ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is an illness that affects men & women. However, social expectations and gender roles make it difficult for women to recognize. Women can also mask their symptoms more effectively, which could result in them being misdiagnosed or delayed in treatment.
Lingering stereotypes, referral biases internalized symptoms and comorbidities can all create obstacles to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are a few of most frequently reported untreated adhd female adults.
1. Trouble focusing
Women and those who were assigned female 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.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include not remembering important appointments or things, and being easily distracted by social or work events. Women suffering from this disorder may also find it difficult to concentrate on schoolwork or other work. Women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression, or medical problems.
People with inattentive ADHD often attempt to hide their symptoms. Others might misinterpret their behavior, causing confusion, frustration, and conflict within relationships. It can lead to difficulties in their careers and a lack of opportunities at work.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating effects on female adults. Women may have a difficult time to manage their issues both at home and in the workplace. This could make it difficult to keep afloat as they manage their tasks and strive to meet the goals they have set for themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD have trouble focusing and find it difficult to receive emotional support from family members and friends. They may feel isolated, or develop unhealthy patterns that can be self-defeating like drinking.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can also develop internalizing symptoms, such as low self-esteem and feelings of shame, guilt or worthlessness. This makes them more susceptible to physical illness, stress and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. They are more likely than those who do not have the condition to take self-harm or commit suicide. Women can be encouraged by an diagnosis and take steps to improve her life. To get a diagnosis one must first consult a licensed healthcare provider for an evaluation and effective treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage at work, particularly. Women with undiagnosed ADHD frequently have a hard time following through on tasks at work and managing their schedule. They may miss appointments, lose important documents, or rely on productivity apps to help stay on task. These apps can be useful however they aren't able to substitute for the need for strong organizational skills.
Gender role expectations can also increase the severity of ADHD symptoms for women. Society expects women to take care of their home and family and require a certain level of coordination that those with ADHD struggle to maintain. This pressure from society could make women with ADHD to feel shame and blame themselves for trying to meet these demands.
Problems with time management can lead to frustration, both in professional and personal relationships. Symptoms of ADHD can make you underestimate how long it takes to finish a task, causing you to be late for meetings or other commitments. You might want to consider using a checklist or a planner to track deadlines if you are frequently late for events. Use frequent breaks to calm your mind and move around.
You can also apply mindfulness techniques to remain focused and cut down on distractions. For instance, instead listening to music or podcasts while working, you can listen to an article on your mobile. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, consider switching to a car with a manual transmission. You could also consider driving with your phone off to prevent distracted texting and calling.
what happens if adhd is left untreated in adults can help you determine the best treatment and coping method for ADHD. Treatment options may include medication, such as stimulants, as well as psychotherapy. The kind of therapy your doctor recommends will be based on your specific needs and the circumstances in your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing negative behaviors for healthier ones. You can also receive family or couples therapy to improve communication in your relationships.
3. Depression and Anxiety
Females with ADHD often report higher levels of anxiety and depression than their male counterparts. They may have difficulty coping with the symptoms, which could lead to a variety of unhealthy behaviours. For example, they might take up drug use or develop unhealthy eating patterns to deal with their symptoms. These behaviors can exacerbate symptoms. Women are also more likely to have these problems misdiagnosed. They may be given the wrong treatment which can make them feel worse or cause other problems.
It's essential to be aware that stress, physical ailments and illnesses can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. It is essential to consult an expert in mental health or a health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the differences in ADHD diagnoses between women and men is due to a mixture of biological and socially constructed roles. Women are usually expected to assume more household and parenting duties than their male counterparts. This can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and untrue beliefs that can lead to an increase in ADHD symptoms.
Women may also be less likely than men to speak with a doctor about their symptoms and believe that they are able to manage them on their own. Women with ADHD might also be more likely to blame their symptoms on other causes like a lack of sleep or excessive stress. This could contribute to the fact that many women suffering from ADHD are undiagnosed in adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 period has been particularly challenging for young adults, who are more likely to suffer from more constant high rates of anxiety and depression than adults of middle age. These highs coincided with cases of COVID-19 and occurred at a time when protests against racism were on the rise and mass shootings, years of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine and recurrent catastrophes, as well as rising unemployment. Stress exposure as a whole, whether it is chronic or recent, has been proven to cause depression and anxiety. This combination of factors may explain why these levels are so consistently high.
4. Trouble Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD may have difficulty making and keeping friends particularly as they age. Social isolation can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure or chronic stress. It can be beneficial to have close family and friends who can offer support, however many adults struggle to keep or form new relationships.
The social norms that surround gender and sexual orientation can have an influence whether women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they need. In one study, teachers or parents were less likely than boys 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.
The expectations of society 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. This makes girls and women more likely to be penalized for showing symptoms of ADHD like disorganization and inattention. This means that they may be incorrectly diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder and their ADHD symptoms might not be treated appropriately.
Additionally, hormonal changes can further increase ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels may be lower towards the end and during ovulation of the menstrual period and can cause symptoms to become worse for women and girls. In conjunction with hormonal changes during the adolescent stage, this could cause confusion about their symptoms, making it harder for them to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Although what happens if adhd is left untreated in adults of the same treatment options are available for women with ADHD, a mental healthcare professional must still assess each person's individual needs and symptoms. The kind of treatment a person receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms as well as other factors that may be the cause of their issues. For instance the history of depression or trauma. Some popular treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a process where individuals learn how to change their negative thinking patterns and swap them for healthier ones. Couples counseling can also aid individuals in improving their communication and resolve problems in relationships.