ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects women and men. However, social expectations and gender roles make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women can also mask their symptoms more effectively, which could lead them to be misdiagnosed or delayed in treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral biases persisting stereotypes, and comorbidities are all obstacles to a correct diagnosis. Here are a few of the most common untreated adhd in females.
1. Difficulty Focusing
While hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD are more common for both genders 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 include having trouble staying organized or on track, ignoring important appointments or things, and being easily distracted by social or work occasions. Women suffering from this disorder may also find it difficult to concentrate on schoolwork or other tasks. In some instances, women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble sleeping or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety or a medical issue.
People who have inattention ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms and attempt to make up for them. Others might misinterpret their behavior, causing misunderstandings, frustration and conflict within relationships. In the workplace, it could lead to problems in the workplace and missed opportunities.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating consequences on female adults. Women can be struggling to cope with their difficulties at home and at work which can make it hard to stay afloat as they take on multiple responsibilities and attempt to meet the goals they set for themselves.
In addition to having trouble focus, many women suffering from ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their family and friends. They may become lonely, or develop unhealthy patterns that are self-defeating like drinking.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms like low self-esteem and feelings of guilt, shame or feeling of worthlessness. This can lead them to be more vulnerable to physical illness, stress and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. They are more likely than those who do not suffer from the condition to take self-harm or commit suicide. A woman may feel empowered after receiving an diagnosis and take steps to improve her life. To be diagnosed the woman should first speak with a qualified healthcare professional for an assessment and effective treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, particularly at work. Women with undiagnosed ADHD often have a harder working through work assignments and coordinating their daily schedule. They may miss appointments, misplace important paperwork or depend on productivity apps to help them keep track of their tasks. These apps can be helpful but they cannot replace the ability to organize your life.
The gender role expectations of women can also increase the symptoms of ADHD. Society expects women to take care of their homes and families which requires a certain level of coordination that people with ADHD struggle to maintain. This societal pressure can trigger feelings of guilt and shame for women who suffer from ADHD who try to fulfill these expectations which can cause them to conceal their symptoms.
Time management issues can cause frustration in relationships both professional and personal. The symptoms of ADHD can cause you to underestimate how you will take to complete a task, which can cause you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If adhd treatment for adults uk are frequently late for events, consider using a planner or checklists to keep the track of deadlines. Make frequent breaks to clear your mind and move around.
You can also employ mindfulness techniques to remain focused and avoid distractions. Watching news stories on your smartphone instead of listening to music or podcasts is a good alternative to listening to music while working. If you have trouble concentrating while driving, try switching to a manual transmission car. You might also want to think about driving without your phone in order to avoid being distracted by texting or calling.
A mental health professional can assist you to find the best treatment and coping strategies for ADHD. Treatment options include stimulants and psychotherapy. The type of therapy that your doctor recommends will be based on your specific needs and the current state of your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for instance can help you accept your thoughts and emotions while replacing negative patterns of behaviour with healthier ones. You can also seek out couples or family therapy to improve communication within your relationships.
3. Depression and anxiety
Females who suffer from ADHD often report higher levels of depression and anxiety than their male counterparts. They may have difficulty coping with these symptoms, leading to a range of unhealthy behaviors. For example, they might take up drug use or develop unhealthy eating patterns as a way of dealing with their symptoms. These behaviors can make the symptoms worse. Additionally women are more likely to be misdiagnosed with these conditions. As a result, they are treated incorrectly, which can further worsen their mood and cause other issues.
It's essential to be aware that stress, physical conditions, and illnesses can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. It's important to consult a mental health professional or a health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers suspect that this disparity in the frequency of ADHD diagnosis for males and women is due to a mix of biological and socially constructed gender roles. Women are typically expected to take on a larger share of parenting and household chores than their male counterparts. This can lead to feelings of low self esteem and distorted beliefs, which can worsen ADHD symptoms.
Women are also less likely than men to inform a doctor about their symptoms, believing that they can manage them on their own. Women with ADHD also may be more likely to blame their symptoms on other factors like a lack of sleep or excessive stress. This can result in many women who suffer from ADHD not being diagnosed until they reach adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic is particularly challenging for young adults. They tend to have higher rates of depression and anxiety than adults in their middle years. The highs in these levels coincided with spikes in the number of COVID-19 cases and occurred in a period of protests against racial injustice, mass shooting events, decades-high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine and recurring climate catastrophes and the rise in unemployment. Recent and frequent stress exposure is recognized as an important risk cause for depression and anxiety This combination of factors may help explain why these levels have been so constantly raised.
4. Difficulty Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can have trouble making and keeping friends particularly as they age. Social isolation is connected to a myriad of health issues, including high blood pressure and chronic stress. The presence of close family and friends members who offer assistance can be beneficial however, many adults discover that they can't form new friends or maintain their current relationships.
Societal norms about gender and sexuality may affect whether or not women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In one study, parents and teachers were less likely to refer girls with 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.
The expectations of society for women and girls can contribute 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 means that women and girls are more likely to be punished for having ADHD-related symptoms like disorganization and inattention. It is possible that they are misdiagnosed with anxiety or mood disorders, and their ADHD symptoms may not be properly treated.
Furthermore, hormone changes can further increase ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels are typically lower at the end and during ovulation of the menstrual cycle and can cause symptoms to become worse for girls and women. This can cause confusion in adolescents, especially when combined with hormonal changes. It can be difficult to recognize and treat them appropriately.
While it is true that many of the same treatments work for women with ADHD like they do for males, a mental health professional will still have to take a look at each individual's particular needs and symptoms. The type of therapy a person receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms and any other factors that may contribute to their difficulties, such as a history of trauma or depression. The most common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps individuals learn to alter their negative thoughts and replace them with healthier ones, as well as couples counseling, which can help individuals improve their communication and solve issues in their relationships.