ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects both males and females. However, social expectations and gender roles make it difficult for women to recognize. Women can also mask their symptoms more effectively, which could cause them to be incorrectly diagnosed or delayed in treatment.
Lingering stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptoms and comorbidities all contribute to obstacles to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are some female adult symptoms that aren't treated for adhd.
1. Trouble focusing
While hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent in males and females 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.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD are a lack of organization or on task, forgetting important things or appointments and easily being distracted by work or social events. It can be a challenge for women suffering from this disorder to sit and concentrate on their homework or other tasks at school or work. Women with ADHD can have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression, or medical problems.
People with inattention ADHD often try to hide their symptoms. Their behavior may be misinterpreted by others, resulting in misunderstandings, frustration and conflict in their relationships. It could result in difficulties in their careers and a lack of opportunities at work.
As a result, the consequences of untreated ADHD in females who are adults can be devastating. Women may have a difficult time to deal with their problems both at home and in the workplace. This could make it difficult to maintain a steady pace while they take on multiple obligations and try to reach the goals that they set for themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD struggle to focus and struggle to get emotional support from family members and close friends. They may become lonely, or develop unhealthy patterns that can be self-defeating, such as drinking.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can also experience internalizing symptoms, such as low self esteem and feelings of guilt, shame or feeling of worthlessness. This can make them more susceptible to stress, physical illness and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. They are more likely than people who do not have the condition to commit suicide or self-harm. A woman may feel empowered by an diagnosis and take steps to improve her life. However, getting diagnosed is a prerequisite for seeing an expert in healthcare for a thorough evaluation and effective treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, particularly at work. Women with undiagnosed ADHD have a difficult time managing their daily schedule and completing work-related tasks. They may miss appointments, lose important paperwork or rely on productivity apps to help stay on task. These apps can be helpful but they are not able to substitute for the need for strong organizational skills.
Gender role expectations can also enhance the impact of ADHD symptoms in women. Women are expected to be the caretakers of their home and family and require a certain level of coordination that people suffering from ADHD struggle to maintain. This pressure from society can trigger feelings of guilt and shame in women with ADHD who attempt to fulfill these expectations, causing them to mask their symptoms.
Problems with time management can cause frustration both in professional and personal relationships. 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 often late for events, consider using a planner or checklist to keep track of deadlines. Take frequent breaks to move around and relax your mind. Also, use a timer when working.
You can also practice mindfulness techniques to help you stay focused on your the task and avoid distractions. The ability to listen to news stories on your smartphone instead of listening to music or podcasts can be an alternative to music while working. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, consider switching to a manual transmission car. You might also want to think about driving without your phone to avoid being distracted by texting or making calls.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, the mental health professional can recommend treatments and strategies for coping. Treatment options include stimulants and psychotherapy. Your doctor will suggest an approach depending on your symptoms and the current circumstances in your life. For instance, cognitive behavior therapy can help you come to accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing negative patterns of behavior to healthier ones. You can also get family or couples therapy to improve communication within your relationships.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females with ADHD typically have higher levels of depression and anxiety than their male counterparts. They can struggle to cope with these symptoms, leading to a variety of unhealthy behavior. As a way to cope with their symptoms, they might turn to substances or unhealthy eating habits. These habits can cause symptoms to worsen. Additionally, women are more likely to be misdiagnosed for these issues. In the end, they are treated incorrectly which may further aggravate their mood and trigger other issues.
It's important to note that many factors can cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD such as stress as well as certain physical conditions and illnesses. It's important to consult a mental health professional or health care provider for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the difference in the frequency of ADHD diagnosis among women and men is due to a mix of biological and socially constructed gender roles. Women are generally expected to perform a larger share of parenting and household chores than their male counterparts. This pressure can cause feelings of low self-esteem and can lead to distorted beliefs that can cause symptoms of ADHD.
Women are also less likely than men to tell doctors about their symptoms and believe that they are able to manage them on their own. Women with ADHD are also more likely to blame their symptoms on other causes like a lack of sleep or excessive stress. This can result in many women with ADHD not being diagnosed until they reach adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 timeframe has been particularly difficult for young adults, who are more likely to suffer from more constant high rates of anxiety and depression than adults of middle age. The peak in these levels coincided with a spike 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 and recurring climate catastrophes and rising unemployment. Stress exposure, especially recent and chronic, is known to be an important risk factor for anxiety and depression and this combination of factors may help explain why these levels have been so persistently elevated.
4. Difficulty Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may have difficulty finding and maintaining friendships, especially as they age. Social isolation can be associated with a range of health issues, such as high blood pressure and chronic stress. It is beneficial to have close family members and friends who can offer assistance, but many adults struggle to keep or make new relationships.
The social norms surrounding gender and sexual orientation can have an influence 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 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. Women and girls are more likely to experience the consequences of ADHD-related symptoms such as inattention and disorganization. Consequently, they might be mistakenly diagnosed as having an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder or a mood disorder, and their ADHD symptoms might not be appropriately treated.
Furthermore, how to get treated for adhd in adults can also amplify ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels may be lower at the end and during the ovulation phase of the menstrual cycle, which can make symptoms worse for women and girls. This can cause confusion in adolescents, particularly when it is combined with hormonal changes. It is difficult to diagnose and treat them properly.
While it is true that a lot of the same treatments work for women with ADHD like they do for men However, a mental health professional will still be required to assess each person's unique symptoms and needs. The type of treatment that a person receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms, as along with other factors that could be contributing to their difficulties. For example, a history depression or trauma. A few common treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps individuals learn to alter their negative thinking patterns and replace them with healthier ones, as well as couples counseling that can help people improve their communication and solve issues in their relationships.