Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many women and girls with ADHD go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed because their symptoms manifest differently than males. They may have more emotional instability, or have trouble controlling their emotions.
Finding a therapist or a therapist 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 may include difficulty keeping track of appointments and household tasks, not meeting deadlines at work, and struggling to stay focused during meetings. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often experience "time blindness," which is when they forget to count the minutes or are so involved in their work that they lose track of time. This can result in feelings of being unorganized or behind, or perhaps irresponsible.
Women with inattentive ADHD are able at hiding their symptoms. This makes it difficult for them to receive an assessment. They may have learned to compensate for their trouble staying organized by using coping tools like self-denial, relying on others, and even engaging in unhealthy behaviors such as excessive drinking or substance abuse.
In the end, their struggles with focus and organization may be overlooked by other people until they start to notice their own problems. They might have a list of embarrassing instances where they embarrassed their friends or coworkers. They may also struggle to keep their homes and homes neat and tidy and are overwhelmed by the amount of work they have to do.
Undiagnosed and untreated symptoms of inattentive ADHD will negatively impact almost every aspect of their life. They may be unable to participate in social and professional events because they were not invited. In addition, they may not pay their bills on time or return phone calls from friends promptly. They may be rushed through a test or not understand instructions in the workplace, or make careless errors in their relationships with others. Eventually, they begin to think that they are incompetent or foolish and are plagued by low self-esteem and confidence.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to fumble in their seats, talk too much, or shake their heads. They also struggle to pay attentively to what others are saying and often interrupt or make statements without thinking about the consequences. 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 a desire for defiance or a lack in comprehension it is a biological deficit in the frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
Those with inattentive ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or misplace keys than other. This type of ADHD can cause people to lose track of important information such as bills or work assignments. They frequently forget or lose their eyeglasses, wallets, keys, sports equipment or school supplies. They are often unable to keep an occupation and often start projects, but do not complete the work.
Many adults with ADHD feel more confident about themselves after their symptoms have been controlled. This is especially true if the person has been misled for a long time into thinking they are incompetent or lazy due to their procrastination or indecisiveness.
Mental disorders, stress, and physical ailments can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. A health care provider will need to conduct an exhaustive examination to determine the source of the symptoms and determine effective treatments. They might ask your permission to speak to your family members, colleagues and teachers to find out more about your past and present behavior. They might also conduct psychological tests like the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders or the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Index.
3. Impulsivity
Being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult to stop and take a deep breath, especially when things are stressful. You might be compelled by your ADHD to solve a problem even though you should plan and be patient. 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 the symptoms of ADHD are less apparent. They may cover up their symptoms by claiming to be being conscientious and dependable. This can create an illusion of security, and make it easier for others to view them as a problem-child, overly emotional woman or a perfectionist. Undiagnosed ADHD over the course of a lifetime could 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. These symptoms should be evident in two different settings, like at home and at work and affect your ability to function.
You may have a difficult time following through with work or school tasks and are often seen as unorganized and unorganized. female add symptoms might find it difficult to wait in line, sitting still, or staying focused when reading or working on your computer, or performing household chores. You prefer novelty to the monotony of life and might find yourself skipping tasks or procrastinating to avoid them. While the inattention and impulsivity associated with ADHD share some symptoms with anxiety, the feeling of anxiety, irritability and forgetfulness are usually not present in these disorders. The symptoms of ADHD vary with age, and can be exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as menopausal and pregnancy.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a psychological disorder that is characterized by extreme negative emotions and difficulty in regulating emotions. It can trigger emotional turmoil and impact many aspects of everyday life. People with rejection sensitivity have more intense reactions than others to social cues which may be perceived as rejection. When they experience rejection - whether real or perceived - they may feel guilt, low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation. It is a typical condition for those with ADHD and Autism however it may be present in people without these conditions as well.
RSD can trigger uncontrollable behavior and relationship issues. It can also make people avoid taking risks, which could restrict their career as well as personal growth. For some, it could even cause an entire loss of self-esteem and a feeling of depression. RSD can also cause and intensify the primary ADHD symptoms such as time blindness. This can cause problems with planning and organization, as well spending time on tasks that are not important. RSD can also cause problems with focusing and attention span. People with RSD may ruminate on the slightest thing for several hours or even for days.
Research suggests that people with RSD might suffer from brain impairments in the processing of emotional information. This could be because the amygdala, responsible for the body's threat response is more active than other individuals when they feel rejected. It's also thought that people who feel a sensitivity to rejection might have suffered from childhood trauma which could have lasting effects on their emotional development. They may be more sensitive to criticism, rejection and abandonment as they grow older. Mental health disorders that co-occur such as depression or anxiety can also influence RSD by affecting the regulation of emotions.
5. Gender-specific Behaviors that are Typical of a Genre
Many people suffering from ADHD develop the condition during childhood, and they almost always get a diagnosis prior to age 12. The symptoms tend to last throughout adulthood, which means that women with the disorder may have trouble at work or school, at home, and in relationships. They might also be suffering from anxiety, depression, or other addiction disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can have a negative impact on women's self-esteem. They may be tempted to blame themselves, believing that they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".
Gender bias plays a part in the way girls and women are viewed when they display ADHD symptoms. The majority of boys with ADHD exhibit hyperactive behavior that is easy for parents and teachers to notice, whereas girls who exhibit the same symptoms might be accused of daydreaming or being hyperactive. This makes it harder for them to get the assistance they require.
Girls with this disorder are also more likely to be suffering from anxiety and other mood disorders. They might also attempt to hide their symptoms using methods of coping that are more common for the gender they identify with. This could make it difficult for others to notice that they have a problem.
For instance, women suffering from ADHD may wear excessive makeup or dress in a particular way so that they don't notice their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behavior such as drinking too much or use of drugs, especially in the adolescent years. This means that they may not seek the help they require until it is too late.