ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects women and men. However, societal expectations and gender roles make it difficult for women to recognize. Women can also mask their symptoms better, which could result in them being not diagnosed or delayed in getting treatment.
Lingering stereotypes, referral bias, internalized symptoms, and comorbidities all create obstacles to a correct diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are some of female adults' symptoms that aren't being treated for adhd.
1. Problems with Focusing
While hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent in boys and men, women and people 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 include difficulty staying organized or on track, ignoring important appointments or things, and easily being distracted by social or work events. People with this disorder may also find it difficult to focus on schoolwork or other tasks. In some instances, women with ADHD might have difficulty getting or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety or a medical issue.
People with inattentive ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and attempt to make up for them. Others may misinterpret their behavior, causing misunderstandings, frustration and conflict in relationships. This can result in missed career opportunities and challenges in the workplace.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating effects on female adults. Women may have difficulty to deal with their problems both at home and in the workplace. This could make it difficult to stay afloat while they take on multiple tasks and strive to meet the goals they set for them.
Many women suffering from ADHD struggle to focus and also are unable to receive emotional support from family members and close friends. They can become isolated, or develop unhealthy patterns that lead to self-defeating behaviors, such as drinking.
Women with untreated ADHD can also experience internalizing symptoms like low self-esteem or feelings of guilt shame or feeling of worthlessness. This can lead them to be more vulnerable to physical and mental stress and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. They are more likely than those who do not have the condition to take self-harm or commit suicide. Being diagnosed can make a woman feel more confident in taking steps to alter her life to the best of her abilities. However, obtaining an diagnosis requires that she first see an expert in healthcare for a thorough assessment and efficient treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, particularly at work. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD typically have a difficult to complete work assignments and coordinating their daily schedule. They may forget appointments, misplace important paperwork, or rely on productivity apps to help them stay on task. These apps can be helpful but they are not able to replace the need for solid 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 those with ADHD struggle to maintain. This societal pressure can trigger feelings of shame and self-blame in women with ADHD who try to meet those demands which can cause them to conceal their symptoms.
Time management issues can lead to frustration in relationships, both personal and professional. Symptoms of ADHD can cause you to underestimate the long it takes to finish a task, causing you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If you're often late for meetings, think about using a planner or checklist to keep on top of deadlines. Take frequent breaks to relax your mind and get moving.
You can also try mindfulness techniques to help you stay on the task and avoid distractions. For instance, instead listening to podcasts or music while working, listen to the news on your smartphone. If you have trouble being able to concentrate while driving, think about switching to a car that has a manual transmission. online adhd treatment for adults is also possible to drive with your cell phone turned off to prevent distractions with texting and calls.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, a mental health professional can suggest treatments and strategies for coping. Treatment options include stimulants and psychotherapy. Your doctor will suggest a therapy based on your symptoms and the current circumstances in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example can help you accept your thoughts and emotions while replacing negative patterns of behaviour with healthier ones. You can also get family or couples therapy to improve communication in your relationships.
3. Depression and anxiety
Females suffering from ADHD are more prone to depression and anxiety than men. They may struggle to cope with the symptoms, which could lead to a variety of unhealthy behaviours. For example, they might resort to using substances or develop unhealthy eating habits to deal with their symptoms. These behaviors can make symptoms worse. Women are also more likely to have these problems misdiagnosed. They could receive the wrong treatment, which could increase their mood or trigger other issues.
It's essential to be aware that stress, certain physical conditions, and illnesses can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. It is essential to consult a mental health professional or health care provider for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the differences in ADHD diagnoses between men and women is due to a mix of socially and biologically imposed roles. Women are typically expected to perform the majority of household and parenting duties than their male counterparts. This can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and distorted beliefs, which can worsen ADHD symptoms.
Women are also less likely than men to inform doctors about their symptoms, believing that they can handle them themselves. Women who suffer from ADHD may also be more likely than others to blame their problems on external factors, such as lack of sleep or stress. This can result in many women with ADHD not being diagnosed until later in life.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic period has been particularly challenging for young adults, who tend to suffer from more constant high rates of anxiety and depression than middle-aged adults. The highs in these levels coincided with spikes in COVID-19 case numbers and occurred in a period of racial justice protests, mass shooting events, decades-high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine and recurring climate catastrophes and rising unemployment. Stress exposure, especially recent and chronic, is known to be a risk factor for anxiety and depression, so this combination of factors may help explain why these levels have been consistently elevated.
4. Problems in Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD might have trouble forming and maintaining friendships, particularly in adulthood. Social isolation is connected to a myriad of health issues, including high blood pressure and chronic stress. evidence based treatment for adhd in adults of close family and friends members who offer support can be helpful but many adults find that they simply can't make new friends or maintain their current relationships.
Social norms regarding gender and sexuality may affect whether or not women suffering from ADHD receive the diagnosis and treatment they require. In one study, teachers or parents were less likely than boys 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.
The expectations of society for women and girls could 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. Girls and women are more likely to experience punishment for ADHD-related symptoms like inattention and disorganization. It is possible that they are misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety and their ADHD symptoms might not be treated properly.
Furthermore, hormone changes can further increase ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels may be lower towards the end and during ovulation of the menstrual cycle which can cause symptoms worse for girls and women. This can lead to confusion in adolescents, especially when they are combined with hormonal changes. It can be difficult to recognize and treat them appropriately.
Although many of the same treatment options are available for women with ADHD However, a mental health professional will still need evaluate each person's individual needs and symptoms. The type of treatment that a person receives is based on the severity of their ADHD symptoms, as well as other factors that may be contributing to their difficulties. For example the history of trauma or depression. A few typical treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps people learn to change their negative thought patterns and swap them for healthier ones. Couples counseling can help individuals improve their communication skills and solve relationship problems.