ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD affects both men as well as women, however, societal expectations and gender roles can make it difficult for them to get diagnosed. Women are also better in minimizing their symptoms, which could cause misdiagnosis and delay in treatment.
Lingering stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptoms, and comorbidities all create obstacles to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are a few female adults' symptoms that aren't treated for adhd.
1. Trouble focusing
Women and people who were assigned females at birth are not yet diagnosed 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 signs of inattention ADHD are a lack of organization or on task, losing important dates or items, and easily being distracted by social or work occasions. Women suffering from this disorder may also find it difficult to focus on schoolwork or other tasks. In some cases, women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty getting or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety or a medical problem.
People with inattention ADHD often try to hide their symptoms. Their behavior could be misinterpreted by others, resulting in conflicts, frustrations and miscommunication in their relationships. In the workplace, it can result in missed opportunities and career challenges.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating consequences on female adults. Women may find themselves struggling to cope with their challenges at home and at work which can make it difficult to stay on top of their game as they take on multiple responsibilities and attempt to achieve the goals they have set for themselves.
Alongside having issues in focusing, many women with ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their families and friends. As a result, they can become isolated or develop self-defeating habits that are unhealthy like alcohol abuse.
Women with untreated ADHD can also experience internalizing symptoms, such as low self esteem and feelings of guilt, shame or worthlessness. This makes them more susceptible to stress, physical illnesses and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. They are more likely than those who don't have the condition to commit suicide or self-harm. Women can feel empowered after receiving an diagnosis and take steps to improve her life. However, getting an diagnosis requires that she first consult an expert in healthcare for a thorough evaluation and efficient treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, particularly in the workplace. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD have trouble managing their schedules and completing their work. They might forget appointments, misplace important paperwork or rely on productivity apps to help remain on track. These apps can be helpful but they are not a substitute for the ability to organize your life.
The expectations for gender roles of women can also exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD. Society expects women to take care of their homes and families and require an amount of coordination that those with ADHD struggle to maintain. The pressures from society can cause women suffering from ADHD to feel embarrassed and blame themselves for trying to meet these demands.
Troubles with time management could lead to 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 for meetings or other commitments. Use a checklist or a planner to keep the track of deadlines if you're often late for events. Make sure to take frequent breaks to move around and relax your mind. You can also use a timer when working.
You can also practice mindfulness techniques to help you focus on your focus and eliminate distractions. Watching news stories on your phone instead of music or podcasts is an alternative to music while working. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, you might consider switching to a car that has manual transmission. It is also possible to drive with your cellphone switched off to stop distracted texting and calling.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, the mental health professional can recommend treatments and coping strategies. Treatment options include medication, such as stimulants, and psychotherapy. The kind of therapy your doctor recommends will be based on your specific needs and the circumstances in your life. For instance, cognitive behavior therapy can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings while changing your negative patterns of behavior for healthier ones. You can also get family therapy or couples counseling to improve communication in your relationships.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females suffering from ADHD tend to have higher levels of anxiety and depression than their male counterparts. They may have difficulty coping with the symptoms, which can result in a range of unhealthy behaviors. To cope with their symptoms, they may use substances or develop unhealthy eating habits. These actions can worsen symptoms. Women are also more likely to have these issues that are not properly diagnosed. They may 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 such as stress and certain physical conditions and illnesses. It's important to consult a health care specialist or mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers suspect that this disparity in the frequency of ADHD diagnosis among males and women is due to a mix of social and biological gender roles. Women are expected to take on more household and parenting work than men. This can cause feelings of self-esteem loss and distorted beliefs, which can worsen ADHD symptoms.
Furthermore, women may be less likely to report their symptoms to a healthcare professional because they believe they're able to handle them on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD may also be more likely than other people to blame their problems on external factors, such as lack of sleep or stress. This can result in many women who suffer from ADHD not being 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 rates of anxiety and depression than middle-aged adults. These peaks coincided with cases of COVID-19 and occurred at a time when protests against racial discrimination were taking place, mass shootings, decades 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, is known to increase depression and anxiety. This combination of factors could be the reason why these levels are so constant high.
4. Trouble Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD may have difficulty establishing and maintaining friendships, especially in adulthood. Social isolation can be connected to a myriad of health issues, such as high blood pressure and chronic stress. It can be beneficial to have close family and friends who can offer support, but many adults struggle to keep or make new connections.
The social norms surrounding gender and sexuality can have an impact on whether 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.
adhd treatment for adults online of women and girls may contribute 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 means that women and girls are more prone to being punished for exhibiting ADHD-related symptoms such as disorganization and inattention. This means that they may be incorrectly diagnosed with depression or anxiety or a mood disorder, and their ADHD symptoms might not be properly treated.
In addition hormonal fluctuations can cause ADHD in females. adhd treatment for adult women may be lower at the end and during the ovulation phase of the menstrual period and can cause symptoms to become worse for girls and women. This can cause confusion in adolescents, especially when they are combined with hormonal changes. It is difficult to recognize and treat them appropriately.
Although many of the same treatment options are available for women suffering from ADHD However, a mental health professional must still assess each person's individual needs and symptoms. The type of therapy a person receives will depend on both their ADHD symptoms and any other factors that might be contributing to their difficulties like the history of depression or trauma. The most 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 also assist individuals to improve their communication skills and solve problems in relationships.