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ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms

ADHD is a condition that affects both women and men. However, societal expectations and 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.

Internalized symptoms, referral biases, lingering stereotypes and comorbidities could all be obstacles to a proper diagnosis. Here are a few of most frequent untreated adhd female adults.

1. Problems with Focusing

While hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD are more common for both genders, women and people assigned 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.

Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include difficulty staying organized or on task, losing important dates or items, and easily being distracted by social or work events. Women suffering from this disorder may also find it difficult to focus on their schoolwork or other activities. Women with ADHD may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or medical issues.

People with inattentive ADHD often try to hide their symptoms. Their behavior may be misinterpreted by others, resulting in confusion, anger and conflict in their relationships. In the workplace, it can cause missed opportunities and career challenges.

Untreated ADHD can have devastating consequences on females. Women can be having to deal with their challenges at home and at work which can make it hard to keep afloat when they manage multiple responsibilities and attempt to meet the goals they have set for themselves.

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.

Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms like low self-esteem and feelings shame, guilt or worthlessness. This makes them more susceptible to stress, physical illnesses and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. As a result, they are more likely to self-injury or suicide than those without the condition. Being diagnosed can make a woman feel more confident in taking steps to change her life for the better. To be diagnosed the woman should first consult a licensed healthcare provider for an evaluation and effective treatment.

2. Time Management Problems

ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, especially at work. Women with no diagnosis of ADHD have trouble managing their day-to-day schedule and completing work tasks. They may miss appointments, misplace important paperwork or rely on productivity apps to help stay on task. These apps can be helpful but they are not able to replace the need for solid organizational skills.

The expectations for gender roles of women can also contribute to the symptoms of ADHD. Women are expected to care for their families and homes which requires a degree of coordination that ADHD sufferers struggle to maintain. This societal pressure can trigger feelings of guilt and shame in women with ADHD who are trying to meet those demands, causing them to mask their symptoms.

Problems with time management can lead to frustration, both in personal and professional relationships. Symptoms of ADHD can make you underestimate how long it takes to finish a task, causing you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If you are frequently late for meetings, think about using a planner or checklist to keep track of deadlines. Take frequent breaks to move around and relax your mind, and employ a timer when you work.

You can also try mindfulness techniques to help you focus on your the task and avoid distractions. For example, instead of listening to music or podcasts while working, play the news on your mobile. If you have trouble being able to concentrate while driving, think about switching to a car with manual transmission. You can also consider driving with your phone off to stop distracted texting and phone calls.

Once you are diagnosed with ADHD, an expert in mental health can suggest treatments and coping strategies. Treatment options include stimulants as well as psychotherapy. The kind of therapy your doctor recommends will be based on the specific symptoms you have and what's going on in your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing negative patterns of behavior to healthier ones. You can also seek couples counseling or family therapy to improve communication in your relationships.

3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression

Females suffering from ADHD report higher levels depression and anxiety than men. They may have difficulty coping with these issues, leading to a variety of unhealthy behaviors. For example, they might resort to using substances or develop unhealthy eating habits to deal with their symptoms. These behaviors can exacerbate symptoms. In addition women are more likely to be misdiagnosed for these issues. This means that they are treated incorrectly which can further aggravate their mood and trigger other problems.

It's essential to be aware that stress, certain physical ailments, and illnesses can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. This is why it's crucial to see a medical provider or mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Researchers believe that the difference in the rate of ADHD diagnosis between males and females is due to a combination of social and biological gender roles. adhd treatment adults are expected to perform more household and parenting work than men. This pressure can result in feelings of self-doubt and cause dysfunctional beliefs that can exacerbate symptoms of ADHD.

Women are also less likely than men to speak with the doctor about their issues as they believe they can handle them themselves. Women with ADHD are also more likely to blame their symptoms on other causes like a lack of sleep or excessive stress. This can lead to many women who suffer from ADHD not being diagnosed until they reach adulthood.


Research indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic is particularly challenging for young adults. They have higher levels of depression and anxiety than adults in their middle years. The peaks in these levels coincided with the peaks in COVID-19 case numbers and were triggered by a period of racial justice protests, mass shootings, decades-high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine, recurrent climate catastrophes, and the rise in unemployment. Stress exposure, both chronic and recent, is known to cause depression and anxiety. This combination of factors could be the reason why these levels are constant high.

4. Difficulty Making Friends

Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may have trouble forming and maintaining friendships, especially when they reach adulthood. Social isolation is connected to a myriad of health issues, such as high blood pressure and chronic stress. Being close to family and friends members who provide support can be helpful, but many adults find that they can't form new friendships or maintain current relationships.

The social norms surrounding gender and sexual orientation can have an impact on whether women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they need. In one study, teachers and parents 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 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. Girls and women are more likely to be the victims of the consequences of ADHD-related symptoms such as inattention and disorganization. It is possible that they are misdiagnosed with anxiety or mood disorders, and their ADHD symptoms might not be treated properly.

In addition hormonal fluctuations can cause ADHD in females. Estrogen levels are lower towards the end of their menstrual cycle as well as during ovulation, and this can make girls' and women's symptoms appear to be more severe. This can lead to confusion in adolescents, especially when combined with hormonal changes. It can be difficult to identify 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 each person's individual needs and symptoms. The kind of therapy a patient receives will depend on both their ADHD symptoms and any other factors that might be contributing to their problems like a history of depression or trauma. The most common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy, in which individuals learn to alter their negative thoughts and swap them out for healthier ones, and couples counseling, which can help individuals improve their communication and solve issues in their relationships.

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