ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects both women and men. However, social expectations & gender roles make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women can also mask their symptoms more effectively, which could cause them to be not diagnosed or delayed in getting treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral bias, lingering stereotypes and comorbidities can all be obstacles to a proper diagnosis. Here are some females' symptoms that aren't treated for adhd.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Although the hyperactive and impulsive signs of ADHD are more prevalent in males and females but women and those who are 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 having trouble staying organized or on task, forgetting important dates or items, 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 assignments at work or school. In some instances, women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty sleeping or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety or a medical issue.
People with inattentive ADHD often attempt to hide their symptoms. Their behavior could be misinterpreted by others, resulting in conflicts, frustrations and miscommunication in their relationships. It could result in missed career opportunities and challenges at work.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating consequences on females. Women may have a difficult time to cope with their difficulties both at home and at the workplace. This makes it difficult for them to stay afloat while they take on multiple obligations and try to reach the goals that they set for themselves.
Alongside having issues focusing, many women with ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their family and friends. adhd treatment for adults online may feel isolated or develop unhealthy habits that lead to self-defeating behaviors, such as drinking.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also experience internalizing symptoms, like low self-esteem, feelings of shame, guilt or worthlessness. This makes them more susceptible to physical illness, stress as well as mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. In turn, they are more likely to self-injury or suicide than those who do not suffer from the condition. A woman can feel empowered after receiving the diagnosis and can take action to improve her life. To receive a diagnosis one must first consult a qualified health professional for an evaluation and effective treatment.
2. adhd treatment for adults without medication can be difficult to manage, especially in the workplace. Women with undiagnosed ADHD typically have a difficult time following through on tasks at work and managing their daily schedule. They might forget appointments, lose important documents or rely on productivity apps to help keep track of their tasks. These apps can be helpful, but cannot replace good organizational skills.
The gender role expectations of women can also exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD. Women are expected to take care of their families and their homes, which requires a level of coordination that ADHD sufferers struggle to maintain. This pressure from society can make women with ADHD to feel shame and blame themselves for failing to fulfill these expectations.
Time management problems can cause frustration both in professional and personal relationships. Symptoms of ADHD can cause you to underestimate how long it takes to finish a task, causing you to be late for meetings or other commitments. You might want to consider using a checklist or a planner to on track of deadlines when you are often late for meetings or other events. Use frequent breaks to calm your mind and move around.
You can also apply mindfulness techniques to stay focused and reduce 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 have trouble being able to concentrate while driving, consider changing to a vehicle with a manual transmission. You can also consider driving with your phone off to stop distracted texting and calling.
Once you are diagnosed with ADHD, the mental health professional can recommend treatment and strategies for coping. Treatment options include stimulants as well as psychotherapy. The kind of therapy your doctor recommends will depend on the specific symptoms you have and the circumstances in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example can help you to accept your thoughts and emotions while replacing bad habits with healthier ones. You can also get family therapy or couples counseling to improve communication in your relationships.
3. Depression and Anxiety
Females with ADHD typically have higher levels of anxiety and depression than their male counterparts. They can struggle to cope with these issues, leading to a variety of unhealthy behaviours. In order to deal with their symptoms, they may use substances or develop unhealthy eating habits. These actions can make symptoms worse. Women are also more likely to get problems that are not diagnosed. They may be given the wrong treatment that could worsen their mood or cause other problems.
It's essential to be aware that stress, certain physical conditions, and illnesses can cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. It is important to speak with an expert in mental health or health care professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the disparity in ADHD diagnoses between women and men is due to a mix of biological and socially constructed roles. Women are typically expected to assume more parenting and household chores than their male counterparts. This can result in feelings of low self esteem and distorted beliefs, which can lead to an increase in ADHD symptoms.
In addition, women may be less likely to report their symptoms to a healthcare professional because they believe they should be able to handle the symptoms on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to blame their symptoms on other factors, such as a lack of sleep or stress. This could contribute to the fact that many women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until later in life.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has been especially difficult for young adults. They are more likely to experience greater levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms than adults in their middle age. The peaks in these levels coincided with a spike in the number of cases of COVID-19 and were triggered by a period of racial justice protests mass shootings, decades of high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine as well as recurring climate disasters and the rise in unemployment. Stress exposure, both chronic and recent, has been proven to cause depression and anxiety. This combination of factors could be the reason why these levels are so persistently high.
4. Difficulty Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may have trouble forming and maintaining friendships, especially in their later years. Social isolation can cause health problems such as high blood pressure or chronic stress. It is beneficial to have close family and friends who are able to provide support, but many adults have difficulty maintaining or establish new relationships.
The social norms that surround gender and sexual orientation can have an impact on 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 exacerbate 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 girls and women more likely to be punished for exhibiting ADHD-related symptoms such as disorganization and inattention. They may be misdiagnosed with anxiety or mood disorders, and their ADHD symptoms might not be treated appropriately.
Additionally hormonal fluctuations can also cause ADHD in females. Estrogen levels are lower at the end of their menstrual cycle as well as during ovulation, which can make the symptoms of women and girls get worse. This can cause confusion among adolescents, particularly when it is combined with hormonal changes. It can be difficult to identify and treat them properly.
Although many of the same treatments are available to women suffering from ADHD, a mental healthcare professional must still assess each person's individual needs and symptoms. The kind of therapy that a patient receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms and other factors that may contribute to their issues, such as the history of trauma or depression. Some common treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy, in which people learn to change their negative thinking patterns and swap them out for healthier ones, and couples counseling, which can help individuals improve their communication and solve issues in their relationships.