Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD are misdiagnosed, or go undiagnosed, because their symptoms are different from those of men. For instance, they could have more emotional instability or have trouble regulating their emotions.
Finding a therapist or clinician who understands ADHD and women can make an enormous difference in turning your unique difficulties into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Inattention-related symptoms in ADHD for adults can include having trouble keeping track of appointments and household tasks, not meeting deadlines at work, and struggling to stay focused during meetings. It's also common for people who suffer from inattentive ADHD to experience a phenomenon called "time blindness," meaning that they frequently forget what time it is or get so engulfed in their work that they lose track of how long it has taken. This can result in feelings of being disorganized, behind or irresponsible.
Women with inattention ADHD are able at hiding their symptoms. adhd signs in adults can make it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They may have learned how to compensate for their inability to stay organized by using coping strategies like self-denial or relying on others and resorting to unhealthy behaviors like excessive drinking or drug use.
They might not even realize the issue until they begin to recognize it themselves. They might have a long list of foot-in mouth incidents that have embarrassed family members or coworkers, have to work hard to keep their homes and apartments tidy and clean and are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks on their plates.
Untreated and undiagnosed symptoms of inattention ADHD can negatively impact nearly every aspect of their life. They might miss out on social and professional opportunities because they were not invited. They might also 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 commit naive mistakes in their relationships with others. In the end, they start to believe they are incompetent or foolish, and struggle with low self-esteem and confidence.
2. Hyperactivity
People with hyperactive ADHD may fidget, squirm in their seats, and talk excessively. They have difficulty paying attention to what others are talking about. They frequently interrupt or make statements that they don't consider. They are easily distracted and bored by tasks that don't interest them. This behavior isn't triggered by a desire to appear aggressive or lack of understanding it is a result of a biological imbalance in the frontal lobes of the brain (Tripp & Wickens, 2009).
People with inattention ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or lose keys than others. This subtype of ADHD can also cause people to lose track important information such as bills or work assignments. They frequently forget or lose their wallets, eyeglasses, keys, sports equipment, and/or school supplies. They have difficulty maintaining their jobs, and they often begin projects that never finish.
Many adults with ADHD feel more confident at being themselves once their symptoms are under control. This is especially relevant if the person has been misled for a number of years into believing that they are lazy or irresponsible because of their procrastination and disorganization.
Stress, other mental health disorders, as well as physical illnesses can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. Because of this, a health care provider must do a thorough evaluation to determine the root cause of the symptoms and recommend the most effective treatments. adhd in adults signs might ask your permission to speak with family members, friends, coworkers and teachers as well as other individuals who know you well to learn about your current and past behaviour and experiences. They may also conduct 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 take a breath, particularly when you are stressed. You may feel compelled to get involved and tackle something even though you should take your time and plan your actions. This can lead to difficulties with schoolwork, work and 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 obvious. They might hide their issues under the pretense of being a conscientious, dependable and organized. This can create a false impression that they're in control, and permit others to dismiss them as a problem child or an emotionally overly sensitive woman or a perfectionist. This can lead to a lifetime of undiagnosed ADHD can cause 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 must be present at work as well as at home, and can affect your ability to function.
You may have a difficult to complete school or work tasks and often appear forgetful and unorganized. You might find it difficult to wait in line, sat down or staying focused when reading, working on the computer, or doing household chores. You are drawn to novelty over the routine and could find yourself skipping tasks or procrastinating to avoid them. Although ADHD has some symptom similarities with anxiety disorders such as restlessness, fidgeting, and forgetfulness are not typically present. The symptoms of ADHD vary as you age, and are exacerbated by hormonal changes like menopausal and pregnancy.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is an illness of the mind that is which is characterized by extreme negative feelings and difficulty in regulating emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and affects many aspects of daily life. People who are sensitive to rejection have more aggressive reactions than other people to social cues which may be perceived as rejection. When they are faced with rejection, whether it is real or perceived, they could feel guilt, low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation. It is a typical sign for people suffering from ADHD and Autism, but it can co-occur in those without these conditions as well.
RSD can cause uncontrollable behavior and relationship issues. It can also make people avoid taking risks, which could hinder their career and personal development. It can cause depression and self-esteem issues for some. RSD can also cause and increase the severity of the core ADHD symptoms like time blindness. This can result in issues with planning and organisation and can lead to wasting time on tasks that are not important. It can also cause difficulties focusing and attention span, and those suffering from RSD can get stuck thinking about a minor issue for days or hours.
Research suggests that people with RSD might 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 more active when people perceive rejection. People who are sensitive to rejection may also have experienced trauma from childhood that can have a lasting impact on their emotional development. This makes people more sensitive to criticism, rejection, and abandonment in adulthood. Mental health disorders that co-occur such as depression or anxiety can also influence RSD by affecting emotional regulation.
5. Gender Atypical Behaviors
Many people with ADHD develop the disorder during the earliest years of their lives, and they nearly always get a diagnosis prior to the age of 12. The symptoms tend to last into adulthood, though this means that women with the disorder may continue to have 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. Undiagnosed ADHD can affect women's self-esteem. They may blame themselves, thinking they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".
Gender bias can play a role in the way that girls and women who suffer from ADHD are perceived. Boys with the condition typically exhibit hyperactive behavior that is easy for teachers and parents to spot, whereas girls who have those same symptoms might be accused of daydreaming or being flighty. This makes it harder for them to receive the help that they need.
Furthermore, girls with the disorder are more likely experience anxiety and other mood disorders as compared to boys who suffer from the disorder. They might also attempt to conceal their symptoms by using methods of coping that are more prevalent 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 might use a lot of makeup or dress a certain way to conceal their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behaviours like drinking excessively or using drugs, especially during the adolescent years. In the end, they may not seek the assistance they require until it is too late.