Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis because their symptoms manifest differently than males. They may experience more emotional volatility, or a hard time controlling their emotions.
Finding a therapist or counselor who understands ADHD in women can make a huge difference in turning your unique difficulties into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
The signs of inattention ADHD in adults may include having trouble keeping the track of appointments and household tasks, ignoring deadlines at work, and having trouble to remain focused during meetings. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often suffer from "time blindness," which is when they lose track of time or become so absorbed in their work that they lose track of time. This can cause feelings like being disorganized or behind, or perhaps irresponsible.
Women who have inattention ADHD are particularly adept in obscuring their symptoms. This makes it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They might have learned to compensate for their trouble staying organized by using coping tools like self-denial, relying upon others, or using unhealthy habits like excessive alcohol or substance abuse.
adhd in adults signs may not even notice that they have a problem until they realize that they have a problem. They may have a long list of embarrassing incidents in which they embarrassed their friends or coworkers. They may also be struggling to keep their apartments and homes tidy and clean and find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their work.
Undiagnosed and untreated symptoms of inattention ADHD can negatively impact nearly every aspect of their lives. They may be unable to attend social events and professional opportunities because they're not invited, or fail to pay bills or answer phone calls from friends in a timely manner. They may rush through a test or misunderstand instructions at work or commit a few blunders in their relationships with others. They begin to think that they are stupid or lazy and suffer from low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to flutter in their seats, talk incessantly, or be squirming. They also have difficulty paying close attention to what others are saying and frequently interrupt or make statements without considering their implications. They are easily distracted by irrelevant stimuli and have a tendency to get bored with tasks that don't interest them. The behavior isn't caused by a desire to appear aggressive or lack of comprehension, but rather a biologically-based imbalance in the frontal lobes of the brain (Tripp & Wickens, 2009).
While everyone misplaces keys or forgets to make appointments at times those with inattention ADHD are more likely to do this often. People with this type of ADHD also have a tendency to lose the track of important information, like work or bills. They often forget or lose eyeglasses as well as other things like keys, wallets or school supplies, sports equipment, etc. They have difficulty maintaining an occupation, and often start 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 particularly applicable if the person had been misled for a long time into believing that they are irresponsible or lazy due to their procrastination and disorderly behavior.
Stress, mental disorders, and physical illness can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Due to this, a health care provider must conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause of the symptoms and determine the most effective treatments. They might ask your consent to speak with family members, coworkers and teachers to find out more about your past and current behavior. They could also conduct psychological tests like the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders or the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Index.
3. Impulsivity
ADHD can make stopping and taking a breath more difficult particularly when the situation is stressful. You might feel the need to take action and tackle a problem even though you should be patient and plan your actions. This type of impulsivity can cause difficulties with schoolwork, work and relationships. You may also experience problems with finances, driving or managing your home.
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD are less obvious. They might cover up their symptoms by claiming to be being dependable and conscientious. This can give them a false sense that they are in control and allows others to dismiss them as a child with a problem, an overly emotional woman or an over-achiever. 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 in two different settings, like at home and at work 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 down or staying focused when reading, working on the computer, or performing household chores. You are drawn to novelty over the monotony of life and might find yourself skipping tasks or procrastinating to avoid them. Although ADHD shares some symptoms with anxiety disorders, restlessness, fidgeting and forgetfulness are not typically present. The symptoms of ADHD are prone to change as you age, and are exacerbated by hormonal changes like during pregnancy and menopause.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a psychological disorder 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 with sensitivity to rejection feel more emotional reactions to social cues that may be perceived as rejection compared to other people. When they face rejection - whether real or perceived - they may be afflicted with guilt, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation. This is a common characteristic of people suffering from ADHD or Autism, but may also be present in people without these conditions.
RSD can cause an impulsive behavior and relationship issues. It can also make people avoid taking risks which can limit their career and personal development. It can lead to depression and self-esteem issues for certain. RSD can also intensify and amplify the primary ADHD symptoms like time blindness. This can lead to problems with planning and organization and also wasting time on unimportant tasks. It can also result in difficulties in focusing and attention span, and people with RSD are prone to thinking about a minor issue for hours or even days.
Researchers have found that people who suffer from RSD might have a brain disorder that affects the way they process emotional information. This could be because the amygdala brain, which is responsible for the body's response to threats, activates more than other people when they feel rejected. It is also believed that people who feel a sensitivity to rejection might have experienced childhood trauma that can have lasting impacts on their emotional development. This can make people more sensitive to criticism, rejection, and abandonment in adulthood. RSD can be affected by co-occurring mental illnesses like anxiety or depression.
5. Gender Atypical Behaviors
ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood. It's almost always diagnosed before the age of 12 years old. The symptoms can last throughout adulthood. This means that women who suffer from the disorder may continue to have problems at school, at work at home, and in relationships. They might also be suffering from anxiety, depression, or other addiction disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can have a negative impact on women's self esteem. They might blame themselves, believing 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. Teachers and parents are more likely to observe the hyperactivity of boys with ADHD, while girls may be accused of daydreaming. This makes it difficult for them to get the assistance they require.
Girls with the disorder are also more likely to be suffering from anxiety and other mood disorders. They may also attempt to conceal their symptoms by using coping techniques that are more prevalent for the gender that they identify with. This could make it difficult for others to recognize that they are suffering from a disorder.
Some women with ADHD may wear a lot of makeup or dress in a particular way in order to hide their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behavior such as excessive alcohol or drug use, particularly during the adolescent stage. They may not seek assistance until it's too late.