Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many women and girls who have ADHD are misdiagnosed, or go undiagnosed, because their symptoms are different from those of men. They may have more emotional instability, or have trouble controlling their emotions.
Finding a clinician or therapist who understands ADHD in women can make a huge difference in turning your individual difficulties into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults with inattentive ADHD may have difficulty keeping on top of their schedules and household chores and may are late at work and have trouble staying focused in meetings. It is also common for those who suffer from inattentive ADHD to experience a condition called "time blindness," meaning that they frequently forget the time or are so caught up in their task that they lose track of how long it has taken. This can cause feelings of being disorganized, behind, or irresponsible.
Women with inattentive ADHD are especially adept in obscuring their symptoms, which may make it difficult to get an assessment. They might have learned to cope with their inability to keep track of things through strategies for coping such as self-denial or relying on others and resorting to unhealthy behaviors such as excessive drinking or drug use.
In the end, their struggles with organization and focus can go unnoticed by others until they start to notice their own problems. They might have a list of foot-in-mouth moments that have embarrassed family members or coworkers, struggle to keep their homes and apartments tidy and clean, and feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks on their plates.
Untreated and undiagnosed symptoms of inattentive ADHD will affect the entirety of their lives. They may be unable to participate in professional and social opportunities due to the fact that they weren't invited. They might also not pay their bills on time or return friends' phone calls promptly. They might be rushed through a test or fail to follow instructions at work, or commit naive mistakes in their personal relationships. They start to believe that they are stupid or lazy and suffer from low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to fumble in their seats, talk incessantly or squirm. They also have trouble paying attention to the words of others and frequently interrupt or make statements without considering their implications. They are easily distracted by other stimuli and tend to get bored with things that don't appeal to them. This behavior isn't triggered by a desire to be insolent or a lack of comprehension, but rather a biologically-based imbalance in the frontal lobes of the brain (Tripp & Wickens, 2009).
Those with inattentive ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or lose keys than other. This subtype of ADHD can cause people to lose track important information, such as bills or work assignments. They frequently lose or forget their wallets, eyeglasses keys, sports equipment, and/or school materials. They are unable to maintain their jobs, and they often start projects that never end.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD report that they feel better about themselves once their symptoms are under control. This is particularly applicable if the person had been misled for a long time into believing that they are incompetent or lazy due to their procrastination or indecisiveness.
Stress, mental disorders and physical ailments can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. A healthcare professional will require a thorough evaluation in order to determine the source of the symptoms and to determine the most effective treatment. They may ask for your permission to speak to your family members, colleagues and teachers to learn more about your previous and current behavior. They could also conduct psychological tests like the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders or the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Index.
3. Impulsivity
Being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult to stop and take a breath, particularly when things are stressful. You might feel compelled by your ADHD to tackle a problem, even while you are supposed to plan and slow down. This can lead to issues at work, at school, or with relationships. There are also issues with finances, driving or managing your home.
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD are less obvious. They may conceal their problems under the pretense of being a trustworthy, reliable and organized. This can give a false sense of security and make it easier for others to dismiss them as a problem-child, overly emotional woman, or a perfectionist. This can lead to an undiagnosed lifetime of ADHD can do severe 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 evident in two different settings like at home and at work, and interfere with your ability to function.
It can be difficult to complete work or school assignments and seem unorganized and forgetful. You have a hard time waiting in lines or sitting still for long periods of time. You are unable to stay focused when reading, working on a computer or working on chores. You may want to be more creative than the daily grind and you might delay or avoid tasks to avoid them. While ADHD has some symptom similarities with anxiety disorders such as restlessness, fidgeting, and forgetfulness aren't typically present. The symptoms of ADHD change as you age and are made worse by hormonal changes such as those that are experienced during menopausal pregnancy or menopausal menopausal.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a psychological disorder that is characterized by extreme negative feelings and a difficulty in controlling emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and affect a variety of aspects of life. People who are sensitive to rejection have more aggressive reactions than other people to social cues, which could be perceived as rejection. When signs of adult add face rejection - whether real or perceived, they could be afflicted with shame, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation. This is a common sign of someone suffering from ADHD or Autism, but may also be present in people who do not suffer from these conditions.
RSD can cause a lack of personal boundaries, which leads to impulsive behaviors and difficulties managing relationships. It can also make people avoid taking risks which can limit their personal and professional development. For some, it may cause the complete loss of self-esteem and a sense of depression. RSD is also known to intensify and amplify core ADHD symptoms, like time blindness. This can result in issues with planning and organisation as well as wasting time on unimportant tasks. RSD can also lead to issues with attention and focus span. People with RSD might ponder the slightest thing for time or even for days.
Researchers have found that people with RSD may have a brain disorder that affects how they process emotional information. This could be due to the fact that the amygdala (which is responsible for the body's threat response) is activated more frequently when people feel rejected. People who are sensitive to rejection may have also experienced trauma in their childhood that can have a lasting impact on their emotional development. This makes them more prone to rejection, criticism and abandonment when they are adults. RSD can be affected by co-occurring mental disorders like depression or anxiety.
5. Gender-specific Behaviors that are Typical of a Genre
ADHD is often diagnosed in the early years of childhood. It's almost always diagnosed before the age of 12 years old. The symptoms are likely to last well into adulthood. This means that women with the disorder can remain troubled at work, school as well as in relationships. They can also struggle with anxiety, depression or addiction 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 the way women and girls are perceived when they display ADHD symptoms. Boys with the condition typically exhibit hyperactive behaviors that are easy for parents and teachers to notice, whereas girls who have those same symptoms could be accused of daydreaming or flighty. This makes it more difficult for them to receive the help they need.
Additionally, girls with the disorder are more likely be afflicted by anxiety and other mood disorders than boys with the condition. They are also more likely to try to mask their symptoms employing strategies for coping that are typical for the gender they identify with, which may make it harder for others to see they have an issue.
For example, some women with ADHD may wear excessive makeup or dress in a certain manner to hide their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behaviours such as excessive drinking or drug use, particularly during adolescence. They might not seek help until it's too late.