Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many women and girls who have ADHD are misdiagnosed or go undiagnosed, because their symptoms are different from those of men. For instance, they could experience more emotional volatility or have trouble controlling their emotions.
Finding a therapist or a clinician who is knowledgeable of ADHD and women can make a an enormous difference in turning your unique problems into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults who suffer from inattention ADHD might have trouble keeping the track of their household chores and appointments and can have trouble meeting deadlines at work, and struggle to stay focussed during meetings. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often experience "time blindness," which is when they forget the time or become so absorbed in their work that they lose track of time. This can lead to feelings of being disorganized or behind, or even irresponsible.
Women with inattentive ADHD are especially adept at showcasing their symptoms, which can make it harder to get an 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 or resorting to unhealthy habits like excessive alcohol or drug abuse.
They may not even notice that they have a problem until they realize that they have a problem. They may have a list of foot-in-mouth moments that have embarrassed friends or colleagues, are struggling to keep their apartments and homes tidy and clean, and feel overwhelmed by the number of tasks they have to accomplish.
Untreated and undiagnosed symptoms of inattention ADHD can have a negative impact on the entirety of their life. They may be unable to participate in social and professional opportunities because they weren't invited. They might also not pay their bills on time or return friends' phone calls in a timely fashion. They may rush through a test or not understand instructions at work, or make careless errors in their personal relationships. They begin to think that they are stupid or lazy and have low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
People who suffer from hyperactive ADHD might fidget, squirm in their seats, and talk excessively. They may have trouble paying attention to what other people are saying. They frequently interrupt or make statements that they don't think through. They are easily distracted and bored by things that do not interest them. The behavior isn't triggered by the desire to be defiant or a lack in comprehension and is due to a biological abnormality in the frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
While everyone loses keys or forgets about appointments occasionally people with inattention ADHD do it far more frequently. People with this subtype of ADHD also tend to lose track of important information, like work or bills. They often forget or lose eyeglasses as well as other items like keys, wallets or school supplies such as sports equipment, etc. They are often unable to keep an occupation and often start projects, but don't finish the work.
Many people suffering from ADHD feel more confident about themselves after 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 irresponsible or lazy because of their procrastination and disorderly behavior.
Stress, mental health disorders, as well as physical illnesses can cause similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD. A doctor will have to conduct an extensive examination to determine the source of the symptoms and determine effective treatments. They may request your permission to talk to family members, friends, coworkers and teachers, as well as others who know you well to find out about your present and previous behavior and experiences. They may also conduct psychological tests, like 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 though you should plan and take your time. This impulsivity can lead to problems with schoolwork, work 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 tend to be less apparent. They might hide their issues by presenting themselves as reliable, diligent, and well-organized. This can give a false sense of security, and make it easier for others to view them as a child with a problem, an emotionally overly sensitive, or a perfectionist. 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 evident in two different settings, such as at home and work and affect your ability to function.
You might have a hard working through school or work-related tasks and are often seen as unorganized and disorganized. You might find it difficult to wait in line, sitting still, or staying focused when reading, working on the computer, or performing household chores. You may prefer novelty over the daily grind and you might delay or avoid tasks to avoid them. While the inattention and impulsivity associated with ADHD are a part of anxiety, the feeling of restlessness, fidgeting and forgetfulness are usually not seen in these disorders. The symptoms of ADHD vary with age, exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as menopausal and pregnancy.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is mental health disorder that is which is characterized by extreme negative feelings and difficulty in regulating emotions. It can trigger emotional turmoil and impact 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 feel anxiety, self-esteem issues, and emotional dysregulation when confronted with rejection, whether it is real or perceived. It is a common symptom for people with ADHD and Autism however, it can be present in people without these conditions as well.
RSD can cause impulsive behavior and relationship problems. It can also make people avoid taking risks which can limit their personal and professional development. It can cause depression and self-esteem issues in some. add symptoms is also known to cause and amplify the core ADHD symptoms, such as time blindness. This can lead to problems with planning and organisation as well as spending time on tasks that are not important. RSD can also cause problems with focusing and attention span. People with RSD might ponder a slight over time or even for days.
Research suggests that people with RSD may suffer from brain impairments in the processing of emotional information. This could be because the amygdala, responsible for the body's threat response, activates more than other individuals when they perceive rejection. It is also believed that those who are sensitive to rejection may have experienced trauma in their childhood that can have lasting effects on their emotional development. They may be more prone to rejection, criticism, and abandonment in adulthood. Mental health disorders that co-occur such as depression or anxiety can also affect RSD by impacting emotional regulation.
5. Gender-specific behaviors that are gender specific
ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood. It is almost always diagnosed before the age of 12 years old. Symptoms tend to persist until adulthood this means that women who have the disorder can continue having trouble at work or school at home, as well as in relationships. They may also suffer from anxiety, depression, or other addiction disorders. Years of undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can be a drain 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 how women and girls who suffer from ADHD are viewed. The majority of boys with ADHD exhibit hyperactive behavior that is easy for teachers and parents to notice, whereas girls with the same symptoms may be accused of being daydreamy or hyperactive. This makes it difficult for them to receive the help they need.
Girls who suffer from the disorder are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and other mood disorders. They might also attempt to conceal their symptoms with coping techniques that are more common for the gender that they identify with. This could make it difficult for others to notice that they have a problem.
Some women suffering from ADHD may use a lot makeup or dress in a certain way in order to hide their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behaviours such as drinking too much or drug use, particularly in the adolescent stage. They might not seek help until it's too late.