Why Is Untreated ADHD In Female Adults So Effective During COVID-19
ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects males and females. However, the expectations of society and gender roles make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women are also able to mask their symptoms better, which could result in them being incorrectly diagnosed or delayed in treatment.
Lingering stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptoms, and comorbidities all create obstacles to a correct diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are some of the most frequently reported untreated adhd female adults.
1. Problems with Focusing
Although the hyperactive and impulsive signs of ADHD are more common for both genders but women and those who are assigned 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.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include forgetting important appointments or things, and being easily distracted by work or social events. Women suffering from this disorder might also have difficulty to focus on their schoolwork or other activities. Women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep because of anxiety, depression, or medical problems.
People with inattentive ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms. People may not understand their behavior, leading to misunderstandings, frustration, and conflict within relationships. It can lead to difficulties in their careers and a lack of opportunities in the workplace.
This is why the consequences of untreated ADHD in females who are adults can be devastating. Women may have a difficult time to manage their issues both at home and at the workplace. This makes it difficult for them to keep afloat as they take on multiple responsibilities and attempt to achieve goals that they set for themselves.
Many women with ADHD struggle to focus and find it difficult to receive emotional support from their family and friends. In the end, they can become isolated or develop unhealthy patterns of self-defeating behaviors like alcohol abuse.
Women with untreated ADHD might also experience internalizing symptoms, such as low self esteem, feelings of guilt, shame or feelings of inadequacy. This makes them more susceptible to physical illness, stress and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. They are more likely than people who do not have the condition to take self-harm or commit suicide. A woman may be encouraged by a diagnosis and take action to improve her life. However, getting diagnosed requires that she first consult 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 in the workplace. Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD typically have a difficult to complete work tasks and managing their schedule. They might forget appointments, misplace important paperwork or rely on productivity apps to help stay on task. These apps can be helpful, but they cannot replace the need for good organizational skills.
The expectations for gender roles of women can also increase the symptoms of ADHD. Women are expected to take care of their families and homes, which requires a level of coordination that ADHD sufferers have to work hard to maintain. This societal pressure can trigger feelings of guilt and shame among women with ADHD who try to meet those demands which can cause them to conceal their symptoms.
Problems with time management can lead to frustration both in professional and personal relationships. The signs of ADHD can make you underestimate how you will take to finish a task, causing you to be late for meetings or other commitments. You might want to consider using 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 apply mindfulness techniques to stay focused and avoid distractions. The ability to listen to news stories on your phone instead of listening to music or podcasts can be a good alternative to listening to music while working. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, think about changing to a vehicle with a manual transmission. You can also consider driving with your cellphone switched off to stop distractions with texting and calls.
Once you are diagnosed with ADHD, a mental health professional can recommend treatments and strategies for coping. Treatment options include stimulants and psychotherapy. The type of therapy your doctor recommends will be based on your specific needs and what's going on in your life. For instance, cognitive behavior therapy can help you to learn to accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing negative behaviors for healthier ones. You can also receive family or couples therapy to improve communication in your relationships.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females with ADHD are more prone to anxiety and depression than males. They may have difficulty coping with these symptoms, leading to a variety of unhealthy behaviors. As a way to cope with their symptoms, they could use substances or develop unhealthy eating habits. These behaviors can make the symptoms worse. Additionally women are more prone to be misdiagnosed for these conditions. In the end, they are treated incorrectly which can further aggravate their mood and trigger other problems.
It's crucial to know that stress, physical ailments, and illnesses can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. That's why it's essential to see a medical practitioner or a mental health professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the differences in ADHD diagnoses between men and women is due to a mix of socially and biologically constructed roles. Women are expected to take on more household chores and parenting than men. This pressure can result in feelings of self-doubt and can lead to distorted beliefs that can lead to the emergence of symptoms of ADHD.
Additionally, women are less likely to admit their symptoms to a healthcare professional because they think they're able to manage them on their own. Women with ADHD are also more likely than others to blame their problems on external factors, like sleep issues or stress. This could be a contributing factor to the fact that many women with ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood.
Research indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic is particularly challenging for young adults. They have greater levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms than adults in their middle age. The peaks in these levels coincided with a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases and were triggered by a period of racial justice protests mass shootings, decades of high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine as well as recurring climate disasters and a rise in unemployment. Stress exposure, especially recent and chronic, is recognized as a risk factor for anxiety and depression, so this combination of factors could help explain why these levels have been constantly raised.
4. Problems in Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD may have trouble forming and maintaining friendships, especially in their later years. Social isolation can be linked to a variety of health issues, including high blood pressure and chronic stress. Being close to family and friends members who can provide support can be helpful, but many adults find that they can't form new friends or maintain their current relationships.
The social norms surrounding gender and sex can influence whether women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they require. In one study, teachers or parents were less likely than boys 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 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. adhd treatment for adult women and women are more likely to suffer the consequences of ADHD-related symptoms like disorganization and inattention. In the end, they could be incorrectly diagnosed with anxiety or a mood disorder and their ADHD symptoms might not be treated appropriately.
Furthermore, hormone fluctuations can also amplify ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels can be lower towards the end and during ovulation of the menstrual period, which can make symptoms worse for women and girls. This can cause confusion among adolescents, particularly when it is combined with hormonal changes. It can be difficult to diagnose and treat them properly.
While many of the same treatment options are available to women suffering from ADHD A mental health professional will still have to evaluate each individual's symptoms and needs. The type of treatment that a person receives is based on their ADHD symptoms, as well as other factors contributing to their difficulties. For instance the history of depression or trauma. Some typical treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps people learn how to change their negative thoughts and switch them to healthier ones. Couples counseling can also assist individuals to improve their communication skills and solve relationship problems.