Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD are misdiagnosed, or go undiagnosed, because their symptoms are different from those of men. They might experience more emotional instability, or a hard time controlling their emotions.
Finding a therapist or counselor who is knowledgeable about ADHD in women can make a huge difference in turning your individual difficulties into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults who suffer from inattention ADHD may have difficulty keeping the track of their schedules and household chores and can miss deadlines at work and struggle to stay focussed during meetings. Inattention ADHD patients often experience "time blindness," which is when they forget to count the minutes or get so caught up in their work that they forget about time. This can result in feelings like being disorganized or behind, or perhaps irresponsible.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD are especially adept at showcasing their symptoms, which can make it harder for them to receive a diagnosis. They may have learned how to cope with their inability to keep track of things by using coping strategies like self-denial or relying on others or resorting to unhealthy behaviors like excessive alcohol or drug abuse.
In the end, their difficulties with focus and organization may go unnoticed by others until they realize their own issues. They may have a list of embarrassing incidents in which they embarrassed their friends or coworkers. They might also struggle to keep their apartment and homes neat and tidy and find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their work.
When undiagnosed and untreated the symptoms of inattention ADHD can wreak havoc on all aspects of their lives. They might miss out on occasions for professional or social gatherings since they're not invited or fail to pay the bills or answer phone calls from friends in a timely manner. They may rush through a test, or fail to follow instructions at work or commit a few blunders in their relationships with others. They begin to think that they are incompetent or lazy and have low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to flutter in their seats, talk too much or squirm. They have difficulty paying attention to what others are saying. They frequently interrupt or make statements they don't consider. They are easily distracted and bored by things which do not entice them. The behavior isn't caused by a desire for being 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 lose keys than others. This type of ADHD can cause people to lose track of important information, such as bills or work assignments. They frequently forget or lose eyeglasses and other things like keys, wallets and school supplies such as sports equipment, etc. They are often unable to keep an occupation, and often begin projects that never get finished.
Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD find themselves feeling more confident about themselves after their symptoms are under control. This is especially true if the person has been misled for years to believe that they are incompetent or lazy because of their procrastination and disorganization.
Stress, mental health disorders, as well as physical illnesses can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. A doctor will need to conduct a thorough evaluation in order to identify the cause of the symptoms, and then determine the most effective treatment. They may ask you to talk to family members, friends, colleagues, teachers, and others who know you well to get information about your current and past behaviour and experiences. They might also conduct psychological tests, such as 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, especially when things get stressful. You might be compelled by your ADHD to tackle a problem, even though you should plan and slow down. This type of impulsivity can cause issues at work, at school, or in your relationships. You might also have issues with finances, driving or managing your home.
Women are often having a harder time getting diagnosed with ADHD than men because their symptoms are less apparent. They may conceal their problems under the pretense of being a trustworthy, reliable and organized. This can create a false sense of security and make it easier for others to dismiss them as a troublemaker, emotionally overly sensitive, or a perfectionist. Undiagnosed ADHD over the course of a lifetime could 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 present at work as well as at home, and can affect your ability function.
You might have a hard working through school or work tasks and often appear forgetful and unorganized. You have a hard time standing in line or staying still for long periods of time and find it difficult to concentrate when reading or working on a laptop or working on chores. You like the novelty of the daily grind and may find yourself skipping tasks or procrastinating to avoid them. Although adhd adult symptoms has some symptom similarities with anxiety disorders restlessness, fidgeting, and forgetfulness are not usually present. The symptoms of ADHD change as we age and are often exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is a mental health condition characterized by extreme negative emotions and difficulty in regulating emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and affect a variety of aspects of life. People who are sensitive to rejection have more intense reactions than others to social cues that could be perceived as rejection. When they are faced with rejection, whether it is real or perceived, they might feel shame, low self esteem, and emotional dysregulation. It is a common 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 impulsive behavior and relationship problems. adhd in adults signs can also cause people to avoid risk-taking which can limit their career and personal development. It can cause depression and self-esteem issues for certain. RSD can also exacerbate and amplify the core ADHD symptoms, such as time blindness. This can cause problems with planning and organization and also being a waste of time doing things that aren't important. RSD can also lead to problems with focusing and attention span. People suffering from RSD may ruminate on a slight over several hours or even for days.
Research suggests that people suffering from RSD might have a brain impairment in the processing of emotional information. This could be due to the amygdala brain, which is responsible for the body's response to threats is more active than other people when they feel rejected. It is also believed that people who feel a sensitivity to rejection might have experienced childhood trauma that can have permanent effects on their emotional development. They could be more sensitive to criticism, rejection and abandonment in adulthood. RSD can be affected by co-occurring mental disorders like anxiety or depression.
5. Gender Atypical Behaviors
Many people who suffer from ADHD develop the disorder during the earliest years of their lives, and they nearly always have a diagnosis before age 12. The symptoms can last until the age of adulthood. This means that women who suffer from the disorder might continue to have problems at school, at work as well as in relationships. They may also be struggling with depression, compulsive eating or other substance use disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can affect women's self-esteem. They might blame themselves, believing they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".
Gender bias plays a part in the way that women and girls are perceived when they exhibit ADHD symptoms. Teachers and parents are more likely to be aware of hyperactive behavior in boys with ADHD, while girls may be accused of daydreaming. This makes it more difficult for them to get the assistance they require.
Furthermore, girls with the condition are more likely to experience mood disorders and anxiety than those who suffer from the condition. They may also attempt to conceal their symptoms by using methods of coping that are more prevalent for the gender that they identify with. This could make it difficult for others to recognize that they are suffering.
Some women with ADHD may wear a lot of makeup or dress a certain way to conceal their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behaviors such as excessive drinking or using drugs, especially during the adolescent years. They may not seek help until it's too late.