Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed because their symptoms are different from men's. They may have more emotional instability, or have trouble controlling their emotions.
Finding a therapist who is knowledgeable of ADHD and women can make a a huge difference in transforming your unique problems into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults who suffer from inattention ADHD might have difficulty keeping the track of their household chores and appointments, are late at work and have trouble staying focused in meetings. It is also typical for people with inattentive ADHD to experience a condition called "time blindness," meaning that they often forget what time it is or get so engulfed in their task that they forget how long it has taken. This can result in feelings like being disorganized or behind, or perhaps irresponsible.
Women with inattentive ADHD are able in obscuring their symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to receive a diagnosis. They may have learned to compensate for their trouble staying organised by using coping methods like self-denial, relying on others, or even resorting to unhealthy behaviors like excessive drinking or drug abuse.
They might not even realize that they're having a problem until they start to realize that they have a problem. They might have a long list of foot-in mouth incidents that have embarrassed friends or coworkers, have to work hard to keep their homes and apartments clean and organized, and feel overwhelmed by the volume of tasks they have to accomplish.
If left untreated and undiagnosed, the signs of inattention ADHD can have a devastating effect on all aspects of their lives. They might miss out on social and professional opportunities because they were not invited. They might also not pay their bills on time or respond to phone calls from friends in a timely fashion. 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 fumble in their seats, talk too much or shake their heads. They may have trouble paying attention to what others are talking about. They often interrupt or make statements they don't think through. They are easily distracted and bored by activities that do not interest them. The behavior isn't caused by a desire to be aggressive or 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 lose keys than other. This subtype of ADHD can also cause people to lose track of important information such as bills or work assignments. They often lose or forget their eyeglasses, wallets, keys, sports equipment, and/or school materials. They often struggle to hold a job and often start projects but never complete them.
Many people with ADHD feel better about themselves after their symptoms have been managed. This is particularly true if the person has been misled for a number of years to believe that they are irresponsible or lazy due to their procrastination and disorderly behavior.
Mental disorders, stress, and physical illness can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Because of this, your health care provider should 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 find out about your past and present behavior and experiences. They may 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 might feel the need to jump in and tackle something even when you should take your time and plan your actions. This impulsivity can lead to trouble with work, schoolwork and relationships. You may also experience issues with your finances, driving, or managing your home.
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because their symptoms are less apparent. They may hide their difficulties behind appearances of being conscientious, dependable and well-organized. This can create a false impression that they are in control and allow others to dismiss them as a child with a problem or a woman who is too emotional or an over-achiever. In the end, an undiagnosed lifetime of ADHD can do 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 should be present at work and at home and interfere with your ability function.
It can be difficult to finish work or school assignments and seem unorganized and forgetful. You have difficulty waiting in lines or sat for long periods of time and find it difficult to concentrate when reading or working on a laptop, or doing chores. You might prefer a different approach to the daily grind and may delay or skip tasks in order to avoid them. While ADHD has some symptom similarities with anxiety disorders, restlessness, fidgeting and forgetfulness are not typically present. The symptoms of ADHD fluctuate as we age and are often exacerbated by hormonal changes such as those that are experienced during menopausal pregnancy or menopausal menopausal.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is an illness of the mind that is that is characterized by extreme negative emotions and difficulty in controlling emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and influences the way we live our lives. People who are sensitive to rejection have more aggressive reactions than other people to social cues which may be perceived as rejection. When adhd in women symptoms are faced with rejection - whether real or perceived - they may feel shame, low self esteem, and emotional dysregulation. It is a typical sign for people suffering from ADHD and Autism however, it can be present in people without these conditions as well.
RSD can cause an inability to set personal boundaries, which leads to impulsive behaviors and difficulties managing relationships. It can also make people avoid taking risks which can limit their career and personal development. For some, it may even cause a complete loss of self-esteem as well as a feeling of depression. RSD can also exacerbate and increase the severity of the core ADHD symptoms, such as time blindness. This can lead to problems with planning and organization, as well being a waste of time doing things that aren't important. RSD can also cause problems with focusing and attention span. People with RSD may ruminate on a slight over several hours or even for days.
Research suggests that people suffering from RSD may have a brain impairment in the processing of emotional information. This could be because the amygdala brain, which is responsible for the body's threat response is more active than other people when they feel rejected. People who are sensitive to rejection may also have experienced childhood trauma that could have a lasting impact on their emotional growth. They may be more prone to criticism, rejection, and abandonment in adulthood. Co-occurring mental health disorders like depression or anxiety can also affect RSD by affecting the regulation of emotions.
5. Gender-specific behaviors that are gender specific
ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood. It is usually diagnosed before the age of 12. The symptoms can last throughout adulthood this means that women who have the disorder may continue to have trouble at work or school as well as at home and in relationships. They might also be suffering from depression, compulsive eating, or addiction disorders. Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can have a negative impact on self-esteem of women and they can blame themselves for their troubles by imagining themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."
Gender bias plays a role in the way that girls and women are perceived when they display ADHD symptoms. Teachers and parents are more likely to observe the hyperactivity of boys with ADHD, while girls may be accused of daydreaming. This makes it difficult for them to get the help they need.
Girls with this disorder are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and other mood disorders. They can also be more likely to to mask their symptoms by using strategies to cope that are typical for the gender they identify with, which may make it more difficult for others to realize that they are suffering from an issue.
For instance, women with ADHD might use excessive makeup or dress in a particular manner to hide their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behaviours such as excessive drinking or drug use, particularly in the adolescent stage. They may not seek assistance until it's too late.