Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed or are misdiagnosed because their symptoms manifest differently than men's. They may have more emotional instability, or have trouble 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
Inattention-related symptoms in ADHD for adults can include difficulty keeping on top of household and appointment tasks, not meeting deadlines at work, and struggling to stay focused during meetings. Inattention ADHD sufferers often experience "time blindness," which is when they forget the time or are so involved in their work that they forget about time. This can result in feelings of being disorganized and unprepared, or perhaps irresponsible.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD are particularly adept at showcasing their symptoms, which can make it harder to get a diagnosis. They may have learned how to cope with their inability to remain organized through strategies for coping such as self-denial or relying on other people, and even resorting unhealthy behaviors such as excessive drinking or using drugs.
As a result, their difficulties with focus and organization may be ignored by others until they start to notice their own problems. They may have a long list of embarrassing instances where they embarrassed their friends or coworkers. They might also struggle to keep their apartments and homes tidy and clean and feel overwhelmed by their workload.
Untreated and undiagnosed symptoms of inattentive ADHD will negatively impact almost every aspect of their life. They might miss out on social and professional opportunities because they weren't invited. In addition, they may not pay their bills or respond to phone calls from friends promptly. They could be rushed through a test or fail to follow instructions at work, or commit naive mistakes in their personal relationships. Eventually, they begin to believe they are lazy or stupid and suffer from low self-esteem and confidence.
2. Hyperactivity
People who suffer from hyperactive ADHD might fidget, squirm in their seats, and talk excessively. They also struggle to pay attention to what others are saying, and often interrupt or make statements without considering their implications. They are easily distracted by other stimuli and have a tendency to become bored by things that don't appeal to them. The behavior isn't triggered by a desire for defiance or a lack of understanding and is due to a biological abnormality in the frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
Those with inattentive ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or lose keys than other people. This kind of ADHD can cause people to lose track important information such as bills or work assignments. They frequently forget or lose eyeglasses as well as other items such as wallets, keys and school supplies, sports equipment, etc. They are often unable to keep their jobs, and they often start projects that never finish.
Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD say they feel more confident once their symptoms are under control. This is particularly true if the person has been misled for a long time into thinking they are incompetent or lazy due to their procrastination and disorderly behavior.
Stress, mental disorders, and physical illnesses can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Because of this, your health care provider should do a thorough evaluation to determine the source of the symptoms and recommend the most effective treatments. They may request your permission to talk to family members, friends, colleagues, teachers, and other individuals who know you well to learn about your present and previous behaviors and experiences. They may also conduct psychological tests like the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders or the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Index.
3. Impulsivity
Having ADHD can make it hard to take a breath, especially when things are stressful. You might feel the need to take action and tackle a problem even when you should take your time and plan your actions. 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 time getting diagnosed with ADHD than men because their symptoms aren't as obvious. They might hide their issues by presenting themselves as reliable, diligent, and well-organized. This could give them the impression that they are in control and allow others to dismiss them as a troubled child or a woman who is too emotional or an over-achiever. In the end, an undiagnosed lifetime of ADHD can do 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 can affect your ability function.
You may find it difficult to complete work or school assignments and appear disorganized and forgetful. You have a hard time waiting in line or sitting still for long periods of time. You are unable to stay focused when reading, working on a computer or working on chores. You may prefer novelty over the daily grind and may delay or skip tasks in order to avoid them. While signs of attention deficit disorder in adults has some symptom similarities with anxiety disorders restlessness, fidgeting, and forgetfulness aren't typically present. The symptoms of ADHD fluctuate as we age and are often exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations such as those that occur during menopausal or pregnancy.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is mental health disorder that is characterized by extreme negative emotions and difficulty in controlling emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and influences the way we live our lives. add symptoms in adult women with rejection sensitivity have more intense reactions than others to social cues which may be perceived as rejection. When they are faced with rejection - whether real or perceived, they could feel guilt, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation. It is a common symptom for people with ADHD and Autism however it may co-occur in those without these conditions too.
RSD can trigger impulsive behavior and relationship problems. It can also cause people to avoid taking risks, which can hinder their career as well as personal growth. It can cause depression and self-esteem issues for certain. RSD is also known to intensify and intensify core ADHD symptoms, like time blindness. This can cause problems with organisation and planning as well as the inability to focus time on tasks that are not important. It can also lead to problems with focus and attention span and those suffering from RSD are prone to thinking about a minor issue for hours or even days.
Research suggests that people suffering from RSD might have a brain impairment that affects 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 perceive rejection. People with rejection sensitivity may also have experienced trauma from childhood which can have a long-lasting influence on their emotional development. They may be more sensitive to criticism, rejection, and abandonment as they grow older. RSD can be affected by co-occurring mental disorders such as depression or anxiety.
5. Gender-specific Behaviors that are Typical of a Genre
ADHD is often diagnosed in the early years of childhood. It is usually diagnosed before the age of 12 years old. The symptoms can last until adulthood it is true that women with the disorder may continue to have trouble at work or school at home, as well as in relationships. They might also be suffering from depression, compulsive eating disorders, or substance abuse disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can negatively impact women's self esteem. They might blame themselves, believing they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".
Gender bias plays a part in how girls and women are viewed when they exhibit ADHD symptoms. Teachers and parents are more likely to observe hyperactive behavior in boys with ADHD, whereas girls could be accused of a daydream. This makes it difficult for them to get the support they require.
Girls with this disorder are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and other mood disorders. They can also be more likely to try to mask their symptoms using strategies to cope that are typical for the gender they identify with, which can make it difficult for others to realize that they have a problem.
For example, some women with ADHD might wear a lot of makeup or dress in a particular way to avoid noticing their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behavior like excessive drinking or drug use, especially during the adolescent stage. In the end, they may not seek the help that they need until it's too late.