Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women with ADHD aren't diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis because their symptoms manifest differently from men's. They may have more emotional instability or a hard time controlling their emotions.
Finding a therapist or counselor who is knowledgeable about ADHD in women can make all the difference in turning your individual difficulties into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults with inattention ADHD may have difficulty keeping on top of their household chores and appointments and can miss deadlines at work and have trouble staying focused in meetings. It is also common for those with inattention ADHD to experience a condition known as "time blindness," meaning that they often forget the time or are so caught up in their work that they lose track of the amount of time that has passed. This can result in feelings of being unorganized or behind, or even irresponsible.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD are especially adept at showcasing their symptoms, which may make it difficult to get an assessment. They may have learned to compensate for their difficulty in staying organized by using coping tools like self-denial, relying upon others, and even using unhealthy habits like excessive drinking or drug abuse.
This is why their struggles with organization and focus can be overlooked by other people until they realize their own issues. They may have a list of foot-in mouth incidents that have embarrassed friends or colleagues, have to work hard to keep their homes and apartments clean and organized and are overwhelmed by the volume of tasks on their plates.
If untreated and not diagnosed, the signs of inattention ADHD can wreak havoc on virtually every area of their lives. They may be unable to participate in social and professional events because they were not invited. Or, they might not pay their bills on time or return phone calls from friends promptly. They might rush through a test or misunderstand instructions in the workplace, or make careless errors in their personal relationships. At some point, they think that they are incompetent or foolish and are plagued by low self-esteem and lack of confidence.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to flutter in their seats, talk too much, or squirm. They also struggle to pay attentively to the words of others and frequently interrupt or make statements without thinking about their consequences. They are easily distracted by irrelevant stimuli and tend to become bored with tasks that do not interest them. This behavior isn't due to an urge to defy or a lack of comprehension, but a biologically based abnormality in the frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
Those who have inattention ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or misplace keys than others. This type of ADHD can also cause people to lose track important information like bills or work assignments. They frequently forget or lose eyeglasses as well as other items such as keys, wallets and school supplies such as sports equipment, etc. They are unable to maintain their jobs, and they often start projects that never end.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD say they feel more confident about themselves after their symptoms are under control. This is particularly true if the person has been misled for a long time to believe that they are incompetent or lazy due to their procrastination or disorderly behavior.
Stress, other mental health issues, and physical ailments can cause similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD. A doctor will require an exhaustive examination to identify the cause of the symptoms, and then determine the most effective treatment. They may request your consent to speak with your family members, colleagues and teachers to find out more about your previous and current behavior. They could also administer psychological tests, like the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders and the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Inventory.
3. Impulsivity
ADHD can make stopping and taking a breath a challenge, especially when the situation is stressful. You may feel compelled to get involved and tackle something even though you ought to be patient and plan your actions. This impulsivity can lead to problems with schoolwork, work, and relationships. You might also be struggling 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 might cover up their symptoms by claiming to be being conscientious and dependable. This can create a false sense of security and make it easier for people to dismiss them as a troublemaker, emotionally overly sensitive, or a perfectionist. As a result, an undiagnosed lifetime of ADHD can cause serious 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 as well as at home, and can affect your ability to function.
You may find it difficult to complete assignments or work and seem unorganized and forgetful. You might find it difficult to wait in line, sat down, or staying focused when reading or working on your computer, or performing household chores. You like the novelty of the routine and could find yourself skipping tasks or putting off doing them. While the inattention and impulsivity associated with ADHD have some resemblances to anxiety, the feeling of restlessness, fidgeting and forgetfulness are generally not present in these disorders. The symptoms of ADHD change as we age and are often exacerbated by hormonal changes like those that are experienced during menopausal pregnancy or menopausal menopausal.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is mental health disorder that is characterized by extreme negative emotions and difficulty regulating emotions. It can trigger emotional turmoil and affect many aspects of life. People with rejection sensitivity have more aggressive reactions than other people to social cues that could be perceived as rejection. They may experience feelings of anxiety, self-esteem issues, and emotional dysregulation when confronted with rejection, whether real or perceived. It is a common condition for those with ADHD and Autism however, it can occur in people who do not have these conditions as well.
RSD can lead to an inability to set personal boundaries, which can lead to impulsive behaviors and trouble managing relationships. relevant resource site can also make people avoid taking risks, which could hinder their personal and professional growth. It can cause depression and self-esteem issues for certain. RSD can also cause and amplify core ADHD symptoms, such as time blindness. This can lead to problems with planning and organization as well as being a waste of time doing things that aren't important. RSD can also lead to issues with focus and attention span. People suffering from RSD may ruminate on an incident for hours or even days.
Researchers have found that people suffering from RSD might be suffering from a brain disorder that affects the way they process emotional information. This could be because the amygdala brain, which is responsible for the body's threat response is more active than other individuals when they feel rejected. People who are sensitive to rejection may have also experienced trauma in their childhood which can have a long-lasting impact on their emotional growth. This can make people more sensitive to rejection, criticism and abandonment when they are adults. RSD can be influenced 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 get a diagnosis prior to age 12. The symptoms can last throughout adulthood. This means that women who suffer from the disorder may continue to have problems at work, school at home, and in relationships. They can also struggle with depression, compulsive eating or other substance use disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can negatively impact women's self-esteem. They may blame themselves, believing they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".
Gender bias can play a role in how women and girls who suffer from ADHD are viewed. Boys who suffer from the condition generally exhibit hyperactive behavior that is easy for teachers and parents to spot, whereas girls with the same symptoms may be accused of daydreaming or anxious. This makes it difficult for them to get the support they require.
Furthermore, girls with the condition are more likely to experience anxiety and other mood disorders than boys with the condition. They are also more likely to try to mask their symptoms using coping strategies that are typical for the gender they identify with, which can make it difficult for others to realize that they are suffering from an issue.
For instance, women with ADHD might wear excessive makeup or dress in a particular way so that they don't notice their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behaviors such as excessive alcohol or drug use, particularly during the adolescent years. They might not seek help until it's too late.