Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD are misdiagnosed, or are not diagnosed, due to the fact that their symptoms are different from men's. They may have more emotional instability or a hard time controlling their emotions.
Finding a therapist or clinician who understands ADHD and women can make a 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, miss deadlines at work and struggle to stay focused during meetings. It is also typical for people with inattentive ADHD to experience a concept known as "time blindness," meaning that they frequently forget what time it is or get so caught up in their task that they lose track of how much time has passed. This can result in feelings of being unorganized or behind, or perhaps irresponsible.
Women who have inattention ADHD are particularly adept in hiding their symptoms. This makes it difficult for them to get an assessment. They may have learned to compensate for their inability to stay well-organized by employing coping strategies like self-denial, relying on others, and even engaging in unhealthy behaviors such as excessive drinking or substance abuse.
They may not even be aware the issue until they begin to recognize that they have a problem. They may have a long list of embarrassing instances where they have embarrassed their coworkers or friends. They might also struggle to keep their apartments and homes clean and organized and are overwhelmed by the amount of work they have to do.
If left untreated and undiagnosed, the signs of inattention ADHD can have a devastating effect on the entirety of their lives. They might miss out on social events and professional opportunities because they're not invited, or fail to pay bills or return phone calls from friends promptly. They may be rushed through a test, misunderstand instructions at work, or commit naive mistakes in their relationships with others. At some point, they believe they are lazy or stupid and suffer from low self-esteem and confidence.
2. Hyperactivity
People with hyperactive ADHD might be prone to fidget, squirming in their seats, and talk a lot. They may have trouble paying attention to what other people are saying. They frequently interrupt or make statements they don't consider. They are easily distracted by irrelevant stimuli and have a tendency to become bored by tasks that don't interest them. This behavior isn't triggered by a desire to appear insolent or a lack of understanding, but rather a biologically-based imbalance in the frontal lobes of the brain (Tripp & Wickens, 2009).
People with inattention ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or lose keys than other. Home Page who suffer from this type of ADHD also have a tendency to lose the track of important information, such as work or bills. They often forget or lose eyeglasses as well as other items like keys, wallets, school materials such as sports equipment, etc. They often struggle to hold an occupation and often start projects, but do not complete them.
Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD report that they feel better about themselves once their symptoms are under control. This is especially true for those who have been suffering for a long time with the false impression that they are incompetent or lazy because of their procrastination indecisiveness, and disorganization.
Stress, mental health disorders, and physical ailments can trigger similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD. This is why your health care provider should conduct a thorough examination to determine the root cause of the symptoms and determine effective treatment options. They may ask for your permission to speak to family members, coworkers and teachers to get more information about your previous and current behavior. They might also perform psychological tests, like the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders and the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Inventory.
3. Impulsivity
ADHD can make stopping and taking a breath difficult particularly when the situation is stressful. You might feel the need to jump in and tackle something even when you should take your time and plan your actions. This can lead to problems with schoolwork, work, and relationships. You might also have issues with finances, driving or managing your home.
Women typically have a tougher to be diagnosed with ADHD than men, as their symptoms are less obvious. They may hide their difficulties behind appearances of being conscientious, dependable and organized. This could give them the impression that they're in control and allows people to dismiss them as a problem child or an emotionally overly sensitive woman or a perfectionist. Undiagnosed ADHD over the course of a lifetime could cause a lot of 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 and at home, and they can hinder your ability function.
You might have a hard to complete school or work tasks and are often seen as unorganized and disorganized. You have trouble waiting in line or staying still for long periods of time and have trouble staying focused while reading or working on a computer or performing chores. You like the novelty of the daily grind and may be prone to skipping tasks or procrastinating to avoid them. While ADHD has some symptom similarities with anxiety disorders restlessness, fidgeting, and forgetfulness aren't typically present. The symptoms of ADHD vary with age and are exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations like those that occur during menopausal or pregnancy.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is an illness of the mind that is that is characterized by extreme negative emotions and difficulty regulating emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and affect a variety of aspects of everyday life. People with sensitivity to rejection feel more acute reactions to social signals that could be perceived as rejection compared to other people. They may experience feelings of shame, low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation when faced with rejection, either real or perceived. This is a common characteristic of people suffering from ADHD or Autism but it can also happen to those without these conditions.
RSD can trigger impulsive behavior and relationship problems. It can also cause people to be cautious about taking risks, which may limit their personal and professional growth. It can cause depression and self-esteem issues for certain. RSD can also exacerbate and amplify the core ADHD symptoms like time blindness. This can result in issues in planning and organisation as well as being a waste of time doing things that aren't important. It can also lead to problems with focusing and attention span, and people with RSD may be stuck thinking about a minor issue for days or hours.
Researchers have found that people suffering from RSD might 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 more active when people perceive rejection. It is also believed that people who feel a sensitivity to rejection might have experienced childhood trauma which could have lasting effects on their emotional development. This could make them more sensitive to criticism, rejection, and abandonment as adults. RSD can be affected by co-occurring mental illnesses like anxiety or depression.
5. Gender-specific behaviors that are gender specific
Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from the disorder in their childhood, and almost always receive a diagnosis before the age of 12. The symptoms are likely to last throughout adulthood. This means that women suffering from the disorder can be unable to cope with problems at work, school, home and in relationships. They might also be suffering from depression, compulsive eating disorders, or substance abuse disorders. Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can have a negative impact on self-esteem of women, and they may blame themselves for their issues by imagining themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."
Gender bias is a factor in the way that girls and women who suffer from ADHD are perceived. The majority of boys with ADHD display hyperactive behaviors that are easy for teachers and parents to spot, whereas girls who have those same symptoms may be accused of daydreaming or hyperactive. This makes it difficult for them to receive the support they require.
Additionally, girls with the condition are more likely to suffer from mood disorders and anxiety than boys with the condition. They may also try to conceal their symptoms with strategies for coping that are more common for the gender they identify with. This could make it difficult for others to recognize that they have a problem.
For example, some women suffering from ADHD might wear excessive makeup or dress in a particular way to avoid noticing their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behavior such as excessive alcohol or drug use, particularly during the adolescent stage. They may not seek help until it's too late.