10 Untreated ADHD In Female Adults That Are Unexpected
ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD affects both men as well as women, however, societal expectations and gender roles can make it difficult for them to be diagnosed. Women may also hide their symptoms better, which can result in them being misdiagnosed or delayed in treatment.
Lingering stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptoms, and comorbidities all create obstacles to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are some of female adult symptoms that are not treated for adhd.
1. Trouble focusing
While hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD are more common 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.
first line treatment for adhd in adults of inattention ADHD are a lack of organization or on task, losing important appointments or things, and being easily distracted by work or social events. It can be difficult for women suffering from this disorder to sit down and focus on homework or other work at school or work. Women with ADHD can have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep because of anxiety, depression, or medical problems.
evidence based treatment for adhd in adults who have inattention ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms and attempt to cover them up. Their behavior can be misinterpreted by others, resulting in confusion, anger and conflict in their relationships. It can lead to problems in the workplace and missed career opportunities. at work.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating effects on females. Women may have difficulty to deal with their problems both at home and in the workplace. This can make it difficult to keep afloat as they juggle their multiple obligations and try to reach the goals that they set for themselves.
Many women with ADHD have trouble focusing and also find it difficult to receive emotional support from family members and close friends. They may become lonely, or develop unhealthy patterns that lead to self-defeating behaviors, such as drinking.
Women with untreated ADHD might also experience internalizing symptoms like low self esteem, feelings of guilt, shame or worthlessness. This makes them more prone to physical illness, stress and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. They are more likely than people who do not suffer from the condition to commit suicide or self-harm. A woman can feel empowered after receiving the diagnosis and can take action to improve her life. To get a diagnosis the woman should first consult a qualified health professional for an evaluation and effective treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms are difficult to manage in the workplace, especially. Women with no diagnosis of ADHD struggle with managing their daily schedule and completing their work. They might forget important appointments or paperwork or rely on productivity apps to stay on track. These apps are useful, but cannot replace the ability to organize your life.
Gender role expectations can also amplify the impact of ADHD symptoms in women. Women are required to look after their families and their homes, which requires a level of coordination that ADHD sufferers have to work hard to maintain. This pressure from society can trigger feelings of shame and self-blame among women who suffer from ADHD who try to fulfill these expectations and cause them to hide their symptoms.
Troubles with time management could result in frustration in relationships both professional and personal. The signs of ADHD can cause you to underestimate the long it takes to complete a task, which can cause you to be late for meetings or other commitments. Use a checklist or a planner to keep on track of deadlines when you are often late for events. Use frequent breaks to calm your mind and move around.
You can also use mindfulness techniques to help you stay on task and reduce distractions. For example, instead of listening to music or podcasts while working, play a news story on your phone. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, consider changing to a vehicle with a manual transmission. You could also consider driving with your cellphone switched off to prevent distracted texting and calling.
A mental health professional can help you find the best treatment and coping strategies for ADHD. Treatment options include medications, like stimulants, as well as psychotherapy. The kind of therapy your doctor recommends will depend 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 swapping out negative behaviors for healthier ones. You can also get family or couples therapy to improve communication within your relationships.
3. Depression and anxiety
Females with ADHD typically have higher levels of anxiety and depression than their male counterparts. They may struggle to deal with these symptoms, leading to a variety of unhealthy behaviors. In order to deal with their symptoms, they might resort to using substances or adopt unhealthy eating habits. These behaviors can make symptoms worse. Women are also more likely to get these issues that are not properly diagnosed. As a result, they receive the wrong treatment, which can further worsen their mood and cause other issues.
It's essential to be aware that stress, physical ailments and illnesses can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. It's important to see a health care practitioner or a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the difference in the frequency of ADHD diagnosis between males and females is due to a combination of social and biological gender roles. Women are generally expected to assume more household and parenting duties than their male counterparts. This can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and distorted beliefs, which can lead to an increase in ADHD symptoms.
Additionally, women are less likely to disclose their symptoms to a healthcare professional because they think they can manage them on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD might also be more likely than other people to blame their symptoms on other factors, such as lack of sleep or stress. This could lead to a lot of women with ADHD not being diagnosed until they reach adulthood.
Research indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic is particularly challenging for young adults. They are more likely to experience higher levels of depression and anxiety than adults in their middle age. The peak in these levels coincided with the peaks in the number of COVID-19 cases and occurred in a period of protests against racial injustice, mass shootings, decades of high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine as well as recurring climate disasters and rising unemployment. Recent and frequent stress exposure is known to be a risk factor for anxiety and depression, so this combination of factors may help explain why these levels have been so constantly raised.
4. Difficulty Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may have trouble forming and maintaining friendships, particularly in adulthood. Social isolation is associated with a range of health issues, such as high blood pressure and chronic stress. It can be beneficial to have close family members and friends who are able to provide support, however many adults have difficulty maintaining or form new connections.
Social norms regarding gender and sex may impact the likelihood that women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In one study, teachers or parents were less likely than males 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 societal expectations of girls and women may also increase the severity of 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 likely to be punished for having ADHD-related symptoms like inattention and disorganization. It is possible that they are misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety and their ADHD symptoms may not be properly treated.
Additionally, hormonal fluctuations can amplify ADHD in females. Estrogen levels may be lower towards the end and during the ovulation period of the menstrual period which can cause symptoms worse for girls and women. This can lead to confusion in adolescents, especially when combined with hormonal changes. It is difficult to recognize and treat them properly.
While it is true that a number of the same therapies work for women with ADHD like they do for men However, a mental health professional will need to evaluate each individual's particular needs and symptoms. The type of therapy that a patient receives will depend on both their ADHD symptoms as well as other factors that could be contributing to their issues like the history of depression or trauma. A few common treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps individuals are taught to change their negative thinking patterns and swap them out for healthier ones, and couples counseling that can help people improve their communication and solve issues in their relationships.