Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many women and girls with ADHD go undiagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis because their symptoms manifest differently than males. They might experience more emotional volatility, or a hard time controlling their emotions.
Finding adult adhd signs or a therapist who is knowledgeable about ADHD in women can make all the difference in turning your individual difficulties into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Inattention-related symptoms in ADHD in adults could include having trouble keeping the track of appointments and household tasks, ignoring deadlines at work, and battling to remain focused during meetings. Inattention ADHD sufferers frequently experience "time blindness," which is when they lose track of time or are so involved in their work that they forget about time. This can result in feelings of being disorganized, behind, or irresponsible.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD are particularly good at showcasing their symptoms, which can make it more difficult to get a diagnosis. They might have learned to make up for their inability to keep track of things by using coping strategies like self-denial or relying on others and resorting to unhealthy behaviors like excessive alcohol or drug abuse.
They may not even notice the issue until they start to realize that they have a problem. They might have a list of embarrassing foot-in-mouth incidents that have embarrassed family members or colleagues, or are struggling to keep their homes and apartments clean and organized and are overwhelmed by the volume of tasks they have to accomplish.
Untreated and undiagnosed symptoms of inattentive ADHD will affect almost every aspect of their life. They may miss out on professional and social events because they're not invited, or fail to pay bills or return phone calls from friends promptly. They may be rushed through a test, or fail to follow instructions in the workplace, or make careless errors in their relationships with others. They begin to think that they are stupid or lazy and have low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to fumble in their seats, talk excessively, or squirm. They aren't able to pay attention to what other people are saying. They often interrupt or make statements that they don't have the time to think about. They are easily distracted by extraneous things and are likely to become bored by tasks that do not interest them. This behavior isn't triggered by a desire to be defiant or a lack of understanding it is a result of a biological imbalance in the frontal lobes of the brain (Tripp & Wickens, 2009).
While everyone loses keys or forgets about appointments from time to time, those who have inattentive ADHD are more likely to do this frequently. People who suffer from this type of ADHD also tend to lose all important information, such as bills or work assignments. They often lose or forget their wallets, eyeglasses, keys, sports equipment and/or school materials. They often struggle to hold an occupation and often start projects but never finish them.
Many people with ADHD feel more confident at being themselves once their symptoms have been controlled. This is especially true for those who have suffered for years under the false assumption that they are lazy or irresponsible because of their procrastination, disordered behavior, and impulsive behaviors.
Mental disorders, stress, and physical ailments can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Due to this, the health professional must conduct a thorough assessment to determine the cause of the symptoms and identify effective treatment options. adhd signs in adults might ask your permission to talk to family members, friends, colleagues and teachers, as well as others who know you well to get information about your present and previous behaviors and experiences. They could also administer psychological tests such as the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders or the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Index.
3. Impulsivity
Having ADHD can make it hard to 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 difficulties with schoolwork, work, and relationships. You might also have issues with finances, driving or managing your home.
Women are often having a harder to be diagnosed with ADHD than men because their symptoms aren't as obvious. They might appear to being conscientious and dependable. This can create a false sense of security and make it easier for others to dismiss them as a child with a problem, an overly emotional woman or an over-achiever. Undiagnosed ADHD throughout your life can cause a lot of 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 present at work and at home, and can affect your ability to function.
You may have a difficult to complete work or school tasks, and you may appear unfocused and unorganized. You might find it difficult to wait in line, sat down or staying focused when reading or working on your computer, or performing household chores. You may want to be more creative than the daily grind and you might delay or skip tasks to avoid them. While ADHD shares some of the symptoms of anxiety disorders restlessness, fidgeting, and forgetfulness are not usually present. The symptoms of ADHD can fluctuate with age, and can be exacerbated by hormonal changes like during pregnancy and menopause.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a mental disorder characterized by extreme negative feelings and difficulty in regulating emotions. It causes emotional turbulence and affects every aspect of life. People with rejection sensitivity feel more intense reactions to social signals that could be perceived as rejection compared to other people. When they are faced with rejection, whether it is real or perceived, they might be afflicted with shame, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation. It is a common condition for those with ADHD and Autism however it may be present in people without these conditions as well.
RSD can cause an inability to set personal boundaries, which leads to impulsive behavior and difficulty managing relationships. It can also make people avoid taking risks, which could restrict their personal and professional growth. For some, it could even lead to a complete loss of self-esteem and a feeling of depression. RSD can also intensify and intensify core ADHD symptoms such as time blindness. This can cause problems in planning and organisation and also wasting time on unimportant tasks. RSD can also cause issues with focus and attention span. People suffering from RSD might ponder an incident for hours or even days.
Researchers have discovered that people who suffer from RSD might be suffering from a brain disorder that affects how they process 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 experience rejection. People who are sensitive to rejection may also have experienced childhood trauma that can have a lasting impact on their emotional growth. They may be more sensitive to rejection, criticism, and abandonment in the adult years. RSD can be affected by co-occurring mental disorders like anxiety or depression.
5. Gender-specific behaviors that are gender specific
ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood. It is usually diagnosed before the age of 12. Symptoms tend to persist until adulthood it is true that women who have the disorder may continue to have difficulties at school or at work at home, as well as in relationships. They may also suffer from depression, compulsive eating disorders, or substance abuse disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can affect women's self esteem. They may blame themselves, believing they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".
Gender bias is a factor in the way women and girls are perceived when they exhibit ADHD symptoms. Teachers and parents are more likely to notice excessive behavior in boys suffering from ADHD, while girls may be accused of a daydream. This makes it difficult for them to receive the assistance they require.
Furthermore, girls who have the disorder are more likely experience anxiety and other mood disorders as compared to boys who suffer from the disorder. They might also attempt to conceal their symptoms by using coping techniques that are more typical for the gender that they identify with. This could make it difficult for others to recognize that they are suffering from a disorder.
Women with ADHD may wear a lot of makeup or dress a certain way to conceal their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behavior like excessive drinking or drug use, particularly during the adolescent stage. As a result, they might not seek out the help they require until it is too late.