Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed, or are not diagnosed, due to the fact that their symptoms are different from men's. They may have more emotional volatility, or struggle to control their emotions.
Finding a therapist who understands ADHD and women can make a a huge difference in transforming your unique difficulties into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
The signs of inattention ADHD in adults could include difficulty keeping the track of appointments and household tasks, missing deadlines at work, and battling to stay focused during meetings. Inattention ADHD sufferers often experience "time blindness," which is when they forget the time or are so involved in their work that they lose track of time. This can result in feelings of being unorganized and unorganized, or even irresponsible.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD are especially adept at showcasing their symptoms, which may make it harder for them to receive an assessment. They may have learned to compensate for their inability to stay organized by using coping tools like self-denial, relying upon others, and even engaging in unhealthy behaviors such as excessive drinking or substance abuse.
In the end, their struggles in focusing and organization can be ignored by other people until they realize their own problems. They might have a list of foot-in-mouth moments that have embarrassed their friends or coworkers, have to work hard to keep their homes and apartments clean and organized, and feel overwhelmed by the volume of work they have to complete.
If untreated and not diagnosed, the symptoms of inattentive ADHD can cause havoc in the entirety of their lives. They might be unable to attend social events and professional opportunities since they're not invited or fail to pay bills or return phone calls from friends promptly. They may rush through a test or misunderstand instructions at work or commit a few blunders in their relationships. In the end, they start to believe that they are incompetent or foolish, and struggle with low self-esteem and confidence.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to fumble in their seats, talk incessantly or shake their heads. They aren't able to pay attention to what others are talking about. They frequently interrupt or make statements that they don't think through. They are easily distracted and bored by activities that don't interest them. The behavior isn't triggered by a desire for defiance or a lack of comprehension and is due to a biological abnormality in the frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
While everyone loses keys or forgets about appointments at times people with inattention ADHD are more likely to do this often. This kind of ADHD can also cause people to lose track of important information, such as bills or work assignments. They frequently lose or forget their wallets, eyeglasses, keys, sports equipment and/or school supplies. They are unable to maintain a job, and they often start projects that never finish.
Many adults with ADHD feel more confident at being themselves once their symptoms are under control. This is particularly applicable if the person had been misled for a long time to believe that they are lazy or irresponsible due to their procrastination and disorganization.
Stress, mental health issues, and physical ailments can trigger similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD. Due to this, your health care provider should conduct a thorough assessment to determine the cause of the symptoms and identify the most effective treatments. They may ask for your permission to speak to your family members, colleagues and teachers to learn more about your past and present behavior. They could also conduct psychological tests like the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders or the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Index.
3. Impulsivity
Being diagnosed with ADHD can make it hard to stop and take a breath, particularly when things get stressful. It is possible to feel compelled jump in and tackle something even though you should take your time and plan your actions. This can lead to issues at work, at school, or with relationships. There are also issues with finances, driving or managing your home.
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD are less obvious. They may cover up their symptoms by claiming to be being trustworthy and diligent. This can create a false sense of security and make it easier for others to view them as a problem-child, emotionally overly sensitive or a perfectionist. adhd adult symptom 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 at work as well as at home, and can affect your ability function.
You might find it difficult to finish homework or school assignments, and look disorganized and forgetful. You may have difficulty waiting in line, sat down, or staying focused when reading or working on your computer, or performing household chores. You may prefer novelty over the monotony of your day and may delay or skip tasks in order to avoid them. Although ADHD has some symptom similarities with anxiety disorders such as restlessness, fidgeting, and forgetfulness aren't typically present. The symptoms of ADHD fluctuate with age and are exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations like those that occur during pregnancy or menopause.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is a mental health condition which is characterized by extreme negative feelings and difficulty regulating emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and impact many aspects of life. People who are sensitive to rejection experience more emotional reactions to social cues that may be perceived as rejection, compared to other people. When they face rejection - real or perceived, they could be afflicted with shame, low self esteem and emotional dysregulation. This is a common symptom of people with ADHD or Autism but it can also happen to those who do not suffer from these conditions.
RSD can cause a lack of personal boundaries, which can lead to impulsive behaviors and difficulties managing relationships. It can also cause people to avoid taking risks, which can hinder their career as well as personal growth. It can cause depression and self-esteem issues in some. RSD can also intensify and intensify the primary ADHD symptoms like time blindness. This can result in issues with planning and organisation, as well wasting time on unimportant tasks. It can also cause difficulties focus and attention span and people with RSD are prone to thinking about a minor issue for hours or even days.
Researchers have discovered that those with RSD might have a brain disorder that affects how they process emotional information. This could be because the amygdala, responsible for the body's threat response, activates more than other people when they perceive rejection. It's also thought that people with rejection sensitivity might have experienced childhood trauma which could have lasting impacts on their emotional development. This can make people more sensitive to rejection, criticism, and abandonment in adulthood. RSD can be affected by co-occurring mental disorders like anxiety or depression.
5. Gender Atypical Behaviors
Many people suffering from ADHD develop the disorder during their childhood, and almost always get a diagnosis prior to age 12. The symptoms can last throughout adulthood this means that women who have the disorder may continue to have problems at school or at work, at home, and in relationships. They might also be suffering from depression, compulsive eating, or other addiction disorders. Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can be a drain on self-esteem and confidence and they could blame themselves for their problems because they think of themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."
Gender bias is a factor in how girls and women are perceived when they display ADHD symptoms. Teachers and parents are more likely to observe the hyperactivity of boys with ADHD, whereas girls might be accused of daydreaming. This makes it difficult for them to get the help they need.
Furthermore, girls who have the condition are more likely to suffer from mood disorders and anxiety than those who suffer from the condition. They might also attempt to hide their symptoms using 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 are suffering.
For example, some women with ADHD might use lots of makeup or dress in a certain manner to hide their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behavior such as drinking too much or using drugs, especially in the adolescent stage. They may not seek assistance until it's too late.