Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women who have ADHD are misdiagnosed, or are not diagnosed, due to the fact that their symptoms differ from men's. They may experience more emotional instability, or struggle to control their emotions.
Finding a therapist or a therapist who is knowledgeable about ADHD in women can make a huge difference in turning your individual challenges into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults with inattention ADHD might have difficulty keeping track of their household chores and appointments and may have trouble meeting deadlines at work, and struggle to stay focused during meetings. Inattentional ADHD patients often experience "time blindness," which is when they lose track of time or become so absorbed in their work that they forget about time. This can result in feelings of being disorganized or behind, or perhaps irresponsible.
Women who have inattention ADHD can be particularly adept in hiding their symptoms. This makes it difficult for them to get an assessment. They might have learned to compensate for their inability to remain organized through strategies for coping such as self-denial or relying on others, and even resorting unhealthy behaviors like excessive drinking or using drugs.
They may not even notice that they have a problem until they begin to recognize that they have a problem. They may have a long list of embarrassing incidents in which they embarrassed their friends or coworkers. They may also be struggling to keep their apartment and homes tidy and clean and feel overwhelmed by their workload.
If left untreated and undiagnosed, the signs of inattention ADHD can wreak havoc on all aspects of their lives. They may miss out on professional and social opportunities due to the fact that they weren't invited. In addition, they may not pay their bills on time or respond to phone calls from friends in a timely fashion. They may take a test too fast or fail to follow instructions at work, or make naive mistakes in their personal relationships. Eventually, they begin to think that they are incompetent or foolish, and struggle with low self-esteem and confidence.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to fumble in their seats, talk excessively or shake their heads. They aren't able to pay attention to what others are talking about. They frequently interrupt or make statements that they don't consider. They are easily distracted by irrelevant stimuli and tend to become bored with things that don't appeal to them. This behavior isn't triggered by a desire to be insolent or a lack of understanding it is a result of a biological imbalance in the frontal lobes of the brain (Tripp & Wickens, 2009).
While everyone loses keys or forgets to make appointments occasionally, those who have inattention ADHD are more likely to do this frequently. This subtype of ADHD can also cause people to lose track of important information, such as bills or work assignments. They often lose or forget their wallets, eyeglasses keys, sports equipment, and/or school materials. They are often unable to keep an occupation, and often begin projects that never get finished.
Many adults with ADHD feel better at being themselves once their symptoms are under control. This is especially true if they have been suffering for a long time with the false assumption that they are lazy or irresponsible because of their procrastination, indecisiveness, and disorganization.
Stress, mental health disorders, and physical ailments can trigger similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD. This is why a health care provider must conduct a thorough assessment to determine the source of the symptoms and recommend effective treatments. They may ask for your consent to speak with your family members, colleagues and teachers to get more information about your past and current behavior. They may also conduct psychological tests, such as the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders or the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Index.
3. Impulsivity
ADHD can make stopping and taking a breath difficult particularly when the situation becomes stressful. You may feel compelled by your ADHD to tackle a problem, even when you need to plan and take your time. This type of impulsivity can cause trouble with work, schoolwork, and relationships. You may also experience issues with finances, driving, or managing your home.
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD are less obvious. They may hide behind the appearance of being trustworthy and diligent. This could give them a false sense that they are in control, and permit people to dismiss them as a child with a problem or an emotionally overly sensitive woman or a perfectionist. Undiagnosed ADHD over the course of a lifetime could severely damage your self-esteem.
If you have the inattentive-type subtype of ADHD, you experience at least five ongoing symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity. These symptoms should be present at work as well as at home, and can affect your ability to function.
You might have a hard to complete school or work-related tasks, and you may appear unfocused and unorganized. You have difficulty waiting in line or sat for long periods of time and have trouble staying focused while reading or working on a computer, or doing chores. You are drawn to novelty over the routine and could find yourself avoiding tasks or procrastinating to avoid them. While the inattention and impulsivity associated with ADHD have some resemblances to anxiety, anxiety, irritability and forgetfulness are generally not present in these disorders. The symptoms of ADHD vary with age, and can be exacerbated by hormonal changes such as menopausal and pregnancy.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a mental disorder that is characterized by extreme negative feelings and a difficulty in controlling emotions. It can trigger emotional turmoil and affect a variety of aspects of daily life. People with rejection sensitivity have more extreme reactions than other people to social cues, which could be perceived as rejection. When they experience rejection, whether it is real or perceived - they may be afflicted with shame, low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation. It is a common sign for people suffering from ADHD and Autism however, it can be present in people without these conditions as well.
RSD can cause an inability to set personal boundaries, leading to impulsive behavior and difficulty managing relationships. It can also cause people to avoid taking risks, which can restrict their career and personal development. It can lead to depression and self-esteem issues for some. RSD is also known to exacerbate and amplify core ADHD symptoms, including time blindness. This can result in issues with planning and organisation and also wasting time on unimportant tasks. It can also result in difficulties in focusing and attention span, and those with RSD may be stuck ruminating on a slight for days or hours.
Research suggests that people with RSD may suffer from brain impairments in the processing of emotional information. This could be because the amygdala brain, which is responsible for the body's response to threats is more active than other people when they experience rejection. It is also believed that those with rejection sensitivity might have suffered from childhood trauma which could have lasting impacts on their emotional development. They could be more sensitive to rejection, criticism, and abandonment in adulthood. RSD can be affected by co-occurring mental disorders such as depression or anxiety.
5. Gender-specific behaviors that are gender specific
Many people with ADHD develop the condition during their childhood, and almost always receive a diagnosis before age 12. Symptoms tend to persist into adulthood, though this means that women with the disorder may have trouble at work or school as well as at home and in relationships. They might also be suffering from depression, compulsive eating, or addiction disorders. Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can take a toll on self-esteem and confidence, and they may blame themselves for their problems because they think of themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."
adhd adult symptom plays a role in the way that girls and women who suffer from ADHD are perceived. Teachers and parents are more likely to be aware of excessive behavior in boys suffering from ADHD, while girls may be accused of daydreaming. This makes it harder for them to get the assistance they require.
Furthermore, girls with the disorder are more likely to be afflicted by anxiety and other mood disorders than those who suffer from the condition. They are also more likely to try to mask their symptoms using coping strategies that are typical of the gender they identify with, which can make it more difficult for others to realize that they are suffering from an issue.
For instance, women suffering from ADHD might use a lot of makeup or dress in a particular manner to hide their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behaviors like drinking excessively or using drugs, especially during the adolescent stage. They may not seek help until it's too late.