Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women suffering from ADHD go undiagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis because their symptoms are different from men's. For instance, they might be more emotionally volatile or have a harder time managing their emotions.
Finding a clinician or therapist who understands ADHD in women can make all the difference in turning your unique difficulties into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults who suffer from inattentive ADHD might have difficulty keeping track of their schedules and household chores, have trouble meeting deadlines at work, and find it difficult to remain focussed during meetings. It is also common for those who suffer from inattention ADHD to experience a condition known as "time blindness," meaning that they frequently forget the time or get so caught up in their work that they forget how long it has taken. This can result in feelings like being disorganized and unorganized, or even irresponsible.
Women with inattention ADHD are able at hiding their symptoms. This can make it difficult to obtain an assessment. They may have learned to overcome their trouble staying organized by using coping tools like self-denial, relying on others, and even resorting to unhealthy behaviors like excessive drinking or drug abuse.
They might not even realize that they're having a problem until they realize that they have a problem. They may have a list of embarrassing foot-in-mouth incidents that have embarrassed their friends or coworkers, are struggling to keep their homes and apartments clean and organized, and feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks they have to accomplish.
Untreated and undiagnosed symptoms of inattention ADHD will affect nearly every aspect of their life. They might be unable to attend social events and professional opportunities since they're not invited or fail to pay the bills or answer phone calls from friends in a timely manner. They may be rushed through a test, or fail to follow instructions at work, or make careless errors in their relationships with others. In the end, they start to believe they are incompetent or foolish, and struggle with low self-esteem and lack of confidence.
2. Hyperactivity
People with hyperactive ADHD might fidget, squirm in their seat, and talk too much. They have difficulty paying attention to what other people are saying. They often interrupt or make statements they don't have the time to think about. They are easily distracted by extraneous stimuli and tend to become bored by tasks that do not interest them. The behavior is not caused by a desire to be insolent or a lack of comprehension it is 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 lose keys than other people. This kind of ADHD can also cause people to lose track important information, such as bills or work assignments. They often forget or lose eyeglasses and other things like wallets, keys and school supplies such as sports equipment, etc. They are unable to maintain their jobs, and they often begin projects that never finish.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD report that they feel more confident once their symptoms are under control. This is especially true if the person has been misled for a number of years into believing that they are incompetent or lazy due to their procrastination and disorderly behavior.
Stress, other mental health disorders, as well as physical ailments can cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD. A health care provider will have to conduct an extensive examination to determine the source of the symptoms and then determine the most effective treatment. They may request your permission to talk with family members, friends, colleagues, teachers, and other individuals who know you well to learn about your present and previous behavior and experiences. They could also conduct psychological tests such as 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 becomes stressful. You may feel compelled by your ADHD to tackle a problem even while you are supposed to plan and be patient. This impulsivity may lead to difficulties at work, in school, or in relationships. You may also experience problems with finances, driving or managing your home.
Women typically have a tougher to diagnose ADHD than men because their symptoms aren't as obvious. They may conceal their problems behind appearances of being reliable, diligent and well-organized. This can give them the impression that they are in control, and permit people to dismiss them as a problem child or an emotionally overly sensitive woman or an over-achiever. Undiagnosed ADHD throughout your life can 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 and at home, and can affect your ability to function.
You might have a hard to complete school or work tasks and are often seen as unorganized and disorganized. You have trouble standing in line or staying still for long periods of time. You find it difficult to concentrate when reading or working on a computer, or doing chores. You like the novelty of the routine and could find yourself avoiding tasks or procrastinating to avoid them. While the inattention and impulsivity of ADHD are a part of anxiety, feelings of restlessness, fidgeting and forgetfulness are generally not present in these disorders. The symptoms of ADHD can fluctuate with age, and can be exacerbated by hormonal changes such as menopausal and prenatal.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a mental disorder that is characterized by extreme negative feelings and difficulty in regulating emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and influences every aspect of life. People who are sensitive to rejection have more extreme reactions than other people to social cues which may be perceived as rejection. When they are faced with rejection - real or perceived, they could feel guilt, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation. It is a common symptom for people with ADHD and Autism however, it can occur in people who do not have these conditions as well.
RSD can trigger uncontrollable behavior and relationship issues. It can also cause people to avoid risk-taking, which may limit their career and personal growth. It can lead to depression and self-esteem issues for some. RSD is also known to exacerbate and increase the severity of the core ADHD symptoms, like time blindness. This can result in issues with organisation and planning and can lead to wasting time on unimportant tasks. RSD can also cause issues with attention and focus span. People suffering from RSD might ponder an incident for several hours or even for days.
Research suggests that people suffering from RSD may have a brain impairment that affects the processing of 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 feel rejected. It is also believed that people with rejection sensitivity might have experienced childhood trauma which could have lasting impacts on their emotional development. They could 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-specific Behaviors that are Typical of a Genre
Many people with ADHD develop the condition during their childhood, and almost always receive a diagnosis before the age of 12. The symptoms tend to last throughout adulthood this means that women who have the disorder may continue to have trouble at work or school, at home, and in relationships. They may also suffer from depression, compulsive eating, or substance abuse disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can affect women's self esteem. They may blame themselves, believing they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".
Gender bias can play a role in the way that girls and women who suffer from ADHD are perceived. Boys with the condition typically exhibit hyperactive behavior that is easy for parents and teachers to observe, while girls who exhibit the same symptoms could be accused of daydreaming or being hyperactive. add symptoms adults makes it harder 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 might also attempt to hide their symptoms using methods of coping that are more prevalent for the gender they identify with. This could make it difficult for others to see that they are suffering from a disorder.
For instance, women with ADHD might use excessive makeup or dress in a particular way so that they don't notice their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behavior such as excessive alcohol or drug use, particularly during adolescence. They might not seek help until it's too late.