ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD affects both men and women, but the expectations of society and gender roles can make it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. Women are also better in hiding their symptoms, which can result in a misdiagnosis or delay in treatment.
Remaining stereotypes, referral biases internalized symptoms, and comorbidities all create roadblocks to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are a few female adults' symptoms that are not treated for adhd.
1. Trouble focusing
Women and people 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.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include not remembering important appointments or things that are important, and getting easily distracted by work or social occasions. Women with this disorder might also have difficulty to concentrate on schoolwork or other tasks. In some instances, women with ADHD might have difficulty falling or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety or a medical issue.
People with inattentive ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and attempt to compensate for them. People may interpret their behavior incorrectly, leading to misunderstandings, frustration, and conflict within relationships. It could result in difficulties in their careers and a lack of opportunities in the workplace.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating consequences on females. Women can find themselves struggling to cope with their difficulties at home and at work which can make it difficult to keep afloat when they take on multiple responsibilities and attempt to meet the goals they have set for themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD struggle to focus and find it difficult to receive emotional support from family members and close friends. They may feel isolated or develop unhealthy habits that are self-defeating, such as drinking.
Women with untreated ADHD can also develop internalizing symptoms like low self-esteem and feelings of guilt, shame or a sense of worthlessness. This makes them more prone to stress, physical illness and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. They are more likely than those who do not suffer from the condition to commit suicide or self-harm. A diagnosis can help women feel more confident in taking steps to transform her life for the better. However, obtaining diagnosed requires that she first see a qualified healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and efficient treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms are difficult to manage in the workplace, particularly. Women with undiagnosed ADHD have trouble managing their daily schedule and completing work tasks. They may lose important paperwork or appointments, or rely upon productivity apps to keep on track. These apps can be helpful but they are not a substitute for good organizational skills.
The expectations for gender roles of women can also increase the symptoms of ADHD. Women are required to look after their families and their homes which requires a degree of coordination that ADHD sufferers struggle to maintain. This pressure from society can trigger feelings of guilt and shame among women with ADHD who try to fulfill these expectations, causing them to mask their symptoms.
Troubles with time management could cause frustration in relationships, both personal and professional. ADHD symptoms can cause you to underestimate the time it takes to complete tasks, causing you to be late to meetings or other commitments. Use a checklist or a planner to keep on track of deadlines when you are often late for meetings or other events. Make sure to take frequent breaks to move around and clear your mind, and employ a timer when you work.
You can also employ mindfulness techniques to focus and cut down on distractions. For instance, instead of listening to music or podcasts while working, play the news on your smartphone. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, try switching to a manual transmission car. You may also want to consider driving without your cellphone to avoid getting distracted by texting or calling.
A mental health professional can help find the best treatment and coping strategy for ADHD. Treatment options may include medications, like stimulants, as well as psychotherapy. The kind of therapy that your doctor recommends will depend on your specific symptoms and the current state of your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for instance can help you to accept your thoughts and feelings while replacing destructive patterns of behavior with healthier ones. You can also seek couples counseling or family therapy to improve communication between you and your family members.
3. Depression and Anxiety
Females suffering from ADHD often report higher levels of anxiety and depression than their male counterparts. They may have difficulty coping with these symptoms, leading to a variety of unhealthy behaviors. For example, they might take up drug use or develop unhealthy eating habits to deal with their symptoms. These actions can worsen symptoms. Furthermore women are more likely to be misdiagnosed with these problems. They could receive the wrong treatment that could worsen their mood or cause other problems.
It's important to remember that a myriad of factors can cause similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD, including stress and certain physical ailments and illnesses. It's important to see a health care specialist or mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers suspect that this disparity in the frequency of ADHD diagnosis between males and females is due to a mix of biological and socially constructed gender roles. Women are usually expected to assume the majority of parenting and household chores than their male counterparts. This pressure can cause feelings of low self-esteem and cause dysfunctional beliefs that can exacerbate symptoms of ADHD.
Women are also less likely than men to speak with doctors about their symptoms, believing that they can handle them themselves. Women with ADHD might also be more likely than others to blame their symptoms, like sleep issues or stress. This can lead to many women with ADHD not being diagnosed until they reach adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic era has been particularly difficult for young adults, who are more likely to have more persistently high levels of depression and anxiety than adults of middle age. The peaks in these levels coincided with the peaks in COVID-19 case numbers and were triggered by a period of racial justice protests, mass shootings, decades-high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine as well as recurring climate disasters and rising unemployment. Stress exposure either in the form of chronic or recent, has been proven to increase anxiety and depression. doctors who treat adhd in adults of factors could be the reason why these levels are persistently high.
4. Trouble Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD might have trouble forming and maintaining friendships, especially in adulthood. Social isolation can be linked to a variety of health issues, including high blood pressure and chronic stress. Having close friends and family members who can 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 sexuality may affect whether or not women suffering from ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In one study, parents or teachers 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.
The expectations of society 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 suffer punishment for symptoms of ADHD like inattention and disorganization. Consequently, they might be incorrectly diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder and their ADHD symptoms may not be treated appropriately.
Moreover, hormone fluctuations can further amplify ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels decrease at the end of menstrual cycles and during ovulation, which can cause girls' and women's symptoms appear worse. Combined with hormonal changes in the adolescent years, this can result in confusion regarding their symptoms, making it harder to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Although it is true that a number of the same therapies are effective for women suffering from ADHD like they do for men, a mental health professional will still have to take a look at each individual's unique symptoms and needs. The type of treatment a person receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms, as well as other factors contributing to their difficulties. For example trauma, a history of trauma or depression. The most common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people learn to change 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.