ADHD in signs of untreated adhd in adults is a problem that affects both men and women, but societal expectations and gender roles often make it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. Women can also mask their symptoms more effectively, which could lead them to be misdiagnosed or delayed in treatment.
Lingering stereotypes, referral bias, internalized symptoms and comorbidities all contribute to 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 common in males and females, women and people born female (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.
The symptoms of inattention ADHD include having trouble staying organized or on task, losing important dates or items, and being easily distracted by work or social occasions. It can be difficult for a woman with this disorder to sit down and concentrate on assignments or other work at school or work. In some cases, people who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty getting or staying asleep due to depression, anxiety or a medical problem.
People with inattentive ADHD often attempt to hide their symptoms. Their behavior may be misinterpreted by others, resulting in conflicts, frustrations and miscommunication in their relationships. In the workplace, it can cause lost opportunities and career challenges.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating effects on female adults. Women can be struggling to cope with their challenges at home and at work and this can make it hard to stay on top of their game as they take on multiple responsibilities and attempt to meet the goals they set for themselves.
Many women with ADHD have difficulty focusing and struggle to get emotional support from their family and friends. In the end, they can become isolated or develop unhealthy patterns of self-defeating behaviors such as alcohol use.
Women with untreated ADHD may also experience internalizing symptoms, like low self-esteem, feelings of guilt, shame or a sense 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 do not suffer from the condition to commit suicide or self-harm. Being diagnosed can help a woman feel more empowered to take steps to transform her life for the better. To be diagnosed, a woman must first speak with a qualified health professional for an evaluation and effective treatment.
2. Time Management Problems
ADHD symptoms are difficult to manage in the workplace, particularly. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD typically have a difficult working through tasks at work and managing their schedule. They might forget important appointments or paperwork or rely on productivity apps to keep on track. These apps can be useful, but they cannot replace the need for good organization skills.
The gender role expectations of women can also increase the symptoms of ADHD. Women are required to look after their families and homes which requires a degree of coordination that ADHD sufferers have to work hard to maintain. This pressure from society can make women with ADHD to feel embarrassed and blame themselves for not being able to fulfill these expectations.
Problems with time management can lead to frustration in relationships, both personal and professional. Symptoms of ADHD can cause you to underestimate the you will take to complete a task, which can cause you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If you're often late for meetings, think about using a planner or checklists to keep track of deadlines. Make frequent breaks to clear your mind and get moving.
You can also use mindfulness techniques to help you stay on task and reduce distractions. Listening to news stories on your smartphone instead of listening to music or podcasts could be an alternative to music while working. If you are having trouble concentrating while driving, try switching to a manual transmission car. You may also want to think about driving without your phone to avoid getting distracted by texting or calling.
Once you are diagnosed with ADHD, an expert in mental health can suggest treatments and strategies for coping. Treatment options include medication, such as stimulants, as well as psychotherapy. Your doctor will suggest an approach based on your symptoms and the present situation in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, can help you accept your thoughts and feelings while replacing negative patterns of behaviour with healthier ones. You can also receive family or couples therapy to improve communication in your relationships.
3. Depression and Anxiety
Females who suffer from ADHD are more prone to depression and anxiety than men. They may have difficulty coping with these symptoms, leading to a variety of unhealthy behaviors. For instance, they could turn to substance use or develop unhealthy eating habits to deal with their symptoms. These behaviors can make the symptoms worse. In addition, women are more likely to be misdiagnosed for these issues. They may receive the wrong treatment, which could increase their mood or trigger other problems.
It's crucial to know that stress, physical conditions, and illnesses can cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. It is important to speak with an expert in mental health or a health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the disparity in ADHD diagnoses between women and men is due to a combination socially and biologically constructed roles. Women are expected to do more household and parenting work than men. This pressure can result in feelings of self-doubt and lead to dysfunctional beliefs that can exacerbate symptoms of ADHD.
Women may also be less likely than men to inform the doctor about their issues as they believe they can handle them themselves. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely than others to blame their symptoms on other factors, like sleep issues or stress. This can contribute to the fact that a lot of women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic era has been particularly difficult for young adults, who are more likely to have more persistently high rates of anxiety and depression than middle-aged adults. The peaks in these levels coincided with the peaks in COVID-19 case numbers and occurred during a time of racial justice protests mass shootings, decades of high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine, recurrent climate catastrophes, and the rise in unemployment. Stress exposure as a whole, whether it is chronic or recent, is known to increase depression and anxiety. This combination of factors could explain why these levels are so persistently high.
4. Trouble Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD are more likely to have difficulty making and maintaining friends, especially as they age. Social isolation can be associated with a range of health issues, such as high blood pressure and chronic stress. It can be beneficial to have close family and friends who can provide assistance, but many adults struggle to keep or form new connections.
The social norms that surround gender and sexuality can have an impact on whether women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they need. In one study, parents and teachers were less likely to refer girls with ADHD to services 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 of women and girls can exacerbate 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 such as disorganization and inattention. It is possible that they are misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety and their ADHD symptoms might not be treated properly.
In addition hormonal fluctuations can also cause ADHD in females. Estrogen levels may be lower at the end and during ovulation of the menstrual period which can cause symptoms more severe for females and girls. This can cause confusion among adolescents, especially when they are combined with hormonal changes. It is difficult to diagnose and treat them appropriately.
Although many of the same treatment options are available for women suffering from ADHD, a mental healthcare professional must still assess the individual's needs and symptoms. The kind of treatment that a person receives depends on the severity of their ADHD symptoms, as along with other factors that could be contributing to their problems. For example the history of trauma or depression. The most common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy, where individuals are taught to change their negative thoughts and replace them with healthier ones, and couples counseling which can help couples improve communication and resolve issues in their relationships.