Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed or are misdiagnosed as their symptoms manifest differently from males. For example, they may be more emotionally volatile or have a harder time managing their emotions.
Finding a therapist or clinician who understands ADHD and women can make a huge difference in transforming your unique problems into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults who suffer from inattention ADHD might have difficulty keeping the track of their schedules and household chores and can are late at work and struggle to stay focussed during meetings. It is also typical for people with inattention ADHD to experience a phenomenon known as "time blindness," meaning that they often forget the time or are so caught up in their task that they forget the amount of time that has passed. This can result in feelings of being disorganized and unorganized, or even irresponsible.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD are particularly good in obscuring their symptoms, which may make it harder to get an assessment. They may have learned to compensate for their trouble staying organised by using coping methods like self-denial, relying on others, or using unhealthy habits like excessive drinking or drug abuse.
They might not even realize the issue until they start to realize it themselves. They may have a list of embarrassing instances where they embarrassed their friends or coworkers. They may also struggle to keep their homes and homes neat and tidy and are overwhelmed by the amount of work they have to do.
If untreated and not diagnosed, the signs of inattention ADHD can cause havoc in the entirety of their lives. They may miss out on professional and social opportunities because they weren't invited. They might also not pay their bills or return phone calls from friends in a timely fashion. They might be rushed through a test or misunderstand the instructions at work, or commit naive mistakes in their relationships with others. They may begin to think they are lazy or stupid and have low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to fumble in their seats, talk excessively, or be squirming. They also have difficulty paying attention to what others are saying, and frequently interrupt or make statements without thinking about their consequences. They are easily distracted by extraneous stimuli and have a tendency to get bored with tasks that don't interest them. The behavior isn't caused by an urge to defy or a lack of comprehension it is a biological deficit in the frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
While everyone loses keys or forgets appointments from time to time people with inattention ADHD do it far more often. People who suffer from this type of ADHD also have a tendency to lose all important information, such as work or bills. They frequently forget or lose eyeglasses as well as other things like wallets, keys or school supplies such as sports equipment, etc. They are often unable to keep an occupation and often start projects, but don't complete their work.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD say they feel better about themselves once their symptoms are under control. This is particularly applicable if the person had been misled for years into thinking they are incompetent or lazy because of their procrastination and disorderly behavior.
add symptoms , stress, and physical illnesses can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Due to this, a health care provider must conduct a thorough assessment to determine the source of the symptoms and determine effective treatments. They may request your permission to speak with family members, friends, coworkers and teachers as well as other individuals who know you well to find out about your current and past behaviors and experiences. They may also conduct psychological tests, such as the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders or the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Index.
3. Impulsivity
Having ADHD can make it hard to take a deep breath, especially when things get stressful. You might be compelled by your ADHD to tackle a problem, even when you need to plan and slow down. This impulsivity can lead to difficulties with schoolwork, work and relationships. You may also have problems with finances, driving or managing your home.
Women typically have a tougher to be diagnosed with ADHD than men, as their symptoms aren't as obvious. They might cover up their symptoms by claiming to be being dependable and conscientious. This can create a false sense of security and make it easier for others to view them as a troublemaker, overly emotional woman, or an over-achiever. Undiagnosed ADHD throughout your life can 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 must be present at work and at home, and can affect your ability function.
You may have a difficult time following through with school or work-related tasks and often appear forgetful and unorganized. You might find it difficult to wait in line, sitting down or staying focused when reading or working on your computer, or performing household chores. You like the novelty of the daily grind and may find yourself skipping tasks or procrastinating to avoid them. While the inattention and impulsivity of ADHD share some symptoms with anxiety, the feeling of anxiety, irritability and forgetfulness are usually not present in these disorders. The symptoms of ADHD are prone to change with age, and can be 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 difficulty in regulating emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and impact many aspects of life. People who have sensitivity to rejection experience more intense reactions than others to social cues which may be perceived as rejection. When they experience rejection, whether it is real or perceived, they could feel shame, low self esteem and emotional dysregulation. This is a common characteristic of people suffering from ADHD or Autism but it may also be present in people without these conditions.
RSD can cause uncontrollable behavior and relationship issues. It can also cause people to avoid taking risks, which could hinder their career as well as personal growth. For some, it could even lead to the complete loss of self-esteem as well as a feeling of depression. RSD can also exacerbate and amplify core ADHD symptoms like time blindness. adhd adult symptoms can lead to problems with planning and organisation, as well spending time on tasks that are not important. It can also cause difficulties focusing and attention span, and those suffering from RSD can get stuck thinking about a minor issue for days or hours.
Researchers have discovered that people with RSD might be suffering from a brain disorder that affects the way they process emotional information. This could be because the amygdala, responsible for the body's threat response is more active than other individuals when they perceive rejection. It is also believed that people with rejection sensitivity might have experienced childhood trauma which could have permanent effects on their emotional development. This could make them more sensitive to criticism, rejection, and abandonment as adults. Mental health disorders that co-occur like depression or anxiety can also affect RSD by affecting emotional regulation.
5. Gender-specific behaviors that are gender specific
ADHD is often diagnosed in the early years of childhood. It is usually diagnosed before the age of 12. Symptoms tend to persist into adulthood, though this means that women who have the disorder may continue to have difficulties at school or at work at home, as well as in relationships. They can also experience depression, compulsive eating or other substance use disorders. Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can take a toll on self-esteem and confidence and they can blame themselves for their issues by thinking of themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."
Gender bias plays a part in the way women and girls are perceived when they display ADHD symptoms. Boys with the condition typically exhibit hyperactive behavior that is easy for parents and teachers to spot, whereas girls who have those same symptoms could be accused of being daydreamy or anxious. This makes it difficult for them to receive the help they need.
Furthermore, girls who have the disorder are more likely to be afflicted by anxiety and other mood disorders than those who suffer from the condition. They may also attempt to conceal their symptoms by using strategies for coping that are more typical for the gender they identify with. This can make it difficult for others to see that they are suffering.
For instance, women suffering from ADHD may wear a lot of makeup or dress in a certain manner to hide their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behaviors such as excessive drinking or using drugs, especially during the adolescent stage. As a result, they may not seek the help that they need until it is too late.