Why Untreated ADHD In Female Adults Is So Helpful In COVID-19

ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms

ADHD is a condition that affects both males and females. However, societal expectations & gender roles make it difficult for women to recognize. Women are also better at masking their symptoms, which can cause misdiagnosis and delay in treatment.

Lingering stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptoms, and comorbidities all create obstacles to a correct diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are a few of most common untreated adhd in females.

1. Trouble focusing

Women and those who were assigned females 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.

Symptoms of inattentive ADHD are a lack of organization or on task, losing important appointments or things, and being easily distracted by social or work occasions. People with this disorder may also find it difficult to focus on schoolwork or other tasks. In some cases, women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble getting or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety or a medical condition.

People who have inattention ADHD often try to hide their symptoms. Others might interpret their behavior incorrectly, leading to confusion, anger and conflict in relationships. It could result in missed career opportunities and challenges in the workplace.

Untreated ADHD can have devastating consequences on females. Women can be struggling to cope with their difficulties at home and at work which can make it difficult to keep afloat when they manage multiple responsibilities and try to reach the goals they set for themselves.

In addition to having difficulty focus, many women suffering from ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their families and friends. In the end they may feel isolated or develop self-defeating habits that are unhealthy such as alcohol use.

Women with untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms, such as low self-esteem, feelings of guilt, shame or a sense of worthlessness. This makes them more susceptible to stress, physical illnesses and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. They are more likely than people who do not suffer from the condition to take self-harm or commit suicide. Being diagnosed can help a woman feel more empowered to take steps to transform her life to the best of her abilities. However, getting an diagnosis requires that she first consult an experienced healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and effective treatment.

2. Time Management Problems

ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, particularly at work. Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD frequently have a hard to complete work tasks and managing their schedule. They might forget appointments, lose important documents, or depend on productivity apps to help them keep track of their tasks. These apps are helpful but they are not a substitute for good organizational skills.

Gender roles can amplify the impact of ADHD symptoms in women. Society expects women to take care of their homes and families, which requires a certain level of coordination that people suffering from ADHD struggle to maintain. This pressure from society can cause women suffering from ADHD to feel ashamed and blame themselves for not being able to meet these demands.

Time management problems can lead to frustration both in professional and personal relationships. The signs 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 you're frequently late for meetings, think about using a planner or checklists to keep the track of deadlines. Take iampsychiatry to move around and relax your mind, and employ a timer when you work.

You can also use mindfulness techniques to focus and reduce distractions. For instance, instead of listening to podcasts or music while working, listen to an article on your mobile. If you have trouble concentrating while driving, consider switching to a manual transmission vehicle. It is also possible to drive with your cell phone turned off to stop distracted texting and phone calls.

A mental health professional can assist you to determine the most effective treatment and coping strategies for ADHD. Treatment options include stimulants as well as psychotherapy. Your doctor will suggest an approach based on your symptoms and the current situation in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example can help you to accept your thoughts and feelings while replacing destructive patterns of behavior with healthier ones. You can also get family therapy or couples counseling to improve communication between your family members.

3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression

Females who suffer from ADHD are more prone to anxiety and depression than males. They can struggle to cope with these issues, leading to a variety of unhealthy behaviors. As a way to cope with their symptoms, they may resort to using substances or adopt unhealthy eating habits. These actions can worsen symptoms. In addition women are more likely to be misdiagnosed for these problems. They may be given the wrong treatment, which could worsen their mood or cause other problems.

It's crucial to know that stress, certain physical conditions, and illnesses can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. This is why it's crucial to see a medical provider or mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Researchers believe that the difference in ADHD diagnoses between women and men is due to a mixture of socially and biologically constructed roles. Women are generally expected to assume more parenting and household chores than their male counterparts. This can result in feelings of low self esteem and dysfunctional beliefs, which can lead to an increase in ADHD symptoms.

Furthermore, women may be less likely to disclose their symptoms to a medical professional due to the belief that they can manage them on their own. Women with ADHD might also be more likely to blame their symptoms on other factors like a lack of sleep or excessive stress. This could contribute to the fact that a lot of women with ADHD are not diagnosed until later in life.

Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic period has been particularly challenging for young adults, who are more likely to have higher rates of anxiety and depression than adults of middle age. The peak in these levels coincided with the peaks in COVID-19 case numbers and were triggered by a period of protests against racial injustice, mass shootings, decades of high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine, recurrent climate catastrophes, and rising unemployment. Stress exposure, both chronic and recent, is known to cause depression and anxiety. This combination of factors could explain why these levels are persistently high.

4. Problems in Making Friends

Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can have trouble finding and maintaining friendships particularly as they age. Social isolation can be connected to a myriad of health problems, including high blood pressure and chronic stress. Having close friends and family members who can provide assistance can be beneficial however, many adults discover that they simply can't make new friendships or maintain current relationships.

The social norms surrounding gender and sexuality may affect whether or not women suffering from ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In one study, teachers and parents were less likely to refer girls suffering from 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.

These societal expectations for women and girls could 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. This means that women and girls are more likely to be punished for exhibiting ADHD-related symptoms like 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 appropriately treated.

Additionally, hormonal fluctuations can further amplify ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels are typically lower at the end of and during the ovulation period of a woman's menstrual period, which can make symptoms more severe for females and girls. When combined with hormonal changes during adolescence, this can result in confusion regarding their symptoms, making it more difficult for them to receive a correct diagnosis and adequate treatment.

Although many of the same treatment options are available to women suffering from ADHD, a mental healthcare professional will still need evaluate the individual's needs and symptoms. The type of therapy a person receives will depend on both their ADHD symptoms and other factors that might be contributing to their issues, such as the history of depression or trauma. The most common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps individuals learn to alter their negative thoughts and swap them out for healthier ones, and couples counseling which can help couples improve communication and resolve problems in their relationships.

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Pub: 16 Dec 2024 21:53 UTC
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