Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many women and girls with ADHD aren't diagnosed or are misdiagnosed as their symptoms manifest differently than males. They might experience more emotional volatility, or have trouble controlling their emotions.
Finding a therapist or a therapist who understands ADHD in women can make all the difference in turning your unique problems into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults who suffer from inattentive ADHD might have difficulty keeping track of their household chores and appointments, miss deadlines at work and find it difficult to remain focussed during meetings. It is also typical for people with inattentive ADHD to experience a condition called "time blindness," meaning that they frequently forget what time it is or get so engulfed in their task that they lose track of how much time has passed. This can lead to feelings of being unorganized and unprepared, or perhaps irresponsible.
Women with inattention ADHD can be particularly adept in hiding their symptoms. This makes it difficult for them to receive a diagnosis. They might have developed strategies to cope with their trouble staying organized by using coping tools like self-denial, relying upon others, and even using unhealthy habits like excessive drinking or substance abuse.
They may not even notice that they're having a problem until they start to realize that they have a problem. They might have a list of embarrassing instances where they embarrassed their colleagues or friends. They may also be struggling to keep their apartments and homes tidy and clean and are overwhelmed by the amount of work they have to do.
Untreated and undiagnosed symptoms of inattention ADHD will negatively impact nearly every aspect of their lives. They may be unable to attend occasions for professional or social gatherings because they aren't invited, or fail to pay their bills or return phone calls from friends in a timely manner. They might rush through a test, or fail to follow instructions in the workplace or make a mistake in their relationships. Eventually, they begin to think that they are incompetent or foolish, and struggle with low self-esteem and confidence.
2. Hyperactivity
People who suffer from hyperactive ADHD may fidget, shake their seats, and talk a lot. They have difficulty paying attention to what other people are saying. They frequently interrupt or make statements they don't think through. They are easily distracted and bored by activities which do not entice them. This behavior isn't due to an urge to defy or a lack of understanding, but a biologically based abnormality in the frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
Those who have inattention ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or lose keys than others. People with this type of ADHD also have a tendency to lose the track of important information, such as work or bills. They frequently lose or forget their wallets, eyeglasses, keys, sports equipment, and/or school supplies. They often struggle to hold an occupation and often start projects but never complete their work.
Many people with ADHD feel more confident about themselves after their symptoms have been managed. adult adhd symtoms is especially relevant if the person has been misled for years to believe that they are irresponsible or lazy due to their procrastination or disorganization.
Stress, mental disorders and physical illness can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. This is why your health care provider should do a thorough evaluation to determine the source of the symptoms and identify the most effective treatments. They may request your permission to speak with family members, friends, colleagues, teachers, and other individuals who know you well to get information about your present and previous behavior and experiences. They could also administer 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, especially when the situation becomes stressful. You may be compelled by your ADHD to tackle a problem, even though you should plan and slow down. This can lead to difficulties with schoolwork, work and relationships. You may also experience issues with finances, driving, or managing your home.
adult adhd symptom are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD are less obvious. They may hide their difficulties under the pretense of being a reliable, diligent and well-organized. This can give an illusion of security and make it easier for others to dismiss them as a troublemaker, emotionally overly sensitive, or a perfectionist. Undiagnosed ADHD throughout your life can 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 present in two different settings such as work and home and can affect your ability to function.
You might find it difficult to complete assignments or work and look disorganized and forgetful. You have trouble waiting in lines or sat for long periods of time and have trouble staying focused while reading or working on a computer or performing chores. You may prefer novelty over the daily grind, and you may procrastinate or avoid tasks to avoid them. While the inattention and impulsivity that are characteristic of ADHD share some symptoms with anxiety, the feeling of anxiety, irritability and forgetfulness are generally not seen in these disorders. The symptoms of ADHD can fluctuate with age, and can be exacerbated by hormonal changes like menopausal and pregnancy.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a psychological disorder that is characterized by extreme negative feelings and difficulty in regulating emotions. It can trigger emotional turmoil and impact many aspects of daily life. People who have sensitivity to rejection experience more aggressive reactions than other people to social cues, which could be perceived as rejection. They may experience feelings of anxiety, self-esteem issues, and emotional dysregulation when faced with rejection, whether it is real or perceived. It is a common sign for people suffering from ADHD and Autism, but it can co-occur in those without these conditions too.
RSD can cause a lack of personal boundaries, which leads to impulsive behavior and difficulty managing relationships. It can also make people avoid taking risks, which may limit their career and personal development. It can cause depression and self-esteem issues for some. RSD is also known to intensify and increase the severity of core ADHD symptoms, such as time blindness. This can lead to problems with planning and organization and also being a waste of time doing things that aren't important. It can also lead to problems with focusing and attention span, and those suffering from RSD may be stuck ruminating on a slight for hours or days.
Researchers have discovered that those who suffer from RSD might have a brain disorder that affects how they process emotional information. This could be due to the amygdala brain, which is responsible for the body's threat response and is activated more than other individuals when they experience rejection. People with rejection sensitivity may also have experienced trauma from childhood that could have a lasting impact on their emotional growth. They may be more sensitive to rejection, criticism, and abandonment in adulthood. RSD can be influenced by co-occurring mental disorders like anxiety or depression.
5. Gender-specific Behaviors that are Typical of a Genre
ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood. It is usually diagnosed before the age of 12 years old. Symptoms tend to persist until adulthood, which means that women with the disorder can continue having problems at school or at work, at home, and in relationships. They might also be suffering from depression, compulsive eating, or other addiction disorders. Years of undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can have a negative impact on women's self-esteem, and they may blame themselves for their troubles by imagining themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."
Gender bias plays a role in how women and girls who suffer from ADHD are perceived. Parents and teachers are more likely to notice excessive behavior in boys suffering from ADHD, whereas girls might be accused of a daydream. This makes it difficult for them to receive the help they need.
Furthermore, girls who have the disorder are more likely to experience anxiety and other mood disorders than those who suffer from the condition. They can also be more likely to to mask their symptoms by using strategies to cope that are typical of the gender they identify with, which may make it more difficult for others to realize that they have a problem.
Women with ADHD may use a lot makeup or dress in a particular way in order to hide their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behaviours like excessive drinking or drug use, especially during the adolescent stage. This means that they might not seek out the help they require until it is too late.