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 manifest differently than men's. For instance, they could experience more emotional volatility or have difficulty managing their emotions.
Finding a therapist or counselor who is knowledgeable about ADHD in women can make all the difference in turning your individual difficulties into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
The signs of inattention ADHD in adults may include having trouble keeping track of appointments and household tasks, missing deadlines at work, and battling to concentrate during meetings. Inattentional ADHD patients often suffer from "time blindness," which is when they lose track of time or are so involved in their work that they lose track of time. This can lead to feelings of being disorganized and unorganized, or even irresponsible.
Women with inattentive ADHD are especially adept in obscuring their symptoms, which may make it harder to get a diagnosis. They may have learned to compensate for their inability to remain organized through strategies for coping such as self-denial or relying on other people, and even resorting unhealthy behaviors like excessive drinking or drug use.
This is why their issues with organization and focus can be overlooked by others until they begin to recognize their own issues. They may have a list of embarrassing instances where they have embarrassed their friends or coworkers. They may also be struggling to keep their homes and homes clean and organized and find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their work.
Untreated and undiagnosed symptoms of inattention ADHD will affect almost every aspect of their life. They might miss out on professional and social opportunities due to the fact that they weren't invited. They might also not pay their bills or return phone calls from friends promptly. They could be rushed through a test, misunderstand instructions at work, or commit naive mistakes in their relationships with others. At some point, they believe that they are incompetent or foolish and are plagued by low self-esteem and confidence.
2. Hyperactivity
People who suffer from hyperactive ADHD can fidget, squirm in their seats, and talk a lot. They may have trouble paying attention to what others are saying. They frequently interrupt or make statements they don't have the time to think about. They are easily distracted by irrelevant things and are likely to get bored with things that don't appeal to them. This behavior isn't due to the desire to be defiant or a lack in comprehension and is due to a biological abnormality in the frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
While everyone loses keys or forgets about appointments occasionally people with inattentive ADHD tend to do it more often. This subtype of ADHD can also cause people to lose track of important information, such as bills or work assignments. They frequently forget or lose eyeglasses and other items like wallets, keys and school supplies, sports equipment, etc. They often have difficulty keeping their jobs and often begin projects but never finish their work.
Many people with ADHD feel more confident about themselves after their symptoms have been controlled. This is particularly true if the person has been misled for a number of years into believing that they are irresponsible or lazy because of their procrastination and indecisiveness.
Stress, other mental health disorders, as well as physical ailments can trigger similar symptoms to those of ADHD. This is why the health professional must conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause of the symptoms and recommend effective treatments. They might ask your consent to speak with your family members, colleagues and teachers to learn more about your previous and current behavior. 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 a challenge especially when the situation is stressful. You might feel compelled by your ADHD to tackle a problem, even though you should plan and be patient. This impulsivity may lead to problems at work, in school, or with relationships. You may also experience problems with your finances, driving, or managing your home.
Women typically have a tougher time getting diagnosed with ADHD than men, as their symptoms aren't as obvious. They might appear to being dependable and conscientious. This can give an illusion of security, and make it easier for people to dismiss them as a problem-child, overly emotional woman, or an over-achiever. As a result, 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 should be present at work and at home, and they can hinder your ability function.
You might find it difficult to finish work or school assignments and appear disorganized and forgetful. You may have difficulty waiting in line, sitting down or staying focused when reading, working on the computer, or performing household chores. You like the novelty of the routine and could find yourself avoiding tasks or putting off doing them. Although ADHD has some symptom similarities with anxiety disorders, restlessness, fidgeting and forgetfulness are not typically present. The symptoms of ADHD can fluctuate with age, exacerbated by hormonal changes like menopausal and prenatal.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a mental disorder that is characterized by extreme negative feelings and a difficulty in controlling emotions. It causes emotional turbulence and can affect the way we live our lives. People who have sensitivity to rejection experience more extreme reactions than other people to social cues, which could be perceived as rejection. They may feel shame, low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation when confronted with rejection, whether real or perceived. This is a common characteristic of people suffering from ADHD or Autism however it may also be present in people without these conditions.
RSD can cause an inability to set personal boundaries, which can lead to impulsive behavior and difficulty managing relationships. It can also cause people to be cautious about taking risks, limiting 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 the core ADHD symptoms such as time blindness. This can cause problems in planning and organisation and also wasting time on unimportant tasks. RSD can also lead to issues with focus and attention span. People suffering from RSD might be prone to ruminating on the slightest thing for several hours or even for days.
Researchers have found that people who suffer from RSD may have a brain disorder that affects the way they process emotional information. This could be due to the amygdala, which is responsible for the body's response to threats and is activated more than other people when they experience rejection. People who have sensitivity to rejection could also have experienced trauma from childhood that can have a lasting influence on their emotional development. This makes them more sensitive to criticism, rejection, and abandonment as adults. Co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety can also influence RSD by affecting the regulation of emotions.
5. Gender-specific behaviors that are gender specific
Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from the disorder in childhood, and they almost always have a diagnosis before age 12. Symptoms tend to persist throughout adulthood this means that women with the disorder can continue having problems at school or at work as well as at home and in relationships. They may also suffer from depression, compulsive eating disorders, or substance abuse 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 the way that girls and women with ADHD are viewed. The majority of boys with ADHD exhibit hyperactive behavior that is easy for parents and teachers to notice, whereas girls who exhibit the same symptoms may be accused of daydreaming or being anxious. This makes it more difficult for them to get the help they need.
Furthermore, girls who have the condition are more likely to be afflicted by mood disorders and anxiety than boys with the condition. They may also attempt to conceal their symptoms by using methods of coping that are more common for the gender that they identify with. This could make it difficult for others to notice that they have a problem.
Some women with ADHD may wear a lot of makeup or dress in a certain way to conceal their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behavior such as drinking too much or using drugs, especially during adolescence. add symptoms in adults might not seek help until it's too late.