Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women who have ADHD are misdiagnosed or not diagnosed, as their symptoms differ from men's. They might experience more emotional instability or have trouble controlling their emotions.
Finding a therapist or clinician who understands ADHD and women can make a huge difference in transforming your unique problems into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults who suffer from inattentive ADHD might have difficulty keeping the track of their schedules and household chores, have trouble meeting deadlines at work, and have trouble staying focused during meetings. It is also common for those with inattention ADHD to experience a concept known as "time blindness," meaning that they frequently forget the time or are so caught up in their work that they forget how long it has taken. This can cause feelings of being unorganized and unprepared, or perhaps irresponsible.
Women with inattentive ADHD are particularly adept at hiding their symptoms, which may make it more difficult to get an diagnosis. They might have learned to compensate for their trouble staying organised by using coping methods like self-denial, relying upon others, or engaging in unhealthy behaviors such as excessive drinking or drug abuse.
This is why their difficulties with focus and organization may be overlooked by others until they finally realize their own issues. They may have a long list of embarrassing incidents in which they embarrassed their coworkers or friends. They may also be struggling to keep their homes and homes neat and tidy and find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their work.
If untreated and not diagnosed, the signs of inattention ADHD can wreak havoc on all aspects of their lives. They may be unable to participate in professional and social opportunities due to the fact that they weren't invited. Or, they might not pay their bills or return friends' phone calls promptly. They may be rushed through a test or not understand instructions at work or make a mistake in their relationships. They start to believe that they are stupid or lazy, and suffer from low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to fumble in their seats, talk excessively, or be squirming. They also have trouble paying attention to the words of others and frequently interrupt or make statements without thinking about the consequences. They are easily distracted by extraneous stimuli and have a tendency to become bored by tasks that do not interest them. The behavior isn't triggered by the desire to be defiant or a lack of comprehension and is due to a biological abnormality in the frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
Those who have inattention ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or misplace keys than other. People who suffer from this type of ADHD also have a tendency to lose the track of important information, such as bills or work assignments. They frequently forget or lose their wallets, eyeglasses, keys, sports equipment or school supplies. They are often unable to keep an occupation and often start projects, but don't finish them.
Many people with ADHD feel more confident about themselves after their symptoms are under control. This is especially true if they have suffered for years under the false assumption that they are lazy or irresponsible because of their procrastination disorganization, and impulsive behavior.
Stress, mental health disorders, as well as physical illnesses can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. A healthcare professional will require an exhaustive examination to determine the root cause of the symptoms, and to determine the most effective treatment. They might ask your permission to talk to family members, coworkers and teachers to find out more about your past and present behavior. They could 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 deep breath, especially when you are stressed. You might feel compelled by your ADHD to tackle a problem, even though you should plan and take your time. This can lead to trouble with work, schoolwork, and relationships. You may also have problems with your finances, driving, or managing your home.
Women are often having a harder to be diagnosed with ADHD than men because their symptoms are less obvious. They may cover up their symptoms by claiming to be being trustworthy and diligent. This can give a false sense of security, and make it easier for others to dismiss them as a child with a problem, an excessively emotional or a perfectionist. 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 must be evident in two different settings such as work and home, and interfere with your ability to function.
You may have a difficult working through school or work-related tasks and often appear forgetful and disorganized. You may have difficulty waiting in line, sitting still or staying focused when reading, working on the computer, or doing household chores. You are drawn to novelty over the monotony of life and might be prone to skipping tasks or putting off completing them. While the inattention and impulsivity that are characteristic of ADHD share some symptoms with anxiety, feelings of anxiety, irritability, and forgetfulness are typically not present in these disorders. The symptoms of ADHD vary 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 an illness of the mind that is which is characterized by extreme negative feelings and difficulty regulating emotions. It can trigger emotional turmoil and affect a variety of aspects of everyday life. People with rejection sensitivity 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 feel guilt, low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation. This is a common symptom of people with ADHD or Autism, but can also occur in those without these conditions.
RSD can cause an inability to set personal boundaries, which leads to impulsive behaviors and difficulties managing relationships. It can also cause people to be cautious about taking risks, limiting their career and personal development. It can lead to depression and self-esteem issues in some. RSD is also known to exacerbate and increase the severity of the most fundamental ADHD symptoms, such as time blindness. This can result in issues in planning and organisation and also spending time on tasks that are not important. It can also result in difficulties focus and attention span and those suffering from RSD can get stuck contemplating a small issue for hours or days.
Research suggests that those suffering from RSD might have a brain impairment that affects the processing of emotional information. This could be because the amygdala, which is responsible for the body's response to threats, activates more than other people when they experience rejection. It is also believed that people who are sensitive to rejection may have suffered from childhood trauma that can have lasting impacts 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 impacting emotional regulation.
5. Gender Atypical Behaviors
ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood. It is almost always diagnosed before the age of 12 years old. The symptoms can last throughout adulthood. signs adhd means that women suffering from the disorder may be unable to cope with problems at work, school as well as in relationships. They may also suffer from depression, compulsive eating disorders, or addiction disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can negatively impact women's self-esteem. They may blame themselves, thinking they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".
Gender bias plays a part in the way girls and women are perceived when they exhibit ADHD symptoms. Teachers and parents are more likely to be aware of excessive behavior in boys suffering from ADHD, whereas girls could be accused of a daydream. This makes it more difficult for them to get the help they need.
Girls with this disorder are also more likely to be suffering from anxiety and other mood disorders. They may also attempt to conceal their symptoms with coping techniques that are more common for the gender they identify with. This can make it difficult for others to see that they have a problem.
For example, some women with ADHD may wear a lot of makeup or dress in a particular way to avoid noticing their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behaviours such as drinking excessively or drug use, particularly during adolescence. They might not seek assistance until it's too late.