ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a problem that affects both men and women, but the expectations of society and gender roles often make it more difficult for them to recognize the signs. Women are also able to mask their symptoms better, which can cause them to be not diagnosed or delayed in getting treatment.
Obscuring stereotypes, referral bias, internalized symptoms, and comorbidities all create obstacles to a correct diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are some female adults' symptoms that aren't being treated for adhd.
1. Trouble focusing
Women and those who were assigned females 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.
The signs of inattention ADHD include having trouble staying organized or on task, losing important dates or items, and being easily distracted by work or social occasions. It can be difficult for women suffering from this disorder to sit down and concentrate on assignments or other assignments at school or work. In some cases, women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble getting or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or a medical problem.
adhd treatment for older adults with inattention ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms and try to cover them up. Others might interpret their behavior incorrectly, leading to misunderstandings, frustration and conflict in relationships. In the workplace, it could lead to problems in the workplace and missed opportunities.
This is why the effects of untreated ADHD for females can be devastating. Women may have a difficult time to manage their issues at home as well as in the workplace. This makes it difficult for them to stay afloat while they manage their responsibilities and attempt to achieve goals they have set for themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD have trouble focusing and also are unable to receive emotional support from their family and friends. They may become lonely or develop unhealthy habits that can be self-defeating, such as drinking.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also experience internalizing symptoms like low self-esteem, feelings of shame, guilt or worthlessness. This makes them more susceptible to physical illness, stress and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. In turn, they are more likely to turn to suicide or self-injury than those who don't suffer from the condition. Receiving a diagnosis can help a woman feel more confident in taking steps to alter her life for the better. However, obtaining an diagnosis requires that she first see an experienced healthcare professional to conduct a thorough examination and efficient treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, especially in the workplace. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD typically have a difficult to complete work tasks and managing their daily schedule. They may lose important appointments or paperwork or rely on productivity apps to stay on track. These apps are useful but they cannot replace good organizational skills.
Gender roles can increase the severity of ADHD symptoms in women. Society expects women to take care of their family and home and require a certain level of coordination that people with ADHD struggle to maintain. The pressures from society can make women with ADHD to feel embarrassed and blame themselves for not being able to meet these demands.
Problems with time management can lead to frustration both in personal and professional relationships. ADHD symptoms can cause you underestimate the time it takes to complete your tasks, which can cause you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If you are frequently late for meetings, think about using a planner or checklist to keep the track of deadlines. Take adhd treatment for older adults to relax your mind and get moving.
You can also apply mindfulness techniques to stay focused and avoid distractions. Listening to news stories on your phone instead of listening to music or podcasts could be an alternative to music while working. If you have trouble being able to concentrate while driving, think about switching to a car that has manual transmission. You can also consider driving with your cellphone switched off to stop distractions with texting and calls.
A mental health professional can help you determine the best treatment and coping method for ADHD. Treatment options include medications, like stimulants, and psychotherapy. The type of therapy that your doctor recommends is based on your specific symptoms and what's going on in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, can help you accept your thoughts and emotions while replacing bad habits with healthier ones. You can also seek couples counseling or family therapy to improve communication between you and your family members.
3. Depression and Anxiety
Females with ADHD typically 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. To cope with their symptoms, they might use substances or develop unhealthy eating habits. These behaviors can exacerbate symptoms. Additionally, women are more likely to be misdiagnosed with these conditions. As a result, they are treated in the wrong way which may further aggravate their mood and trigger other issues.
It's important to remember that many factors can cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD, including stress and certain physical conditions and illnesses. It is important to speak with an expert in mental health or a health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers suspect that this disparity in the frequency of ADHD diagnosis between males and females is due to a combination of social and biological gender roles. Women are expected to take on more household chores and parenting than men. This can cause feelings of low self-esteem and distorted beliefs, which can worsen ADHD symptoms.
Women may also be less likely than men to inform a doctor about their symptoms as they believe they can manage them on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD also may be more likely to blame their symptoms on other factors, such as a lack of sleep or stress. This could be a contributing factor to the fact that a lot of women with ADHD are not diagnosed until later in life.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 epidemic has been particularly difficult for young adults. They have higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms than adults in their middle years. The highs in these levels coincided with a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases and occurred during a time of protests against racial injustice, mass shootings, decades-high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine, recurrent climate catastrophes, and rising unemployment. Stress exposure, both chronic and recent, has been proven to increase anxiety and depression. This combination of factors could explain why these levels are constant high.
4. Problems in Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can have trouble making and keeping friends particularly as they age. Social isolation can lead to health issues such as high blood pressure or chronic stress. Being close to family and friends members who can provide support can be beneficial, but many adults find that they are unable to make new friends or maintain their current relationships.
Social norms regarding gender and sexuality can affect the likelihood that women with ADHD receive the diagnosis and treatment they require. In one study, teachers and parents were less likely to refer girls with 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 expectations from society 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. Girls and women are more likely to suffer punishment for symptoms of ADHD like disorganization and inattention. It is possible that they are misdiagnosed with mood disorders or anxiety, and their ADHD symptoms might not be treated appropriately.
In addition, hormonal fluctuations can amplify ADHD in females. Estrogen levels are typically lower towards the end and during the ovulation phase of the menstrual period which can cause symptoms worse for women and girls. When combined with hormonal changes during the adolescent stage, this could result in confusion regarding their symptoms, making it difficult for them to receive the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Although many of the same treatments are available to women with ADHD A mental health professional will still need evaluate each person's individual needs and symptoms. The type of treatment a patient receives is based on the severity of their ADHD symptoms as along with other factors contributing to their difficulties. For example the history of depression or a traumatic experience. A few typical treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a process where individuals learn how to change their negative thinking patterns and replace them with healthier ones. Couples counseling can also aid individuals in improving their communication and resolve problems in relationships.