ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms<br /><br />ADHD is an illness that affects men &amp; women. However, societal expectations &amp; gender roles make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women may also hide their symptoms better, which could result in them being incorrectly diagnosed or delayed in treatment.<br /><br />Internalized symptoms, referral biases persistent stereotypes and comorbidities can all be obstacles to a proper diagnosis. Here are some of female adult symptoms that are not treated for adhd.<br /><br />1. Trouble focusing<br /><br />While hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent in males and females however, women and those who are assigned a female at birth (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.<br /><br />Inattention ADHD symptoms include forgetting important appointments or things and being easily distracted by social or work occasions. Women with this disorder might also have difficulty to concentrate on schoolwork or other work. In some cases, people who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty falling or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety or a medical condition.<br /><br />People with inattention ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and try to make up for them. Others might not understand their behavior, leading to misunderstandings, frustration and conflict within relationships. In the workplace, it could result in problems in the workplace and missed opportunities.<br /><br />This is why the consequences of untreated ADHD for females can be devastating. Women may have difficulty to cope with their difficulties at home as well as in the workplace. This can make it difficult to stay afloat while they take on multiple responsibilities and attempt to achieve goals that they set for themselves.<br /><br />In addition to having trouble focus, many women suffering from ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their family and friends. They may become lonely or develop unhealthy habits that can be self-defeating like drinking.<br /><br /><br /><br />Women with untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms, such as low self-esteem and feelings guilt, shame or a sense of worthlessness. This makes them more vulnerable to stress, physical illnesses and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. As a result, they are more likely to turn to self-injury or suicide than those who don't suffer from the condition. A woman can feel empowered by a diagnosis and take action to improve her life. However, obtaining an diagnosis requires that she first see an expert in healthcare for a thorough evaluation and effective treatment.<br /><br />2. Problems with Time Management<br /><br />ADHD symptoms are difficult to manage in the workplace, especially. Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD typically have a difficult time following through on tasks at work and managing their daily schedule. They may lose important documents or appointments, or rely upon productivity apps to stay on top of things. These apps can be useful however they aren't able to substitute for the need for strong organizational skills.<br /><br />The gender role expectations of women can also contribute to the symptoms of ADHD. Women are expected to take care of their homes and families, which requires a level of coordination that ADHD sufferers have to work hard to maintain. This social pressure can cause feelings of self-reflection and shame among women with ADHD who are trying to fulfill these expectations which can cause them to conceal their symptoms.<br /><br />Problems with time management can cause frustration in relationships both professional and personal. The signs of ADHD can cause you to underestimate how long it takes to complete a task, which can cause you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If you are frequently late for events, consider using a planner or checklist to keep the track of deadlines. Take frequent breaks to move around and relax your mind. Also, utilize a timer while working.<br /><br />You can also use mindfulness techniques to focus and avoid distractions. For example, instead of listening to podcasts or music while working, listen to a news story on your mobile. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, consider switching to a manual transmission vehicle. You can also consider driving with your cellphone switched off to avoid distracted texting and calling.<br /><br />If you're diagnosed with ADHD, a mental health professional can suggest treatments and coping strategies. Treatment options include stimulants as well as psychotherapy. The kind of therapy your doctor recommends will depend on your specific needs and what's going on in your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you to learn to accept your thoughts and feelings while swapping out negative behaviors for healthier ones. You can also seek out family or couples therapy to improve communication within your relationships.<br /><br />3. Depression and Anxiety<br /><br />Females suffering from ADHD report higher levels depression and anxiety than males. They can struggle to cope with these issues, which can lead to a variety of unhealthy behaviours. As a way to cope with their symptoms, they may turn to substances or unhealthy eating habits. These habits can cause symptoms to worsen. In addition women are more likely to be misdiagnosed with these conditions. As a result, they are treated in the wrong way, which can further worsen their mood and cause other issues.<br /><br />It's important to recognize that a variety of factors can trigger similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD like stress and certain physical ailments and illnesses. That's why it's essential to consult a health care provider or a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.<br /><br />Researchers believe that the difference in the frequency of ADHD diagnosis among women and men is due to a combination of social and biological gender roles. Women are expected to perform more household and parenting work than men. This pressure can cause feelings of low self-esteem and lead to dysfunctional beliefs that can cause symptoms of ADHD.<br /><br />Women are also less likely than men to inform doctors about their symptoms as they believe they can manage them on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD might also be more likely to blame their symptoms on other causes such as lack of sleep or stress. This can result in many women with ADHD not being diagnosed until they reach adulthood.<br /><br />Research suggests that the COVID-19 epidemic has been particularly challenging for young adults. They tend to have higher rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms than adults in their mid-life. The peaks 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-high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine, recurrent climate catastrophes, and rising unemployment. Stress exposure either in the form of chronic or recent, has been proven to increase depression and anxiety. This combination of factors could explain why these levels are persistently high.<br /><br />4. Trouble Making Friends<br /><br />Women who suffer from untreated ADHD are more likely to have difficulty making and keeping friends, especially as they age. Social isolation can cause health issues like high blood pressure or chronic stress. It is beneficial to have close family members and friends who are able to provide support, but many adults struggle to maintain or establish new connections.<br /><br />Societal norms about gender and sexuality may affect 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 refer 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.<br /><br />These societal expectations of girls and women may also contribute 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 such as disorganization and inattention. They may be misdiagnosed with mood disorders or anxiety, and their ADHD symptoms might not be treated properly.<br /><br />Additionally, hormonal fluctuations can also amplify ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels are typically lower towards the end and during ovulation of a woman's menstrual period, which can make symptoms worse for girls and women. In conjunction with hormonal changes during the adolescent stage, this could lead to confusion about their symptoms, making it difficult to get a correct diagnosis and adequate treatment.<br /><br />Although <a href="https://harmon-foldager.blogbright.net/10-apps-that-can-help-you-control-your-untreated-adhd-in-adults">first line treatment for adhd in adults</a> of the same treatment options are available to women suffering from ADHD, a mental healthcare professional will still need evaluate each individual's symptoms and needs. The kind of therapy a person receives will be based on their ADHD symptoms and other factors that might be contributing to their problems, such as an experience of trauma or depression. Some common treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy, where individuals learn to alter their negative thinking patterns and switch them to healthier ones, and couples counseling that can help people improve communication and resolve issues in their relationships.<br /><br />