Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many women and girls with ADHD aren't diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis because their symptoms are different from males. They may have more emotional volatility, or have trouble controlling their emotions.
Finding a therapist or clinician who understands ADHD and women can make an enormous difference in transforming your unique problems into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults with inattentive ADHD might have difficulty keeping on top of their household chores and appointments and may miss deadlines at work and find it difficult to remain focused in meetings. Inattentive ADHD patients often experience "time blindness," which is when they forget to count the minutes or are so involved in their work that they lose track of time. This can result in feelings of being unorganized, behind, or irresponsible.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD are particularly adept at showcasing their symptoms, which may make it harder for them to receive an diagnosis. They may have learned to compensate for their inability to stay organized through strategies for coping such as self-denial or relying on others, and even resorting unhealthy behaviors such as excessive drinking or drug use.
They might not even realize the issue until they realize it for themselves. They might have a list of foot-in mouth incidents that have embarrassed family members or coworkers, are struggling to keep their homes and apartments clean and organized and are overwhelmed by the number of work they have to complete.
Untreated and undiagnosed symptoms of inattention ADHD can negatively impact nearly every aspect of their lives. signs of adult add might be left out of social events and professional opportunities since they're not invited or fail to pay their bills or return phone calls from friends promptly. They may rush through a test or misunderstand the instructions at work, or make naive mistakes in their personal relationships. They may begin to think they are stupid or lazy and suffer from low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
People who suffer from hyperactive ADHD may be prone to fidget, squirming in their seat, and talk a lot. They also struggle to pay attentively to the words of others and frequently interrupt or make statements without thinking about the consequences. They are easily distracted by extraneous stimuli and have a tendency to get bored with things that don't appeal to them. This behavior isn't triggered by a desire to be defiant or a lack of comprehension it is a result of a biological imbalance in the frontal lobes of the brain (Tripp & Wickens, 2009).
People with inattention ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or misplace keys than other people. People who suffer from this type of ADHD also have a tendency to lose track of important information, such as work or bills. They frequently lose or forget their wallets, eyeglasses, keys, sports equipment and/or school materials. They have difficulty maintaining an occupation, and often begin projects that never get finished.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD report that they feel better about themselves once their symptoms are under control. This is particularly true if the person has been misled for a number of years into thinking they are irresponsible or lazy because of their procrastination and disorderly behavior.
Stress, other mental health disorders, as well as physical illnesses can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. A healthcare professional will have to conduct an exhaustive examination to identify the cause of the symptoms and to determine the most effective treatment. They might ask your permission to speak to your family members, colleagues and teachers to get more information about your past and present behavior. They may 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 especially when the situation becomes stressful. You may be compelled by your ADHD to tackle a problem even when you need to plan and slow down. This impulsivity can lead to trouble with work, schoolwork and relationships. You might also be struggling with finances, driving or managing your home.
Women often have a harder time getting diagnosed with ADHD than men, as their symptoms are less obvious. They might hide behind the appearance of being conscientious and dependable. This can give them a false sense that they're in control and allow others to dismiss them easily as a troubled child or an emotionally overly sensitive woman or a perfectionist. As a result, a lifetime of undiagnosed ADHD can do 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 should be present at work as well as at home, and they can hinder your ability to function.
You might find it difficult to finish homework or school assignments, and look disorganized and forgetful. You have a hard time waiting in line or sat for long periods of time. You find it difficult to concentrate when reading or working on a computer, or doing chores. You like the novelty of the daily grind and may find yourself avoiding tasks or putting off doing them. While the inattention and impulsivity associated with ADHD share some symptoms with anxiety, feelings of frustration, restlessness and forgetfulness are usually not present in these disorders. The symptoms of ADHD fluctuate as you age and are made worse by hormonal fluctuations like those that are experienced during menopausal pregnancy or menopausal menopausal.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is mental health disorder that is that is characterized by extreme negative emotions and difficulty in regulating emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and impact many aspects of everyday 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 common symptom for people with 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 can hinder their career as well as personal growth. It can also cause depression and self-esteem issues for certain. RSD is also known to exacerbate and amplify core ADHD symptoms, like time blindness. This can cause problems in planning and organization and can lead to wasting time on irrelevant tasks. RSD can also cause issues with focus and attention span. People suffering from RSD might ponder an incident for time or even for days.
Research suggests that people with RSD might 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) is more active when people feel rejected. It is also believed that those who feel a sensitivity to rejection might have experienced childhood trauma which could have lasting effects on their emotional development. They may be more sensitive to criticism, rejection, and abandonment as they grow older. RSD can be affected by co-occurring mental disorders such as depression or anxiety.
5. Gender Atypical Behaviors
ADHD is often diagnosed in the early years of childhood. It's almost always diagnosed before the age of 12. The symptoms can last well into adulthood. This means that women suffering from the disorder might be unable to cope with problems at work, school, home and in relationships. They may also be struggling with depression, compulsive eating, or substance use disorders. Years of undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can take a toll on women's self-esteem and they can blame themselves for their issues by imagining themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."
Gender bias can play a role in the way that girls and women who suffer from ADHD are viewed. The majority of boys with ADHD exhibit hyperactive behavior that is easy for teachers and parents to spot, whereas girls who have those same symptoms may be accused of daydreaming or flighty. This makes it difficult for them to get the help they need.
Girls who suffer from the disorder are also more likely to be suffering from anxiety and other mood disorders. They may also be more likely to to mask their symptoms using coping strategies that are typical for the gender they identify with, which could make it harder for others to realize that they have a problem.
For instance, women suffering from ADHD might wear lots of makeup or dress in a particular way so that they don't notice their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behaviours like excessive drinking or drug use, especially during the adolescent years. They might not seek help until it's too late.