Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed because their symptoms manifest differently from males. For instance, they could have more emotional instability or have a harder time controlling their emotions.
Finding a therapist or counselor who understands ADHD in women can make a huge difference in turning your individual challenges into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
The signs of inattention ADHD for adults can include having trouble keeping the track of appointments and household tasks, not meeting deadlines at work, and battling to stay focused during meetings. It is also typical for people with inattentive ADHD to experience a condition called "time blindness," meaning that they often forget what time it is or get so caught up in their work that they forget how long it has taken. This can cause feelings of being disorganized or behind, or perhaps irresponsible.
Women with inattention ADHD are particularly good at showcasing their symptoms, which may make it more difficult for them to receive an assessment. They may have learned how to make up for their inability to keep track of things by employing coping strategies such as self-denial or relying on others, and even resorting unhealthy habits like excessive alcohol or drug abuse.
They might not even realize that they're having a problem until they start to realize it for themselves. They may have a long list of embarrassing incidents in which they have embarrassed their coworkers or friends. They may also struggle to keep their homes and homes clean and organized and find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their work.
If left untreated and undiagnosed, the signs of inattention ADHD can cause havoc in virtually every area of their lives. They may be unable to participate in social and professional opportunities due to the fact that they weren't invited. Or, they might not be able to pay their bills or return phone calls from friends in a timely fashion. They may take a test too fast, misunderstand instructions at work, or make naive mistakes in their personal relationships. In the end, they start to believe that they are stupid or lazy and are plagued by low self-esteem and lack of confidence.
2. Hyperactivity
People with hyperactive ADHD can fidget, shake their seats, or talk excessively. They also have trouble paying close attention to the words of others and frequently interrupt or make statements without considering their consequences. They are easily distracted and bored by things that do not interest them. The behavior isn't caused by a desire for defiance or a lack of comprehension it is a biological deficit in the frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
While everyone misplaces keys or forgets about appointments at times, those who have inattentive ADHD are more likely to do this often. People with this type of ADHD also have a tendency to lose all important information, such as bills or work assignments. They frequently lose or forget their wallets, eyeglasses keys, sports equipment and/or school supplies. They are often unable to keep their jobs and often begin projects, but don't complete the work.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD find themselves feeling more confident about themselves after their symptoms are under control. This is especially true if they have been suffering for a long time with the false impression that they are lazy or irresponsible due to their procrastination, indecisiveness, and disorganization.
Stress, other mental health issues, and physical illnesses can cause similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD. This is why the health professional must do a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of the symptoms and recommend the most effective treatments. They might ask your permission to talk with family members, friends, colleagues and teachers as well as other individuals who know you well to get information about your past and present behaviour 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 might feel the need to get involved and tackle something even when you should be patient and plan your actions. This impulsivity may lead to difficulties at work, in school, or in relationships. There are also issues with your finances, driving, or managing your home.
Women typically have a tougher time getting diagnosed with ADHD than men, as their symptoms are less apparent. They may hide their difficulties under the pretense of being a reliable, diligent and organized. This can create a false sense of security, and make it easier for people to dismiss them as a child with a problem, an overly emotional woman, or a perfectionist. Undiagnosed ADHD over the course of a lifetime could severely 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 at work and at home, and can affect your ability function.
You may have a difficult working through work or school tasks and often appear forgetful and unorganized. You might have trouble waiting in line, sitting down, 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 procrastinating to avoid them. While the inattention and impulsivity of ADHD are a part of anxiety, anxiety, irritability and forgetfulness are usually not present in these disorders. The symptoms of ADHD are prone to change as you age, and are exacerbated by hormonal changes such as during pregnancy and menopause.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is mental health disorder that is which is characterized by extreme negative feelings and difficulty in controlling emotions. It causes emotional turbulence and can affect every aspect of life. People who are sensitive to rejection experience more intense reactions to social cues that may be perceived as rejection compared to other people. They may experience feelings of shame, low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation when confronted with rejection, whether real or perceived. This is a typical characteristic of people suffering from ADHD or Autism but it may also be present in people who do not suffer from these conditions.
RSD can lead to a lack of personal boundaries, which can lead to impulsive behavior and difficulty managing relationships. It can also cause people to avoid taking risks, which can restrict their career as well as personal growth. For some, it could even lead to an entire loss of self-esteem and a feeling of depression. symptoms of adhd adult can also exacerbate and amplify core ADHD symptoms like time blindness. This can lead to problems in planning and organisation as well as being a waste of time doing things that aren't important. It can also cause difficulties focus and attention span and people with RSD are prone to contemplating a small issue for hours or days.
Research suggests that people with RSD may suffer from brain impairments in the processing of emotional information. This could be due to the fact that the amygdala (which is responsible for the body's threat response) activates more when people perceive rejection. It is also believed that those who are sensitive to rejection may have suffered from childhood trauma, which can leave permanent effects on their emotional development. They may be more sensitive to criticism, rejection, and abandonment in the adult years. Other mental health disorders that are co-occurring such as depression or anxiety can also influence RSD by impacting emotional regulation.
5. symptoms of adhd adults -specific behaviors that are gender specific
Many people suffering from ADHD develop the disorder during childhood, and they almost always get a diagnosis prior to the age of 12. The symptoms can last into adulthood, though it is true that women with the disorder may have problems at school or at work at home, as well as in relationships. They can also experience anxiety, depression or other substance use 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 how women and girls with ADHD are viewed. Parents and teachers are more likely to notice excessive behavior in boys suffering from ADHD, while girls may be accused of daydreaming. This makes it difficult for them to get the support they require.
Girls with the disorder are also more likely to be suffering from anxiety and other mood disorders. They may also be more likely to try to hide their symptoms by using strategies to cope that are typical for the gender they identify with, which can make it difficult for others to see they are suffering from an issue.
For instance, women with ADHD might wear lots of makeup or dress in a certain manner to hide their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behavior like excessive drinking or drug use, especially during the adolescent years. As a result, they might not seek out the assistance they require until it is too late.