Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD are misdiagnosed, or not diagnosed, as their symptoms are different from those of men. For instance, they could have more emotional instability or have a harder time controlling their emotions.
Finding a therapist or a clinician who understands ADHD and women can make a an enormous difference in turning your unique challenges into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD for adults can include difficulty keeping the track of appointments and household tasks, missing deadlines at work, and battling to concentrate during meetings. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often experience "time blindness," which is when they forget the time or get so caught up in their work that they lose track of time. This can cause feelings of being disorganized or behind, or even irresponsible.
Women who have inattention ADHD are particularly adept at hiding their symptoms. This makes it difficult for them to receive a diagnosis. They might have learned to cope with their inability to keep track of things through strategies for coping such as self-denial or relying on other people, and even resorting unhealthy habits like excessive drinking or using drugs.
In the end, their difficulties with organization and focus can go unnoticed by other people until they start to notice their own issues. They might have a list of embarrassing moments where they embarrassed their coworkers or friends. They might also struggle to keep their homes and homes tidy and clean and are overwhelmed by the amount of work they have to do.
When undiagnosed and untreated the symptoms of inattention ADHD can have a devastating effect on the entirety of their lives. They might be unable to attend social events and professional opportunities because they're not invited, or fail to pay their bills or return phone calls from friends promptly. They may rush through a test or misunderstand instructions in the workplace or commit a few blunders in their personal relationships. They may begin to think they are incompetent or lazy and suffer from low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
People who suffer from hyperactive ADHD can fidget, squirm in their seats, or talk excessively. They also have trouble paying attention to the words of others and often interrupt or make statements without thinking about the consequences. They are easily distracted and bored by tasks that do not interest them. The behavior isn't caused by a desire to be defiant or a lack of understanding it is a result of a biological imbalance in the frontal lobes of the brain (Tripp & Wickens, 2009).
While everyone loses keys or forgets appointments from time to time those with inattention ADHD tend to do it more frequently. People with this subtype of ADHD also tend to lose track of important information, like bills or work assignments. They frequently forget or lose eyeglasses, as well as other things like keys, wallets, school materials and sports equipment. They are unable to maintain a job, and they often begin projects that never get finished.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD report that they feel more confident about themselves after their symptoms are under control. This is especially true if they have been suffering for a long time under the false impression that they are unreliable or lazy because of their procrastination, disordered behavior, and impulsive behaviors.
Mental disorders, stress, and physical ailments can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A healthcare professional will need to conduct an exhaustive examination to determine the source of the symptoms, and to determine the most effective treatment. They may ask for your permission to speak to your family members, colleagues and teachers to find out more about your past and current behavior. They might also conduct psychological tests, such as the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders or the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Index.
3. Impulsivity
ADHD can make stopping and taking a breath difficult especially when the situation is stressful. It is possible to feel compelled get involved and tackle something even though you ought to be patient and plan your actions. This type of impulsivity can cause trouble with work, schoolwork and relationships. You might also be struggling with finances, driving or managing your home.
Women often have a harder time getting diagnosed with ADHD than men because their symptoms are less obvious. They might appear to being trustworthy and diligent. This can create a false sense of security, and make it easier for others to view them as a child with a problem, an excessively emotional or an over-achiever. Undiagnosed ADHD over a lifetime 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. add symptoms adults must be present at work and at home, and can affect your ability function.
It can be difficult to finish work or school assignments and seem unorganized and forgetful. add symptoms adults have difficulty 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 may want to be more creative than the daily grind and may delay or skip tasks in order to avoid them. While ADHD has some symptom similarities with anxiety disorders such as restlessness, fidgeting, and forgetfulness are not typically present. The symptoms of ADHD can fluctuate as you age, and are exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy and menopause.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is an illness of the mind that is which is characterized by extreme negative feelings and difficulty regulating emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and affects many aspects of daily life. People with rejection sensitivity have more aggressive reactions than other people to social cues, which could be perceived as rejection. They may experience feelings of anxiety, self-esteem issues, and emotional dysregulation when faced with rejection, whether real or perceived. This is a typical sign of someone suffering from ADHD or Autism, but can also occur in those without these conditions.
RSD can cause an inability to set personal boundaries, which leads to impulsive behaviors and trouble managing relationships. It can also cause people to avoid taking risks, which can hinder their career and personal development. For some, it could cause the complete loss of self-esteem and a sense of depression. RSD can also intensify and increase the severity of core ADHD symptoms such as time blindness. This can result in issues in planning and organisation as well as spending time on tasks that are not important. It can also result in difficulties focus and attention span and those with RSD are prone to thinking about a minor issue for days or hours.
Researchers have discovered that people with RSD may have a brain disorder that affects how they process emotional information. This could be due to the amygdala, responsible for the body's response to threats is more active than other people when they experience rejection. It is also believed that people with rejection sensitivity might have suffered from childhood trauma, which can leave permanent effects on their emotional development. This could make people more sensitive to criticism, rejection, and abandonment in adulthood. RSD can be affected by co-occurring mental disorders like depression or anxiety.
5. Gender Atypical Behaviors
Many people suffering from ADHD develop the disorder during childhood, and they almost always have a diagnosis before the age of 12. The symptoms can last throughout adulthood. add symptoms adults means that women with the disorder may remain troubled at school, work at home, and in relationships. They may also suffer from depression, compulsive eating, or other addiction disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can negatively impact women's self esteem. They may blame themselves, believing they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".
Gender bias is a factor in the way that girls and women are viewed when they exhibit ADHD symptoms. Boys who suffer from the condition generally exhibit hyperactive behaviors that are easy for parents and teachers to notice, whereas girls who exhibit the same symptoms might be accused of daydreaming or flighty. This makes it difficult for them to receive the help they need.
Girls who suffer from the disorder are also more likely to be suffering from anxiety and other mood disorders. They may also try to conceal their symptoms with 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 from a disorder.
Some women with ADHD might use a lot of makeup or dress a certain manner to conceal their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behaviors such as drinking excessively or drug use, especially during adolescence. In the end, they may not seek the assistance they require until it's too late.