Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed or are misdiagnosed because their symptoms are different from men's. They may have more emotional volatility, or a hard time controlling their emotions.
Finding a clinician or therapist who understands ADHD in women can make all the difference in turning your individual challenges into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults with inattentive ADHD may have difficulty keeping track of their household chores and appointments and can are late at work and find it difficult to remain focused in meetings. Inattentive ADHD patients often suffer from "time blindness," which is when they forget to count the minutes or become so absorbed in their work that they forget about time. This can lead to feelings like being disorganized or behind, or perhaps irresponsible.
Women with inattention ADHD are able at hiding their symptoms. This makes it difficult for them to receive a diagnosis. They may have learned to compensate for their inability to keep track of things by using coping strategies like self-denial or relying on other people and resorting to unhealthy behaviors like excessive drinking or drug use.
They may not even notice the issue until they begin to recognize it for themselves. They may have a list of foot-in mouth incidents that have embarrassed friends or colleagues, are struggling to keep their homes and apartments tidy and clean and are overwhelmed by the number of tasks on their plates.
If untreated and not diagnosed, the signs of inattention ADHD can wreak havoc on the entirety of their lives. They may be unable to attend occasions for professional or social gatherings since they're not invited or fail to pay the bills or answer phone calls from friends promptly. They might take a test too fast or fail to follow instructions at work, or make naive mistakes in their personal relationships. They may begin to think they are lazy or stupid, and suffer from low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
People with hyperactive ADHD may be prone to fidget, squirming in their seats, or talk a lot. They also have trouble paying attentively to the words of others and frequently interrupt or make statements without thinking about the consequences. They are easily distracted and bored by things that do not interest them. This behavior isn't due to a desire for defiance or a lack in comprehension and is due to a biological deficit in the frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
Those who have inattention ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or lose keys than others. People who suffer from this type of ADHD also have a tendency to lose all important information, like bills or work assignments. They frequently lose or forget their eyeglasses, wallets, keys, sports equipment, and/or school materials. They often struggle to hold a job and often start projects but never finish the work.
Many people with ADHD feel more confident about themselves after their symptoms have been controlled. This is especially true for those who have been suffering for a long time with the false assumption that they are incompetent or lazy because of their procrastination indecisiveness, and disorganization.
Stress, other mental health disorders, as well as physical ailments can trigger similar symptoms to those of ADHD. A health care provider will have to conduct an exhaustive examination to determine the source of the symptoms, and determine effective treatments. They may ask for your permission to talk to your family members, colleagues and teachers to learn more about your previous and current behavior. signs of adult adhd might also perform psychological tests, such as the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders and the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Inventory.
3. Impulsivity
Having ADHD can make it hard to stop and take a breath, especially when things are stressful. You may be compelled by your ADHD to tackle a problem, even though you should plan and be patient. This can lead to problems at work, in school, or with relationships. You may also experience issues with your finances, driving, or managing your home.
Women are often having a harder to diagnose ADHD than men because their symptoms aren't as obvious. They may hide their difficulties behind appearances of being trustworthy, reliable, and well-organized. This can give a false sense of security, and make it easier for others to view them 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 evident in two different environments, such as work and home and affect your ability to function.
You might find it difficult to complete assignments or work and look disorganized and forgetful. You might find it difficult to wait in line, sitting still, or staying focused when reading, working on the computer, or performing household chores. You prefer novelty to the routine and could find yourself avoiding tasks or procrastinating to avoid them. While the inattention and impulsivity that are characteristic of ADHD share some symptoms with anxiety, the feeling of restlessness, fidgeting and forgetfulness are usually not present in these conditions. The symptoms of ADHD change as we age and are often exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations, such as those that are experienced during menopausal pregnancy or menopausal menopausal.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is mental health disorder that is which is characterized by extreme negative feelings and difficulty regulating emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and influences many aspects of daily life. People with sensitivity to rejection feel more emotional reactions to social cues that may be perceived as rejection compared to other people. When they are faced with rejection, whether it is real or perceived - they may be afflicted with guilt, low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation. It is a common condition for those with ADHD and Autism, but it can co-occur in those without these conditions too.
RSD can cause a lack of personal boundaries, which can lead to impulsive behavior and difficulty managing relationships. It can also cause people to avoid taking risks, which can restrict their career as well as personal growth. It can also cause depression and self-esteem issues in some. RSD can also cause and increase the severity of core ADHD symptoms like time blindness. This can cause problems with planning and organisation, as well as wasting time on tasks that are not important. RSD can also cause issues with focus and attention span. People suffering from RSD might ponder the slightest thing for time or even for days.
Researchers have discovered that those with RSD might be suffering from a brain disorder that affects how they process 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 feel rejected. It is also believed that people who feel a sensitivity to rejection might have suffered from childhood trauma that can have lasting effects on their emotional development. This makes them more prone to rejection, criticism, and abandonment in adulthood. RSD can be influenced by co-occurring mental disorders such as anxiety or depression.
5. Gender Atypical Behaviors
ADHD is often diagnosed in the early years of childhood. It is usually diagnosed before the age of 12. Symptoms tend to persist into adulthood, though, which means that women with the disorder may continue to have difficulties at school or at work at home, as well as in relationships. They might also be suffering from anxiety, depression, or addiction disorders. Years of undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can have a negative impact on self-esteem of women, and they may blame themselves for their issues by imagining themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."
Gender bias plays a part in the way girls and women are perceived when they display ADHD symptoms. Parents and teachers are more likely to notice the hyperactivity of boys with ADHD, whereas girls might be accused of a daydream. This makes it harder for them to get the help they need.
Furthermore, girls who have the disorder are more likely to experience mood disorders and anxiety as compared to boys who suffer from the disorder. They may also try to conceal their symptoms with coping techniques that are more common for the gender they identify with. This could make it difficult for others to see that they are suffering.
For instance, women suffering from ADHD may wear a lot of makeup or dress in a certain way so that they don't notice their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behavior such as excessive drinking or using drugs, especially in the adolescent years. In the end, they might not seek out the help that they need until it is too late.