Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women with ADHD aren't diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis because their symptoms are different from males. For instance, they might be more emotionally volatile or have a harder time managing their emotions.
Finding a clinician or therapist who understands ADHD in women can make all the difference in turning your unique problems into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Inattention-related symptoms in ADHD in adults may include having trouble keeping the track of appointments and household tasks, ignoring deadlines at work, and having trouble to remain focused during meetings. It is also typical for people who suffer from inattentive ADHD to experience a concept called "time blindness," meaning that they frequently forget the time or get so caught up in their work that they lose track of how much time has passed. This can result in feelings of being disorganized, behind, or irresponsible.
Women with inattention ADHD can be particularly adept at hiding their symptoms. This makes it difficult for them to get a diagnosis. They may have learned to compensate for their inability to remain organized by employing coping strategies such as self-denial or relying on other people, and even resorting unhealthy habits like excessive drinking or drug use.
They may not even be aware that they're having a problem until they begin to recognize that they have a problem. They might have a long list of foot-in mouth incidents that have embarrassed friends or colleagues, or are struggling to keep their apartments and homes clean and organized and are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of work they have to complete.
Undiagnosed and untreated symptoms of inattention ADHD will negatively impact the entirety of their lives. They may be unable to participate in professional and social opportunities because they were not invited. Or, they might not pay their bills or respond to phone calls from friends promptly. They could rush through a test or fail to follow instructions at work, or make careless mistakes in their personal relationships. adult adhd symtoms begin to think that they are lazy or stupid and have low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
People who suffer from hyperactive ADHD may fidget, squirm in their seats, and talk a lot. They also have difficulty paying attention to what others are saying, and often interrupt them or make statements without thinking about their implications. They are easily distracted and bored by tasks that don't interest them. The behavior isn't caused by a desire for defiance or a lack of understanding it is a biological deficit in the frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
People with inattention ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or misplace keys than other people. This type of ADHD can cause people to lose track important information such as bills or work assignments. They often forget or lose eyeglasses as well as other items such as wallets, keys or school supplies such as sports equipment, etc. They are unable to maintain a job, and they often start projects that never finish.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD report that they feel more confident once their symptoms are under control. This is particularly relevant if the person has been misled for a number of years into believing that they are lazy or irresponsible due to their procrastination or disorderly behavior.
Stress, mental health disorders, as well as physical illnesses can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. Due to this, your health care provider should conduct a thorough examination to determine the root cause of the symptoms and identify effective treatment options. They may ask you to speak with family members, friends, coworkers and teachers, as well as other individuals who know you well to learn about your present and previous behaviors and experiences. They may also conduct 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 more difficult particularly when the situation is stressful. You may feel compelled by your ADHD to solve a problem even while you are supposed to plan and slow down. This impulsivity can lead to difficulties with schoolwork, work and relationships. You may also have problems with your finances, driving, or managing your home.
Women typically have a tougher to diagnose ADHD than men because their symptoms are less obvious. They might hide their issues by presenting themselves as conscientious, dependable and well-organized. This can create an illusion of security and make it easier for others to dismiss them as a problem-child, emotionally overly sensitive or an over-achiever. In the end, a lifetime of undiagnosed ADHD can cause severe 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 settings, such as work and home, and interfere with your ability to function.
You might have a hard time following through with work or school tasks and often appear forgetful and unorganized. You might have trouble waiting in line, sitting still, or staying focused when reading or working on your computer, or performing household chores. You like the novelty of the routine and could be prone to skipping tasks or putting off completing them. While the inattention and impulsivity of ADHD have some resemblances to anxiety, feelings of frustration, restlessness and forgetfulness are generally not present in these conditions. The symptoms of ADHD change with age and are exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a psychological disorder characterized by extreme negative feelings and difficulty in regulating emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and impact many aspects of life. People with rejection sensitivity have more extreme reactions than other people to social cues, which could be perceived as rejection. They may experience feelings of anxiety, self-esteem issues, and emotional dysregulation when faced with rejection, either real or perceived. It is a typical sign for people suffering from ADHD and Autism however it may be present in people without these conditions as well.
RSD can cause a lack of personal boundaries, leading to impulsive behaviors and trouble managing relationships. It can also cause people to avoid taking risks, which can restrict their career as well as personal growth. It can lead to depression and self-esteem issues for certain. RSD can also exacerbate and amplify the core ADHD symptoms, such as time blindness. This can result in issues in planning and organisation, as well being a waste of time doing things that aren't important. RSD can also lead to issues with focus and attention span. People suffering from RSD might be prone to ruminating on a slight over time or even for days.
Researchers have discovered that those with RSD may have 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 with rejection sensitivity may also have experienced trauma from childhood that could have a lasting impact on their emotional development. This can make them more prone to criticism, rejection, and abandonment in adulthood. Mental health disorders that co-occur such as anxiety or depression can also influence RSD by affecting emotional regulation.
5. adult adhd symtoms is often diagnosed in childhood. It's almost always diagnosed before the age of 12 years old. The symptoms can last into adulthood, though, which means that women with the disorder may continue to have problems at school or at work, at home, and in relationships. They may also be struggling with depression, compulsive eating, or substance use disorders. Years of undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can be a drain on self-esteem of women and they could blame themselves for their problems by imagining themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."
Gender bias can play a role in how girls and women with ADHD are viewed. Teachers and parents are more likely to observe the hyperactivity of boys with ADHD, whereas girls could be accused of daydreaming. This makes it difficult for them to get the support they require.
Girls with this disorder are also more likely to be suffering from anxiety and other mood disorders. They might also attempt to conceal their symptoms with methods of coping 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.
Some women suffering from ADHD may wear a lot of makeup or dress a certain manner to conceal their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behaviours like excessive drinking or drug use, particularly during the adolescent stage. They may not seek help until it's too late.