Untreated ADHD In Female Adults's History Of Untreated ADHD In Female Adults In 10 Milestones
ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD affects both men as well as women, however, societal expectations and gender roles often make it harder for them to get diagnosed. Women may also hide their symptoms better, which can result in them being incorrectly diagnosed or delayed in treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral bias persisting stereotypes, and comorbidities are all obstacles to a proper diagnosis. Here are a few of most common untreated adhd in females.
1. Problems with Focusing
Although the hyperactive and impulsive signs of ADHD are more prevalent in boys and men, women and people born female (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.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include being unable to remember important appointments or items and being easily distracted by social or work events. People with this disorder may also find it difficult to focus on schoolwork or other work. In some cases, people with ADHD might have difficulty falling or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or a medical problem.
People who have inattention ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and try to cover them up. Others might misinterpret their behavior, causing confusion, frustration and conflict in relationships. In the workplace, it could lead to problems in the workplace and missed opportunities.
This is why the impact of untreated ADHD in female adults can be devastating. Women can find themselves struggling to cope with their problems at home as well as at work, which can make it difficult for them to stay afloat as they manage multiple responsibilities and try to reach the goals they have set for themselves.
In addition to having difficulty focus, many women suffering from ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their family and friends. In the end they may become lonely or develop self-defeating habits that are unhealthy, such as alcohol abuse.
Women with untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms, like low self-esteem and feelings of guilt, shame or a sense of worthlessness. This can make them more prone to physical illness, stress and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. They are more likely than people who do not suffer from the condition to commit suicide or self-harm. Women can be encouraged by a diagnosis and take action to improve her life. However, obtaining an diagnosis requires that she first see an experienced healthcare professional to conduct a thorough examination and effective treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, especially at work. Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD often have a harder time following through on work assignments and coordinating their daily schedule. They might forget important appointments or paperwork, or rely upon productivity apps to stay on track. These apps are helpful but they cannot replace good organizational skills.
The gender-based expectations of women can also exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD. Women are required to look after their families and homes, which requires a level of coordination that ADHD sufferers have to work hard to maintain. This pressure from society can cause women with ADHD to feel embarrassed and blame themselves for failing to meet these demands.
Troubles with time management could result in frustration in relationships, both personal and professional. ADHD symptoms can cause you underestimating the time needed to complete a task, causing 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 frequent breaks to move around and relax your mind. Also, employ a timer when you work.
You can also use mindfulness techniques to remain focused and avoid distractions. For instance, instead listening to music or podcasts while working, play a news story on your mobile. If you are having trouble concentrating while driving, try switching to a manual transmission car. You could also consider driving with your cellphone switched off to avoid distracted texting and phone calls.
A mental health professional can help you determine the best treatment and coping strategy for ADHD. Treatment options include stimulants and psychotherapy. The kind of therapy that your doctor recommends is based on your specific symptoms and the circumstances in your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you come to accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing your negative behaviors for healthier ones. You can also get couples counseling or family therapy to improve communication in your relationships.
3. Depression and Anxiety
Females with ADHD have higher levels of depression and anxiety than men. They may struggle to cope with the symptoms, which can lead to a variety of unhealthy behaviors. To cope with their symptoms, they could turn to substances or unhealthy eating habits. These actions can worsen symptoms. Women are also more likely to have problems that are not diagnosed. In the end, they are treated in the wrong way which may further aggravate their mood and cause other issues.
It's important that you know that stress, certain physical ailments and illnesses can trigger symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. That's why it's essential to see a medical provider or a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers suspect that this disparity in the prevalence of ADHD diagnosis among males and females is due to a combination of social and biological gender roles. Women are typically expected to take on more parenting and household duties than their male counterparts. This can lead to feelings of low self esteem and dysfunctional beliefs, which can lead to an increase in ADHD symptoms.
Women may also be less likely than men to inform a doctor about their symptoms and believe that they can handle them themselves. Women who suffer from ADHD also may be more likely to blame their symptoms on other factors like a lack of sleep or excessive stress. This can result in many women who suffer from ADHD not being diagnosed until adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 epidemic has been particularly difficult for young adults. They have higher levels of depression and anxiety than adults in their middle age. These highs coincided with COVID-19 cases and occurred during a time where 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, especially recent and chronic, is an important risk factor for depression and anxiety and this combination of factors may help explain why these levels have been consistently raised.
4. Difficulty Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can have trouble making and keeping friends, especially as they age. Social isolation can be linked to a variety of health problems, including high blood pressure and chronic stress. The presence of close family and friends members who provide assistance can be beneficial, but many adults find that they are unable to make new friends or maintain their current relationships.
The social norms relating to gender and sexuality can have an influence whether women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they need. In one study, parents or teachers were less likely than men to recommend 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 expectations from society 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. Women and girls are more likely to experience the consequences of ADHD-related symptoms like disorganization and inattention. Consequently, adhd in adults treatment might be incorrectly diagnosed with anxiety or a mood disorder and their ADHD symptoms might not be properly treated.
Additionally, hormonal changes can further increase ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels can be lower towards the end and during the ovulation phase of a woman's menstrual period which can cause symptoms worse for women and girls. This can cause confusion in adolescents, particularly when it is combined with hormonal changes. It can be difficult to diagnose and treat them appropriately.
While many of the same treatment options are available to women suffering from ADHD, a mental healthcare professional will still have to evaluate the individual's needs and symptoms. The type of therapy a person receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms as well as other factors that could be contributing to their issues, such as a history of depression or trauma. The most common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a process where individuals learn how to change their negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier ones. Couples counseling can also aid individuals in improving their communication skills and solve relationship problems.