ADHD in adhd symptoms adults treatment is a condition that affects men & women. However, the expectations of society & gender roles make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women are also better in hiding their symptoms, which can cause misdiagnosis and delay in treatment.
Lingering stereotypes, referral biases internalized symptoms and comorbidities can all create obstacles to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are a few females' symptoms that are not treated for adhd.
1. Trouble focusing
Although the hyperactive and impulsive signs of ADHD are more prevalent for both genders however, women and those who are assigned a female at birth (AFAB) aren't yet being diagnosed 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.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include difficulty staying organized or on task, losing important dates or items, and being easily distracted by work or social occasions. People with this disorder may also find it difficult to focus on their schoolwork or other activities. Women with ADHD may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety or medical issues.
People with inattentive ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and attempt to compensate for them. Their behavior can be misinterpreted by others, resulting in confusion, anger and conflict in their relationships. It can lead to difficulties in their careers and a lack of opportunities in the workplace.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating effects on female adults. Women may have a difficult time to deal with their problems both at home and in the workplace. This makes it difficult for them to maintain a steady pace while they juggle their multiple obligations and try to reach the goals that they set for themselves.
Many women with ADHD have trouble focusing and struggle to get emotional support from their family and friends. They may feel isolated, or develop unhealthy patterns that can be self-defeating like drinking.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can also experience internalizing symptoms, such as low self-esteem and feelings of guilt, shame or feeling of worthlessness. This makes them more susceptible to stress, physical illnesses as well as mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. They are more likely than those who don't have the condition to commit suicide or self-harm. Receiving a diagnosis can help women feel more empowered to take steps to change her life for the better. However, obtaining an diagnosis requires that she first consult an expert in healthcare for a thorough assessment and effective treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, especially in the workplace. Women with no diagnosis of ADHD have trouble managing their schedules and completing work tasks. They may lose important documents or appointments, or rely upon productivity apps to stay on track. These apps are useful, but cannot replace the ability to organize your life.
The gender roles expectations can enhance the impact of ADHD symptoms for women. Society expects women to be the caretakers of their home and family and require a certain level of coordination that those with ADHD struggle to maintain. The pressures from society can cause women with ADHD to feel embarrassed and blame themselves for failing to fulfill these expectations.
Troubles with time management could cause frustration in relationships, both personal and professional. The signs of ADHD can cause you to underestimate the time it takes to finish a task, causing 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 meetings or other events. Make frequent breaks to clear your mind and move around.
You can also practice mindfulness techniques to help you stay on task and reduce distractions. For instance, instead listening to music or podcasts while working, play an article on your phone. If you have trouble concentrating while driving, consider switching to a manual transmission vehicle. adhd in adults untreated may also want consider driving without your cellphone in order to avoid being distracted by texting or calling.
A mental health professional can help determine the best treatment and coping method for ADHD. Treatment options can include medications, like stimulants, and psychotherapy. Your doctor will suggest an approach according to your health issues and the present situation in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for instance, can help you accept your thoughts and emotions while replacing destructive patterns of behavior with healthier ones. You can also receive couples or family therapy to improve communication in your relationships.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females suffering from ADHD often report higher levels of depression and anxiety than their male counterparts. They may be struggling to deal with the symptoms, and this can result in a range of unhealthy behaviours. For example, they might turn to substance use or develop unhealthy eating patterns as a means of dealing with their symptoms. These behaviors can exacerbate symptoms. Additionally, women are more likely to be misdiagnosed for these issues. They may receive the wrong treatment that could make them feel worse or cause other issues.
It's important to note that many factors can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD like stress as well as certain physical conditions and illnesses. This is why it's crucial to see a health care practitioner or mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the difference in ADHD diagnoses between men and women is due to a combination socially and biologically constructed roles. Women are generally expected to assume the majority of parenting and household chores than their male counterparts. This pressure can cause feelings of self-doubt and can lead to distorted beliefs that can exacerbate symptoms of ADHD.
Furthermore, women may be less likely to admit their symptoms to a medical professional because they believe they're able to manage them on their own. Women with ADHD also may be more likely to blame their symptoms on other causes, such as a lack of sleep or excessive stress. This can result in many women who suffer from ADHD not being diagnosed until later in life.
Research indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic is particularly challenging for young adults. They are more likely to experience higher rates of depression and anxiety than adults in their mid-life. The peak in these levels coincided with spikes 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 the rise in unemployment. Chronic and recent stress exposure is known to be an important risk cause for depression and anxiety and this combination of factors may help explain why these levels have been so persistently elevated.
4. Problems in Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD are more likely to have difficulty finding and maintaining friendships particularly as they get older. Social isolation can be connected to a myriad of health issues, such as high blood pressure and chronic stress. The presence of close family and friends members who can provide support can be beneficial but many adults find that they are unable to make new acquaintances or maintain existing relationships.
The social norms surrounding gender and sex may impact whether or not women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they need. 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.
The expectations of society for women and girls could 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. Girls and women are more likely to be the victims of punishment for symptoms of ADHD like inattention and disorganization. They could be misdiagnosed as having anxiety or mood disorders, and their ADHD symptoms might not be treated properly.
Additionally hormonal fluctuations can cause ADHD in females. Estrogen levels are lower towards the end of their menstrual cycle as well as during ovulation. This can cause girls' and women's symptoms appear to be more severe. This can cause confusion in adolescents, especially when combined with hormonal changes. It is difficult to diagnose and treat them appropriately.
While it is true that a lot of the same therapies work for women with ADHD like they do for males, a mental health professional will still have to take a look at each individual's particular needs and symptoms. The kind of therapy a person receives will be based on their ADHD symptoms as well as other factors that could be contributing to their difficulties, such as the history of trauma or depression. Some popular treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a process where individuals learn how to change their negative thoughts and switch them to healthier ones. Couples counseling can also aid individuals in improving their communication skills and solve problems in relationships.