ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a problem that affects both men and women, but the expectations of society and gender roles often make it harder for them to recognize the signs. Women may also hide their symptoms more effectively, which could lead them to be not diagnosed or delayed in getting treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral biases, lingering stereotypes and comorbidities can all be obstacles to a clear diagnosis. Here are a few of the most common untreated adhd in female adults symptoms.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Although the hyperactive and impulsive signs of ADHD are more prevalent in boys and men however, women and those born female (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 symptoms of inattention ADHD include having trouble staying organized or on task, forgetting important things or appointments and being easily distracted by social or work events. It can be difficult for women with this disorder to sit and concentrate on their homework or other assignments at work or school. Women who suffer from ADHD are often unable to fall asleep or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety or medical issues.
People with inattentive ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms and attempt to compensate for them. Others might not understand their behavior, leading to confusion, frustration, and conflict within relationships. In the workplace, it could lead to lost opportunities and career challenges.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating consequences on females. Women can find themselves struggling to cope with their difficulties at home and at work, which can make it hard to stay on top of their game as they take on multiple responsibilities and attempt to meet the goals they set for themselves.
In addition to having trouble focus, many women suffering from ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their families and friends. As a result they may feel isolated or develop unhealthy patterns of self-defeating behaviors like alcohol abuse.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms, such as low self-esteem and feelings guilt, shame or deprivation. This can make them more prone to physical illness, stress and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. This means they are more likely to suicide or self-injury than those who don't suffer from the condition. A diagnosis can help women feel more confident in taking steps to alter her life to the best of her abilities. To get a diagnosis the woman should first consult a licensed healthcare professional for an assessment and effective treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage at work, particularly. Women with undiagnosed ADHD struggle with managing their schedules and completing work tasks. They might forget appointments, lose important documents or depend on productivity apps to help remain on track. These apps are useful but they are not a substitute for the ability to organize your life.
The gender-based expectations of women can also increase the symptoms of ADHD. Women are expected to take care of their homes and families which requires an amount of coordination that people suffering from ADHD struggle to maintain. This pressure from society could cause women suffering from ADHD to feel shame and blame themselves for failing to meet these demands.
Problems with time management can cause frustration both in personal and professional relationships. ADHD symptoms can cause you underestimating the time it takes to complete your tasks, which can cause you to be late to meetings or other commitments. If you're often late for meetings, think about using a planner or checklist to keep on top of deadlines. Use frequent breaks to calm your mind and move around.
You can also practice mindfulness techniques to help you stay focused on your focus and eliminate 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 have trouble being able to concentrate while driving, consider changing to a vehicle with a manual transmission. It is also possible to drive with your phone off to avoid distracted texting and phone calls.
A mental health professional can help find the best treatment and coping strategy for ADHD. symptoms of adhd in adults treatment include stimulants as well as psychotherapy. Your doctor will recommend an approach depending on your symptoms and the present situation in your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you to learn to accept your thoughts and feelings, while swapping out negative behaviors 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 often report higher levels of anxiety and depression than their male counterparts. They can struggle to cope with these symptoms, leading to a variety of unhealthy behaviours. For instance, they could resort to using substances or develop unhealthy eating habits as a means of dealing with their symptoms. These actions can worsen symptoms. Furthermore, women are more likely to be misdiagnosed for these problems. In the end, they are treated incorrectly, which can further worsen their mood and cause other issues.
It's important to recognize that a variety of factors can trigger similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD such as stress and certain physical conditions and illnesses. It is important to speak with an expert in mental health or a health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers suspect that this disparity in the frequency of ADHD diagnosis between males and women is due to a combination of biological and socially constructed gender roles. Women are usually expected to perform more parenting and household duties than their male counterparts. This pressure can cause feelings of low self-esteem and cause dysfunctional beliefs that can lead to the emergence of symptoms of ADHD.
In addition, women may be less likely to report their symptoms to a healthcare professional due to the belief that they can manage them on their own. Women with ADHD might also be more likely to blame their symptoms on other causes such as lack of sleep or excessive 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 has been particularly challenging for young adults. They tend to have greater levels of depression and anxiety than adults in their middle age. The highs in these levels coincided with a spike in COVID-19 case numbers and occurred during a time of racial justice protests mass shootings, decades-high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine and recurring climate catastrophes and the rise in unemployment. Stress exposure, especially recent and chronic, is recognized as an important risk cause for depression and anxiety This combination of factors may help explain why these levels have been so persistently raised.
4. Problems in Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD may have trouble forming and maintaining friendships, particularly when they reach adulthood. Social isolation is associated with a range of health issues, including high blood pressure and chronic stress. It is beneficial to have close family and friends who can offer support, however many adults struggle to keep or make new connections.
The social norms surrounding gender and sexual orientation can have an impact on whether women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In one study, teachers and parents 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 societal expectations of women and girls can increase the severity of 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 penalized for showing symptoms of ADHD like disorganization and inattention. Consequently, they might be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety or a mood disorder, and their ADHD symptoms may not be treated appropriately.
Additionally, hormonal fluctuations can amplify ADHD in females. Estrogen levels can be lower at the end and during the ovulation period of the menstrual cycle and can cause symptoms to become more severe for females and girls. When combined with hormonal changes during the adolescent years, this can result in confusion regarding their symptoms, making it harder for them to receive a correct diagnosis and adequate treatment.
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 both their ADHD symptoms as well as other factors that may contribute to their issues, such as the history of depression or trauma. Some common treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy, in which individuals learn to alter their negative thoughts and swap them out for healthier ones, and couples counseling, which can help individuals improve communication and resolve issues in their relationships.