Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women with ADHD are not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed as their symptoms manifest differently from males. They may have more emotional instability or struggle to control their emotions.
Finding a therapist who is knowledgeable of ADHD and women can make a an enormous difference in transforming your unique challenges into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults who suffer from inattentive ADHD may have difficulty keeping on top of their schedules and household chores and may are late at work and have trouble staying focused during meetings. It is also typical for people who suffer from inattention ADHD to experience a phenomenon called "time blindness," meaning that they often forget what time it is or get so caught up in their task that they lose track of the amount of time that has passed. This can cause feelings of being disorganized and unorganized, or even irresponsible.
Women with inattention ADHD can be particularly adept at hiding their symptoms. This makes it difficult for them to receive a diagnosis. They may have learned to make up for their inability to remain organized by using coping strategies like self-denial or relying on others, and even resorting unhealthy behaviors like excessive drinking or drug use.
This is why their difficulties with organization and focus can be overlooked by others until they begin to recognize their own issues. They might have a long list of foot-in mouth incidents that have embarrassed friends or colleagues, or have to work hard to keep their homes and apartments clean and organized and are overwhelmed by the number of tasks on their plates.
Untreated and undiagnosed symptoms of inattention ADHD can affect almost every aspect of their life. They might be left out of occasions for professional or social gatherings because they're not invited, or fail to pay bills or answer phone calls from friends in a timely manner. They may rush through a test or misunderstand instructions in the workplace, or make careless errors in their personal relationships. They begin to think that they are lazy or stupid and have low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to flutter in their seats, talk too much, or be squirming. They also struggle to pay close attention to what others are saying, and often interrupt or make statements without thinking about their consequences. signs adhd are easily distracted by extraneous things and are likely to become bored with tasks that don't interest them. The behavior isn't triggered by the desire to be defiant or a lack in comprehension and is due to a biological imbalance in frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
While everyone loses keys or forgets to make appointments from time to time people with inattentive ADHD do it far more frequently. This kind of ADHD can also cause people to lose track important information like bills or work assignments. They frequently lose or forget their eyeglasses, wallets, keys, sports equipment or school supplies. They are often unable to keep a job, and they often start projects that never finish.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD say they feel more confident once their symptoms are under control. This is especially true if they have suffered for years under the false assumption that they are incompetent or lazy because of their procrastination, disordered behavior, and impulsive behaviors.
Stress, mental health disorders, as well as physical ailments can cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD. A doctor will have to conduct an extensive examination to determine the source of the symptoms, and to determine the most effective treatment. They might ask your permission to speak with family members, friends, coworkers and teachers as well as other individuals who know you well to get information about your current and past behavior and experiences. They may also conduct psychological tests, such as the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders or the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Index.
3. Impulsivity
Being diagnosed with ADHD can make it hard to stop and take a deep breath, especially when things are stressful. You may be compelled by your ADHD to solve a problem even though you should plan and slow down. This impulsivity can lead to difficulties with schoolwork, work and relationships. You might also be struggling with your finances, driving, or managing your home.
Women often have a harder to diagnose ADHD than men due to the fact that their symptoms aren't as obvious. They might hide their issues behind appearances of being conscientious, dependable and organized. This could give them a false sense that they are in control and allow others to dismiss them easily as a child with a problem, an overly emotional woman or an over-achiever. In the end, a lifetime of undiagnosed ADHD can do significant 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 should be present at work and at home and interfere with your ability to function.
You might have a hard time following through with school or work-related tasks and are often seen as unorganized and disorganized. You might find it difficult to wait in line, sat down or staying focused while reading, working on the computer, or performing household chores. You might prefer a different approach to the monotony of your day and you might delay or avoid tasks to avoid them. While the inattention and impulsivity of ADHD are a part of anxiety, frustration, restlessness and forgetfulness are usually not seen in these disorders. The symptoms of ADHD vary as we age and are often exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations like those that occur during pregnancy or menopause.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a psychological disorder that is characterized by extreme negative emotions and difficulty in regulating emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and affect a variety of aspects of life. People with rejection sensitivity have more aggressive reactions than other people to social cues which may be perceived as rejection. They may experience feelings of shame, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation when confronted with rejection, whether real or perceived. It is a typical symptom for people with ADHD and Autism however, it can occur in people who do not have these conditions as well.
RSD can cause an impulsive behavior and relationship issues. It can also make people avoid taking risks which can limit their career and personal development. It can also cause depression and self-esteem issues for some. RSD is also known to intensify and intensify the most fundamental ADHD symptoms, like time blindness. This can cause problems with planning and organization as well as being a waste of time doing things that aren't important. RSD can also lead to issues with focus and attention span. People suffering from RSD might be prone to ruminating on a slight over several hours or even for days.
Researchers have discovered that those with RSD might be suffering from a brain disorder that affects the way they process emotional information. This could be because the amygdala, responsible for the body's threat response, activates more than other individuals when they experience rejection. signs of adhd 's also thought that people who feel a sensitivity to rejection might have experienced childhood trauma, which can leave permanent effects on their emotional development. They may be more prone to criticism, rejection and abandonment in the adult years. RSD can be influenced by co-occurring mental illnesses like depression or anxiety.
5. Gender Atypical Behaviors
Many people with ADHD suffer from the disorder in childhood, and they almost always have a diagnosis before age 12. The symptoms can last throughout adulthood it is true that women with the disorder can continue having problems at school or at work at home, as well as in relationships. They may also be struggling with depression, compulsive overeating, or substance use disorders. Years of undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can take a toll on self-esteem and confidence and they could blame themselves for their issues because they think of themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."
Gender bias is a factor in the way that girls and women are viewed when they display ADHD symptoms. The majority of boys with ADHD display hyperactive behaviors that are easy for teachers and parents to notice, whereas girls with the same symptoms could be accused of being daydreamy or hyperactive. This makes it more difficult for them to get the help that they need.
Girls who suffer from the disorder are also more likely to be suffering from anxiety and other mood disorders. They can also be more likely to try to mask their symptoms employing strategies for coping that are typical for the gender they identify with, which may make it harder for others to realize that they have an issue.
Some women suffering from ADHD may use a lot makeup or dress in a particular way to conceal their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behaviors like drinking excessively or using drugs, especially in the adolescent years. This means that they may not seek the help they require until it's too late.