ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects both males and females. However, the expectations of society & gender roles make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women are also more adept in minimizing their symptoms, which can result in a misdiagnosis or delay in treatment.
Lingering adhd symptoms and treatment in adults , referral bias, internalized symptoms, and comorbidities all create obstacles to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are some female adults' symptoms that aren't being treated for adhd.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Women and those 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.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include forgetting important appointments or things, and being easily distracted by work or social occasions. People with this disorder may also find it difficult to focus on schoolwork or other tasks. In some instances, women with ADHD may have trouble sleeping or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or a medical problem.
People with inattention ADHD often try to hide their symptoms. Others may misinterpret their behavior, causing confusion, frustration and conflict in relationships. This can result in problems in the workplace and missed career opportunities. in the workplace.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating consequences on female adults. Women may have a difficult time to cope with their difficulties at home as well as in the workplace. This makes it difficult for them to stay afloat while they take on multiple obligations and try to reach the goals they have set for themselves.
In addition to having difficulty focus, many women suffering from ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their families and friends. In the end they may become lonely or develop self-defeating patterns like alcohol abuse.
Women with untreated ADHD might also experience internalizing symptoms, such as low self esteem, feelings of guilt, shame or feeling of worthlessness. This makes them more prone to stress, physical illness and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. As a result, they are more likely to turn to suicide or self-injury as compared to those who do not suffer from the condition. A woman can be encouraged by a diagnosis and take action to improve her life. To get a diagnosis one must first consult a qualified health professional for an evaluation and effective treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, particularly in the workplace. Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD typically have a difficult time following through on work tasks and managing their daily schedule. They may lose important documents or appointments, or rely upon productivity apps to stay on top of things. These apps can be helpful, but they cannot substitute for the need for strong organization skills.
The gender role expectations of women can also contribute to the symptoms of ADHD. Women are expected to be the caretakers of their family and home, which requires some degree of coordination that those with ADHD struggle to maintain. This pressure from society can trigger feelings of self-reflection and shame for women who suffer from ADHD who are trying to meet those demands and cause them to hide their symptoms.
Problems with time management can lead to frustration in relationships both professional and personal. ADHD symptoms can cause you underestimate the time it takes to complete your tasks, which can cause you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If you're frequently late for events, consider using a planner or checklists to keep the track of deadlines. Take breaks frequently to move around and clear your mind, and employ a timer when you work.
You can also apply mindfulness techniques to stay focused and avoid distractions. For instance, instead of listening to podcasts or music while working, you can listen to the news on your phone. If you have trouble being able to concentrate while driving, consider changing to a vehicle with manual transmission. You may also want consider driving without your cellphone to avoid getting distracted by texting or making calls.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, the mental health professional can suggest treatments and coping strategies. Treatment options include stimulants and psychotherapy. The type of therapy your doctor recommends is based on the specific symptoms you have and what's going on in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for instance can help you to accept your thoughts and feelings while replacing destructive patterns of behavior with healthier ones. You can also receive couples or family therapy to improve communication within your relationships.
3. Anxiety and Depression
Females who suffer from ADHD typically have higher levels of anxiety and depression than their male counterparts. doctors who treat adhd in adults may struggle to cope with the symptoms, which can lead to a variety of unhealthy behavior. To cope with their symptoms, they may turn to substances or unhealthy eating habits. These behaviors can exacerbate symptoms. Women are also more likely to get problems that are not diagnosed. This means that they are treated in the wrong way which may further aggravate their mood and cause other issues.
It's important to note that many factors can cause similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD such as stress and certain physical conditions and illnesses. That's why it's essential to consult a health care provider or mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the difference in ADHD diagnoses between women and men is due to a combination socially and biologically imposed roles. Women are usually expected to take on the majority of household and parenting duties than their male counterparts. This can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and dysfunctional beliefs, which can lead to an increase in ADHD symptoms.
In addition, women may be less likely to disclose their symptoms to a healthcare professional because they think they can manage them on their own. Women with ADHD are also more likely than other people to blame their symptoms on other factors, like sleep issues or stress. This could lead to a lot of women with ADHD not being diagnosed until later in life.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic is particularly challenging for young adults. They tend to have higher levels of depression and anxiety than adults in their middle years. The highs in these levels coincided with spikes in the number of cases of COVID-19 and were triggered by a period of racial justice protests mass shootings, decades-high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine, recurrent climate catastrophes, and the rise in unemployment. Chronic and recent stress exposure is known to be an important risk factor for depression and anxiety, so this combination of factors could explain why these levels have been so constantly raised.
4. Trouble Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can have trouble finding and maintaining friendships, especially as they age. Social isolation can cause health problems such as high blood pressure or chronic stress. The presence of close family and friends members who provide assistance can be beneficial, but many adults find that they are unable to make new friendships or maintain current relationships.
The social norms surrounding gender and sexuality may affect the likelihood that women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they need. In one study, teachers or parents were less likely than men 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.
The social expectations for women and girls may 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. Girls and women are more likely to be the victims of punishment for symptoms of ADHD like inattention and disorganization. Consequently, they might be misdiagnosed as having an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder and their ADHD symptoms may not be properly treated.
Additionally hormonal fluctuations can cause ADHD in females. Estrogen levels decrease at the end of their menstrual cycle as well as during ovulation. This can cause the symptoms of women and girls appear worse. This can cause confusion among adolescents, especially when they are combined with hormonal changes. It is difficult to identify and treat them appropriately.
Although many of the same treatment options are available for women with ADHD A mental health professional will still need evaluate each individual's symptoms and needs. The kind of treatment a person receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms, as well as other factors that could be contributing to their problems. For example, a history depression or trauma. The most common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps individuals learn to alter their negative thoughts and replace them with healthier ones, and couples counseling, which can help individuals improve communication and resolve issues in their relationships.