Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many women and girls who suffer from ADHD are misdiagnosed or not diagnosed, as their symptoms differ from men's. For example, they may be more emotionally volatile or have difficulty regulating their emotions.
Finding a therapist or a therapist who is knowledgeable about ADHD in women can make all the difference in turning your unique difficulties into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Inattention-related symptoms in ADHD in adults could include having trouble keeping on top of household and appointment tasks, not meeting deadlines at work, and having trouble to concentrate during meetings. It is also common for those who suffer from inattention ADHD to experience a concept called "time blindness," meaning that they frequently forget what time it is or are so caught up in their task that they forget how long it has taken. This can cause feelings of being unorganized, behind or irresponsible.
Women with inattention ADHD are able in obscuring their symptoms. This makes it difficult for them to get a diagnosis. They may have developed strategies to cope with their trouble staying organized by using coping tools like self-denial, relying upon others, or resorting to unhealthy behaviors like excessive alcohol or substance abuse.
They may not even be aware the issue until they begin to recognize that they have a problem. They may have a long list of foot-in mouth incidents that have embarrassed family members or coworkers, have to work hard to keep their homes and apartments tidy and clean, and feel overwhelmed by the number of tasks on their plates.
If left untreated and undiagnosed, the symptoms of inattentive ADHD can have a devastating effect on the entirety of their lives. They may miss out on professional and social opportunities because they were not invited. Or, they might not pay their bills or return phone calls from friends promptly. They may be rushed through a test or fail to follow instructions at work, or make careless mistakes in their personal relationships. They start to believe that they are stupid or lazy and suffer from low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to flutter in their seats, talk incessantly, or squirm. They also have difficulty paying attention to what others are saying, and often interrupt or make statements without thinking about their implications. They are easily distracted and bored by activities that don't interest them. The behavior isn't caused 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).
Those with inattentive ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or lose keys than other people. People with this subtype of ADHD also tend to lose the track of important information, like work or bills. They often lose or forget their eyeglasses, wallets, keys, sports equipment, or school supplies. They are often unable to keep an occupation, and often begin projects that never end.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD report that they feel more confident once their symptoms are under control. This is particularly true if the person has been misled for a long time into thinking they are lazy or irresponsible due to their procrastination or disorderly behavior.
Stress, mental disorders and physical illnesses can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Due to this, the health professional must do a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of the symptoms and determine effective treatment options. They may request your permission to speak to your family members, colleagues and teachers to find out more about your past and current behavior. They could also administer psychological tests like the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders or the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Index.
3. Impulsivity
ADHD can make stopping and taking a breath a challenge, especially when the situation becomes stressful. You may feel compelled to jump in and tackle something even though you should be patient and plan your actions. This type of impulsivity can cause difficulties with schoolwork, work and relationships. You may also experience problems with your 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 appear to being trustworthy and diligent. This can create an illusion of security and make it easier for people to dismiss them as a troublemaker, emotionally overly sensitive, or a perfectionist. As signs of adult add , a lifetime of undiagnosed ADHD can do serious 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 evident in two different environments, like at home and at work and affect your ability to function.
You may have a difficult to complete school or work tasks, and you may appear unfocused and unorganized. You may have difficulty waiting in line, sat down, or staying focused when reading, working on the computer, or doing 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 associated with ADHD are a part of anxiety, anxiety, irritability and forgetfulness are generally not present in these disorders. The symptoms of ADHD are prone to change as you age, and are exacerbated by hormonal changes like menopausal and prenatal.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a psychological disorder characterized by extreme negative emotions and a difficulty in controlling emotions. It can trigger emotional turmoil and affect many aspects of daily life. People who are sensitive to rejection experience more acute reactions to social cues which could be perceived as rejection, compared to others. When they are faced with rejection - whether real or perceived, they might feel shame, low self esteem, and emotional dysregulation. This is a typical symptom of people with ADHD or Autism, but can also happen to those who do not suffer from these conditions.
RSD can lead to a lack of personal boundaries, which leads to impulsive behavior and difficulty managing relationships. It can also cause people to avoid taking risks, which can restrict their career as well as personal growth. It can also cause depression and self-esteem issues for certain. RSD is also known to cause and amplify core ADHD symptoms, such as time blindness. This can result in issues with organisation and planning as well as the inability to focus time on irrelevant tasks. RSD can also lead to issues with attention and focus span. People suffering from RSD might ponder an incident for time or even for days.
Research suggests that people suffering from RSD might suffer from brain impairments 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) activates more when people feel rejected. It is also believed that people with rejection sensitivity might have experienced trauma in their childhood which could have permanent effects on their emotional development. They could be more sensitive to criticism, rejection, and abandonment in the adult years. RSD can be influenced by co-occurring mental disorders like anxiety or depression.
5. Gender-specific behaviors that are gender specific
ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood. It's almost always diagnosed before the age of 12. Symptoms tend to persist until adulthood, which means that women with the disorder may continue to have trouble at work or school at home, as well as in relationships. They can also experience depression, compulsive eating or addiction disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can affect women's self-esteem. They may blame themselves, thinking they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".
Gender bias can play a role in how girls and women who suffer from ADHD are perceived. Teachers and parents are more likely to be aware of excessive behavior in boys suffering from ADHD, while girls may be accused of a daydream. This makes it difficult for them to get the assistance they require.
Furthermore, girls who have the condition are more likely to experience anxiety and other mood disorders than boys with the condition. They might also attempt to conceal their symptoms with methods of coping that are more common for the gender they identify with. This can make it difficult for others to see that they are suffering.
For instance, women with ADHD may wear excessive makeup or dress in a certain way to avoid noticing their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behavior like drinking excessively or drug use, particularly during adolescence. They may not seek help until it's too late.