ADHD in what happens if adhd is left untreated in adults is a problem that affects both men and women, however, societal expectations and gender roles often make it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. Women are also better in minimizing their symptoms, which can cause misdiagnosis and delay in treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral biases persistent stereotypes and comorbidities can all be obstacles to a clear diagnosis. Here are a few of the most common untreated adhd in females.
1. Trouble focusing
Although the symptoms of impulsive and hyperactive of ADHD are more common in boys and men however, women and those born female (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 not remembering important appointments or things that are important, and getting easily distracted by work or social occasions. Women suffering from this disorder might also have difficulty to concentrate on schoolwork or other work. Women with ADHD are often unable to fall asleep or staying asleep because of anxiety, depression, or medical problems.
People with inattentive ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and try to make up for them. Others may not understand their behavior, leading to confusion, anger and conflict in relationships. This can result in difficulties in their careers and a lack of opportunities at work.
Untreated ADHD can have devastating effects on females. Women may have difficulty to manage their issues both at home and in the workplace. This makes it difficult for them to keep afloat as they juggle their multiple responsibilities and attempt to achieve goals that they set for themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD struggle to focus and also find it difficult to receive emotional support from their family and friends. They can become isolated, or develop unhealthy patterns that can be self-defeating like drinking.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can also experience internalizing symptoms like low self esteem or feelings of guilt shame or feelings of inadequacy. This makes them more prone to physical illness, stress and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. In turn, they are more likely to turn to suicide or self-injury than those who do not suffer from the condition. A woman may feel empowered after receiving a diagnosis and take action to improve her life. However, getting diagnosed requires that she first consult an experienced healthcare professional for a thorough assessment and effective treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage in the workplace, especially. Women with undiagnosed ADHD typically have a difficult to complete tasks at work and managing their daily schedule. They might forget important paperwork or appointments, or rely upon productivity apps to stay on top of things. These apps can be helpful but they cannot replace the ability to organize your life.
The gender roles expectations can amplify the impact of ADHD symptoms in women. Society expects women to be the caretakers of their family and home which requires a certain level of coordination that people with ADHD struggle to maintain. This pressure from society can trigger feelings of shame and self-blame for women with ADHD who attempt to fulfill these expectations which can cause them to conceal their symptoms.
Time management issues can result in frustration in relationships both professional and personal. ADHD symptoms can cause you underestimate the time it takes to complete your tasks, which can cause you to be late for meetings or other commitments. Use a checklist or a planner to track deadlines if you are often late for events. Take frequent breaks to relax your mind and move around.
You can also apply mindfulness techniques to remain focused and reduce distractions. For example, instead of listening to music or podcasts while working, listen to a news story on your phone. If you are having trouble concentrating while driving, consider switching to a manual-transmission car. You may also want consider driving without your cellphone to avoid being distracted by texting or making calls.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, the mental health professional can suggest treatments and coping strategies. Treatment options include stimulants as well as psychotherapy. Your doctor will recommend a therapy based on your symptoms and the present situation in your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral 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 within your relationships.
3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Females with ADHD are more prone to depression and anxiety than men. They can struggle to cope with these symptoms, leading to a range of unhealthy behavior. In order to deal with their symptoms, they might use substances or develop unhealthy eating habits. These behaviors can make symptoms worse. Women are also more likely to get these problems misdiagnosed. In the end, they are treated in the wrong way which can further aggravate their mood and trigger other issues.
It's important to note that a myriad of factors can cause similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD, including stress and certain physical ailments and illnesses. It is essential to consult an expert in mental health or a health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the disparity in ADHD diagnoses between men and women is due to a mixture of socially and biologically imposed roles. Women are expected to take on more household chores and parenting than men. This can result in feelings of low self-esteem and untrue beliefs that can lead to an increase in ADHD symptoms.
Additionally, women are less likely to report their symptoms to a medical professional due to the belief that they should be able to manage them on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to blame their symptoms on other factors like a lack of sleep or excessive stress. This could lead to a lot of women with ADHD not being diagnosed until they reach adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 epidemic has been particularly challenging for young adults. They are more likely to experience higher levels of depression and anxiety than adults in their middle years. These peak levels coincided with COVID-19 cases and occurred at a time when protests against racism were on the rise and mass shootings, years of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine and other countries, frequent catastrophes and increasing unemployment. Recent and frequent stress exposure is a risk factor for anxiety and depression and this combination of factors may help explain why these levels have been so constantly raised.
4. Problems in Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD may have difficulty establishing and maintaining friendships, especially when they reach adulthood. Social isolation can be linked to a variety of health problems, including high blood pressure and chronic stress. The presence of close family and friends members who provide assistance can be beneficial, but many adults find that they simply can't make new friends or maintain their current relationships.
The social norms that surround gender and sexuality can have an influence whether women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they need. In one study, parents or teachers were less likely than men 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 social expectations for girls and women may also 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. Women and girls are more likely to be the victims of the consequences of ADHD-related symptoms like inattention and disorganization. They could be misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety and their ADHD symptoms might not be treated appropriately.
Moreover, hormone changes can further increase ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels are lower at the end of menstrual cycles and during ovulation, and this can cause girls' and women's symptoms appear to be more severe. Combined with hormonal changes in adolescence, this can result in confusion regarding their symptoms, making it more difficult to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Although it is true that a lot of the same therapies are effective for women suffering from ADHD like they do for men A mental health professional will still be required to assess each person's particular needs and symptoms. The type of treatment that a person receives will depend on the severity of their ADHD symptoms, as in addition to other factors that could be the cause of their issues. For example, a history depression or trauma. The most common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps individuals are taught to change their negative thinking patterns and switch them to healthier ones, and couples counseling which can help couples improve communication and resolve problems in their relationships.