ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD affects both men as well as women, however, societal expectations and gender roles often make it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. Women may also hide their symptoms more effectively, which could lead them to be incorrectly diagnosed or delayed in treatment.
Lingering stereotypes, referral bias, internalized symptoms and comorbidities can all create roadblocks to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are a few of most common untreated adhd in female adults.
1. Difficulty Focusing
While hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD are more common in boys and men but women and those who are who are assigned a female at birth (AFAB) are not yet diagnosed 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.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include difficulty staying organized or on track, ignoring important things or appointments and easily being distracted by work or social events. It can be difficult for women with this disorder to sit and concentrate on assignments or other tasks at school or work. In some cases, women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble getting or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety or a medical condition.
People with inattention ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and try to compensate for them. Their behavior may be misinterpreted by others, resulting in confusion, anger and conflict in their relationships. In the workplace, it can lead to lost opportunities and career challenges.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating consequences on female adults. Women may have a difficult time to deal with their problems at home as well as in the workplace. This could make it difficult to keep afloat as they juggle their multiple responsibilities and attempt to achieve goals they have set for themselves.
In addition to having difficulty focus, many women suffering from ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their family and friends. As a result, they can become isolated or develop self-defeating patterns, such as alcohol abuse.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can also develop internalizing symptoms like low self-esteem and feelings of guilt, shame or a sense of worthlessness. This makes them more vulnerable to physical and mental stressors and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. They are more likely than people who do not suffer from the condition to take self-harm or commit suicide. A woman can be encouraged by the diagnosis and can take action to improve her life. To be diagnosed the woman should first consult a licensed healthcare provider for an evaluation and effective treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, particularly at work. Women with undiagnosed ADHD typically have a difficult time following through on tasks at work and managing their schedule. They may lose important paperwork or appointments, or rely upon productivity apps to stay on top of things. These apps can be helpful, but they cannot replace the need for good organizational skills.
The expectations for gender roles of women can also contribute to the symptoms of ADHD. Society expects women to take care of their homes and families and require an amount of coordination that people suffering from ADHD struggle to maintain. This pressure from society can make women with ADHD to feel embarrassed and blame themselves for not being able to meet these demands.
Time management problems can lead to frustration both in professional and personal relationships. The symptoms of ADHD can cause you to underestimate how you will take to finish a task, causing you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If you're frequently late for events, consider using a planner or checklist to keep on top of deadlines. Make sure to take frequent breaks to move around and calm your mind. Also, use a timer when working.
You can also use mindfulness techniques to stay focused and avoid distractions. Watching news stories on your smartphone instead of listening to music or podcasts could be a good alternative to listening to music while working. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, think about switching to a car with manual transmission. You might also want to think about driving without your phone to avoid being distracted by texting or making calls.
Once you are diagnosed with ADHD, a mental health professional can recommend treatments and strategies for coping. Treatment options can include medication, such as stimulants, and psychotherapy. The kind of therapy that your doctor recommends will be based on your specific needs and the current state of your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example can help you accept your thoughts and feelings while replacing bad habits with healthier ones. You can also seek couples counseling or family therapy to improve communication between 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 these symptoms, leading to a range of unhealthy behaviors. For instance, they may turn to substance use or develop unhealthy eating habits as a way of dealing with their symptoms. These actions can make symptoms worse. Women are also more likely to get problems that are not diagnosed. This means that they receive the wrong treatment which may further aggravate their mood and cause other issues.
It's important to remember that a myriad of factors can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD such as stress and certain physical conditions and illnesses. It's important to see a medical specialist or mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the difference in the rate of ADHD diagnosis for women and men is due to a mix of biological and socially constructed gender roles. Women are expected to do more household and parenting work than men. This pressure can cause feelings of self-doubt and cause dysfunctional beliefs that can exacerbate symptoms of ADHD.
Women may also be less likely than men to speak with doctors about their symptoms, believing that they are able to manage them on their own. Women with ADHD might also be more likely than other people to blame their symptoms on other factors, like sleep issues or stress. This could be a contributing factor to the fact that a lot of women with ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has been especially difficult for young adults. They tend to have higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms than adults in their middle age. These peak levels coincided with COVID-19 cases and were occurring at a time when protests against racism were on the rise and mass shootings, a decade of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine, recurrent catastrophes and rising unemployment. Stress exposure, especially recent and chronic, is recognized as a risk factor for anxiety and depression, so this combination of factors may help explain why these levels have been so constantly increased.
4. Trouble Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may have trouble forming and maintaining friendships, especially in their later years. Social isolation is connected to a myriad of health issues, including high blood pressure and chronic stress. The presence of close family and friends members who can provide support can be beneficial but many adults find that they are unable to make new friends or maintain their current relationships.
Societal norms about gender and sexuality may affect whether or not women suffering from ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In doctors that treat adhd in adults , parents and teachers were less likely to refer girls suffering from ADHD to services 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.
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 inattention and disorganization. They may be misdiagnosed with anxiety or mood disorders, and their ADHD symptoms may not be treated properly.
In addition, hormonal fluctuations can amplify ADHD in females. Estrogen levels are typically lower towards the end and during the ovulation phase of the menstrual cycle, which can make symptoms worse for women and girls. When combined with hormonal changes during adolescence, this can cause confusion about their symptoms, making it difficult for them to receive a correct diagnosis and adequate treatment.
Although many of the same treatment options are available to women with ADHD However, a mental health professional will still have to evaluate each individual's symptoms and needs. The type of therapy a patient receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms and any other factors that could be contributing to their problems, such as a history of depression or trauma. Some common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a process where individuals learn to change their negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier ones. Couples counseling can also assist individuals to improve their communication and resolve issues in their relationships.