Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many women and girls who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed, or not diagnosed, as their symptoms are different from those of men. For example, they may be more emotionally volatile or have a harder time 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 and can miss deadlines at work and struggle to stay focussed during meetings. Inattentional ADHD sufferers often suffer from "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 result in feelings of being disorganized or behind, or even irresponsible.
Women with inattention ADHD are particularly adept in hiding their symptoms. This makes it difficult for them to get an assessment. They might have developed strategies to cope with their difficulty in staying organised by using coping methods like self-denial, relying upon others, or resorting to unhealthy behaviors like excessive drinking or substance abuse.
They might not even realize the issue until they start to realize it themselves. They may have a long list of embarrassing moments where they embarrassed their colleagues or friends. They might also struggle to keep their apartment and homes tidy and clean and feel overwhelmed by their workload.
If untreated and not diagnosed the symptoms of inattention ADHD can cause havoc in all aspects of their lives. They may miss out on professional and social events because they aren't invited, or fail to pay their bills or return phone calls from friends promptly. They might rush through a test, misunderstand instructions at work, or make careless mistakes in their relationships with others. They start to believe that they are incompetent or lazy and suffer from low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to fidget in their seats, talk too much or shake their heads. They aren't able to pay attention to what others are talking about. They frequently interrupt or make statements they don't think through. They are easily distracted by extraneous stimuli and tend to become bored by tasks that do not interest them. The behavior isn't triggered by 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 misplaces keys or forgets to make appointments at times people with inattentive ADHD do it far more frequently. People with this subtype of ADHD also tend to lose track of important information, like work or bills. They often lose or forget their eyeglasses, wallets, keys, sports equipment, and/or school materials. They are unable to maintain an occupation, and often start projects that never get finished.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD report that they feel more confident once their symptoms are under control. This is especially applicable if the person had been misled for a number of years into thinking they are irresponsible or lazy due to their procrastination and disorderly behavior.
adult adhd symptoms , stress, and physical illnesses can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. A health care provider will need to conduct an extensive examination to determine the root cause of the symptoms and then determine the most effective treatment. They may ask for your permission to talk to your family members, colleagues and teachers to find out more about your past and current behavior. 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 things get stressful. You may feel compelled by ADHD to tackle a problem even though you should plan and be patient. This type of impulsivity can cause difficulties with schoolwork, work, 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 may hide their difficulties by presenting themselves as trustworthy, reliable and well-organized. This can give an illusion of security and make it easier for others to view them as a problem-child, emotionally overly sensitive or a perfectionist. Undiagnosed ADHD over the course of a lifetime could 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 interfere with your ability to function.
It can be difficult to complete homework or school assignments, and look disorganized and forgetful. You might find it difficult to wait in line, sitting down, or staying focused when reading or working on your computer, or doing household chores. You are drawn to novelty over the routine and could find yourself avoiding tasks or procrastinating to avoid them. While the inattention and impulsivity that are characteristic of ADHD have some resemblances to anxiety, feelings of anxiety, irritability, and forgetfulness are typically not present in these disorders. The symptoms of ADHD fluctuate as we age and are often exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is mental health disorder that is which is characterized by extreme negative feelings and difficulty in regulating emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and impact many aspects of life. People who are sensitive to rejection have more intense reactions than others to social cues, which could be perceived as rejection. When they are faced with rejection, whether it is real or perceived, they might feel guilt, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation. It is a common condition for those with ADHD and Autism however, it can occur in people who do not have these conditions as well.
RSD can trigger impulsive behavior and relationship problems. It can also cause people to avoid risk-taking, which may limit their career as well as personal growth. It can cause depression and self-esteem issues for some. RSD can also exacerbate and intensify the primary ADHD symptoms, such as time blindness. This can lead to issues in planning and organization, as well as wasting time on unimportant tasks. RSD can also cause issues with attention and focus span. People with RSD might ponder an incident for hours or even days.
Researchers have discovered that those suffering from RSD might be suffering from a brain disorder that affects how they process emotional information. This could be due to the fact that the amygdala (which is responsible for the body's threat response) is activated more frequently when people perceive rejection. People with rejection sensitivity may also have experienced childhood trauma that could have a lasting impact on their emotional growth. This can make them more sensitive to rejection, criticism and abandonment when they are adults. Other mental health disorders that are co-occurring such as depression or anxiety can also influence RSD by affecting the regulation of emotions.
5. Gender Atypical Behaviors
ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood. It is usually diagnosed before the age of 12 years old. The symptoms tend to persist well into adulthood. attention deficit disorder symptoms adults means that women suffering from the disorder can remain troubled at school, at work as well as in relationships. They may also suffer from depression, compulsive eating, or substance abuse disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can negatively impact women's self esteem. They may blame themselves, believing they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".
Gender bias plays a role in the way that girls and women who suffer from ADHD are perceived. The majority of boys with ADHD exhibit hyperactive behaviors that are easy for teachers and parents to notice, whereas girls who have those same symptoms may be accused of daydreaming or hyperactive. This makes it harder for them to get the help they need.
Furthermore, girls with the disorder are more likely to suffer from mood disorders and anxiety as compared to boys who suffer from the disorder. They may also attempt to hide their symptoms using methods of coping that are more prevalent for the gender that they identify with. This could make it difficult for others to notice that they are suffering from a disorder.
For example, some women with ADHD may wear a lot of makeup or dress in a certain way so that they don't notice their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behaviours such as drinking excessively or drug use, particularly during the adolescent stage. They may not seek help until it's too late.