ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD affects both men as well as women, however, societal expectations and gender roles often make it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. Women are also able to mask their symptoms better, which could cause them to be incorrectly diagnosed or delayed in treatment.
Remaining stereotypes, referral bias, internalized symptoms and comorbidities can all create obstacles to a correct diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are a few of most common untreated adhd in female adults.
1. Trouble focusing
Women and people who were assigned female at birth are not yet 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 that are important, and getting easily distracted by work or social events. It can be difficult for women suffering from this disorder to sit and concentrate on assignments or other work at school or work. In some cases, people with ADHD might have difficulty falling or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or a medical condition.
People who have inattention ADHD often attempt to hide their symptoms. Others may interpret their behavior incorrectly, leading to confusion, anger and conflict in relationships. In the workplace, it could lead to lost opportunities and career challenges.
In the end, the effects of untreated ADHD in females who are adults can be devastating. Women may have difficulty to deal with their problems both at home and in the workplace. This could make it difficult to stay afloat while they manage their obligations and try to reach the goals they have set for themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD have difficulty focusing and struggle to get emotional support from family members and friends. They may become lonely or develop unhealthy habits that are self-defeating like drinking.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms like low self-esteem or feelings of guilt shame or worthlessness. This can make them more susceptible to physical illness, stress and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. In turn, they are more likely to turn to suicide or self-injury as compared to those who don't suffer from the condition. Receiving a diagnosis can help women feel more empowered to take steps to alter her life for the better. To be diagnosed, a woman must first consult a licensed healthcare provider for an evaluation and effective treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms are difficult to manage in the workplace, especially. Women with undiagnosed ADHD have trouble managing their schedules and completing their work. They may miss appointments, lose important documents, or depend on productivity apps to help keep track of their tasks. These apps are helpful but they are not a substitute for good organizational skills.
The expectations for gender roles of women can also contribute to the symptoms of ADHD. Society expects women to take care of their home and family and require some degree of coordination that people with ADHD struggle to maintain. The pressures from society can cause women suffering from ADHD to feel embarrassed and blame themselves for trying to meet these demands.
Time management issues can lead to frustration in relationships, both personal and professional. ADHD symptoms can cause you to underestimate the time it takes to complete your tasks, which can cause you to be late to meetings or other commitments. If you're frequently late for events, consider using a planner or checklists to keep the track of deadlines. Use frequent breaks to calm your mind and move around.
You can also use mindfulness techniques to help you focus on your the task and avoid distractions. For example, instead of listening to music or podcasts while working, play a news story on your smartphone. 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 in order to avoid being distracted by texting or calling.
A mental health professional can assist you to determine the most effective treatment and coping method for ADHD. Treatment options include stimulants and psychotherapy. The type of therapy your doctor recommends will depend on your specific needs and what's going on in your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you come to accept your thoughts and feelings while changing your negative patterns of behavior for healthier ones. You can also receive couples counseling or family therapy to improve communication between you and your family members.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females who suffer from ADHD tend to have higher levels of anxiety and depression than their male counterparts. They may have difficulty coping with the symptoms, which could result in a range of unhealthy behaviors. For example, they might resort to using substances or develop unhealthy eating patterns as a way of dealing with their symptoms. These actions can worsen symptoms. Women are more likely to have these issues that are not properly diagnosed. As a result, they receive the wrong treatment, which can further worsen their mood and cause other issues.
It's important to remember that a variety of factors can trigger similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD like stress and certain physical conditions and illnesses. It is important to speak with a mental health professional or health care provider for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers suspect that this difference in the rate of ADHD diagnosis for males and females is due to a mix of social and biological gender roles. Women are usually expected to take on more parenting and household chores than their male counterparts. This can cause feelings of self-esteem loss and dysfunctional beliefs, which can exacerbate 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 are also more likely to blame their symptoms on other factors, such as a lack of sleep or 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 era has been particularly difficult for young adults, who tend to have more persistently high rates of anxiety and depression than adults of middle age. These peak levels 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 either in the form of chronic or recent, has been proven to increase depression and anxiety. This combination of factors could be the reason why these levels are so consistently high.
4. Problems in Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD may have difficulty making and keeping friends particularly as they get older. Social isolation is associated with a range of health issues, such as high blood pressure and chronic stress. It can be beneficial to have close family members and friends who can offer support, however many adults struggle to maintain or make new connections.
Social norms regarding gender and sexuality may affect the likelihood that women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. 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.
These societal expectations of women and girls may increase the severity of 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. Girls and women are more likely to suffer punishment for symptoms of ADHD such as inattention and disorganization. In the end, they could be incorrectly diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder, and their ADHD symptoms might not be treated appropriately.
Additionally hormonal fluctuations can cause ADHD in females. Estrogen levels are lower towards the end of their menstrual cycle and during ovulation, and this can make the symptoms of women and girls appear to be more severe. In adhd symptoms adults treatment with hormonal changes during the adolescent stage, this could lead to confusion about their symptoms, making it more difficult for them to receive the correct diagnosis and treatment.
While it is true that many of the same treatment options work for women with ADHD as they do for males, a mental health professional will still have to take a look at each individual's specific needs and symptoms. The type of therapy a patient receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms and other factors that might be contributing to their difficulties, such as a history of depression or trauma. Some common treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people learn to change their negative thoughts and replace them with healthier ones, as well as couples counseling, which can help individuals improve communication and resolve problems in their relationships.