Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed or are misdiagnosed as their symptoms manifest differently than men's. They may have more emotional instability, or a hard time controlling their emotions.
Finding a therapist or 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 inattentive ADHD might have difficulty keeping on top of their appointments and household chores, have trouble meeting deadlines at work, and have trouble staying focussed during meetings. It is also common for those with inattention ADHD to experience a condition called "time blindness," meaning that they frequently forget the time or get so engulfed in their work that they forget how long it has taken. This can lead to feelings of being unorganized or behind, or even irresponsible.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD are especially adept at hiding their symptoms, which may make it harder for them to receive an diagnosis. They may have developed strategies to cope with their inability to stay organised by using coping methods like self-denial, relying upon others, and even resorting to unhealthy behaviors like excessive drinking or substance abuse.
They might not even realize that they're having a problem until they realize it for themselves. They might have a list of foot-in mouth incidents that have embarrassed family members or colleagues, have to work hard to keep their apartments and homes tidy and clean and are overwhelmed by the number of tasks they have to accomplish.
If untreated and not diagnosed, the signs of inattention ADHD can cause havoc in all aspects of their lives. sign of adhd in adults might miss out on social events and professional opportunities since they're not invited or fail to pay their bills or return phone calls from friends in a timely manner. They may be rushed through a test or fail to follow instructions at work, or commit naive mistakes in their personal relationships. They begin to think that they are lazy or stupid, and suffer from low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
People with hyperactive ADHD can fidget, squirm in their seats, or talk a lot. They may have trouble paying attention to what others are talking about. They frequently interrupt or make statements they don't consider. They are easily distracted by other stimuli and tend to become bored by things that don't appeal to them. The behavior is not caused by a desire for being defiant or a lack of understanding it is a result of a biological imbalance in the frontal lobes of the brain (Tripp & Wickens, 2009).
Those who have inattention ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or misplace keys than other. People with this type of ADHD also tend to lose track of important information, such as bills or work assignments. They frequently forget or lose eyeglasses, as well as other items like wallets, keys and school supplies, sports equipment, etc. They often struggle to hold a job and often start projects but never finish the work.
Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD report that they feel better about themselves once their symptoms are under control. This is particularly relevant if the person has been misled for a number of years into thinking they are irresponsible or lazy due to their procrastination and indecisiveness.
Stress, mental disorders and physical ailments can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Due to this, the health professional must do a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of the symptoms and identify effective treatment options. They may ask for your permission to talk to your family members, colleagues and teachers to find out more about your past and present behavior. They might also perform psychological tests, such as the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders and the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Inventory.
3. Impulsivity
Being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult to stop and take a breath, particularly when you are stressed. You might feel the need to jump in and tackle something even when you should be patient and plan your actions. This can lead to trouble with work, schoolwork and relationships. You might also have issues with 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 under the pretense of being a reliable, diligent, and well-organized. This can give them the impression that they're in control and allows others to dismiss them easily as a child with a problem or a woman who is too emotional or an over-achiever. As a result, an undiagnosed lifetime of 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 present at work as well as at home, and they can hinder your ability function.
It can be difficult to finish assignments or work and look disorganized and forgetful. You have trouble waiting in lines or staying still for long periods of time. You find it difficult to concentrate when reading or working on a laptop or working on chores. You prefer novelty to the monotony of life and might be prone to skipping tasks or putting off completing them. While the inattention and impulsivity of ADHD have some resemblances to anxiety, restlessness, fidgeting and forgetfulness are generally not seen in these disorders. The symptoms of ADHD vary as we age and are often exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations like those that are experienced during menopausal pregnancy or menopausal menopausal.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a psychological disorder that is characterized by extreme negative emotions and a difficulty in controlling emotions. It can trigger emotional turmoil and impact many aspects of daily life. People who have sensitivity to rejection experience more intense reactions than others to social cues, which could be perceived as rejection. They may experience feelings of shame, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation when faced with rejection, either real or perceived. This is a common sign of someone suffering from ADHD or Autism, but can also happen to those without these conditions.
RSD can cause an impulsive behavior and relationship issues. It can also make people avoid taking risks, which can hinder their career and personal development. For some, it may even lead to a complete loss of self-esteem and a sense of depression. RSD can also cause and amplify the primary ADHD symptoms like time blindness. This can cause problems in planning and organisation and also being a waste of time doing things that aren't important. It can also result in difficulties in focusing and attention span, and people with RSD can get stuck ruminating on a slight for hours or days.
Research suggests that people with RSD might have a brain impairment 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) is activated more frequently when people feel rejected. People with rejection sensitivity may have also experienced trauma in their childhood that can have a lasting influence on their emotional development. They may be more prone to criticism, rejection, and abandonment as they grow older. 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
Many people with ADHD develop the disorder during their childhood, and almost always receive a diagnosis before age 12. The symptoms can last until adulthood it is true that women who have the disorder may have problems at school or at work at home, as well as in relationships. They can also struggle with depression, compulsive eating or 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 thinking of themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."
Gender bias plays a role in how girls and women are viewed when they exhibit ADHD symptoms. Boys who suffer from the condition generally exhibit hyperactive behaviors that are easy for teachers and parents to observe, while girls with the same symptoms could be accused of being daydreamy or hyperactive. This makes it difficult for them to get the help that they need.
Girls who suffer from the disorder are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and other mood disorders. They may also be more likely to try to mask their symptoms using strategies to cope that are typical for the gender they identify with, which can make it difficult for others to see they have an issue.
Some women with ADHD might use a lot of makeup or dress a certain way to conceal their symptoms. signs of adhd in adults might also engage in risky behaviors such as drinking too much or using drugs, especially during adolescence. They might not seek help until it's too late.