Why Untreated ADHD In Female Adults Is Fast Becoming The Trendiest Thing Of 2024
ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects men & women. However, social expectations and gender roles make it difficult for women to recognize. Women may also hide their symptoms better, which can cause them to be not diagnosed or delayed in getting treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral bias, lingering stereotypes and comorbidities could all be obstacles to a proper diagnosis. Here are a few female adult symptoms that aren't treated for adhd.
1. Problems with Focusing
Although the symptoms of impulsive and hyperactive of ADHD are more common in boys and men, women and people assigned female at birth (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.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include being unable to remember important appointments or items that are important, and getting easily distracted by social or work occasions. People with this disorder might also have difficulty to focus on schoolwork or other work. Women with ADHD can have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep because of depression, anxiety or medical issues.
People with inattentive ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms and try to cover them up. Their behavior could be misinterpreted by others, leading to conflicts, frustrations and miscommunication in their relationships. It could result in problems in the workplace and missed career opportunities. at work.
This is why the impact of untreated ADHD in females who are adults can be devastating. Women can find themselves struggling to manage their difficulties at home and at work which can make it hard to stay afloat as they manage multiple responsibilities and try to achieve the goals they set for themselves.
Many women with ADHD have trouble focusing and also are unable to receive emotional support from their family and friends. As a result they may feel isolated or develop self-defeating patterns like alcohol abuse.
Women with untreated ADHD can also experience internalizing symptoms, such as low self esteem or feelings of guilt shame or worthlessness. This can make them more susceptible to physical and mental stress and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. They are more likely than people who don't have the condition to take self-harm or commit suicide. Receiving a diagnosis can help a woman feel more empowered to take steps to change her life for the better. To receive a diagnosis the woman should first consult a licensed health professional for an evaluation and effective treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, particularly at work. Women with no diagnosis of ADHD struggle with managing their daily schedule and completing work-related tasks. They may miss appointments, misplace important paperwork, or use productivity apps to help keep track of their tasks. 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 required to look after their families and their homes, which requires a level of coordination that ADHD sufferers struggle to maintain. The pressures from society can cause women with ADHD to feel shame and blame themselves for failing to meet these demands.
Troubles with time management could cause frustration in relationships both professional and personal. The symptoms of ADHD can cause you to underestimate the time it takes to complete a task, leading you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If you're frequently late for meetings, think about using a planner or checklist to keep track of deadlines. Take breaks frequently to move around and relax your mind. Also, use a timer when working.
You can also practice mindfulness techniques to help you stay focused on your task and reduce distractions. For instance, instead listening to podcasts or music while working, listen to the news on your phone. If you are having trouble concentrating while driving, try switching to a manual transmission car. You may also want consider driving without your cellphone to avoid being distracted by texting or making calls.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD, the mental health professional can suggest treatments and strategies for coping. Treatment options include stimulants as well as psychotherapy. The kind of therapy that your doctor recommends is based on the specific symptoms you have and what's going on in your life. For instance, cognitive behavior 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 or family therapy to improve communication in your relationships.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females who suffer from ADHD have higher levels of anxiety and depression than males. They may be struggling to deal with the symptoms, and this can lead to a variety of unhealthy behaviors. For instance, they may resort to using substances or develop unhealthy eating patterns as a way of dealing with their symptoms. These behaviors can exacerbate symptoms. In addition, women are more likely to be misdiagnosed with these issues. They may receive the wrong treatment which can make them feel worse or cause other issues.
It's crucial to know that stress, certain physical ailments, and illnesses can cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. It's important to consult an expert in mental health or a health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the disparity in ADHD diagnoses between men and women is due to a mix of biological and socially constructed roles. Women are generally expected to assume the majority of household and parenting duties than their male counterparts. This can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and cause dysfunctional beliefs that can lead to the emergence of symptoms of ADHD.
Women may also be less likely than men to tell doctors about their symptoms and believe that they are able to manage them on their own. Women with ADHD are also more likely than other people to blame their symptoms, such as lack of sleep or stress. This could lead to a lot of women who suffer from 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 peaks in these levels coincided with the peaks in the number of COVID-19 cases and occurred during a time of racial justice protests mass shootings, decades-high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine, recurrent climate catastrophes, and the rise in unemployment. Stress exposure as a whole, whether it is chronic or recent, has been proven to increase depression and anxiety. alternative adhd treatment for adults of factors may explain why these levels are constant high.
4. Trouble Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD are more likely to have difficulty making and keeping friends particularly as they get older. Social isolation can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure or chronic stress. It can be beneficial to have close family members and friends who are able to provide support, however many adults struggle to maintain or establish new relationships.
The social norms that surround gender and sex can affect whether women suffering from ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In one study, parents or teachers were less likely than males 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. Women and girls are more likely to experience punishment for symptoms of ADHD like disorganization and inattention. It is possible that they are misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety and their ADHD symptoms may not be treated appropriately.
Moreover, hormone fluctuations can also amplify ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels may be lower at the end and during ovulation of a woman's menstrual period and can cause symptoms to become worse for women and girls. This can cause confusion among adolescents, particularly when it is combined with hormonal changes. It can be difficult to identify and treat them properly.
Although many of the same treatments are available to women with ADHD A mental health professional must still assess the individual's needs and symptoms. The type of therapy a patient receives will be based on their ADHD symptoms and any other factors that might be contributing to their difficulties like a history of depression or trauma. Some common treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy, in which individuals learn to alter their negative thinking patterns and switch them to healthier ones, and couples counseling which can help couples improve their communication and solve issues in their relationships.