ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is an illness that affects men & women. However, first line treatment for adhd in adults & gender roles make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women are also able to mask their symptoms better, which can cause them to be misdiagnosed or delayed in treatment.
Lingering stereotypes, referral bias, internalized symptoms and comorbidities can all create roadblocks to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are some of the most frequently reported untreated adhd female adults.
1. Problems with Focusing
While hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent in boys and men, women and people assigned female at birth (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 not remembering important appointments or things that are important, and getting easily distracted by social or work occasions. It can also be hard for women with this disorder to sit down and concentrate on assignments or other tasks at work or school. In some cases, people who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty sleeping or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or a medical issue.
People with inattention ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms. Their behavior may be misinterpreted by others, resulting in confusion, anger and conflict in their relationships. It can lead to missed career opportunities and challenges at work.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating consequences on females. Women may have a difficult time to cope with their difficulties both at home and in the workplace. This makes it difficult for them to keep afloat as they manage their responsibilities and attempt to achieve goals that they set for themselves.
Many women with ADHD have difficulty focusing and also are unable to receive emotional support from family members and close friends. They can become isolated or develop unhealthy habits that are self-defeating, such as drinking.
Women with untreated ADHD can also experience internalizing symptoms such as low self-esteem and feelings of guilt, shame or worthlessness. This makes them more vulnerable to physical illness, stress as well as mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. They are more likely than people who don't have the condition to commit suicide or self-harm. A woman may be encouraged by the diagnosis and can take action to improve her life. However, getting a diagnosis requires that she first see a qualified healthcare professional for a thorough assessment and efficient treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, particularly in the workplace. Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD frequently have a hard time following through on work tasks and managing their daily schedule. They may forget appointments, misplace important paperwork, or rely on productivity apps to help them remain on track. These apps can be useful however they aren't able to replace the need for solid organizational skills.
Gender role expectations can also amplify the impact of ADHD symptoms in women. Women are expected to take care of their home and family and require an amount of coordination that people suffering from ADHD struggle to maintain. This pressure from society can make women with ADHD to feel embarrassed and blame themselves for trying to meet these demands.
Time management problems can lead to frustration both in personal and professional relationships. ADHD symptoms can cause you underestimating 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 meetings, think about using a planner or checklist to keep on top of deadlines. Take first line treatment for adhd in adults to relax your mind and move around.
You can also practice mindfulness techniques to help you stay on task and reduce distractions. For instance, instead of listening to podcasts or music while working, you can listen to an article on your mobile. If you have trouble being able to concentrate while driving, think about changing to a vehicle with a manual transmission. You may also want consider driving without your cellphone in order to avoid being distracted by texting or calling.
A mental health professional can assist you to determine the best treatment and coping method for ADHD. Treatment options include stimulants as well as psychotherapy. The kind of therapy that your doctor recommends will be based on your specific symptoms and the circumstances in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for instance, can help you accept your thoughts and emotions while replacing bad habits with healthier ones. You can also receive couples or family therapy to improve communication within your relationships.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females with ADHD report higher levels depression and anxiety than males. They may have difficulty coping with the symptoms, which can cause a variety of unhealthy behavior. To cope with their symptoms, they may resort to using substances or adopt unhealthy eating habits. These actions can make symptoms worse. Women are also more likely to get these problems misdiagnosed. This means that they receive the wrong treatment which may further aggravate their mood and lead to other problems.
It's essential to be aware that stress, physical conditions and illnesses can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. That's why it's essential to see a health care specialist or a mental health professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the disparity in ADHD diagnoses between women and men is due to a mixture of socially and biologically constructed roles. Women are expected to perform more household and parenting work than men. This can cause feelings of low self esteem and untrue beliefs that can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
first line treatment for adhd in adults may also be less likely than men to tell doctors about their symptoms, believing that they can manage them on their own. Women with ADHD might also be more likely than other people to blame their symptoms on other factors, like sleep issues or stress. This could lead to a lot of women with ADHD not being diagnosed until they reach adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic timeframe has been particularly difficult for young adults, who are more likely to suffer from more constant high levels of depression and anxiety than middle-aged adults. The highs in these levels coincided with spikes in COVID-19 case numbers and occurred in a period of racial justice protests mass shootings, decades of high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine as well as recurring climate disasters and a rise in unemployment. Stress exposure either in the form of chronic or recent, is known to cause depression and anxiety. This combination of factors could be the reason why these levels are consistently high.
4. Trouble Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may have difficulty establishing and maintaining friendships, particularly in their later years. Social isolation is connected to a myriad of health problems, including high blood pressure and chronic stress. Having close friends and family members who offer assistance can be beneficial, but many adults find that they are unable to make new acquaintances or maintain existing relationships.
Societal norms about gender and sexuality may affect whether or not women suffering from ADHD receive the diagnosis and treatment they require. In one study, teachers or parents were less likely than men to refer girls to treatment 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 expectations from society for girls and women can 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 women and girls more prone to being penalized for showing symptoms of ADHD like inattention and disorganization. It is possible that they are misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety and their ADHD symptoms might not be treated appropriately.
Moreover, hormone fluctuations can further amplify ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels are lower at the end of menstrual cycles and during ovulation, and this can make the symptoms of women and girls get worse. This can cause confusion in adolescents, especially when they are combined with hormonal changes. It is difficult to identify and treat them properly.
While many of the same treatments are available to women with ADHD, a mental healthcare professional will still need evaluate each individual's symptoms and needs. The type of treatment a patient receives is based on the severity of their ADHD symptoms, as in addition to other factors contributing to their difficulties. For example trauma, a history of trauma or depression. A few common treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, where individuals learn to alter their negative thoughts and switch them to healthier ones, as well as couples counseling which can help couples improve communication and resolve issues in their relationships.