ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD affects both men as well as women, but societal expectations and gender roles often make it harder for them to get diagnosed. Women may also hide their symptoms better, which can lead them to be not diagnosed or delayed in getting treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral bias persistent stereotypes and comorbidities are all obstacles to a correct diagnosis. Here are a few of most common untreated adhd in females.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Women and those who were deemed female at birth are still underdiagnosed 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 symptoms of inattention ADHD are a lack of organization or on task, forgetting important things or appointments and being easily distracted by social or work events. It can be difficult for women suffering from this disorder to sit and concentrate on their homework or other tasks at school or work. In some instances, women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty sleeping or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or a medical condition.
People with inattention ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms. People may interpret their behavior incorrectly, leading to misunderstandings, frustration and conflict in relationships. It can lead to missed career opportunities and challenges in the workplace.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating consequences on females. Women may have a difficult time to manage their issues at home as well as in the workplace. This can make it difficult to keep afloat as they manage their responsibilities and attempt to achieve goals they have set for themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD have trouble focusing and find it difficult to receive emotional support from family members and close friends. In the end they may feel isolated or develop self-defeating habits that are unhealthy, such as alcohol abuse.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD might also experience internalizing symptoms, such as low self esteem and feelings of guilt, shame or feeling of worthlessness. This makes them more prone to physical illness, stress and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. This means they are more likely to turn to self-injury or suicide than those without the condition. Women can be encouraged by an diagnosis and take steps to improve her life. However, getting diagnosed requires that she first see an expert in healthcare for a thorough assessment and efficient treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms are difficult to manage in the workplace, particularly. Women with undiagnosed ADHD have a difficult time managing their schedules and completing work tasks. They may lose important documents or appointments or rely on productivity apps to stay on top of things. These apps can be helpful but they are not a substitute for the ability to organize your life.
The gender role expectations of women can also increase the symptoms of ADHD. Women are expected to take care of their families and homes, which requires a level of coordination that ADHD sufferers struggle to maintain. This pressure from society can cause women with ADHD to feel embarrassed and blame themselves for trying to meet these demands.
Time management issues can cause frustration both in professional and personal relationships. 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. If you're often late for events, consider using a planner or checklist to keep on top of deadlines. Take breaks frequently to move around and clear your mind. You can also employ a timer when you work.
You can also practice mindfulness techniques to help you stay focused on your task and reduce distractions. For instance, instead listening to music or podcasts while working, you can listen to the news on your mobile. If you find it difficult to concentrate when driving, you can switch to a manual transmission car. You may also want consider driving without your cellphone in order to avoid being distracted by texting or calling.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, an expert in mental health can suggest treatments and strategies for coping. Treatment options can include medication, such as stimulants, as well as psychotherapy. The kind of therapy your doctor recommends will be based on your specific symptoms and the current state of your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you come to accept your thoughts and feelings while changing your negative patterns of behavior for healthier ones. You can also receive family or couples therapy to improve communication within your relationships.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females suffering from ADHD often report higher levels of anxiety and depression than their male counterparts. They can struggle to cope with these issues, which can lead to a range of unhealthy behaviors. As a way to cope with their symptoms, they could turn to substances or unhealthy eating habits. These behaviors can make symptoms worse. Furthermore women are more likely to be misdiagnosed with these conditions. In the end, they are treated in the wrong way which can further aggravate their mood and lead to other issues.
It's essential to be aware that stress, physical ailments, and illnesses can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. It's important to see a health care practitioner or a mental health professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the difference in ADHD diagnoses between men and women is due to a mixture of biological and socially constructed roles. Women are usually expected to take on more household and parenting duties than their male counterparts. This pressure can cause feelings of low self-esteem and cause dysfunctional beliefs that can exacerbate symptoms of ADHD.
Furthermore, women may be less likely to report their symptoms to a medical professional due to the belief that they should be able to manage them on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD might also be more likely than other people to blame their problems on external factors, such as lack of sleep or stress. This could lead to a lot of women with ADHD not being diagnosed until adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic period has been particularly challenging for young adults, who tend to have more persistently high levels of depression and anxiety than middle-aged adults. The peak in these levels coincided with spikes in the number of COVID-19 cases and were triggered by a period of protests against racial injustice, mass shootings, decades-high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine and recurring climate catastrophes and a rise in unemployment. Stress exposure, especially recent and chronic, is known to be a risk factor for anxiety and depression and this combination of factors may help explain why these levels have been consistently raised.
4. Problems in Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD might have trouble forming and maintaining friendships, particularly when they reach adulthood. Social isolation can cause health problems such as high blood pressure or chronic stress. Having close friends and family members who can provide assistance can be beneficial but many adults find that they simply can't make new acquaintances or maintain existing relationships.
Societal norms about gender and sex may impact the likelihood that women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In one study, teachers or parents were less likely than men to refer 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 girls and women can be a contributing factor 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 makes women and girls more likely to be punished for exhibiting ADHD-related symptoms such as disorganization and inattention. Consequently, they might be incorrectly diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder, and their ADHD symptoms may not be treated appropriately.
Additionally hormonal fluctuations can cause ADHD in females. Estrogen levels can be lower at the end and during ovulation of the menstrual cycle, which can make symptoms worse for girls and women. Combined with hormonal changes in adolescence, this can cause confusion about their symptoms, making it more difficult to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
While many of the same treatment options are available to women with ADHD A mental health professional will still need evaluate each individual's symptoms and needs. The kind of treatment a person receives is based on the severity of their ADHD symptoms, as along with other factors the cause of their issues. For instance, a history depression or trauma. how to get treated for adhd in adults include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps individuals learn to alter their negative thoughts and switch them to healthier ones, as well as couples counseling, which can help individuals improve communication and resolve issues in their relationships.