Why The Untreated ADHD In Female Adults Is Beneficial During COVID-19
ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that affects both women and men. However, the expectations of society and gender roles make it difficult for women to recognize. Women are also more adept at masking their symptoms, which could cause misdiagnosis and delay in treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral biases, lingering stereotypes and comorbidities could all be obstacles to a clear diagnosis. Here are some of the most frequent untreated adhd females.
1. Difficulty Focusing
While hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD are more common for both genders, women and people who are assigned a female at birth (AFAB) are not yet 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.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include being unable to remember important appointments or items and being easily distracted by social or work occasions. It can also be hard for women suffering from this disorder to sit down and focus on homework or other tasks at school or work. In some instances, women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty getting or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or a medical condition.
People with inattentive ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms. Others might misinterpret their behavior, causing misunderstandings, frustration and conflict in relationships. In the workplace, it can cause missed opportunities and career challenges.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating effects on females. Women can find themselves having to deal with their problems at home as well as at work which can make it hard to stay on top of their game as they juggle multiple responsibilities and try to meet the goals they set for themselves.
In addition to having difficulty focus, many women suffering from ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their families and friends. In the end they may feel isolated or develop self-defeating patterns, such as alcohol abuse.
Women with untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms, such as low self-esteem, feelings of guilt, shame or feeling of worthlessness. This can make them more susceptible to stress, physical illness and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. They are more likely than those who do not suffer from the condition to commit suicide or self-harm. Women can feel empowered after receiving a diagnosis and take action to improve her life. However, getting an diagnosis is a prerequisite for seeing a qualified healthcare professional for a thorough assessment and efficient treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, especially in the workplace. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD frequently have a hard working through tasks at work and managing their schedule. They may forget appointments, lose important paperwork or rely on productivity apps to help them remain on track. These apps can be helpful but they cannot replace the ability to organize your life.
Gender roles can enhance the impact of ADHD symptoms in women. Women are required to look after their homes and families which requires a degree of coordination that ADHD sufferers have to work hard to maintain. This pressure from society can cause women with ADHD to feel ashamed and blame themselves for trying to meet these demands.
Time management problems can cause frustration both in personal and professional relationships. The signs of ADHD can make you underestimate how time it takes to complete a task, which can cause you to be late for meetings or other commitments. Use a checklist or a calendar to on track of deadlines when you are frequently late for events. Take frequent breaks to move around and relax your mind, and utilize a timer while working.
You can also try mindfulness techniques to help you stay focused on your the task and avoid distractions. The ability to listen to news stories on your phone instead of music or podcasts could be an excellent alternative to listening to music while working. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, consider switching to a car that has manual transmission. You can also consider driving with your cell phone turned off to prevent distracted texting and phone calls.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD, an expert in mental health can recommend treatments and strategies for coping. Treatment options can include medication, such as stimulants, and psychotherapy. The type of therapy that your doctor recommends will depend on the specific symptoms you have and what's going on in your life. For instance, cognitive behavior therapy can help you come to accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing negative behaviors for healthier ones. You can also receive family therapy or couples counseling to improve communication in your relationships.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females who suffer from ADHD report higher levels depression and anxiety than men. They may have difficulty coping with these issues, leading to a variety of unhealthy behavior. As a way to cope with their symptoms, they might turn to substances or unhealthy eating habits. These behaviors can exacerbate symptoms. Furthermore women are more prone to be misdiagnosed for these conditions. They could receive the wrong treatment, which could worsen their mood or cause other problems.
It's crucial to know that stress, physical conditions and illnesses can trigger symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. This is why it's crucial to see a medical practitioner or a mental health professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the differences in ADHD diagnoses between women and men is due to a combination socially and biologically imposed roles. Women are expected to take on more household and parenting work than men. This pressure can cause feelings of self-doubt and cause dysfunctional beliefs that can lead to the emergence of symptoms of ADHD.
Women are also less likely than men to speak with doctors about their symptoms as they believe they are able to manage them on their own. Women with ADHD may also be more likely than others to blame their symptoms, such as lack of sleep or stress. This could contribute to the fact that a lot of women suffering from ADHD are undiagnosed in adulthood.
evidence based treatment for adhd in adults suggests that the COVID-19 period has been particularly challenging for young adults, who are more likely to suffer from more constant high rates of anxiety and depression than adults of middle age. These peaks coincided with cases of COVID-19 and occurred at a time when protests against racial discrimination were taking place and mass shootings, years of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine, recurrent catastrophes and rising unemployment. Chronic and recent stress exposure is known to be an important risk cause for depression and anxiety This combination of factors could help explain why these levels have been so constantly raised.
4. Problems in Making Friends
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can have trouble finding and maintaining friendships, especially as they age. Social isolation can lead to health issues such as high blood pressure or chronic stress. Having close friends and family members who can provide support can be beneficial but many adults find that they can't form new friends or maintain their current relationships.
The social norms surrounding gender and sexuality can have an influence whether women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis 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.
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. This means that women and girls are more prone to being penalized for showing symptoms of ADHD like disorganization and inattention. They could be misdiagnosed as having anxiety or mood disorders, and their ADHD symptoms might not be treated properly.
In addition, hormonal fluctuations can amplify ADHD in females. Estrogen levels can be lower at the end of and during the ovulation phase of a woman's menstrual period which can cause symptoms worse for women and girls. This can cause confusion among adolescents, especially when combined with hormonal changes. It is difficult to identify and treat them properly.
Although it is true that many of the same therapies work for women with ADHD like they do for men However, a mental health professional will have to take a look at each individual's specific needs and symptoms. The kind of therapy a person receives will be based on their ADHD symptoms and other factors that might be contributing to their problems like the history of trauma or depression. A few typical treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a process where individuals learn to change their negative thinking patterns and switch them to healthier ones. Couples counseling can also aid individuals in improving their communication skills and solve issues in their relationships.