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. For example, they may be more emotionally volatile or have difficulty regulating their emotions.
Finding a therapist or a therapist who understands ADHD in women can make all the difference in turning your unique difficulties into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
The signs of inattention ADHD for adults can include having trouble keeping on top of household and appointment tasks, ignoring deadlines at work, and battling to concentrate during meetings. It's also common for people with inattention ADHD to experience a phenomenon called "time blindness," meaning that they frequently forget what time it is or get so caught up in their work that they lose track of the amount of time that has passed. This can lead to feelings of being unorganized, behind or irresponsible.
Women with inattentive ADHD can be particularly adept at hiding their symptoms. This makes it difficult for them to receive a diagnosis. They might have developed strategies to cope with their inability to stay organized by using coping tools like self-denial, relying upon others, or even resorting to unhealthy behaviors like excessive alcohol or substance abuse.
They may not even notice that they're having a problem until they realize that they have a problem. They might have a list of embarrassing instances where they've embarrassed their coworkers or friends. They may also be struggling to keep their apartment and homes neat and tidy and feel overwhelmed by their workload.
Undiagnosed and untreated symptoms of inattentive ADHD can have a negative impact on the entirety of their life. They might miss out on social and professional events due to the fact that they weren't invited. In addition, they may not be able to pay their bills or respond to phone calls from friends in a timely fashion. They may be rushed through a test or misunderstand instructions at work, or make careless errors in their personal relationships. In the end, they start to believe that they are incompetent or foolish and suffer from low self-esteem and lack of confidence.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to flutter in their seats, talk too much, or be squirming. They also have difficulty paying attention to the words of others and frequently interrupt or make statements without thinking about their consequences. They are easily distracted and bored by activities that don't interest them. The behavior is not caused by a desire for being insolent or a lack of understanding, but rather a biologically-based imbalance in the frontal lobes of the brain (Tripp & Wickens, 2009).
Those with inattentive ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or lose keys than other. People with this subtype of ADHD also have a tendency to lose track of important information, such as work or bills. They often forget or lose eyeglasses and other things like keys, wallets or school supplies and sports equipment. They have difficulty maintaining their jobs, and they often begin projects that never end.
Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD report that they feel more confident once their symptoms are under control. This is especially true if they have been suffering for a long time with the false impression that they are lazy or irresponsible due to their procrastination, indecisiveness, and disorganization.
Stress, mental health disorders, as well as physical illnesses can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. Due to this, your health care provider should conduct a thorough assessment to determine the root cause of the symptoms and recommend effective treatment options. They may ask for your permission to talk to family members, coworkers and teachers to get more information about your previous and current behavior. They might also conduct psychological tests like the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders or the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Index.
3. Impulsivity
Being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult to stop and take a breath, especially when things get 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 difficulties at work, in school, or in relationships. You may also experience issues with your finances, driving, or managing your home.
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because their symptoms are less apparent. They may conceal their problems by presenting themselves as conscientious, dependable, and well-organized. This can create a false sense of security, and make it easier for others to dismiss them as a problem-child, overly emotional woman, or an over-achiever. Undiagnosed ADHD over the course of a lifetime could seriously 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 function.
You might find it difficult to complete homework or school assignments, and look disorganized and forgetful. You have a hard time waiting in line or sat for long periods of time. You are unable to stay focused when reading or working on a laptop, or doing chores. You like the novelty of the monotony of life and might find yourself avoiding tasks or putting off completing them. While the inattention and impulsivity that are characteristic of ADHD have some resemblances to anxiety, feelings of frustration, restlessness and forgetfulness are usually not seen in these disorders. The symptoms of ADHD change as you age and are made worse by hormonal fluctuations such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is mental health disorder that is that is characterized by extreme negative emotions and difficulty in regulating emotions. It can trigger emotional turmoil and impact many aspects of everyday life. People who are sensitive to rejection have more extreme reactions than other people to social cues which may be perceived as rejection. They may feel anxiety, self-esteem issues, and emotional dysregulation when faced with rejection, whether real or perceived. adult signs of adhd is a typical symptom of people with ADHD or Autism however it may also be present in people without these conditions.
RSD can cause a lack of personal boundaries, leading to impulsive behaviors and difficulties managing relationships. It can also cause people to avoid taking risks, which could hinder their personal and professional growth. It can also cause depression and self-esteem issues for some. RSD is also known to exacerbate and amplify core ADHD symptoms, such as time blindness. This can lead to problems in planning and organisation, as well being a waste of time doing things that aren't important. RSD can also cause issues with attention and focus span. People suffering from RSD may ruminate on a slight over hours or even days.
Research suggests that people with RSD may have a brain impairment in the processing of emotional information. This could be due to the fact that the amygdala (which is responsible for the body's threat response) activates more when people experience rejection. It is also believed that people who are sensitive to rejection may have suffered from childhood trauma which could have permanent effects on their emotional development. They may be more prone to rejection, criticism, and abandonment as they grow older. Other mental health disorders that are co-occurring such as anxiety or depression can also influence RSD by affecting the regulation of emotions.
5. Gender-specific Behaviors that are Typical of a Genre
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from the disorder in the earliest years of their lives, and they nearly always have a diagnosis before the age of 12. The symptoms tend to persist throughout adulthood. This means that women with the disorder can remain troubled at school, at work at home, and in relationships. They can also struggle with depression, compulsive eating, or substance use disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can negatively impact women's self esteem. They might blame themselves, believing they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".
Gender bias plays a role in how girls and women who suffer from ADHD are viewed. Parents and teachers are more likely to be aware of the hyperactivity of boys with ADHD, while girls may be accused of daydreaming. This makes it difficult for them to get the support they require.
Furthermore, girls who have the disorder are more likely to be afflicted by anxiety and other mood disorders as compared to boys who suffer from the disorder. They might also attempt to conceal their symptoms with strategies for coping that are more common for the gender they identify with. This can make it difficult for others to notice that they are suffering from a disorder.
Women with ADHD may wear a lot of makeup or dress in a particular way in order to hide their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behavior such as drinking too much or using drugs, especially in the adolescent stage. They might not seek help until it's too late.