ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD affects both men and women, however, societal expectations and gender roles often make it more difficult for them to recognize the signs. Women may also hide their symptoms more effectively, which could result in them being incorrectly diagnosed or delayed in treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral biases persistent stereotypes and comorbidities are all obstacles to a proper diagnosis. Here are a few female adults' symptoms that aren't being treated for adhd.
1. Trouble focusing
Although the hyperactive and impulsive signs of ADHD are more prevalent for both genders, women and people born female (AFAB) are not yet diagnosed 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.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include forgetting important appointments or things, and being easily distracted by social or work occasions. It can be difficult for women suffering from this disorder to sit and concentrate on their homework or other tasks at work or school. Women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety, or medical problems.
People who have inattention ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and try to cover them up. People may misinterpret their behavior, causing misunderstandings, frustration and conflict in relationships. This can result in difficulties in their careers and a lack of opportunities at work.
As a result, the consequences of untreated ADHD for females can be devastating. Women may find it difficult to deal with their problems at home as well as in the workplace. This could make it difficult to maintain a steady pace while they manage their tasks and strive to meet the goals that they set for themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD have difficulty focusing and also are unable to receive emotional support from family members and friends. They may feel isolated or develop unhealthy habits that lead to self-defeating behaviors like drinking.
Women with untreated ADHD might also experience internalizing symptoms, such as low self-esteem and feelings of guilt, shame or feelings of inadequacy. This can lead them to be more vulnerable to stress, physical illness and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. They are more likely than those who do not have the condition to commit suicide or self-harm. A diagnosis can help a woman feel more confident in taking steps to transform her life to the best of her abilities. However, getting an diagnosis is a prerequisite for seeing an expert in healthcare for a thorough evaluation and effective treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms are difficult to manage at work, particularly. Women with no diagnosis of ADHD struggle with managing their daily schedule and completing work tasks. They may forget important paperwork or appointments or rely on productivity apps to keep on track. These apps can be useful however they aren't able to substitute for the need for strong organizational skills.
The gender role expectations of women can also exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD. Women are expected to care for their families and homes, which requires a level of coordination that ADHD sufferers struggle to maintain. This pressure from society can cause women suffering from ADHD to feel embarrassed and blame themselves for failing to meet these demands.
Troubles with time management could cause frustration in relationships both professional and personal. Symptoms of ADHD can cause you to underestimate the long it takes to complete a task, which can cause you to be late for meetings or other commitments. You might want to consider using a checklist or a planner to the track of deadlines if you're often late for events. Take frequent breaks to relax your mind and get moving.
You can also apply mindfulness techniques to remain focused and cut down on 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 find it difficult to concentrate while driving, consider changing to a vehicle with manual transmission. You could also consider driving with your cell phone turned off to stop distracted texting and calling.
A mental health professional can assist you to find the best treatment and coping strategy for ADHD. Treatment options may include medications, like stimulants, and psychotherapy. Your doctor will recommend a therapy according to your health issues and the present situation in your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings while swapping out negative patterns of behavior for healthier ones. You can also receive couples counseling or family therapy to improve communication between your family members.
3. Anxiety and Depression
Females who suffer from ADHD have higher levels of depression and anxiety than men. They may struggle to cope with the symptoms, which could result in a range of unhealthy behaviours. To cope with their symptoms, they may use substances or develop unhealthy eating habits. These behaviors can make symptoms worse. Women are more likely to have these issues that are not properly diagnosed. As a result, they are treated incorrectly, which can further worsen their mood and trigger other issues.
It's essential to be aware that stress, 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 frequency of ADHD diagnosis among women and men is due to a mix of biological and socially constructed gender roles. Women are typically expected to assume more household and parenting duties than their male counterparts. This can cause feelings of low self esteem and untrue beliefs that can lead to an increase in ADHD symptoms.
Additionally, women are less likely to disclose their symptoms to a medical professional because they believe they should be able to manage them on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD might also be more likely than others to blame their symptoms on other factors, like sleep issues or stress. This can result in many women with ADHD not being diagnosed until later in life.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 timeframe has been particularly difficult for young adults, who tend to have more persistently high levels of depression and anxiety than middle-aged adults. The highs in these levels coincided with spikes in the number of COVID-19 cases and occurred during a time of protests against racial injustice, mass shooting events, decades-high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine, recurrent climate catastrophes, and a rise in unemployment. Stress exposure either in the form of chronic or recent, is known to increase anxiety and depression. This combination of factors may explain why these levels are persistently 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 issues like high blood pressure or chronic stress. adhd treatment for adults near me can be beneficial to have close family and friends who are able to provide support, however many adults have difficulty maintaining or establish new relationships.
The social norms that surround gender and sexual orientation can have an affect whether women suffering from ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In one study, parents and teachers were less likely to refer girls suffering from ADHD to treatment 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 girls and women can be a contributing factor to 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 women and girls more prone to being punished for having ADHD-related symptoms like disorganization and inattention. In the end, they could be incorrectly diagnosed with depression or anxiety or a mood disorder, and their ADHD symptoms might not be properly treated.
Additionally, hormonal changes can further increase ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels can be lower at the end and during the ovulation period of a woman's menstrual period, which can make symptoms worse for girls and women. This can cause confusion among adolescents, especially when they are combined with hormonal changes. It can be difficult to diagnose and treat them properly.
While it is true that a number of the same therapies are effective for women suffering from ADHD like they do for males However, a mental health professional will have to take a look at each individual's unique symptoms and needs. The kind of therapy that a patient receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms and other factors that could be contributing to their issues, such as an experience 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, as well as couples counseling that can help people improve their communication and solve issues in their relationships.