7 Useful Tips For Making The Most Out Of Your Untreated ADHD In Female Adults
ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a problem that affects both men and women, however, societal expectations and gender roles can make it difficult for them to be diagnosed. Women may also hide their symptoms more effectively, which could result in them being incorrectly diagnosed or delayed in treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral biases persisting stereotypes, and comorbidities can all be obstacles to a correct diagnosis. Here are a few of the most frequently reported untreated adhd females.
1. Problems with Focusing
Women and those who were assigned female at birth are often not 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.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include being unable to remember important appointments or items, and being easily distracted by social or work occasions. It can be a challenge for women suffering from this disorder to sit and focus on homework or other assignments at school or work. Women with ADHD can have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep because of anxiety, depression, or medical problems.
People with inattention ADHD often attempt to hide their symptoms. Their behavior may be misinterpreted by others, leading to conflicts, frustrations and miscommunication in their relationships. This can result in missed career opportunities and challenges at work.
As a result, the consequences of untreated ADHD in female adults can be devastating. Women may have a difficult time to cope with their difficulties at home as well as in the workplace. This makes it difficult for them to stay afloat while they manage their tasks and strive to meet the goals they set for them.
Alongside having issues in focusing, many women with ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their family and friends. As a result they may become lonely or develop self-defeating habits that are unhealthy such as alcohol use.
Women with untreated ADHD may also experience internalizing symptoms like low self-esteem and feelings of guilt, shame or deprivation. This can make them more prone to physical and mental stressors as well as mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. They are more likely than those who do not suffer from the condition to take self-harm or commit suicide. Receiving a diagnosis can help women feel more confident in taking steps to change her life to the best of her abilities. To receive a diagnosis, a woman must first consult a licensed healthcare professional for an assessment and effective treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, especially at work. Women with undiagnosed ADHD have trouble managing their day-to-day schedule and completing work tasks. They may forget important documents or appointments or rely on productivity apps to stay on track. These apps can be helpful but they cannot replace good organizational skills.
Gender role expectations can also increase the severity of ADHD symptoms for women. Women are required to look after their homes and families, which requires a level of coordination that ADHD sufferers have to work hard to maintain. This societal pressure can trigger feelings of shame and self-blame among women with ADHD who are trying to fulfill these expectations and cause them to hide their symptoms.
Problems with time management can 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're frequently late for meetings, think about using a planner or checklists to keep on top of deadlines. Take breaks frequently to move around and calm your mind. Also, employ a timer when you work.
You can also try mindfulness techniques to help you stay on task and reduce distractions. Listening to news stories on your smartphone instead of music or podcasts could be a good alternative to listening to music while working. If you have trouble being able to concentrate while driving, consider switching to a car with manual transmission. You may also want consider driving without your cellphone to avoid being distracted by texting or making calls.
Once you are diagnosed with ADHD, the mental health professional can suggest treatments and strategies for coping. Treatment options include stimulants as well as psychotherapy. Your doctor will recommend an approach depending on your symptoms and the current situation in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for instance can help you to accept your thoughts and feelings while replacing bad habits with healthier ones. You can also get couples counseling or family therapy to improve communication between you and your family members.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females suffering from ADHD tend to have higher levels of anxiety and depression than their male counterparts. They can struggle to cope with these symptoms, leading to a variety of unhealthy behavior. To cope with their symptoms, they may resort to using substances or adopt unhealthy eating habits. These actions can worsen symptoms. In adhd treatment for adults medication , women are more likely to be misdiagnosed with these issues. In the end, they are treated incorrectly which may further aggravate their mood and trigger other issues.
It's crucial to know that stress, physical conditions, and illnesses can cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. It is essential to consult a mental health professional or a health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the difference in the frequency of ADHD diagnosis among males and women is due to a mix of social and biological gender roles. Women are expected to do more household and parenting tasks than men. This pressure can result in feelings of low self-esteem and lead to dysfunctional beliefs that can lead to the emergence of symptoms of ADHD.
Furthermore, women may be less likely to report their symptoms to a medical professional because they think they can handle them on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely than other people to blame their symptoms, like sleep issues or stress. This can result in many women who suffer from ADHD not being diagnosed until adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic era has been particularly difficult for young adults, who tend to suffer from more constant high rates of anxiety and depression than middle-aged adults. These highs coincided with COVID-19-related cases and were occurring at a time when there were racial injustice protests, mass shootings, decades of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine and recurrent catastrophes, as well as rising unemployment. Stress exposure as a whole, whether it is chronic or recent, is known to increase depression and anxiety. This combination of factors could be the reason why these levels are persistently high.
4. Trouble Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may have difficulty establishing and maintaining friendships, particularly in adulthood. 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 assistance, but many adults struggle to keep or establish new connections.
Social norms regarding gender and sexuality can affect whether or not women with ADHD receive the diagnosis and treatment they require. In one study, parents and teachers were less likely to refer girls with ADHD to treatment 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 girls and women can also exacerbate their 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 experience punishment for ADHD-related symptoms such as inattention and disorganization. This means that they may be misdiagnosed as having an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder and their ADHD symptoms may not be appropriately treated.
Additionally, hormonal fluctuations can amplify ADHD in females. Estrogen levels are typically lower towards the end and during the ovulation phase of the menstrual period which can cause symptoms worse for girls and women. In conjunction with hormonal changes during the adolescent stage, this could result in confusion regarding their symptoms, making it more difficult for them to receive the correct diagnosis and treatment.
While it is true that many of the same treatment options work for women with ADHD like they do for males, a mental health professional will need to evaluate each individual's specific needs and symptoms. The type of therapy a patient receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms as well as other factors that might be contributing to their issues, such as a history of depression or trauma. Some common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), where people learn to change their negative thought patterns and swap them for healthier ones. Couples counseling can also aid individuals in improving their communication and resolve problems in relationships.