Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD are misdiagnosed or are not diagnosed, due to the fact that their symptoms are different from those of men. For example, they may have more emotional instability or have difficulty regulating their emotions.
Finding a therapist or a therapist who is knowledgeable about ADHD in women can make all the difference in turning your unique difficulties into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
The signs of inattention ADHD in adults may include difficulty keeping the track of appointments and household tasks, not meeting deadlines at work, and having trouble to stay focused during meetings. It's also common for people with inattentive ADHD to experience a concept called "time blindness," meaning that they frequently forget the time or are so caught up in their task that they forget how long it has taken. This can lead to feelings of being unorganized and unorganized, or even irresponsible.
symptoms of adhd adults with inattentive ADHD can be particularly adept in hiding their symptoms. This can make it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis. They may have learned how to compensate for their inability to remain organized by employing coping strategies such as self-denial or relying on other people or resorting to unhealthy habits like excessive drinking or using drugs.
In the end, their struggles with organization and focus can go unnoticed by other people until they begin to recognize their own issues. They might have a list of embarrassing moments where they have embarrassed their coworkers or friends. They may also struggle to keep their homes and homes clean and organized and feel overwhelmed by their workload.
If untreated and not diagnosed the symptoms of inattention ADHD can have a devastating effect on all aspects of their lives. They might miss out on occasions for professional or social gatherings because they aren't invited, or fail to pay bills or return phone calls from friends promptly. They could take a test too fast or misunderstand the instructions at work, or make naive mistakes in their relationships with others. At some point, they believe they are lazy or stupid, and struggle with low self-esteem and confidence.
2. Hyperactivity
People who suffer from hyperactive ADHD may be prone to fidget, squirming in their seats, or talk a lot. They may have trouble paying attention to what others are saying. They often interrupt or make statements that they don't have the time to think about. They are easily distracted and bored by tasks which do not entice them. This behavior isn't due to a desire for defiance or a lack in comprehension it is a biological imbalance in frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
Those with inattentive ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or misplace keys than others. 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 eyeglasses, wallets, keys, sports equipment, or school supplies. They are often unable to keep a job, and they often begin projects that never get finished.
Many people suffering from ADHD feel better at being themselves once their symptoms have been controlled. This is especially applicable if the person had been misled for a long time into believing that they are lazy or irresponsible due to their procrastination or indecisiveness.
Stress, mental disorders and physical illnesses can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A healthcare professional will require an exhaustive examination to determine the source of the symptoms, and determine effective treatments. They may request your permission to talk with family members, friends, colleagues, teachers, and other individuals who know you well to get information about your current and past behavior and experiences. They might also perform psychological tests, such as the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders and the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Inventory.
3. Impulsivity
ADHD can make stopping and taking a breath more difficult especially when the situation becomes stressful. It is possible to feel compelled get involved and tackle something even though you ought to take your time and plan your actions. This impulsivity may lead to problems at work, in school, or in your relationships. There are also issues with finances, driving or managing your home.
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because their symptoms tend to be less apparent. They might hide their issues by presenting themselves as reliable, diligent, and well-organized. This could create a false impression that they are in control and allows others to dismiss them as a problem child or an emotionally overly sensitive woman or an over-achiever. In the end, an undiagnosed lifetime of ADHD can cause serious damage to 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 must be evident in two different environments, such as at home and work and affect your ability to function.
You may find it difficult to finish assignments or work and look disorganized and forgetful. You might have trouble waiting in line, sat down, or staying focused when reading, working on the computer, or doing household chores. You may want to be more creative than the daily grind, and you may procrastinate or avoid tasks to avoid them. Although ADHD shares some symptoms with anxiety disorders, restlessness, fidgeting and forgetfulness are not usually present. The symptoms of ADHD are prone to change as you age, and are exacerbated by hormonal changes such as menopausal and pregnancy.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a mental disorder characterized by extreme negative emotions and difficulty in regulating emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and affect many aspects of everyday life. People who are sensitive to rejection have more extreme reactions than other people to social cues, which could be perceived as rejection. When they are faced with rejection - whether real or perceived, they could feel shame, low self esteem and emotional dysregulation. It is a common condition for those with ADHD and Autism however, it can co-occur in those without these conditions as well.
RSD can lead to an inability to set personal boundaries, leading to impulsive behaviors and trouble managing relationships. It can also cause people to avoid risk-taking, which may limit their career as well as personal growth. For some, it could even lead to a complete loss of self-esteem as well as a feeling of depression. RSD is also known to cause and intensify core ADHD symptoms, including time blindness. This can lead to problems in planning and organisation, as well being a waste of time doing things that aren't important. It can also cause difficulties in focusing and attention span, and those suffering from RSD may be stuck contemplating a small issue for days or hours.
Research suggests that people with RSD may have a brain impairment that affects the processing of emotional information. This could be due to the fact that the amygdala (which is responsible for the body's threat response) is activated more frequently when people feel rejected. It is also believed that people who are sensitive to rejection may have suffered from childhood trauma, which can leave lasting effects on their emotional development. This can make people more sensitive to rejection, criticism and abandonment when they are adults. RSD can be influenced by co-occurring mental disorders like depression or anxiety.
5. Gender Atypical Behaviors
Many people who suffer from ADHD develop the disorder during the earliest years of their lives, and they nearly always have a diagnosis before the age of 12. The symptoms are likely to last well into adulthood. This means that women who suffer from the disorder can be unable to cope with problems at school, work at home, and in relationships. They can also struggle with depression, compulsive overeating or addiction disorders. Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can be a drain on women's self-esteem and they can blame themselves for their issues by imagining themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."
Gender bias plays a role in how girls and women are viewed when they display ADHD symptoms. Teachers and parents are more likely to observe hyperactive behavior in boys with ADHD, while girls may be accused of daydreaming. This makes it harder for them to receive the help they need.
Girls who suffer from the disorder are also more likely to be suffering from anxiety and other mood disorders. They are also more likely to try to mask their symptoms employing strategies for coping that are typical for the gender they identify with, which could make it harder for others to see they have an issue.
Women with ADHD may use a lot makeup or dress in a certain way to conceal their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behaviors like drinking excessively or use of drugs, especially in adolescence. They might not seek help until it's too late.