Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women who have ADHD are not diagnosed, or not diagnosed, as their symptoms are different from men's. For example, they may be more emotionally volatile or have a harder time controlling their emotions.
Finding a therapist or a therapist who understands ADHD in women can make a huge difference in turning your unique challenges into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
The signs of inattention ADHD for adults can include having trouble keeping the track of appointments and household tasks, ignoring deadlines at work, and struggling to stay focused during meetings. It's also common for people with inattentive ADHD to experience a phenomenon called "time blindness," meaning that they frequently forget the time or are so caught up in their task that they lose track of how much time has passed. This can result in feelings of being unorganized and unorganized, or even irresponsible.
Women with inattentive ADHD are able in obscuring their symptoms. This makes it difficult to obtain an assessment. They might have developed strategies to cope with their trouble staying organized by using coping tools like self-denial, relying on others, or even using unhealthy habits like excessive alcohol or substance abuse.
They might not even realize the issue until they realize that they have a problem. They might have a list of embarrassing instances where they embarrassed their coworkers or friends. They may also struggle to keep their apartments and homes neat and tidy and are overwhelmed by the amount of work they have to do.
Undiagnosed and untreated symptoms of inattention ADHD will negatively impact almost every aspect of their lives. They might miss out on social and professional events because they weren't invited. In addition, they may not pay their bills on time or return friends' phone calls in a timely fashion. They may rush through a test or fail to follow instructions at work, or make careless mistakes in their personal relationships. They may begin to think they are incompetent or lazy and suffer from low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
People who suffer from hyperactive ADHD may be prone to fidget, squirming in their seat, and talk too much. They may have trouble paying attention to what other people are saying. They often interrupt or make statements that they don't consider. They are easily distracted and bored by things which do not entice them. The behavior isn't triggered by the desire to be defiant or a lack of comprehension, but a biologically based abnormality in the frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
While everyone loses keys or forgets to make appointments from time to time people with inattention ADHD are more likely to do this frequently. This subtype of ADHD can also cause people to lose track of 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 have difficulty keeping their jobs and often begin projects, but do not finish the work.
Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD find themselves feeling more confident about themselves after their symptoms are under control. This is especially relevant if the person has been misled for a number of years into thinking they are incompetent or lazy due to their procrastination or disorganization.
Stress, mental health disorders, and physical ailments can trigger similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD. A doctor will need to conduct a thorough evaluation in order to determine the source of the symptoms and to determine the most effective treatment. They might ask your permission to speak to your family members, colleagues and teachers to get more information about your past and present behavior. They could also administer 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 especially when the situation is stressful. It is possible to feel compelled take action and tackle a problem even though you ought to be patient and plan your actions. This can lead to difficulties with schoolwork, work, and relationships. You may also experience problems with your finances, driving, or managing your home.
Women typically have a tougher to be diagnosed with ADHD than men because their symptoms are less obvious. They might hide their issues behind appearances of being conscientious, dependable and well-organized. This can create an illusion of security and make it easier for others to dismiss them as a troublemaker, excessively emotional or a perfectionist. 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 in two different settings like at home and at work and can affect your ability to function.
You might have a hard time following through with school or work tasks, and you may appear unfocused and disorganized. You may have difficulty waiting in line, sat down or staying focused while reading, working on the computer, or performing household chores. You like the novelty of the monotony of life and might find yourself avoiding tasks or putting off completing them. While the inattention and impulsivity of ADHD are a part of anxiety, frustration, restlessness and forgetfulness are generally not present in these conditions. The symptoms of ADHD vary with age and are exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a psychological disorder that is characterized by extreme negative emotions and difficulty in regulating emotions. It can trigger emotional turmoil and affect many aspects of everyday life. People with rejection sensitivity have more aggressive reactions than other people to social cues that could be perceived as rejection. They may experience feelings of shame, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation when confronted with rejection, whether it is real or perceived. It is a typical sign for people suffering from ADHD and Autism however, it can be present in people without these conditions as well.
RSD can lead to an inability to set personal boundaries, leading to impulsive behaviors and trouble managing relationships. It can also cause people to avoid taking risks, which can restrict their career and personal development. It can lead to depression and self-esteem issues in some. RSD is also known to intensify and increase the severity of the core ADHD symptoms, like time blindness. This can cause problems in planning and organization, as well as wasting time on tasks that are not important. It can also result in difficulties in focusing and attention span, and people with RSD may be stuck contemplating a small issue for days or hours.
Researchers have discovered that those who suffer from RSD might have a brain disorder that affects how they process emotional information. This could be due to the amygdala, which is responsible for the body's response to threats, activates more than other people when they perceive rejection. It's also thought that people who are sensitive to rejection may have experienced trauma in their childhood, which can leave lasting impacts on their emotional development. They may be more prone to criticism, rejection and abandonment as they grow older. adult female adhd symptoms that co-occur such as anxiety or depression can also influence RSD by affecting emotional regulation.
5. Gender-specific Behaviors that are Typical of a Genre
ADHD is usually diagnosed in the early years of childhood. It is usually diagnosed before the age of 12. The symptoms can last until adulthood this means that women with the disorder can continue having trouble at work or school, at home, and in relationships. They might also be suffering from depression, compulsive eating, or substance abuse disorders. Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can be a drain on women's self-esteem, and they may blame themselves for their issues by imagining themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."
Gender bias is a factor in how women and girls who suffer from ADHD are viewed. Teachers and parents are more likely to be aware of the hyperactivity of boys with ADHD, whereas girls could be accused of daydreaming. This makes it difficult for them to receive the support they require.
Girls who suffer from the disorder are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and other mood disorders. They are also more likely to to mask their symptoms by using coping strategies that are typical of the gender they identify with, which can make it difficult for others to see they have a problem.
Some women suffering from ADHD might use a lot of 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 use of drugs, especially in adolescence. They may not seek help until it's too late.