Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women with ADHD go undiagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis because their symptoms are different from men's. For instance, they might be more emotionally volatile or have a harder time regulating their emotions.
Finding a therapist or counselor who is knowledgeable about ADHD in women can make all the difference in turning your unique challenges into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
The signs of inattention ADHD in adults could include difficulty keeping the track of appointments and household tasks, missing deadlines at work, and battling to stay focused during meetings. Inattention ADHD sufferers often suffer from "time blindness," which is when they forget to count the minutes or become so absorbed in their work that they lose track of time. This can cause feelings like being disorganized or behind, or perhaps irresponsible.
Women who have inattention ADHD are able in obscuring their symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. They may have learned how 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 behaviors such as excessive drinking or using drugs.
As a result, their difficulties with focus and organization may go unnoticed by other people until they realize their own issues. They may have a list of foot-in-mouth moments that have embarrassed their friends or colleagues, or struggle to keep their homes and apartments clean and organized and are overwhelmed by the number of tasks on their plates.
If left untreated and undiagnosed, the symptoms of inattentive ADHD can wreak havoc on all aspects of their lives. They might be left out of professional and social events since they're not invited or fail to pay their bills or return phone calls from friends in a timely manner. They might be rushed through a test or fail to follow instructions at work, or commit naive mistakes in their personal relationships. At some point, they think that they are lazy or stupid, and struggle with low self-esteem and lack of confidence.
2. Hyperactivity
People with hyperactive ADHD might fidget, squirm in their seats, and talk a lot. They aren't able to pay attention to what other people are talking about. They often interrupt or make statements they don't have the time to think about. They are easily distracted and bored by activities that don't interest them. This behavior isn't due to the desire to be defiant or a lack of comprehension it is a biological imbalance in frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
People with inattention ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or misplace keys than others. People with this type of ADHD also tend to lose all important information, like bills or work assignments. They frequently forget or lose eyeglasses, as well as other items such as wallets, keys, school materials such as sports equipment, etc. They are often unable to keep an occupation, and often start projects that never finish.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD say they feel better about themselves once their symptoms are under control. This is especially relevant if the person has been misled for a long time into thinking they are lazy or irresponsible because of their procrastination and disorganization.
Stress, other mental health disorders, as well as physical illnesses can cause similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD. A health care provider will need to conduct an exhaustive examination to determine the source of the symptoms and then determine the most effective treatment. They may request your permission to talk with family members, friends, coworkers, teachers, and other individuals who know you well to get information about your past and present behavior and experiences. They could also administer psychological tests, such as the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders and the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Inventory.
3. Impulsivity
Having ADHD can make it difficult to take a breath, particularly when you are stressed. You might be compelled by your ADHD to tackle a problem, even though you should plan and slow down. This can lead to trouble with work, schoolwork and relationships. You may also experience problems with finances, driving or managing your home.
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because their symptoms tend to be less obvious. They may conceal their problems by presenting themselves as conscientious, dependable and well-organized. This can give an illusion of security and make it easier for others to dismiss them as a child with a problem, an emotionally overly sensitive or a perfectionist. As a result, 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 must be evident in two different environments, such as work and home, and interfere with your ability to function.
You might find it difficult to finish work or school assignments and appear disorganized and forgetful. You have difficulty standing in line or staying still for long periods of time and are unable to stay focused when reading, working on a computer or working on chores. You might prefer a different approach to the daily grind and you might delay or skip tasks in order to avoid them. While ADHD shares some symptoms with anxiety disorders, restlessness, fidgeting and forgetfulness aren't typically present. The symptoms of ADHD can fluctuate as you age, and are exacerbated by hormonal changes such as menopausal and pregnancy.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is a mental health condition 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 sensitivity to rejection feel more intense reactions to social cues that may be perceived as rejection than other people. When they face rejection - real or perceived, they could be afflicted with shame, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation. This is a typical sign of someone suffering from ADHD or Autism, but can also occur in those who do not suffer from these conditions.
RSD can cause a lack of personal boundaries, which can lead to impulsive behavior and difficulty managing relationships. It can also make people avoid taking risks, which can hinder their career as well as personal growth. For some, it may even cause the complete loss of self-esteem and a sense of depression. RSD can also intensify and increase the severity of the primary ADHD symptoms, such as time blindness. This can result in issues with planning and organisation, as well as wasting time on tasks that are not important. It can also cause difficulties focusing and attention span, and those with RSD are prone to ruminating on a slight for hours or days.
Research suggests that people suffering from RSD may suffer from brain impairments 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) activates more when people perceive rejection. It's also thought that people who feel a sensitivity to rejection might have experienced childhood trauma which could have lasting effects on their emotional development. This can make people more sensitive to criticism, rejection, and abandonment in adulthood. RSD can be affected by co-occurring mental disorders like anxiety or depression.
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 can last well into adulthood. This means that women with the disorder can continue to have problems at work, school at home, and in relationships. They may also be struggling with depression, compulsive overeating or other substance use disorders. Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can take a toll on women's self-esteem and they could blame themselves for their problems by imagining themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."
Gender bias plays a part in the way that women and girls are perceived when they exhibit ADHD symptoms. Boys who suffer from the condition generally exhibit hyperactive behavior that is easy for parents and teachers to observe, while girls who have those same symptoms might be accused of daydreaming or being anxious. sign of adhd in adults makes it difficult for them to get the help they need.
Additionally, girls with the disorder are more likely to suffer from mood disorders and anxiety than boys with the condition. They may also attempt to hide their symptoms using strategies for coping that are more typical for the gender they identify with. This can make it difficult for others to notice that they have a problem.
Some women with ADHD may wear a lot of makeup or dress in a particular way in order to hide their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behaviours like drinking excessively or using drugs, especially during adolescence. This means that they might not seek out the assistance they require until it's too late.