Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many women and girls who have ADHD are not diagnosed, or are not diagnosed, due to the fact that their symptoms are different from those of men. They may have more emotional instability or have trouble controlling their emotions.
Finding a therapist or a clinician who is knowledgeable of ADHD and women can make a an enormous difference in transforming your unique difficulties into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
The signs of inattention ADHD in adults may include having trouble keeping on top of household and appointment tasks, missing deadlines at work, and battling to concentrate during meetings. It is also common for those who suffer from inattentive ADHD to experience a phenomenon known as "time blindness," meaning that they often forget what time it is or are so caught up in their work that they forget how much time has passed. This can cause feelings of being unorganized and unorganized, or even irresponsible.
Women who have inattention ADHD are particularly adept in hiding their symptoms. This makes it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis. They might have learned to make up for their inability to keep track of things by using coping strategies like self-denial or relying on other people, and even resorting unhealthy behaviors like excessive alcohol or drug abuse.
This is why their struggles with focus and organization may go unnoticed by other people until they realize their own problems. They might have a list of embarrassing instances where they've embarrassed their friends or coworkers. They may also be struggling to keep their apartments and homes neat and tidy and are overwhelmed by the amount of work they have to do.
When undiagnosed and untreated, the signs of inattention ADHD can have a devastating effect on the entirety of their lives. They might be left out of professional and social events because they aren't invited, or fail to pay their bills or return friend's phone calls in a timely manner. They may take a test too fast, misunderstand instructions at work, or make careless mistakes in their personal relationships. They may begin to think they are lazy or stupid, and suffer from low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to flutter in their seats, talk excessively, or be squirming. They may have trouble paying attention to what other people are saying. They often interrupt or make statements that they don't have the time to think about. They are easily distracted and bored by activities that do not interest them. The behavior isn't triggered by the desire to be defiant or a lack of understanding 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 lose keys than other people. This kind of ADHD can cause people to lose track important information like bills or work assignments. They are often unable to remember or lose eyeglasses, as well as other items such as wallets, keys and school supplies, sports equipment, etc. They often struggle to hold an occupation and often start projects but never complete them.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD find themselves feeling more confident about themselves after their symptoms are under control. This is especially true for those who have been suffering for a long time under the false impression that they are incompetent or lazy because of their procrastination indecisiveness, and disorganization.
Stress, other mental health disorders, as well as physical ailments can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. Because of this, a health care provider must conduct a thorough assessment to determine the root cause of the symptoms and determine the most effective treatments. They might ask your permission to talk with family members, friends, coworkers and teachers, as well as others who know you well to get information about your past and present behavior and experiences. 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 difficult particularly when the situation is stressful. It is possible to feel compelled take action and tackle a problem even though you should take your time and plan your actions. This impulsivity can lead to difficulties with schoolwork, work, and relationships. You may also have problems with finances, driving or managing your home.
Women often have a harder time getting diagnosed with ADHD than men due to the fact that their symptoms aren't as obvious. They might appear to being conscientious and dependable. This could create a false impression that they are in control, and permit others to dismiss them as a troubled child, an overly emotional woman or an over-achiever. Undiagnosed ADHD over the course of a lifetime could cause a lot of 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 evident in two different environments, like at home and at work and can affect your ability to function.
You may have a difficult to complete school or work tasks and often appear forgetful and disorganized. You may have difficulty waiting in line, sitting down or staying focused while reading or working on your computer, or performing household chores. You might prefer a different approach to the routine, and you may procrastinate or skip tasks to avoid them. While the inattention and impulsivity associated with ADHD have some resemblances to anxiety, the feeling of restlessness, fidgeting, and forgetfulness are typically not seen in these disorders. The symptoms of ADHD fluctuate as we age and are often exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations like those that occur during menopausal or pregnancy.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is an illness of the mind that is characterized by extreme negative emotions and difficulty in regulating emotions. It causes emotional turbulence and can affect every aspect of life. add symptoms in women with sensitivity to rejection feel more intense reactions to social cues which could be perceived as rejection than others. When they face rejection, whether it is real or perceived, they could feel guilt, low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation. It is a typical condition for those with ADHD and Autism, but it can be present in people without these conditions as well.
RSD can cause uncontrollable behavior and relationship issues. It can also cause people to be cautious about taking risks which can limit their personal and professional development. It can also cause depression and self-esteem issues for some. RSD can also intensify and amplify core ADHD symptoms such as time blindness. This can result in issues with organisation and planning, as well as wasting time on unimportant tasks. RSD can also lead to issues with attention and focus span. content suffering from RSD may ruminate on the slightest thing for hours or even days.
add symptoms in women have discovered that those who suffer from RSD might be suffering from a brain disorder that affects the way they process emotional information. This could be due to the amygdala, responsible for the body's threat response, activates more than other people when they perceive rejection. It is also believed that people with rejection sensitivity might have suffered from childhood trauma which could have lasting impacts on their emotional development. They could be more sensitive to criticism, rejection and abandonment in the adult years. RSD can be influenced by co-occurring mental disorders such as depression or anxiety.
5. Gender Atypical Behaviors
ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood. It is usually diagnosed before the age of 12 years old. Symptoms tend to persist throughout adulthood this means that women who have the disorder can continue having difficulties at school or at work as well as at home and in relationships. They can also struggle with anxiety, depression or other substance use disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can affect women's self-esteem. They may blame themselves, believing they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".
Gender bias plays a part in the way that girls and women are viewed when they display ADHD symptoms. Boys who suffer from the condition generally exhibit hyperactive behaviors that are easy for teachers and parents to observe, while girls who have those same symptoms might be accused of being daydreamy or anxious. This makes it difficult for them to receive the help they need.
Furthermore, girls who have the disorder are more likely experience anxiety and other mood disorders than those who suffer from the condition. They can also be more likely to try to hide their symptoms by using coping strategies that are typical of the gender they identify with, which could make it more difficult for others to recognize that they have an issue.
Some women suffering from ADHD may wear a lot of makeup or dress in a certain manner to conceal their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behaviours such as drinking too much or use of drugs, especially during the adolescent stage. They might not seek assistance until it's too late.