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 are different from males. They may have more emotional instability or struggle to control their emotions.
Finding a therapist or counselor who is knowledgeable about ADHD in women can make all the difference in turning your individual challenges into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults who suffer from inattention ADHD might have difficulty keeping the track of their household chores and appointments and may are late at work and struggle to stay focused during meetings. It is also typical for people who suffer from inattention ADHD to experience a condition known as "time blindness," meaning that they frequently forget what time it is or are so caught up in their task that they forget how much time has passed. This can lead to feelings of being disorganized and unprepared, or perhaps irresponsible.
Women with inattentive ADHD are particularly adept at showcasing their symptoms, which can make it more difficult to get a diagnosis. They may have learned to overcome their inability to stay organized by using coping tools like self-denial, relying on others, or resorting to unhealthy behaviors like excessive drinking or drug abuse.
This is why their struggles with focus and organization may be ignored by others until they begin to recognize their own issues. They may have a long list of embarrassing moments where they have embarrassed their friends or coworkers. They may also struggle to keep their apartment and homes tidy and clean and are overwhelmed by the amount of work they have to do.
If left untreated and undiagnosed the symptoms of inattention ADHD can have a devastating effect on all aspects of their lives. They might miss out on social and professional events due to the fact that they weren't invited. Or, they might not pay their bills on time or respond to phone calls from friends in a timely fashion. They may be rushed 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 lazy or stupid, and suffer from low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
People with hyperactive ADHD might be prone to fidget, squirming in their seats, and talk too much. They may have trouble paying attention to what others are saying. They often interrupt or make statements they don't think through. They are easily distracted and bored by tasks that do not interest them. This behavior isn't due to the desire to be defiant or a lack of understanding it is a biological abnormality in the frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
People with inattention ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or lose keys than others. This type of ADHD can also cause people to lose track of important information such as bills or work assignments. They often forget or lose eyeglasses, as well as other things like wallets, keys, school materials and sports equipment. They have difficulty maintaining their jobs, and they often begin projects that never end.
Many adults with ADHD feel better about themselves after their symptoms are under control. This is especially true for those who have been suffering for a long time with the false assumption that they are unreliable or lazy because of their procrastination disordered behavior, and impulsive behaviors.
Stress, mental disorders, and physical illnesses can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Because of this, the health professional must conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause of the symptoms and determine effective treatment options. They may request your permission to talk to family members, coworkers and teachers to find out more about your previous and current behavior. sign of adhd in adults might also perform psychological tests, like the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders and the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Inventory.
3. Impulsivity
Having ADHD can make it hard to stop and take a breath, especially when things get stressful. It is possible to feel compelled get involved and tackle something even when you should be patient and plan your actions. This impulsivity may lead to problems at work, in school, or with 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 are less apparent. They may conceal their problems under the pretense of being a conscientious, dependable and organized. This can give an illusion of security and make it easier for others to dismiss them as a child with a problem, an overly emotional woman, or a perfectionist. As a result, a lifetime of undiagnosed ADHD can cause significant 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 working through school or work-related tasks, and you may appear unfocused and disorganized. You have a hard time standing in line or sitting still for long periods of time. You find it difficult to concentrate when reading or working on a laptop, or doing chores. You like the novelty of the daily grind and may find yourself avoiding tasks or putting off completing them. While ADHD has some symptom similarities with anxiety disorders such as restlessness, fidgeting, and forgetfulness are not usually present. The symptoms of ADHD vary as you age, and are exacerbated by hormonal changes such as menopausal and prenatal.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a mental disorder that is characterized by extreme negative feelings and difficulty in regulating emotions. It can trigger emotional turmoil and impact many aspects of daily life. signs of adult add who are sensitive to rejection have more extreme reactions than other people to social cues that could be perceived as rejection. When they are faced with rejection - real or perceived, they could feel guilt, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation. This is a typical characteristic of people suffering from ADHD or Autism however it can also happen to those without these conditions.
RSD can trigger an impulsive behavior and relationship issues. It can also make people avoid taking risks, which could restrict their personal and professional growth. For some, it could even cause the complete loss of self-esteem and a sense of depression. RSD is also known to cause and amplify the core ADHD symptoms, including time blindness. This can lead to issues with organisation and planning and can lead to wasting time on tasks that are not important. It can also lead to problems with focusing and attention span, and those with RSD can get stuck contemplating a small issue for hours or even days.
Researchers have found that people suffering from RSD might have a brain disorder that affects the way they process emotional information. This could be due to the amygdala, which is responsible for the body's threat response is more active than other people when they feel rejected. It's also thought that people who feel a sensitivity to rejection might have experienced trauma in their childhood that can have lasting impacts on their emotional development. They could be more sensitive to rejection, criticism, and abandonment in adulthood. RSD can be influenced by co-occurring mental disorders like depression or anxiety.
5. Gender-specific Behaviors that are Typical of a Genre
Many people who suffer from ADHD develop the disorder during childhood, and they almost always receive a diagnosis before the age of 12. The symptoms are likely to last until the age of adulthood. This means that women suffering from the disorder may remain troubled at work, school as well as in relationships. They may also be struggling with depression, compulsive eating or other substance use 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 plays a role in how women and girls who suffer from ADHD are perceived. Boys who suffer from the condition generally display hyperactive behaviors that are easy for teachers and parents to notice, whereas girls with the same symptoms might be accused of daydreaming or flighty. This makes it harder for them to get the help that they need.
Girls who suffer from the disorder are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and other mood disorders. They may also be more likely to to mask their symptoms by using coping strategies that are typical for the gender they identify with, which may make it more difficult for others to realize that they have a problem.
For example, some women suffering from ADHD might use a lot of makeup or dress in a certain way so that they don't notice their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behavior like excessive drinking or drug use, particularly during the adolescent stage. They might not seek help until it's too late.