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 might experience more emotional volatility, or struggle to control their emotions.
Finding a therapist or counselor who understands ADHD in women can make a huge difference in turning your individual problems into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Inattention-related symptoms in ADHD in adults may include having trouble keeping on top of household and appointment tasks, ignoring deadlines at work, and struggling to remain focused during meetings. It is also common for those with inattentive ADHD to experience a concept known as "time blindness," meaning that they frequently forget what time it is or are so caught up in their work that they forget how much time has passed. This can lead to feelings of being unorganized, behind, or irresponsible.
Women with inattentive ADHD can be particularly adept in hiding their symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. They may have learned to make up for their inability to remain organized by employing coping strategies such as self-denial or relying on others, and even resorting unhealthy habits like excessive drinking or drug use.
They may not even be aware the issue until they start to realize it for themselves. symptoms of adhd adults may have a list of embarrassing incidents in which they have embarrassed their colleagues or friends. They may also struggle to keep their apartments and homes neat and tidy and find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their work.
Undiagnosed and untreated symptoms of inattentive ADHD will affect the entirety of their lives. They may miss out on social and professional opportunities due to the fact that they weren't invited. In addition, they may not pay their bills on time or respond to phone calls from friends in a timely fashion. They could take a test too fast or fail to follow instructions at work, or make careless mistakes in their personal relationships. They may begin to think they are incompetent or lazy and have low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
People with hyperactive ADHD may fidget, squirm in their seats, or talk a lot. They also have trouble paying attentively to what others are saying and often interrupt or make statements without thinking about the consequences. They are easily distracted and bored by tasks that do not interest them. This behavior isn't due to an urge to defy or a lack of comprehension, but a biologically based imbalance in frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
People with inattention ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or lose keys than other people. People who suffer from this type of ADHD also tend to lose the track of important information, such as work or bills. They often forget or lose eyeglasses and other items such as keys, wallets, school materials such as sports equipment, etc. They are unable to maintain an occupation, and often start projects that never end.
Many adults with ADHD feel better at being themselves once their symptoms have been controlled. This is especially applicable if the person had been misled for a long time to believe that they are irresponsible or lazy due to their procrastination or disorganization.
Stress, mental health disorders, as well as physical ailments can trigger similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD. A doctor will require a thorough evaluation in order to identify the cause of the symptoms and determine effective treatments. They might ask your permission to talk to family members, coworkers and teachers to find out more about your past and present behavior. They could also administer psychological tests, like the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders and the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Inventory.
3. Impulsivity
ADHD can make stopping and taking a breath a challenge, especially when the situation becomes stressful. It is possible to feel compelled jump in and tackle something even when you should be patient and plan your actions. This can lead to problems with schoolwork, work and relationships. You may also experience problems with your finances, driving, or managing your home.
Women often have a harder time getting diagnosed with ADHD than men because their symptoms are less apparent. They might cover up their symptoms by claiming to be being dependable and conscientious. This could create a false impression that they're in control, and permit others to dismiss them easily as a child with a problem, an overly emotional woman or a perfectionist. In the end, a lifetime of undiagnosed 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 evident in two different environments, such as at home and work and affect your ability to function.
You might have a hard time following through with school or work tasks and are often seen as unorganized and unorganized. You have trouble waiting in line or staying still for long periods of time. You are unable to stay focused when reading or working on a laptop, or doing chores. You might prefer a different approach to the routine and may delay or skip tasks to avoid them. Although ADHD shares some of the symptoms of anxiety disorders restlessness, fidgeting, and forgetfulness aren't typically present. The symptoms of ADHD vary with age, and can be exacerbated by hormonal changes like menopausal and prenatal.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is a mental health condition that is characterized by extreme negative emotions and difficulty in controlling emotions. It can trigger emotional turmoil and affect a variety of aspects of life. People who have sensitivity to rejection experience more aggressive reactions than other people to social cues that could be perceived as rejection. They may feel shame, low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation when faced with rejection, either real or perceived. It is a common symptom for people with ADHD and Autism, but it can co-occur in those without these conditions as well.
RSD can lead to an inability to set personal boundaries, which leads to impulsive behaviors and difficulties managing relationships. It can also make people avoid taking risks, limiting their personal and professional growth. It can also cause depression and self-esteem issues for certain. RSD can also exacerbate and increase the severity of core ADHD symptoms, such as time blindness. This can lead to problems with planning and organisation and also being a waste of time doing things that aren't important. RSD can also lead to problems with focusing and attention span. People suffering from RSD might be prone to ruminating on a slight over several hours or even for days.
Research suggests that those suffering from RSD might suffer from brain impairments in the processing of emotional information. This could be due to the amygdala brain, which is responsible for the body's threat response, activates more than other individuals when they experience rejection. People with rejection sensitivity may also have experienced trauma from childhood that could have a lasting impact on their emotional growth. They may be more sensitive to rejection, criticism, and abandonment in the adult years. Mental health disorders that co-occur such as anxiety or depression can also affect RSD by affecting the regulation of emotions.
5. Gender-specific behaviors that are gender specific
Many people with ADHD develop the disorder during childhood, and they almost always get a diagnosis prior to the age of 12. Symptoms tend to persist throughout adulthood this means that women with the disorder can continue having difficulties at school or at work as well as at home and in relationships. They may also suffer from depression, compulsive eating disorders, or addiction disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can negatively impact women's self esteem. They might be tempted to blame themselves, believing that they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".
Gender bias is a factor in how girls and women are perceived when they exhibit ADHD symptoms. Teachers and parents are more likely to observe the hyperactivity of boys with ADHD, whereas girls could be accused of daydreaming. This makes it more difficult for them to receive the help they need.
Girls who suffer from the disorder are also more likely to be suffering from anxiety and other mood disorders. They may also try to hide their symptoms using coping techniques that are more common for the gender that they identify with. This can make it difficult for others to recognize that they have a problem.
For example, some women suffering from ADHD might use lots of makeup or dress in a certain way to avoid noticing their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behaviours such as drinking too much or use of drugs, especially during the adolescent stage. In the end, they may not seek the help that they need until it's too late.