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 males. They may experience more emotional instability, or have trouble controlling their emotions.
Finding a therapist or a therapist who is knowledgeable about ADHD in women can make a huge difference in turning your individual difficulties into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
The signs of inattention ADHD in adults could include having trouble keeping track of appointments and household tasks, missing deadlines at work, and having trouble to concentrate during meetings. Inattentional 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 result in feelings of being disorganized or behind, or even irresponsible.
Women with inattention ADHD are particularly good at showcasing their symptoms, which can make it more difficult for them to receive an assessment. They might have learned to compensate for their difficulty in staying organised by using coping methods like self-denial, relying on others, and even resorting to unhealthy behaviors like excessive drinking or substance abuse.
This is why their difficulties with organization and focus can be overlooked by others until they begin to recognize their own problems. They may have a long list of embarrassing instances where they've embarrassed their coworkers or friends. They might also struggle to keep their apartment and homes tidy and clean and feel overwhelmed by their workload.
Undiagnosed and untreated symptoms of inattentive ADHD can have a negative impact on the entirety of their life. They may miss out on social and professional events because they weren't invited. They might also not be able to pay their bills or respond to phone calls from friends in a timely fashion. They may rush through a test, or fail to follow instructions in the workplace or commit a few blunders in their relationships with others. They may begin to think they are stupid or lazy, and suffer from low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
People with hyperactive ADHD might fidget, squirm in their seats, or talk excessively. They aren't able to pay attention to what other people are talking about. They frequently interrupt or make statements that they don't consider. They are easily distracted and bored by activities that don't interest them. This behavior isn't triggered by a desire to be defiant or a lack of comprehension, but rather a biologically-based imbalance in the frontal lobes of the brain (Tripp & Wickens, 2009).
While everyone loses keys or forgets appointments from time to time, those who have inattentive ADHD tend to do it more often. People with this subtype of ADHD also tend to lose track of important information, like work or bills. They frequently lose or forget their wallets, eyeglasses, keys, sports equipment and/or school materials. They are often unable to keep an occupation and often start projects, but do not finish the work.
Many people suffering from ADHD feel better at being themselves once their symptoms have been managed. This is especially relevant if the person has been misled for a number of years to believe that they are lazy or irresponsible due to their procrastination or disorganization.
Stress, other mental health disorders, as well as physical illnesses can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. A healthcare professional will need to conduct an exhaustive examination to identify the cause of the symptoms, and to determine the most effective treatment. They might ask your permission to talk to your family members, colleagues and teachers to learn more about your past and current behavior. They might also conduct psychological tests like 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 be compelled by your ADHD to tackle a problem, even when you need to plan and slow down. This type of impulsivity can cause difficulties with schoolwork, work, and relationships. You might also be struggling with your finances, driving, or managing your home.
Women often have a harder to be diagnosed with ADHD than men, as their symptoms are less apparent. They can cover up their symptoms by claiming to be being trustworthy and diligent. This can create a false sense of security, and make it easier for others to dismiss them as a child with a problem, an overly emotional woman or a perfectionist. As a result, a lifetime of undiagnosed ADHD can do 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 in two different settings such as at home and work, and interfere with your ability to function.
You might have a hard time following through with work or school tasks and are often seen as unorganized and unorganized. You have a hard time waiting in line or sat for long periods of time and have trouble staying focused while reading, working on a computer or performing chores. You prefer novelty to the monotony of life and might be prone to skipping tasks or procrastinating to avoid them. Although ADHD shares some of the symptoms of anxiety disorders restlessness, fidgeting, and forgetfulness are not typically present. The symptoms of ADHD fluctuate as you age and are made worse by hormonal fluctuations like those that occur during menopausal or pregnancy.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is a mental health condition characterized by extreme negative emotions and difficulty regulating emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and influences many aspects of daily life. People with rejection sensitivity have more aggressive reactions than other people to social cues which may be perceived as rejection. When they face rejection, whether it is real or perceived, they could feel guilt, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation. This is a typical symptom of people with ADHD or Autism, but can also occur in those without these conditions.
RSD can trigger uncontrollable behavior and relationship issues. It can also cause people to be cautious about taking risks which can limit their personal and professional growth. It can lead to depression and self-esteem issues in some. RSD is also known to exacerbate and increase the severity of core ADHD symptoms, such as time blindness. This can result in issues with planning and organisation as well as wasting time on unimportant tasks. RSD can also cause problems with focusing and attention span. People with RSD might be prone to ruminating on an incident for several hours or even for days.
Researchers have discovered that those who suffer from RSD might have a brain disorder that affects the way they process emotional information. This could be due to the amygdala, responsible for the body's response to threats and is activated more than other people when they perceive rejection. It is also believed that those who feel a sensitivity to rejection might have experienced trauma in their childhood, which can leave lasting effects on their emotional development. This could make them more sensitive to criticism, rejection, and abandonment when they are adults. adults with adhd symptoms can be influenced by co-occurring mental disorders such as depression or anxiety.
5. Gender-specific Behaviors that are Typical of a Genre
Many people with ADHD develop the condition during childhood, and they almost always have a diagnosis before the age of 12. The symptoms can last until adulthood this means that women with the disorder can continue having problems at school or at work at home, as well as in relationships. They may also be struggling with anxiety, depression or other substance use disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can affect women's self-esteem. They might blame themselves, thinking they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".
Gender bias plays a role in the way that girls and women with ADHD are viewed. Boys who suffer from the condition generally exhibit hyperactive behaviors that are easy for teachers and parents to spot, whereas girls who have those same symptoms could be accused of daydreaming or anxious. This makes it difficult for them to get the help they need.
Girls with this disorder are also more likely to be suffering from anxiety and other mood disorders. They may also be more likely to try to mask their symptoms using coping strategies that are typical of the gender they identify with, which can make it difficult for others to recognize that they are suffering from an issue.
Some women suffering from ADHD may wear a lot of makeup or dress a certain way to conceal their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behaviours like drinking excessively or using drugs, especially during adolescence. In the end, they might not seek out the help that they need until it is too late.