Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed as their symptoms manifest differently than males. For instance, they could have more emotional instability or have trouble managing their emotions.
Finding a therapist or counselor who is knowledgeable about ADHD in women can make all the difference in turning your individual problems into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults with inattentive ADHD may have difficulty keeping on top of their household chores and appointments, miss deadlines at work and find it difficult to remain focused in meetings. It is also common for those with inattentive ADHD to experience a phenomenon called "time blindness," meaning that they frequently forget the time or are so caught up in their work that they forget how long it has taken. This can result in feelings like being disorganized or behind, or perhaps irresponsible.
Women with inattention ADHD are particularly good at hiding their symptoms, which may make it difficult for them to receive an assessment. They might have learned to compensate for their difficulty in staying organised by using coping methods such as self-denial, relying on others, and even engaging in unhealthy behaviors such as excessive alcohol or substance abuse.
They may not even be aware that they have a problem until they begin to recognize that they have a problem. They might have a list of embarrassing incidents in which they've embarrassed their colleagues or friends. They might also struggle to keep their homes and homes tidy and clean and find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their work.
If left untreated and undiagnosed the symptoms of inattention ADHD can have a devastating effect on virtually every area of their lives. They might miss out on professional and social opportunities because they were not invited. In addition, they may not pay their bills or return friends' phone calls promptly. They could be rushed through a test or misunderstand the instructions at work, or make naive mistakes in their personal relationships. adults with adhd symptoms start to believe that they are lazy or stupid and have low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to fumble in their seats, talk too much, or squirm. They have difficulty paying attention to what other people are saying. They often interrupt or make statements they don't consider. They are easily distracted by other stimuli and have a tendency to get bored with things that don't appeal to them. This behavior isn't due to an urge to defy or a lack in comprehension and is due to a biological deficit in the frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
While everyone loses keys or forgets appointments occasionally those with inattentive ADHD are more likely to do this often. People who suffer from this type of ADHD also have a tendency to lose all important information, like bills or work assignments. They frequently forget or lose eyeglasses and other items like keys, wallets, school materials and sports equipment. They often have difficulty keeping an occupation and often start projects but never finish them.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD say they feel more confident once their symptoms are under control. This is especially true for those who have been suffering for a long time with the false assumption that they are unreliable or lazy because of their procrastination, disorganization, and impulsive behavior.
Stress, other mental health disorders, as well as physical illnesses can cause similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD. Due to this, a health care provider must do a thorough evaluation to determine the root cause of the symptoms and identify effective treatments. They may ask for your consent to speak with family members, coworkers and teachers to learn more about your past and current behavior. They could 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. You may feel compelled to take action and tackle a problem even though you should take your time and plan your actions. This type of impulsivity can cause difficulties at work, in school, or in relationships. You may also have problems with finances, driving, or managing your home.
Women often have a harder to diagnose ADHD than men because their symptoms aren't as obvious. They may conceal their problems under the pretense of being a trustworthy, reliable, and well-organized. This can create a false impression that they are in control and allows others to dismiss them easily as a child with a problem or a woman who is too emotional or an over-achiever. This can lead to a lifetime of undiagnosed 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 present at work as well as at home, and can affect your ability function.
It can be difficult to finish work or school assignments and look disorganized and forgetful. You have difficulty waiting in line or sitting still for long periods of time and are unable to stay focused when reading, working on a computer or performing chores. You prefer novelty to the monotony of life and might find yourself avoiding tasks or procrastinating to avoid them. Although ADHD shares some symptoms with anxiety disorders restlessness, fidgeting, and forgetfulness are not typically present. The symptoms of ADHD can fluctuate with age, and can be exacerbated by hormonal changes like menopausal and pregnancy.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a psychological disorder that is characterized by extreme negative emotions and a difficulty in controlling emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and affects the way we live our lives. People who have sensitivity to rejection experience more intense reactions than others to social cues that could be perceived as rejection. When they face rejection, whether it is real or perceived, they could feel shame, low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation. It is a typical sign for people suffering from ADHD and Autism however, it can be present in people without these conditions as well.
RSD can cause an impulsive behavior and relationship issues. It can also make people avoid taking risks, limiting their personal and professional growth. It can cause depression and self-esteem issues for some. RSD can also exacerbate and increase the severity of the core ADHD symptoms like time blindness. This can lead to issues with planning and organisation, as well as wasting time on unimportant tasks. RSD can also lead to issues with focus and attention 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) activates more when people perceive rejection. People who are sensitive to rejection may also have experienced trauma from childhood that can have a lasting impact on their emotional growth. They could be more sensitive to criticism, rejection, and abandonment as they grow older. Other mental health disorders that are co-occurring such as depression or anxiety can also affect RSD by affecting the regulation of emotions.
5. Gender-specific Behaviors that are Typical of a Genre
Many people with ADHD develop the disorder during their childhood, and almost always have a diagnosis before age 12. The symptoms tend to persist until the age of adulthood. This means that women who suffer from the disorder may be unable to cope with problems at school, at work at home, and in relationships. They might also be suffering from depression, compulsive eating disorders, or addiction disorders. Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can be a drain on self-esteem of women, and they may blame themselves for their troubles by thinking of themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."
Gender bias plays a part in the way that girls and women are perceived when they exhibit ADHD symptoms. Parents and teachers are more likely to be aware of the hyperactivity of boys with ADHD, whereas girls might be accused of a daydream. This makes it more difficult for them to receive the help that they need.
Girls with the disorder are also more likely to be suffering from anxiety and other mood disorders. They may also attempt to conceal their symptoms by using coping techniques that are more common for the gender that they identify with. This can make it difficult for others to see that they have a problem.
For example, some women suffering from ADHD might use lots of makeup or dress in a particular way to avoid noticing their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behaviors such as drinking excessively or drug use, especially during the adolescent stage. As a result, they may not seek the help they require until it's too late.