ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD affects both men as well as women, however, societal expectations and gender roles can make it harder for them to recognize the signs. Women are also more adept in minimizing their symptoms, which could result in a misdiagnosis or delay in treatment.
Remaining stereotypes, referral bias, internalized symptoms and comorbidities all contribute to obstacles to a correct diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are some of the most frequently reported untreated adhd female adults.
1. Trouble focusing
Although the hyperactive and impulsive signs of ADHD are more common in boys and men but women and those who are born female (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.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include forgetting important appointments or things and being easily distracted by work or social events. Women with this disorder may also find it difficult to concentrate on schoolwork or other work. In some cases, women with ADHD might have difficulty sleeping or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety or a medical issue.
People with inattentive ADHD often try to hide their symptoms. Their behavior could be misinterpreted by others, leading to misunderstandings, frustration and conflict in their relationships. In the workplace, it can lead to missed opportunities and career challenges.
In the end, the effects of untreated ADHD for females can be devastating. Women can be having to deal with their problems at home as well as at work and this can make it difficult to keep afloat when they juggle multiple responsibilities and attempt to meet the goals they set for themselves.
Many women with ADHD struggle to focus and are unable to receive emotional support from family members and friends. They may feel isolated or develop unhealthy habits that are self-defeating, such as drinking.
Women with untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms, such as low self-esteem and feelings guilt, shame or a sense of worthlessness. This makes them more susceptible to stress, physical illnesses and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. In turn, they are more likely to turn to self-injury or suicide than those without the condition. Being diagnosed can help a woman feel more confident in taking steps to transform her life to the best of her abilities. To receive a diagnosis the woman should first consult a licensed health professional for an evaluation and effective treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, especially at work. Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD frequently have a hard time following through on work assignments and coordinating their schedule. adhd in adults characterization diagnosis and treatment might forget appointments, misplace important paperwork, or depend on productivity apps to help them keep track of their tasks. These apps are useful, but cannot replace the ability to organize your life.
The gender role expectations of women can also exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD. Society expects women to take care of their family and home, which requires some degree of coordination that people with ADHD struggle to maintain. This societal pressure can trigger feelings of self-reflection and shame among women with ADHD who try to meet these demands and cause them to hide their symptoms.
Problems with time management can cause frustration in relationships both professional and personal. ADHD symptoms can cause you to underestimating the time needed to complete a task, causing you to be late to meetings or other commitments. If you are frequently late for events, consider using a planner or checklist to keep track of deadlines. Take breaks frequently to move around and clear your mind. Also, use a timer when working.
You can also use mindfulness techniques to remain focused and cut down on distractions. The ability to listen to news stories on your phone instead of music or podcasts could be a good alternative to listening to music while working. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, try switching to a manual-transmission car. You might also want to look into driving without a cellphone in order to avoid being distracted by texting or calling.
A mental health professional can assist you to determine the most effective treatment and coping strategies for ADHD. Treatment options include medications, like stimulants, as well as psychotherapy. The type of therapy that your doctor recommends will depend on your specific symptoms and the circumstances in your life. For instance, cognitive behavior 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 couples or family therapy to improve communication within your relationships.
3. Anxiety and Depression
Females who suffer from ADHD are more prone to depression and anxiety than males. They may have difficulty coping with the symptoms, which could cause a variety of unhealthy behavior. In order to deal with their symptoms, they could use substances or develop unhealthy eating habits. These actions can worsen symptoms. In addition, women are more likely to be misdiagnosed with these problems. In the end, they are treated in the wrong way which can further aggravate their mood and cause other issues.
It's important to note that a myriad of factors can cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD like stress and certain physical conditions and illnesses. It's important to consult an expert in mental health or a health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the difference in the prevalence of ADHD diagnosis for women and men is due to a mix of social and biological gender roles. Women are generally expected to assume a larger share of household and parenting duties than their male counterparts. This pressure can result in feelings of low self-esteem and cause dysfunctional beliefs that can cause symptoms of ADHD.
In addition, women may be less likely to report their symptoms to a healthcare professional because they think they should be able to handle them on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD also may be more likely to blame their symptoms on other causes like a lack of sleep or stress. This could lead to a lot of women who suffer from ADHD not being diagnosed until they reach adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic era has been particularly difficult for young adults, who tend to suffer from more constant high rates of anxiety and depression than middle-aged adults. These peaks coincided with cases of COVID-19 and occurred during a time where protests against racism were on the rise and mass shootings, years 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, has been proven to increase depression and anxiety. This combination of factors could be the reason why these levels are so 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 is associated with a range of health problems, including high blood pressure and chronic stress. Having close friends and family members who can provide support can be helpful, but many adults find that they simply can't make new acquaintances or maintain existing relationships.
The social norms relating to gender and sex can influence whether women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they need. In one study, teachers and parents were less likely to refer girls with 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.
The social expectations for women and girls may increase the severity of 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 the consequences of ADHD-related symptoms like inattention and disorganization. This means that they may be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety or a mood disorder, and their ADHD symptoms may not be treated appropriately.
Moreover, hormone fluctuations can also amplify ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels can be lower at the end of and during ovulation of the menstrual period which can cause symptoms worse for girls and women. This can lead to confusion in adolescents, particularly when it is combined with hormonal changes. It can be difficult to diagnose and treat them properly.
Although it is true that a lot of the same treatments are effective for women suffering from ADHD like they do for males A mental health professional will still be required to assess each person's particular needs and symptoms. The kind of therapy a patient receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms as well as other factors that might be contributing to their difficulties like the history of trauma or depression. Some typical treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps people learn to change their negative thoughts and switch them to healthier ones. Couples counseling can also assist individuals to improve their communication skills and solve problems in relationships.