Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many women and girls with ADHD go undiagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis because their symptoms manifest differently than males. For instance, they could experience more emotional volatility or have trouble controlling their emotions.
Finding a therapist or a clinician who understands ADHD and women can make an enormous difference in transforming your unique difficulties into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults with inattentive ADHD might have difficulty keeping on top of their schedules and household chores, have trouble meeting deadlines at work, and find it difficult to remain focused during meetings. It is also common for those with inattentive ADHD to experience a concept called "time blindness," meaning that they frequently forget the time or get so caught up in their task that they forget how much time has passed. This can cause feelings of being unorganized and unprepared, or perhaps irresponsible.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD are particularly good at showcasing their symptoms, which can make it more difficult to get an assessment. They might have learned to cope with their inability to stay organized by employing coping strategies such as self-denial or relying on others or resorting to unhealthy habits like excessive alcohol or drug abuse.
As a result, their issues with organization and focus can be ignored by others until they realize their own problems. They might have a long list of embarrassing foot-in-mouth incidents that have embarrassed family members or coworkers, have to work hard to keep their homes and apartments clean and organized and are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of work they have to complete.
Untreated and undiagnosed symptoms of inattentive ADHD can have a negative impact on almost every aspect of their life. They may be unable to participate in social and professional events because they weren't invited. Or, they might not pay their bills on time or return friends' phone calls in a timely fashion. They may rush through a test or misunderstand instructions at work or commit a few blunders in their relationships. At some point, they think that they are stupid or lazy and suffer from low self-esteem and confidence.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to fumble in their seats, talk incessantly or squirm. They also have trouble paying attentively to what others are saying, and frequently interrupt or make statements without thinking about the consequences. They are easily distracted and bored by things that do not interest them. This behavior isn't due to a desire for defiance or a lack of comprehension and is due to a biological deficit in the frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
While everyone misplaces keys or forgets about appointments from time to time people with inattention ADHD are more likely to do this often. People with this subtype of ADHD also have a tendency to lose the track of important information, such as bills or work assignments. They frequently forget or lose eyeglasses, as well as other items like keys, wallets or school supplies and sports equipment. They often have difficulty keeping an occupation and often start projects, but do not finish them.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD say they feel more confident about themselves after their symptoms are under control. This is particularly applicable if the person had been misled for years into thinking they are irresponsible or lazy because of their procrastination and disorganization.
Stress, mental disorders, and physical illness can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Due to this, a health care provider must conduct a thorough assessment to determine the source of the symptoms and identify the most effective treatments. They may request your permission to speak to your family members, colleagues and teachers to find out more about your past and present behavior. adhd adult symptoms 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 difficult to stop and take a breath, especially when things get stressful. You may feel compelled to jump in and tackle something even though you ought to be patient and plan your actions. This type of impulsivity can cause problems at work, in school, or in relationships. You might also be struggling with finances, driving, or managing your home.
Women typically have a tougher time getting diagnosed with ADHD than men due to the fact that their symptoms are less obvious. They might hide their issues under the pretense of being a conscientious, dependable and well-organized. This can create a false impression that they're in control, and permit others to dismiss them as a problem child or a woman who is too emotional or a perfectionist. Undiagnosed ADHD throughout your life can severely damage 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 as well as at home, and they can hinder your ability to function.
You may have a difficult time following through with school or work tasks and are often seen as unorganized and unorganized. You have difficulty standing in line or staying still for long periods of time and find it difficult to concentrate when reading, working on a computer or working on chores. You prefer novelty to the monotony of life and might be prone to skipping tasks or putting off completing them. Although add symptoms of the symptoms of anxiety disorders such as restlessness, fidgeting, and forgetfulness aren't typically present. The symptoms of ADHD are prone to change 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 emotions and a difficulty in controlling emotions. It can trigger emotional turmoil and impact many aspects of daily life. People with rejection sensitivity feel more intense reactions to social signals that could be perceived as rejection compared to other people. When they are faced with rejection - real or perceived, they could feel shame, low self esteem and emotional dysregulation. This is a typical symptom of people with ADHD or Autism however it can also occur in those who do not suffer from these conditions.
RSD can cause an inability to set personal boundaries, leading to impulsive behaviors and difficulties managing relationships. It can also make people avoid taking risks, which may limit their career as well as personal growth. It can also cause depression and self-esteem issues for some. RSD is also known to exacerbate and increase the severity of the most fundamental ADHD symptoms, such as time blindness. This can result in issues with planning and organisation as well as the inability to focus time on tasks that are not important. RSD can also lead to issues with attention and focus span. People suffering from RSD may ruminate on the slightest thing for time or even for days.
Research suggests that people with RSD might have a brain impairment in the processing of emotional information. This could be due to the fact that the amygdala (which is responsible for the body’s threat response) is more active when people feel rejected. People with rejection sensitivity may also have experienced childhood trauma that could have a lasting influence on their emotional development. This could make people more sensitive to rejection, criticism, and abandonment as adults. Co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety can also influence RSD by impacting emotional regulation.
5. Gender-specific Behaviors that are Typical of a Genre
ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood. It's almost always diagnosed before the age of 12 years old. The symptoms tend to persist until the age of adulthood. This means that women with the disorder can remain troubled at school, at work as well as in relationships. They can also experience anxiety, depression, or substance use disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can negatively impact women's self esteem. They may be tempted to blame themselves, believing that they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".
Gender bias is a factor in the way that girls and women are perceived when they display ADHD symptoms. Parents and teachers are more likely to notice excessive behavior in boys suffering from ADHD, whereas girls might be accused of a daydream. This makes it difficult for them to receive the help they need.
Girls with this disorder are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and other mood disorders. They can also be more likely to to hide their symptoms by using strategies to cope that are typical of the gender they identify with, which may make it more difficult for others to recognize that they have an issue.
For example, some women with ADHD might wear lots of makeup or dress in a certain manner to hide their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behaviours like excessive drinking or drug use, particularly during adolescence. They may not seek assistance until it's too late.