Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD are misdiagnosed or go undiagnosed, because their symptoms are different from those of men. They might experience more emotional instability or struggle to control their emotions.
Finding a therapist or a therapist who understands ADHD in women can make all the difference in turning your unique challenges into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD in adults could include having trouble keeping on top of household and appointment tasks, missing deadlines at work, and having trouble to remain focused during meetings. It's also common for people who suffer from inattention ADHD to experience a phenomenon known as "time blindness," meaning that they often forget what time it is or are so caught up in their work that they lose track of how much time has passed. This can result in feelings like being disorganized or behind, or perhaps irresponsible.
Women with inattention ADHD can be particularly adept at hiding their symptoms. This makes it difficult to obtain an assessment. They might have learned to compensate for their inability to stay organised by using coping methods like self-denial, relying on others, or even engaging in unhealthy behaviors such as excessive alcohol or substance abuse.
As a result, their struggles with focus and organization may be overlooked by others until they finally realize their own issues. They might have a list of embarrassing instances where they've embarrassed their coworkers or friends. They may also struggle to keep their apartment and homes tidy and clean and find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their work.
When undiagnosed and untreated the symptoms of inattention ADHD can wreak havoc on all aspects of their lives. They may be unable to participate in professional and social opportunities due to the fact that they weren't invited. Or, they might not pay their bills or return phone calls from friends in a timely fashion. They may be rushed through a test, or fail to follow instructions at work or commit a few blunders in their relationships with others. They begin to think that they are lazy or stupid and have low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
People with hyperactive ADHD can fidget, squirm in their seat, and talk too much. They also have trouble paying attention to what others are saying, and often interrupt them or make statements without considering the consequences. They are easily distracted and bored by activities that don't interest them. This behavior isn't due to an urge to defy or a lack of understanding, but a biologically based imbalance in frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
Those with inattentive ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or misplace keys than other people. This subtype of ADHD can cause people to lose track important information such as bills or work assignments. They are often unable to remember or lose eyeglasses, as well as other things like keys, wallets and school supplies such as sports equipment, etc. They often struggle to hold their jobs and often begin projects, but don't complete them.
Many adults with ADHD feel more confident about themselves after their symptoms are under control. This is especially true if they have been suffering for a long time under the false impression that they are unreliable or lazy because of their procrastination, disorganization, and impulsive behavior.
Stress, other mental health issues, and physical ailments can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. This is why the health professional must conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause of the symptoms and recommend effective treatments. They may request your permission to speak with family members, friends, colleagues, teachers, and other individuals who know you well to get information about your current and past behaviors and experiences. signs and symptoms of adhd in adults might also conduct 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 difficult to stop and take a breath, particularly when things get stressful. It is possible to feel compelled take action and tackle a problem even when you should take your time and plan your actions. This type of impulsivity can cause trouble with work, schoolwork, and relationships. There are also 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 might hide behind the appearance of being trustworthy and diligent. This can give them the impression that they are in control, and permit others to dismiss them easily as a problem child or a woman who is too emotional or a perfectionist. As a result, 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 evident in two different settings such as work and home and affect your ability to function.
You might find it difficult to finish work or school assignments and appear disorganized and forgetful. You may have difficulty waiting in line, sitting still, or staying focused when reading or working on your computer, or doing household chores. You might prefer a different approach to the daily grind and you might delay or skip tasks to avoid them. While ADHD has some symptom similarities with anxiety disorders restlessness, fidgeting, and forgetfulness are not usually present. The symptoms of ADHD vary as you age, and are exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as menopausal and prenatal.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a mental disorder characterized by extreme negative feelings and difficulty in regulating emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and affect many aspects of daily life. People who are sensitive to rejection experience more acute reactions to social signals that could be perceived as rejection, compared to others. They may experience feelings of anxiety, self-esteem issues, and emotional dysregulation when faced with rejection, either real or perceived. This is a typical symptom of people with ADHD or Autism however it can also happen to those without these conditions.
RSD can cause impulsive behavior and relationship problems. It can also cause people to avoid taking risks, which can limit their career and personal development. For some, it could even lead to a complete loss of self-esteem as well as a feeling of depression. RSD is also known to intensify and intensify the most fundamental ADHD symptoms, like time blindness. This can cause problems in planning and organisation as well as being a waste of time doing things that aren't important. It can also lead to problems with focus and attention span and people with RSD can get stuck contemplating a small issue for hours or days.
Research suggests that people with RSD might suffer from brain impairments in the processing of 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 perceive rejection. People who have sensitivity to rejection could also have experienced trauma from childhood which can have a long-lasting impact on their emotional growth. They may be more sensitive to criticism, rejection, and abandonment as they grow older. Co-occurring mental health disorders like depression or anxiety can also influence RSD by affecting emotional regulation.
5. Gender-specific behaviors that are gender specific
Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from the disorder in their childhood, and almost always have a diagnosis before the age of 12. The symptoms can last into adulthood, though it is true that women with the disorder may have trouble at work or school, at home, and in relationships. They might also be suffering from depression, compulsive eating, or addiction disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can have a negative impact on women's self esteem. They might blame themselves, believing they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".
Gender bias plays a part in the way that girls and women are viewed when they exhibit ADHD symptoms. Teachers and parents are more likely to be aware of excessive behavior in boys suffering from ADHD, whereas girls might be accused of a daydream. This makes it difficult for them to receive the help that they need.
Furthermore, girls with the condition are more likely to experience mood disorders and anxiety than those who suffer from the condition. They are also more likely to to mask their symptoms using strategies to cope that are typical of the gender they identify with, which could make it more difficult for others to recognize that they have an issue.
For example, some women with ADHD might wear excessive makeup or dress in a certain manner to hide their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behaviours like drinking excessively or using drugs, especially in adolescence. This means that they might not seek out the help they require until it is too late.