Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women with ADHD aren't diagnosed or are misdiagnosed because their symptoms are different from men's. They may experience more emotional volatility, or struggle to control their emotions.
Finding a therapist who is knowledgeable of ADHD and women can make a an enormous difference in turning your unique problems into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Inattention-related symptoms in ADHD in adults could include difficulty keeping the track of appointments and household tasks, missing deadlines at work, and struggling to remain focused during meetings. Inattention ADHD sufferers frequently experience "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 cause feelings of being disorganized and unprepared, or perhaps irresponsible.
Women who have inattention ADHD can be particularly adept at hiding their symptoms. This makes it difficult for them to get a diagnosis. They may have learned to make up for their inability to stay organized by using coping strategies like self-denial or relying on others or resorting to unhealthy behaviors such as excessive drinking or drug use.
They may not even notice the issue until they realize that they have a problem. They may have a list of foot-in mouth incidents that have embarrassed friends or colleagues, are struggling to keep their apartments and homes tidy and clean and are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of work they have to complete.
If left untreated and undiagnosed, the signs of inattention ADHD can cause havoc in the entirety of their lives. They may be unable to participate in social and professional events because they weren't invited. In addition, they may not be able to pay their bills or return phone calls from friends promptly. They may rush through a test or not understand instructions at work, or make careless errors in their relationships. In the end, they start to believe that they are stupid or lazy and suffer from low self-esteem and lack of confidence.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to fumble in their seats, talk excessively or be squirming. They aren't able to pay attention to what others are saying. They frequently interrupt or make statements they don't consider. They are easily distracted and bored by tasks which do not entice them. The behavior is not caused by a desire to be defiant or a lack of understanding and is more likely a result of a biological imbalance in the frontal lobes of the brain (Tripp & Wickens, 2009).
While everyone misplaces keys or forgets about appointments occasionally those with inattention ADHD do it far more frequently. This kind of ADHD can cause people to lose track important information such as bills or work assignments. They often forget or lose eyeglasses, as well as other things like wallets, keys, school materials such as sports equipment, etc. They are often unable to keep their jobs and often begin projects but never finish the work.
Many people with ADHD feel more confident at being 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 incompetent or lazy because of their procrastination and indecisiveness.
Mental disorders, stress, and physical illness can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A doctor will need to conduct an extensive examination to identify the cause of the symptoms, and determine effective treatments. They may ask you to talk to family members, friends, colleagues, teachers, and other individuals who know you well to get information about your present and previous behaviors and experiences. They could also administer psychological tests such as the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders or the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Index.
3. Impulsivity
Being diagnosed with ADHD can make it hard to stop and take a deep breath, especially when you are stressed. It is possible to feel compelled jump in and tackle something even though you should take your time and plan your actions. This impulsivity may lead to problems at work, in school, or with relationships. You may also have problems with finances, driving, or managing your home.
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because their symptoms tend to be less apparent. They can cover up their symptoms by claiming to be being dependable and conscientious. This can give them the impression that they are in control, and permit others to dismiss them as a problem child or an emotionally overly sensitive woman or an over-achiever. In the end, an undiagnosed lifetime of ADHD can cause severe 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 and at home and interfere with your ability to function.
You might find it difficult to finish assignments or work and look disorganized and forgetful. You have a hard time waiting in lines or sat for long periods of time and are unable to stay focused when reading or working on a laptop, or doing chores. You prefer novelty to the routine and could find yourself skipping tasks or putting off completing them. Although ADHD has some symptom similarities with anxiety disorders, restlessness, fidgeting and forgetfulness are not usually present. The symptoms of ADHD change with age and are exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as those that occur during menopausal or pregnancy.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a mental disorder characterized by extreme negative feelings and difficulty in regulating emotions. It can trigger emotional turmoil and affect many aspects of life. add symptoms in women with rejection sensitivity have more extreme reactions than other people to social cues that could be perceived as rejection. They may experience feelings of anxiety, self-esteem issues, and emotional dysregulation when confronted with rejection, either real or perceived. This is a typical symptom of people with ADHD or Autism however it can also occur in those without these conditions.
RSD can cause a lack of personal boundaries, leading to impulsive behaviors and difficulties managing relationships. It can also cause people to be cautious about taking risks, which may limit their career and personal growth. It can cause depression and self-esteem issues in some. RSD is also known to cause and amplify the most fundamental ADHD symptoms, including time blindness. This can result in issues with planning and organization and also being a waste of time doing things that aren't important. RSD can also cause issues with attention and focus span. People with RSD might be prone to ruminating on a slight over several hours or even for days.
Researchers have discovered that those with RSD might be suffering from a brain disorder that affects the way they process 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 feel rejected. It's also thought that people who are sensitive to rejection may have experienced childhood trauma that can have lasting impacts on their emotional development. They may be more sensitive to rejection, criticism, and abandonment in the adult years. Mental health disorders that co-occur such as anxiety or depression can also affect RSD by affecting emotional regulation.
5. Gender-specific Behaviors that are Typical of a Genre
ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood. It is usually diagnosed before the age of 12. Symptoms tend to persist until adulthood this means that women who have the disorder may have problems at school or at work at home, as well as in relationships. They may also suffer from depression, compulsive eating disorders, or other addiction disorders. Years of undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can be a drain on self-esteem and confidence and they could blame themselves for their troubles because they think of themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."
adhd symptoms in women plays a part in how women and girls are perceived when they display ADHD symptoms. Teachers and parents are more likely to notice hyperactive behavior in boys with ADHD, whereas girls might be accused of daydreaming. This makes it difficult for them to receive the assistance they require.
Furthermore, girls who have the disorder are more likely suffer from anxiety and other mood disorders as compared to boys who suffer from the disorder. They may also attempt to conceal their symptoms with strategies for coping that are more prevalent for the gender they identify with. This can make it difficult for others to recognize that they are suffering from a disorder.
Some women suffering from ADHD may use a lot makeup or dress in a certain way to conceal their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behaviors such as excessive drinking or drug use, particularly in adolescence. In the end, they might not seek out the help that they need until it's too late.