ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is an illness that affects men & women. However, the expectations of society & gender roles make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women are also able to mask their symptoms better, which can result in them being misdiagnosed or delayed in treatment.
Obscuring stereotypes, referral bias, internalized symptoms and comorbidities can all create obstacles to a correct diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are some of the most common untreated adhd in female adults.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Although the symptoms of impulsive and hyperactive of ADHD are more prevalent in boys and men but women and those who are 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 track, ignoring important appointments or things, and being easily distracted by work or social occasions. Women with this disorder may also find it difficult to concentrate on their schoolwork or other activities. In some instances, women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty sleeping or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or a medical condition.
People with inattention ADHD often attempt to hide their symptoms. Their behavior could be misinterpreted by others, leading to confusion, anger and conflict in their relationships. It can lead to difficulties in their careers and a lack of opportunities in the workplace.
As a result, the consequences of untreated ADHD for females can be devastating. Women can be having to deal with their difficulties at home and at work, which can make it difficult to stay afloat as they take on multiple responsibilities and attempt to meet the goals they set for themselves.
Many women with ADHD have trouble focusing and struggle to get emotional support from family members and close friends. They may feel isolated, or develop unhealthy patterns that lead to self-defeating behaviors, such as drinking.
Women with untreated ADHD may also experience internalizing symptoms, like low self-esteem, feelings of guilt, shame or deprivation. This makes them more prone to physical and mental stress and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. They are more likely than those who don't have the condition to commit suicide or self-harm. A woman can feel empowered after receiving the diagnosis and can take action to improve her life. However, getting a diagnosis requires that she first consult a qualified healthcare professional for a thorough assessment and efficient treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms are difficult to manage in the workplace, especially. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD struggle with managing their schedules and completing their work. They might forget important paperwork or appointments, or rely upon productivity apps to stay on track. These apps can be useful however they aren't able to replace the need for solid organization skills.
The gender role expectations of women can also contribute to the symptoms of ADHD. Society expects women to take care of their home and family, which requires a certain level of coordination that people with ADHD struggle to maintain. This pressure from society can trigger feelings of guilt and shame in women with ADHD who attempt to meet these demands which can cause them to conceal their symptoms.
Problems with time management can lead to frustration, both in personal and professional relationships. Symptoms of ADHD can cause you to underestimate how time it takes to complete a task, leading you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If you're often late for meetings, think about using a planner or checklists to keep the track of deadlines. Take frequent breaks to relax your mind and move around.
You can also employ mindfulness techniques to focus and reduce distractions. For instance, instead listening to podcasts or music while working, listen to a news story on your mobile. If you have trouble concentrating when driving, you can switch to a manual transmission car. It is also possible to drive with your phone off to prevent distracted texting and calling.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, a mental health professional can recommend treatments and coping strategies. Treatment options may include medications, like stimulants, and psychotherapy. The type of therapy your doctor recommends is based on your specific needs and the circumstances in your life. For instance, cognitive behavior therapy can help you come to accept your thoughts and feelings, while swapping out negative patterns of behavior to healthier ones. You can also get couples or family therapy to improve communication in your relationships.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females suffering from ADHD report higher levels anxiety and depression than males. They may struggle to deal with these issues, leading to a range of unhealthy behaviours. For example, they might take up drug use or develop unhealthy eating patterns as a way of dealing with their symptoms. These actions can make symptoms worse. Women are also more likely to get these issues that are not properly diagnosed. This means that they are treated incorrectly which may further aggravate their mood and cause other issues.
It's essential to be aware that stress, certain physical conditions and illnesses can trigger symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. It's important to consult an expert in mental health or health care professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the difference in the prevalence of ADHD diagnosis for males and females is due to a mix of biological and socially constructed gender roles. Women are generally expected to perform a larger share of household and parenting duties than their male counterparts. This can result in feelings of low self-esteem and dysfunctional beliefs, which can worsen ADHD symptoms.
Additionally, women are less likely to disclose their symptoms to a healthcare professional because they believe they're able to handle them on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD may also be more likely than other people to blame their symptoms, such as lack of sleep or stress. This could lead to a lot of women with ADHD not being diagnosed until adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 epidemic has been particularly challenging for young adults. They have higher rates of depression and anxiety than adults in their middle age. The peaks in these levels coincided with the peaks in the number of cases of COVID-19 and occurred during a time of racial justice protests, mass shooting events, decades-high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine as well as recurring climate disasters and rising unemployment. Stress exposure, both chronic and recent, has been proven to increase anxiety and depression. This combination of factors may explain why these levels are persistently high.
4. Problems in Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can have trouble making and keeping friends particularly 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 offer support can be helpful, but many adults find that they can't form new friends or maintain their current relationships.
Societal norms about gender and sexuality may affect the likelihood that women with ADHD receive the diagnosis and treatment they need. In one study, teachers or parents were less likely than men to refer girls to services 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 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 be the victims of punishment for ADHD-related symptoms like disorganization and inattention. It is possible that they are misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety and their ADHD symptoms may not be treated appropriately.
Additionally, hormonal changes can further increase ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels may be lower at the end of and during ovulation of the menstrual cycle, which can make symptoms worse for girls and women. When combined with evidence based treatment for adhd in adults during the adolescent years, this can lead to confusion about their symptoms, making it harder to get a correct diagnosis and adequate treatment.
While many of the same treatment options are available for women suffering from ADHD, a mental healthcare professional will still need evaluate the individual's needs and symptoms. The kind of therapy a patient receives will be based on their ADHD symptoms and any other factors that could be contributing to their problems like a history of depression or trauma. A few common treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people learn to change their negative thoughts and swap them out for healthier ones, as well as couples counseling which can help couples improve communication and resolve issues in their relationships.