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 are also better at masking their symptoms, which can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.
Lingering stereotypes, referral biases internalized symptoms, and comorbidities all create roadblocks to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are some of the most frequently reported untreated adhd female adults symptoms.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Women and people who were assigned females at birth are often not 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.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include not remembering important appointments or things and being easily distracted by work or social occasions. It can also be hard for a woman with this disorder to sit down and concentrate on their homework or other work at work or school. Women with ADHD are often unable to fall asleep or staying asleep because of depression, anxiety or medical issues.
People with inattentive ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms. Their behavior can be misinterpreted by others, resulting in confusion, anger and conflict in their relationships. This can result in missed career opportunities and challenges in the workplace.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating effects on females. Women can find themselves struggling to cope with their challenges at home and at work, which can make it difficult for them to keep afloat when they take on multiple responsibilities and try to achieve the goals they set for themselves.
In addition to having difficulty in focusing, many women with ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their family and friends. They may become lonely or develop unhealthy habits that are self-defeating, such as drinking.
Women with untreated ADHD might also experience internalizing symptoms such as low self esteem or feelings of guilt shame or feelings of inadequacy. This can make them more susceptible to physical and mental stress and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. As adhd treatment for adults uk , they are more likely to self-injury or suicide than those who don't suffer from the condition. Being diagnosed can help women feel more empowered to take steps to transform her life to the best of her abilities. However, getting diagnosed requires that she first consult a qualified healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and effective treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, especially at work. Women with undiagnosed ADHD often have a harder working through work assignments and coordinating their schedule. They may forget appointments, lose important paperwork, or depend on productivity apps to help them keep track of their tasks. These apps can be helpful, but cannot replace the ability to organize your life.
The expectations for gender roles of women can also contribute to the symptoms of ADHD. Society expects women to take care of their family and home which requires some degree of coordination that those with ADHD struggle to maintain. This pressure from society could cause women suffering from ADHD to feel shame and blame themselves for not being able to meet these demands.
Problems with time management can lead to frustration in relationships, both personal and professional. Symptoms of ADHD can cause you to underestimate the time 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 checklists to keep track of deadlines. Take frequent breaks to move around and relax your mind. You can also employ a timer when you work.
You can also apply mindfulness techniques to remain focused and cut down on distractions. For instance, instead listening to podcasts or music while working, you can listen to an article on your phone. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, you might consider changing to a vehicle with a manual transmission. It is also possible to drive with your cell phone turned off to avoid distracted texting and phone calls.
A mental health professional can help you determine the most effective treatment and coping strategy for ADHD. Treatment options include medication, such as stimulants, and psychotherapy. Your doctor will recommend a therapy based on your symptoms and the current situation in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for instance can help you accept your thoughts and emotions while replacing destructive patterns of behavior with healthier ones. You can also get family therapy or couples counseling to improve communication in your relationships.
3. Anxiety Disorders 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 can lead to a variety of unhealthy behavior. In order to deal with their symptoms, they may resort to using substances or adopt unhealthy eating habits. These behaviors can make symptoms worse. Women are also more likely to have problems that are not diagnosed. They may receive the wrong treatment, which could make them feel worse or cause other issues.
It's crucial to know that stress, certain physical ailments, and illnesses can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. That's why it's essential to see a medical provider or a mental health professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the differences in ADHD diagnoses between women and men is due to a combination socially and biologically imposed roles. Women are usually expected to perform the majority of household and parenting duties than their male counterparts. More can cause feelings of low self-esteem and dysfunctional beliefs, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Women are also less likely than men to tell a doctor about their symptoms, believing that they are able to manage them on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD also may be more likely to blame their symptoms on other factors like a lack of sleep or stress. This can contribute to the fact that a lot of women with ADHD are undiagnosed in adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic is especially difficult for young adults. They are more likely to experience higher levels of depression and anxiety than adults in their middle years. These peaks coincided with COVID-19-related cases and occurred at a time when protests against racism were on the rise and mass shootings, years of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine and recurrent catastrophes, as well as rising unemployment. Recent and frequent stress exposure is recognized as an important risk factor for depression and anxiety and this combination of factors could explain why these levels have been constantly raised.
4. Problems in Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD might have trouble forming and maintaining friendships, especially when they reach adulthood. Social isolation can cause health issues such as high blood pressure or chronic stress. It is beneficial to have close family and friends who can provide assistance, but many adults struggle to maintain or establish new relationships.
The social norms that surround gender and sexual orientation can have an affect whether women suffering from ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In one study, parents and teachers 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 expectations of society for women and girls could cause them to develop 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 women and girls more likely to be punished for having ADHD-related symptoms like disorganization and inattention. Consequently, they might be incorrectly diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder or a mood disorder, and their ADHD symptoms might not be properly treated.
In addition hormonal fluctuations can also cause ADHD in females. Estrogen levels may be lower at the end and during the ovulation period of the menstrual cycle which can cause symptoms more severe for females and girls. This can lead to confusion in adolescents, especially when they are combined with hormonal changes. It can be difficult to identify and treat them appropriately.
Although many of the same treatment options are available for women with ADHD, a mental healthcare professional must still assess the individual's needs and symptoms. The kind of therapy that a patient receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms and any other factors that could be contributing to their issues, such as the history of trauma or depression. A few common treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, where individuals learn to alter their negative thoughts and swap them out for healthier ones, as well as couples counseling, which can help individuals improve their communication and solve issues in their relationships.