Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many women and girls with ADHD aren't diagnosed or are misdiagnosed because their symptoms are different from males. For instance, they might be more emotionally volatile or have difficulty controlling their emotions.
Finding a clinician or therapist who is knowledgeable about ADHD in women can make a huge difference in turning your unique challenges into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
The signs of inattention ADHD in adults may include having trouble keeping track of appointments and household tasks, missing deadlines at work, and having trouble to remain focused during meetings. It is also common for those with inattention ADHD to experience a concept called "time blindness," meaning that they frequently forget the time or get so caught up in their task that they forget how much time has passed. This can cause feelings of being unorganized or behind, or perhaps irresponsible.
Women with inattention ADHD are particularly adept in obscuring their symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to receive a diagnosis. They may have learned to cope with their inability to stay organized by using coping strategies like self-denial or relying on others or resorting to unhealthy behaviors like excessive alcohol or drug abuse.
As a result, their issues in focusing and organization can be ignored by others until they begin to recognize their own issues. They might have a list of embarrassing moments where they've embarrassed their coworkers or friends. They may also struggle to keep their homes and homes clean and organized and feel overwhelmed by their workload.
If untreated and not diagnosed the symptoms of inattention ADHD can wreak havoc on all aspects of their lives. They might miss out on social and professional events due to the fact that they weren't invited. Or, they might not pay their bills or return phone calls from friends in a timely fashion. They might be rushed through a test, misunderstand instructions at work, or commit naive mistakes in their personal relationships. They may begin to think they are lazy or stupid, and suffer from low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to fidget in their seats, talk too much, or squirm. They also have difficulty paying attention to what others are saying and often interrupt them or make statements without thinking about the consequences. They are easily distracted by other things and are likely to become bored by tasks that don't interest them. This behavior isn't triggered by a desire to be aggressive or lack of understanding and is more likely a result of a biological imbalance in the frontal lobes of the brain (Tripp & Wickens, 2009).
People with inattention ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or misplace keys than other people. People with this type of ADHD also have a tendency to lose all important information, like work or bills. They frequently forget or lose eyeglasses, as well as other items such as keys, wallets and school supplies, sports equipment, etc. They are often unable to keep an occupation and often start projects, but don't complete the work.
Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD find themselves feeling more confident about themselves after their symptoms are under control. This is particularly applicable if the person had 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 issues, and physical ailments can trigger similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD. A doctor will need to conduct an extensive examination to identify the cause of the symptoms and determine effective treatments. adhd symptoms and treatment may request your consent to speak with your family members, colleagues and teachers to get more information about your past and current behavior. review may also conduct psychological tests, like the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders and the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Inventory.
3. Impulsivity
Being diagnosed with ADHD can make it hard to stop and take a breath, particularly when things get stressful. You may be compelled by your ADHD to tackle a problem, even when you need to plan and be patient. This type of impulsivity can cause problems with schoolwork, work and relationships. You may also have problems with finances, driving, or managing your home.
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD are less apparent. They may conceal their problems by presenting themselves as reliable, diligent, and well-organized. This can give a false sense of security, and make it easier for others to view them as a child with a problem, an emotionally overly sensitive or a perfectionist. This can lead to a lifetime of undiagnosed 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 evident in two different environments, such as at home and work, and interfere with your ability to function.
It can be difficult to complete work or school assignments and seem unorganized and forgetful. You might have trouble waiting in line, sat down or staying focused when reading, working on the computer, or doing household chores. You may prefer novelty over the monotony of your day, and you may procrastinate or skip tasks in order to avoid them. While the inattention and impulsivity that are characteristic of ADHD are a part of anxiety, feelings of frustration, restlessness and forgetfulness are generally not seen in these disorders. The symptoms of ADHD fluctuate as we age and are often exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations such as those that occur during menopausal or pregnancy.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a mental disorder characterized by extreme negative emotions and a difficulty in controlling emotions. It can trigger emotional turmoil and affect a variety of aspects of everyday life. People with rejection sensitivity have more extreme reactions than other people to social cues, which could be perceived as rejection. They may feel shame, low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation when faced with rejection, whether real or perceived. This is a common characteristic of people suffering from ADHD or Autism, but can also occur in those without these conditions.
RSD can cause an inability to set personal boundaries, which can lead to impulsive behaviors and difficulties managing relationships. It can also cause people to avoid taking risks, which could limit their personal and professional growth. For some, it could even cause the complete loss of self-esteem and a feeling of depression. RSD can also cause and increase the severity of the core ADHD symptoms like time blindness. This can lead to issues with planning and organisation, as well as wasting time on unimportant tasks. It can also lead to problems with in focusing and attention span, and people with RSD are prone to ruminating on a slight for hours or even days.
Researchers have discovered that those who suffer from RSD may 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 and is activated more than other people when they perceive rejection. People with rejection sensitivity may have also experienced trauma in their childhood that can have a lasting influence on their emotional development. This can make them more sensitive to rejection, criticism and abandonment in adulthood. RSD can be influenced by co-occurring mental illnesses like anxiety or depression.
5. Gender-specific behaviors that are gender specific
ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood. It is almost always diagnosed before the age of 12. Symptoms tend to persist throughout adulthood it is true that women with the disorder may have difficulties at school or at work, at home, and in relationships. They might also be suffering from depression, compulsive eating disorders, or substance abuse disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can affect women's self-esteem. They might be tempted to blame themselves, believing that they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".
Gender bias plays a role in the way that women and girls are perceived when they display ADHD symptoms. Boys who suffer from the condition generally exhibit hyperactive behaviors that are easy for parents and teachers to notice, whereas girls with the same symptoms might be accused of daydreaming or being hyperactive. This makes it harder for them to get the help they need.
Girls with the disorder are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and other mood disorders. They can also be more likely to to mask their symptoms using coping strategies that are typical for the gender they identify with, which could make it difficult for others to recognize that they have an issue.
Women with ADHD might use a lot of makeup or dress in a certain manner to conceal their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behaviors such as excessive drinking or using drugs, especially in the adolescent stage. They may not seek assistance until it's too late.