Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women who have ADHD are not diagnosed, or are not diagnosed, due to the fact that their symptoms differ from men's. They may have more emotional volatility, or have trouble controlling their emotions.
Finding a therapist or a clinician who understands ADHD and women can make an enormous difference in turning your unique challenges into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults who suffer from inattention ADHD might have trouble keeping on top of their appointments and household chores, are late at work and find it difficult to remain focused during meetings. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often experience "time blindness," which is when they forget the time or are so involved in their work that they lose track of time. This can cause feelings of being disorganized, behind or irresponsible.
Women with inattentive ADHD are particularly good in obscuring their symptoms, which may make it difficult for them to receive a diagnosis. They may have learned to overcome their inability to stay organised by using coping methods such as self-denial, relying on others, and even using unhealthy habits like excessive alcohol or substance abuse.
As a result, their difficulties in focusing and organization can go unnoticed by other people until they begin to recognize their own problems. They might have a list of embarrassing foot-in-mouth incidents that have embarrassed their friends or colleagues, or have to work hard to keep their homes and apartments tidy and clean, and feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of work they have to complete.
When undiagnosed and untreated the symptoms of inattention ADHD can wreak havoc on virtually every area of their lives. They might miss out on professional and social opportunities because they were not invited. Or, they might not pay their bills or respond to phone calls from friends in a timely fashion. They might take a test too fast or misunderstand the instructions at work, or make naive mistakes in their relationships with others. They start to believe that they are incompetent or lazy and have low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to fumble in their seats, talk excessively or shake their heads. They aren't able to pay attention to what other people are saying. They often interrupt or make statements that they don't think through. They are easily distracted by extraneous stimuli and have a tendency to become bored by tasks that do not interest them. This behavior isn't due to an urge to defy or a lack in comprehension it is a biological imbalance in frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
People with inattention ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or misplace keys than others. People with this subtype of ADHD also have a tendency to lose all important information, such as bills or work assignments. They often forget or lose eyeglasses and other things like wallets, keys, school materials such as sports equipment, etc. They have difficulty maintaining an occupation, and often start projects that never finish.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD report that they feel better about themselves once their symptoms are under control. This is especially relevant if the person has been misled for a long time to believe that they are irresponsible or lazy due to their procrastination or indecisiveness.
Stress, mental disorders and physical illness can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. This is why the health professional must conduct a thorough assessment to determine the root cause of the symptoms and identify effective treatments. They might ask your consent to speak with family members, coworkers and teachers to learn more about your past and present behavior. They may also conduct psychological tests such as the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders or the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Index.
3. Impulsivity
ADHD can make stopping and taking a breath a challenge especially when the situation becomes stressful. You might feel compelled by your ADHD to tackle a problem even when you need to plan and be patient. This can lead to issues at work, at school, or in your relationships. You may also experience problems with your finances, driving, or managing your home.
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because their symptoms tend to be less apparent. They can hide behind the appearance of being trustworthy and diligent. This can give an illusion of security and make it easier for others to view them as a troublemaker, overly emotional woman or an over-achiever. In the end, a lifetime of undiagnosed ADHD can cause serious 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 at work as well as at home and interfere with your ability to function.
adult adhd symptoms can be difficult to finish homework or school assignments, and appear disorganized and forgetful. You have a hard time waiting in line or sat for long periods of time. You have trouble staying focused while reading or working on a computer or working on chores. You are drawn to novelty over the routine and could 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, anxiety, irritability and forgetfulness are usually not present in these conditions. The symptoms of ADHD change as you age and are made worse by hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a mental disorder that is characterized by extreme negative feelings and a difficulty in controlling emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and affect many aspects of daily life. People with rejection sensitivity have more aggressive reactions than other people to social cues that could be perceived as rejection. They may feel shame, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation when confronted with rejection, whether real or perceived. It is a typical sign for people suffering from ADHD and Autism, but it can occur in people who do not have these conditions as well.
RSD can cause impulsive behavior and relationship problems. It can also cause people to avoid taking risks, which could hinder their personal and professional growth. It can lead to depression and self-esteem issues in some. RSD can also exacerbate and intensify the primary ADHD symptoms such as time blindness. This can result in issues in planning and organisation, as well wasting time on unimportant tasks. RSD can also cause problems with focusing and attention span. People suffering from RSD may ruminate on an incident for hours or even days.
Research suggests that those suffering from RSD may have a brain impairment that affects the processing of 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 experience rejection. People with rejection sensitivity may also have experienced childhood trauma which can have a long-lasting impact on their emotional development. This can make people more sensitive to rejection, criticism and abandonment when they are adults. Co-occurring mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression can also influence RSD by impacting emotional regulation.
5. Gender-specific behaviors that are gender specific
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from the disorder in childhood, and they almost always receive a diagnosis before the age of 12. The symptoms tend to last throughout adulthood this means that women who have the disorder may have problems at school or at work, at home, and in relationships. They might also be suffering from depression, compulsive eating disorders, or addiction disorders. Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can take a toll on women's self-esteem, and they may blame themselves for their issues by imagining themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."
Gender bias plays a role in the way that girls and women with ADHD are viewed. Teachers and parents are more likely to notice the hyperactivity of boys with ADHD, while girls may be accused of daydreaming. This makes it difficult for them to get the support they require.
Furthermore, girls with the disorder are more likely suffer from mood disorders and anxiety than boys with the condition. They are also more likely to try to mask their symptoms by using coping strategies that are typical for the gender they identify with, which could make it harder for others to recognize that they are suffering from an issue.
Some women with ADHD may use a lot makeup or dress in a certain way in order to hide their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behaviors like drinking excessively or use of drugs, especially during the adolescent stage. As a result, they may not seek the help that they need until it is too late.