ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects males and females. However, social expectations & gender roles make it difficult for women to recognize. Women are also able to mask their symptoms more effectively, which could result in them being misdiagnosed or delayed in treatment.
Remaining stereotypes, referral bias, internalized symptoms and comorbidities can all create roadblocks to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are a few of the most common untreated adhd in female adults symptoms.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Women and people who were assigned female 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 symptoms of inattention ADHD include difficulty staying organized or on track, ignoring important dates or items, and easily being distracted by social or work occasions. Women with this disorder may also find it difficult to concentrate on schoolwork or other tasks. Women with ADHD can have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep because of depression, anxiety, or medical problems.
People with inattentive ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and attempt to compensate for them. Their behavior can be misinterpreted by others, leading to misunderstandings, frustration and conflict in their relationships. adhd treatment for adults near me can lead to missed career opportunities and challenges in the workplace.
This is why the effects of untreated ADHD in females who are adults can be devastating. Women can be struggling to manage their problems at home as well as at work which can make it difficult to keep afloat when they take on multiple responsibilities and try to meet the goals they have set for themselves.
Many women with ADHD have trouble focusing and also struggle to get emotional support from family members and friends. In the end, they can become isolated or develop self-defeating habits that are unhealthy like alcohol abuse.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms, like low self-esteem and feelings shame, guilt or worthlessness. This can make them more susceptible to physical illness, stress and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. They are more likely than those who do not have the condition to take self-harm or commit suicide. A woman may feel empowered by an diagnosis and take steps to improve her life. To get a diagnosis one must first consult a licensed health professional for an evaluation and effective treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, especially in the workplace. Women with undiagnosed ADHD struggle with managing their daily schedule and completing work tasks. They might forget appointments, lose important documents, or rely on productivity apps to help them remain on track. These apps are useful but they are not a substitute for good organizational skills.
The gender role expectations of women can also contribute to the symptoms of ADHD. Women are required to look after their homes and families, which requires a level of coordination that ADHD sufferers have to work hard to maintain. This social pressure can cause feelings of guilt and shame among women with ADHD who are trying to fulfill these expectations, causing them to mask their symptoms.
Time management problems can cause frustration both in professional and personal relationships. adhd treatment for adults without medication can cause you underestimating the time it takes to complete tasks, causing you to be late to meetings or other commitments. If you are frequently late for meetings, think about using a planner or checklists to keep on top of deadlines. Take frequent breaks to relax your mind and move around.
You can also try mindfulness techniques to help you stay on task and reduce distractions. For instance, instead listening to podcasts or music while working, play an article on your mobile. If you are having trouble concentrating while driving, consider switching to a manual transmission vehicle. You can also consider driving with your phone off to prevent distracted texting and phone calls.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, a mental health professional can recommend treatment and coping strategies. Treatment options include stimulants as well as psychotherapy. The kind of therapy that your doctor recommends will depend on the specific symptoms you have and the circumstances in your life. For instance, cognitive behavior therapy can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings while swapping out negative behaviors for healthier ones. You can also seek family therapy or couples counseling to improve communication between you and your family members.
3. Anxiety and Depression
Females suffering from ADHD often report higher levels of depression and anxiety than their male counterparts. They may have difficulty coping with the symptoms, which can result in a range of unhealthy behaviors. In order to deal with their symptoms, they may use substances or develop unhealthy eating habits. These habits can cause symptoms to worsen. Women are also more likely to have these issues that are not properly diagnosed. This means that they receive the wrong treatment which can further aggravate their mood and cause other issues.
It's essential to be aware that stress, certain physical conditions and illnesses can trigger symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. It is important to speak with a mental health professional or a health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the difference in ADHD diagnoses between women and men is due to a mixture of socially and biologically constructed roles. Women are usually expected to perform the majority of parenting and household chores than their male counterparts. This pressure can cause feelings of low self-esteem and lead to dysfunctional beliefs that can cause symptoms of ADHD.
Women are also less likely than men to speak with a doctor 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 symptoms, for example, sleep deprivation or stress. This can result in many women with ADHD not being diagnosed until adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic period has been particularly challenging for young adults, who are more likely to have more persistently high levels of depression and anxiety than adults of middle age. These peak levels coincided with COVID-19-related cases and occurred during a time where protests against racial discrimination were taking place, mass shootings, decades of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine and recurrent catastrophes, as well as rising 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 consistently high.
4. Trouble Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD might have trouble forming and maintaining friendships, particularly in their later years. Social isolation can be connected to a myriad of health issues, including high blood pressure and chronic stress. Being close to family and friends members who provide assistance can be beneficial, but many adults find that they simply can't make new friends or maintain their current relationships.
The social norms relating to gender and sexuality can have an affect whether women suffering from ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In one study, teachers or parents 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.
These expectations from society for women and girls could also exacerbate their 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 likely to be penalized for showing symptoms of ADHD like disorganization and inattention. Consequently, they might be mistakenly diagnosed as having depression or anxiety or a mood disorder, and their ADHD symptoms may not be appropriately treated.
Additionally hormonal fluctuations can also cause ADHD in females. Estrogen levels are typically lower at the end of and during ovulation of the menstrual cycle and can cause symptoms to become worse for women and girls. This can cause confusion among adolescents, especially when they are combined with hormonal changes. It can be difficult to identify and treat them appropriately.
Although it is true that many of the same therapies work for women with ADHD as they do for men However, a mental health professional will have to take a look at each individual's particular needs and symptoms. The type of treatment a patient receives depends on the severity of their ADHD symptoms, as well as other factors that could be the cause of their issues. For example trauma, a history of depression or a traumatic experience. A few popular treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a process where individuals learn to change their negative thoughts and switch them to healthier ones. Couples counseling can help individuals improve their communication skills and solve issues in their relationships.