to avoid distracted texting and phone calls.
Once you are diagnosed with ADHD, an expert in mental health can recommend treatments and coping strategies. Treatment options include stimulants as well as psychotherapy. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate 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 swapping out negative patterns of behavior for healthier ones. You can also seek out family or couples therapy to improve communication within your relationships.
3. Depression and anxiety
Females with ADHD are more prone to depression and anxiety than men. They may struggle to deal with these issues, which can lead to a variety of unhealthy behavior. In order to deal with their symptoms, they might turn to substances or unhealthy eating habits. These habits can cause symptoms to worsen. In addition women are more prone to be misdiagnosed for these problems. They could receive the wrong treatment that could increase their mood or trigger other problems.
It's important to note that a variety of factors can trigger similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD such as stress and certain physical conditions and illnesses. It's important to consult a health care provider or a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the difference in the prevalence of ADHD diagnosis between women and men is due to a combination of social and biological gender roles. Women are typically expected to take on a larger share of household and parenting duties than their male counterparts. This can lead to feelings of self-doubt and cause dysfunctional beliefs that can cause symptoms of ADHD.
In addition, women may be less likely to admit their symptoms to a healthcare professional because they believe they should be able to manage them on their own. Women with ADHD may also be more likely than other people to blame their symptoms, such as lack of sleep or stress. This could be a contributing factor to the fact that many women with ADHD are not diagnosed until later in life.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic era has been particularly difficult for young adults, who are more likely to have higher levels of depression and anxiety than adults of middle age. These peaks coincided with COVID-19-related cases and were occurring at a time when there were racial injustice protests and mass shootings, a decade of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine, recurrent catastrophes and rising unemployment. Stress exposure, both chronic and recent, has been proven to increase depression and anxiety. This combination of factors could be the reason why these levels are constant high.
4. Problems in Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD can have trouble making and keeping friends particularly as they get older. 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 helpful, 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 with ADHD receive the diagnosis and treatment they require. In one study, teachers or parents were less likely than males to refer girls to treatment 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 societal expectations for women and girls can also exacerbate their 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 suffer the consequences of ADHD-related symptoms like inattention and disorganization. They may be misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety and their ADHD symptoms may not be treated properly.
Furthermore, hormone fluctuations can also amplify ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels can be lower at the end of and during the ovulation period of the menstrual cycle and can cause symptoms to become more severe for females and girls. In conjunction with hormonal changes during the adolescent years, this can lead to confusion about their symptoms, making it harder to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Although it is true that a number of the same therapies work for women with ADHD like they do for males, a mental health professional will still have to take a look at each individual's specific needs and symptoms. The kind of therapy a person receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms as well as other factors that may contribute to their difficulties like the history of depression or trauma. The most common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a process where individuals learn how to change their negative thoughts and switch them to healthier ones. Couples counseling can also help individuals improve their communication skills and solve relationship problems.