Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many women and girls who have ADHD are not diagnosed, or go undiagnosed, because their symptoms differ from men's. They may have more emotional volatility, or have trouble controlling their emotions.
Finding a clinician or therapist who understands ADHD in women can make a huge difference in turning your unique challenges into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults who suffer from inattention ADHD might have trouble keeping the track of their appointments and household chores and may miss deadlines at work and struggle to stay focused during meetings. Inattentional ADHD sufferers frequently suffer from "time blindness," which is when they forget the time or are so involved in their work that they forget about time. This can cause feelings like being disorganized and unorganized, or even irresponsible.
Women with inattentive ADHD are particularly adept in hiding their symptoms. This makes it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They might have learned to cope with their inability to keep track of things by employing coping strategies such as self-denial or relying on other people or resorting to unhealthy habits like excessive alcohol or drug abuse.
In the end, their struggles with focus and organization may go unnoticed by others until they finally start to notice their own issues. They may have a long list of foot-in mouth incidents that have embarrassed their friends or colleagues, have to work hard to keep their homes and apartments clean and organized, and feel overwhelmed by the number of tasks they have to accomplish.
If left untreated and undiagnosed the symptoms of inattention ADHD can wreak havoc on virtually every area of their lives. They might 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 may rush through a test, or fail to follow instructions in the workplace or make a mistake in their relationships. They begin to think that they are stupid or lazy and suffer from low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to flutter in their seats, talk excessively or be squirming. They may have trouble paying attention to what other people are talking about. They often interrupt or make statements that they don't think through. They are easily distracted and bored by activities which do not entice them. The behavior isn't triggered by an urge to defy or a lack of understanding, but a biologically based imbalance in frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
While everyone misplaces keys or forgets about appointments occasionally, those who have inattention ADHD tend to do it more often. People with this type of ADHD also have a tendency to lose all important information, such as bills or work assignments. They often forget or lose eyeglasses and other items like wallets, keys, school materials such as sports equipment, etc. They are often unable to keep a job and often start projects but never complete them.
Many people suffering from ADHD feel more confident about themselves after their symptoms have been managed. This is especially true for those who have suffered for years under the false assumption that they are incompetent or lazy because of their procrastination indecisiveness, and disorganization.
Mental disorders, stress, and physical ailments can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A healthcare professional will require a thorough evaluation in order to determine the source of the symptoms and determine effective treatments. They may request your permission to speak with family members, friends, coworkers and teachers, as well as other individuals who know you well to get information about your past and present behaviour 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 more difficult, especially when the situation is stressful. You might feel compelled by your ADHD to solve a problem even while you are supposed to plan and be patient. This can lead to difficulties with schoolwork, work and relationships. You may also experience problems with your finances, driving, or managing your home.
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD are less apparent. They may hide their difficulties under the pretense of being a conscientious, dependable and organized. This can give a false sense of security and make it easier for others to dismiss them as a problem-child, overly emotional woman, or an over-achiever. Undiagnosed ADHD over a lifetime can seriously 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 in two different settings like at home and at work and can affect your ability to function.
You may have a difficult time following through with school or work-related tasks, and you may appear unfocused and unorganized. You have a hard time waiting in line or staying still for long periods of time and find it difficult to concentrate when reading or working on a computer or working on chores. You like the novelty of the daily grind and may find yourself avoiding tasks or putting off doing them. While ADHD shares some symptoms with anxiety disorders such as 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 occur during menopausal or pregnancy.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a psychological disorder characterized by extreme negative feelings and difficulty in regulating emotions. It can trigger emotional turmoil and affect a variety of aspects of everyday life. People with rejection sensitivity have more extreme reactions than other people to social cues that could be perceived as rejection. When they are faced with rejection, whether it is real or perceived, they could be afflicted with shame, low self esteem and emotional dysregulation. This is a typical symptom of people with ADHD or Autism but it may also be present in people who do not suffer from these conditions.
RSD can lead to an inability to set personal boundaries, which leads to impulsive behaviors and trouble managing relationships. It can also make people avoid taking risks, limiting their career and personal development. For some, it can cause the complete loss of self-esteem and a sense of depression. RSD can also cause and intensify core ADHD symptoms such as time blindness. This can lead to issues with organisation and planning and can lead to wasting time on irrelevant tasks. It can also cause difficulties in focusing and attention span, and those with RSD may be stuck contemplating a small issue for days or hours.
Researchers have discovered that those who suffer from RSD might be suffering from a brain disorder that affects the way they process emotional information. This could be due to the amygdala, which is responsible for the body's threat response is more active than other individuals when they experience rejection. People who are sensitive to rejection may have also experienced trauma in their childhood that could have a lasting impact on their emotional development. This could make them more prone to rejection, criticism, 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 often diagnosed in the early years of childhood. It is almost always diagnosed before the age of 12. The symptoms are likely to last throughout adulthood. This means that women with the disorder can remain troubled at school, at work at home, and in relationships. They may also suffer from depression, compulsive eating disorders, or addiction disorders. Years of undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can have a negative impact on women's self-esteem, and they may blame themselves for their problems by imagining themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."
Gender bias is a factor in the way women and girls are perceived when they exhibit ADHD symptoms. Boys with the condition typically exhibit hyperactive behavior that is easy for parents and teachers to spot, whereas girls who have those same symptoms may be accused of being daydreamy or anxious. This makes it difficult for them to get the support they require.
Furthermore, girls with the disorder are more likely be afflicted by mood disorders and anxiety than boys with the condition. They are also more likely to to mask their symptoms by employing strategies for coping that are typical of the gender they identify with, which can make it more difficult for others to realize that they are suffering from an issue.
adhd symptom adult suffering from ADHD may use a lot makeup or dress a certain manner to conceal their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behaviors such as drinking excessively or drug use, especially during the adolescent stage. They may not seek assistance until it's too late.