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. They may have more emotional instability, or have trouble controlling their emotions.
Finding a therapist who understands ADHD and women can make a a huge difference in transforming your unique challenges into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults who suffer from inattentive ADHD might have trouble keeping the track of their schedules and household chores and may have trouble meeting deadlines at work, and have trouble staying focussed during meetings. Inattentional ADHD sufferers often suffer from "time blindness," which is when they lose track of 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 who suffer from inattention ADHD are particularly adept at showcasing their symptoms, which may make it harder 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 upon others, or even engaging in unhealthy behaviors such as excessive drinking or drug abuse.
This is why their struggles with organization and focus can be ignored by others until they finally start to notice their own issues. They might have a list of embarrassing incidents in which they have embarrassed their friends or coworkers. They may also be struggling to keep their homes and homes clean and organized and are overwhelmed by the amount of work they have to do.
If untreated and not diagnosed, the symptoms of inattentive ADHD can wreak havoc on all aspects of their lives. They might be unable to attend social events and professional opportunities since they're not invited or fail to pay their bills or return phone calls from friends promptly. They may be rushed through a test or misunderstand the instructions at work, or commit naive mistakes in their personal relationships. Eventually, they begin to believe they are incompetent or foolish and suffer from low self-esteem and confidence.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to fumble in their seats, talk too much or squirm. They have difficulty paying attention to what others are saying. They frequently interrupt or make statements that they don't consider. They are easily distracted by other stimuli and have a tendency to get bored with tasks that do not interest them. This behavior isn't triggered by a desire for being insolent 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).
Those with inattentive ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or misplace keys than others. This type of ADHD can also cause people to lose track of important information like bills or work assignments. They are often unable to remember or lose eyeglasses, as well as other items such as wallets, keys or school supplies such as sports equipment, etc. They are often unable to keep a job and often start projects, but do not finish their work.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD say they feel better about themselves once their symptoms are under control. This is especially applicable if the person had been misled for a long time into thinking they are lazy or irresponsible due to their procrastination or disorganization.
Stress, other mental health issues, and physical ailments can trigger similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD. This is why a health care provider must conduct a thorough assessment to determine the source of the symptoms and recommend the most effective treatments. They may request your permission to talk to family members, friends, coworkers, teachers, and other individuals who know you well to get information about your past and present behaviors and experiences. They may also conduct psychological tests, such as the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders and the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Inventory.
3. Impulsivity
Being diagnosed with ADHD can make it hard to take a breath, particularly when things get stressful. You may feel compelled to get involved and tackle something even though you should be patient and plan your actions. This can lead to problems at work, in school, or with relationships. You may also have problems with finances, driving, or managing your home.
Women are often having a harder to be diagnosed with ADHD than men, as their symptoms are less obvious. They might hide their issues under the pretense of being a reliable, diligent, and well-organized. This can give them the impression that they're in control and allows others to dismiss them as a troubled child, an overly emotional woman or an over-achiever. In the end, a lifetime of undiagnosed ADHD can cause 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.
You may have a difficult to complete work or school tasks and are often seen as unorganized and disorganized. You might find it difficult to wait in line, sat down or staying focused when reading, working on the computer, or doing household chores. You are drawn to novelty over the monotony of life and might find yourself avoiding tasks or putting off completing them. Although ADHD shares some of the symptoms of anxiety disorders restlessness, fidgeting, and forgetfulness aren't typically present. The symptoms of ADHD vary as you age, and are 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 cause emotional turmoil and impact many aspects of daily life. People with rejection sensitivity have more extreme reactions than other people to social cues which may be perceived as rejection. They may experience feelings of anxiety, self-esteem issues, and emotional dysregulation when confronted with rejection, either real or perceived. It is a common condition for those with ADHD and Autism however, it can co-occur in those without these conditions too.
RSD can cause a lack of personal boundaries, leading to impulsive behaviors and difficulties managing relationships. It can also make people avoid taking risks, which could limit their career and personal development. For some, it may even lead to the complete loss of self-esteem and a feeling of depression. RSD is also known to cause and increase the severity of the core ADHD symptoms, including time blindness. This can cause problems in planning and organisation as well as being a waste of time doing things that aren't important. RSD can also cause issues with focus and attention span. People suffering from RSD may ruminate 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) is more active when people perceive rejection. It's also thought that people who feel a sensitivity to rejection might have experienced childhood trauma which could have permanent effects on their emotional development. They may be more sensitive to criticism, rejection, and abandonment as they grow older. RSD can be affected by co-occurring mental disorders such as anxiety or depression.
5. Gender Atypical Behaviors
ADHD is usually diagnosed in the early years of childhood. It's almost always diagnosed before the age of 12. The symptoms tend to persist well into adulthood. This means that women with the disorder may remain troubled at school, at work as well as in relationships. They may also be struggling with depression, compulsive eating or addiction disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can affect women's self-esteem. They might blame themselves, believing they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".
Gender bias plays a role in how girls and women who suffer from ADHD are viewed. The majority of boys with ADHD display hyperactive behaviors that are easy for teachers and parents to spot, whereas girls who have those same symptoms might be accused of daydreaming or anxious. This makes it difficult for them to get the assistance they require.
Girls who suffer from the disorder are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and other mood disorders. They may also attempt to conceal their symptoms by using methods of coping that are more typical for the gender they identify with. symptoms of adult add could make it difficult for others to see that they are suffering.
Some women with ADHD may wear a lot of makeup or dress in a particular way in order to hide their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behaviors like excessive drinking or drug use, particularly during the adolescent years. This means that they may not seek the help they require until it's too late.