Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women with ADHD aren't diagnosed or are misdiagnosed because their symptoms manifest differently from males. They might experience more emotional volatility, or have trouble controlling their emotions.
Finding a therapist or counselor who understands ADHD in women can make a huge difference in turning your individual problems into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults who suffer from inattention ADHD may have difficulty keeping on top of their schedules and household chores and can have trouble meeting deadlines at work, and find it difficult to remain focused during meetings. It is also typical for people who suffer from inattentive ADHD to experience a concept known as "time blindness," meaning that they often forget the time or get so engulfed in their work that they lose track of the amount of time that has passed. This can cause feelings of being disorganized and unorganized, or even irresponsible.
Women with inattention ADHD are especially adept at hiding their symptoms, which can make it harder to get an diagnosis. They might have learned to compensate for their difficulty in staying well-organized by employing coping strategies like self-denial, relying upon others, or resorting to unhealthy behaviors like excessive drinking or drug abuse.
This is why their difficulties with organization and focus can be overlooked by others until they finally begin to recognize their own issues. They may have a list of embarrassing moments where they embarrassed their coworkers or friends. They may also be struggling to keep their homes and homes neat and tidy and find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their work.
If untreated and not diagnosed, the symptoms of inattentive ADHD can wreak havoc on virtually every area of their lives. They might miss out on professional and social opportunities because they weren't invited. Or, they might not be able to pay their bills or respond to phone calls from friends in a timely fashion. They may rush through a test or misunderstand instructions in the workplace or commit a few blunders in their personal relationships. They begin to think that they are incompetent or lazy and suffer from low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to flutter in their seats, talk too much, or be squirming. They aren't able to pay attention to what others are talking about. They frequently interrupt or make statements that they don't consider. They are easily distracted and bored by activities that don't interest them. The behavior isn't caused by a desire to appear aggressive or lack of comprehension and is more likely 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 others. People who suffer from this type of ADHD also have a tendency to lose the track of important information, like bills or work assignments. They often forget or lose eyeglasses as well as other items such as wallets, keys, school materials such as sports equipment, etc. They often have difficulty keeping a job and often start projects, but do not complete the work.
Many people with ADHD feel more confident about themselves after their symptoms are under control. This is especially applicable if the person had been misled for a long time to believe that they are lazy or irresponsible due to their procrastination and indecisiveness.
Stress, mental health disorders, and physical ailments can trigger similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD. A health care provider will need to conduct an extensive examination to determine the source of the symptoms and then determine the most effective treatment. They may request your permission to talk to family members, coworkers and teachers to find out more about your past and current behavior. signs of adhd adults could also administer psychological tests such as the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders and the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Inventory.
3. Impulsivity
Being diagnosed with ADHD can make it hard to stop and take a breath, especially when things get stressful. You might feel the need to jump in and tackle something even when you should take your time and plan your actions. This impulsivity can lead to difficulties with schoolwork, work, and relationships. You might also have issues with finances, driving or managing your home.
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because their symptoms tend to be less apparent. They may cover up their symptoms by claiming to be being conscientious and dependable. This can give them the impression that they are in control and allows others to dismiss them as a child with a problem or a woman who is too emotional or a perfectionist. Undiagnosed ADHD throughout your life can seriously 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 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 look disorganized and forgetful. You may have difficulty waiting in line, sitting still or staying focused while reading, working on the computer, or doing household 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 associated with ADHD share some symptoms with anxiety, frustration, restlessness and forgetfulness are usually not present in these disorders. The symptoms of ADHD can fluctuate as you age, and are exacerbated by hormonal changes like menopausal and pregnancy.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a mental disorder that is characterized by extreme negative feelings and a difficulty in controlling emotions. It causes emotional turbulence and influences many aspects of daily life. People who are sensitive to rejection experience more intense reactions to social cues that may be perceived as rejection than others. When they face rejection - whether real or perceived, they might feel guilt, low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation. It is a typical sign for people suffering from ADHD and Autism however it may occur in people who do not have these conditions as well.
RSD can cause an inability to set personal boundaries, leading to impulsive behaviors and trouble managing relationships. It can also make people avoid taking risks, which can hinder their personal and professional growth. It can also cause depression and self-esteem issues for certain. RSD is also known to cause and intensify the most fundamental ADHD symptoms, such as time blindness. This can cause problems with planning and organisation, as well wasting time on unimportant tasks. It can also result in difficulties focus and attention span and people with RSD are prone to thinking about a minor issue for hours or days.
Research suggests that people with RSD may have a brain impairment in the processing of emotional information. This could be because the amygdala, responsible for the body's response to threats and is activated more than other people when they feel rejected. It's also thought that people who feel a sensitivity to rejection might have experienced childhood trauma, which can leave lasting impacts on their emotional development. This makes them more sensitive to rejection, criticism, and abandonment in adulthood. RSD can be affected by co-occurring mental disorders like anxiety or depression.
5. Gender-specific Behaviors that are Typical of a Genre
Many people suffering from ADHD develop the disorder during childhood, and they almost always have a diagnosis before age 12. The symptoms tend to last throughout adulthood this means that women with the disorder may have difficulties at school or at work as well as at home and in relationships. They may also suffer from depression, compulsive eating, or other addiction disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can negatively impact women's self esteem. They might be tempted to blame themselves, believing that they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".
Gender bias can play a role in how women and girls with ADHD are perceived. Boys who suffer from the condition generally exhibit hyperactive behaviors that are easy for teachers and parents to observe, while girls who have those same symptoms may be accused of daydreaming or hyperactive. This makes it more difficult for them to get the help that they need.
Furthermore, girls who have the condition are more likely to suffer from mood disorders and anxiety than those who suffer from the condition. They are also more likely to to mask their symptoms employing strategies for coping that are typical of the gender they identify with, which can make it difficult for others to realize that they have a problem.
Women with ADHD may wear a lot of makeup or dress in a certain manner to conceal their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behavior like excessive drinking or drug use, especially during the adolescent years. They might not seek assistance until it's too late.