Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many women and girls who have ADHD are not diagnosed, or not diagnosed, as their symptoms are different from those of men. For instance, they might experience more emotional volatility or have trouble regulating their emotions.
Finding a therapist or clinician who understands ADHD and women can make a an enormous difference in transforming your unique difficulties into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Inattention-related symptoms in ADHD for adults can include having trouble keeping the track of appointments and household tasks, ignoring deadlines at work, and struggling to remain focused during meetings. Inattention ADHD sufferers often suffer from "time blindness," which is when they forget the time or get so caught up in their work that they forget about time. This can result in feelings of being unorganized or behind, or even irresponsible.
Women who have inattention ADHD can be particularly adept at hiding their symptoms. This makes it difficult for them to get an assessment. They may have learned to compensate for their inability to stay organised by using coping methods such as self-denial, relying on others, or even resorting to unhealthy behaviors like excessive drinking or drug abuse.
This is why their struggles in focusing and organization can be overlooked by other people until they begin to recognize their own issues. They might have a list of embarrassing foot-in-mouth incidents that have embarrassed their friends or colleagues, have to work hard to keep their homes and apartments clean and organized, and feel overwhelmed by the number of tasks on their plates.
If left untreated and undiagnosed the symptoms of inattention ADHD can cause havoc in virtually every area of their lives. They may miss out on social and professional opportunities due to the fact that they weren't invited. They might also not pay their bills or respond to phone calls from friends promptly. They may be rushed through a test or not understand instructions at work, or make careless errors in their personal relationships. They begin to think that they are incompetent or lazy and suffer from low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
People with hyperactive ADHD may fidget, shake their seat, and talk excessively. They may have trouble paying attention to what other people are talking about. They frequently interrupt or make statements that they don't think through. They are easily distracted and bored by tasks that do not interest them. The behavior is not caused by a desire to appear insolent or a lack of understanding, but rather a biologically-based imbalance in the frontal lobes of the brain (Tripp & Wickens, 2009).
People with inattention ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or lose keys than other people. People with this subtype of ADHD also have a tendency to lose the track of important information, like bills or work assignments. They are often unable to remember or lose eyeglasses, as well as other things like keys, wallets, school materials and sports equipment. They often have difficulty keeping their jobs and often begin projects, but do not complete the work.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD say they feel more confident once their symptoms are under control. This is especially true for those who have been suffering for a long time under the false impression that they are incompetent or lazy because of their procrastination, disordered behavior, and impulsive behaviors.
Stress, other mental health disorders, as well as physical ailments can cause similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD. A doctor will need to conduct an extensive examination to determine the source of the symptoms, and to determine the most effective treatment. They may ask for your permission to speak to your family members, colleagues and teachers to get more information about your previous and current behavior. They could also administer psychological tests such as 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, especially when things get stressful. It is possible to feel compelled take action and tackle a problem even though you should take your time and plan your actions. This type of impulsivity can cause problems at work, in school, or with relationships. You may also experience issues with your finances, driving, or managing your home.
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because their symptoms are less apparent. They may cover up their symptoms by claiming to be being dependable and conscientious. This can create a false impression that they're in control and allow others to dismiss them easily as a troubled child or a woman who is too emotional or an over-achiever. This can lead to an undiagnosed lifetime of ADHD can do 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 must be present in two different settings like at home and at work and can affect your ability to function.
You might find it difficult to complete work or school assignments and appear disorganized and forgetful. You might have trouble waiting in line, sitting still or staying focused while reading or working on your computer, or performing household chores. You may want to be more creative than the monotony of your day, and you may procrastinate or skip tasks to avoid them. While the inattention and impulsivity of ADHD are a part of anxiety, frustration, restlessness, and forgetfulness are typically not present in these conditions. The symptoms of ADHD vary as you age and are made worse by hormonal fluctuations such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a psychological disorder that is characterized by extreme negative feelings and a difficulty in controlling emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and can affect every aspect of life. People with rejection sensitivity have more intense reactions than others to social cues, which could be perceived as rejection. They may experience feelings of shame, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation when faced with rejection, either real or perceived. This is a common sign of someone suffering from ADHD or Autism, but may also be present in people without these conditions.
RSD can cause impulsive behavior and relationship problems. It can also cause people to avoid taking risks, which can hinder their personal and professional growth. For some, it may cause a complete loss of self-esteem as well as a feeling of depression. RSD is also known to cause and intensify the most fundamental ADHD symptoms, such as time blindness. This can result in issues with organisation and planning, as well as wasting time on unimportant tasks. RSD can also lead to issues with attention and focus span. People suffering from RSD may ruminate on the slightest thing for time or even for days.
Research suggests that people suffering from RSD may have a brain impairment in the processing of emotional information. This could be because the amygdala brain, which is responsible for the body's response to threats and is activated more than other individuals when they perceive rejection. It is also believed that people with rejection sensitivity might have suffered from childhood trauma that can have lasting effects on their emotional development. They may be more sensitive to criticism, rejection, and abandonment in the adult years. Mental health disorders that co-occur such as anxiety or depression can also influence RSD by impacting emotional regulation.
5. Gender-specific behaviors that are gender specific
ADHD is usually diagnosed in the early years of childhood. what are the symptoms of adult adhd is almost always diagnosed before the age of 12. Symptoms tend to persist until adulthood this means that women with the disorder can continue having trouble at work or school, at home, and in relationships. They may also be struggling with depression, compulsive overeating or addiction disorders. Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can be a drain on self-esteem and confidence and they could blame themselves for their issues by thinking of themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."
Gender bias can play a role in how girls and women who suffer from ADHD are viewed. The majority of boys with ADHD display hyperactive behaviors that are easy for parents and teachers to spot, whereas girls who have those same symptoms could be accused of daydreaming or being flighty. This makes it difficult for them to receive the help they need.
Furthermore, girls with the disorder are more likely to suffer from mood disorders and anxiety than boys with the condition. They may also be more likely to try to hide their symptoms by employing strategies for coping that are typical of the gender they identify with, which could make it harder for others to see they have a problem.
For instance, women suffering from ADHD might use a lot of makeup or dress in a certain manner to hide their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behaviors such as drinking excessively or drug use, particularly during the adolescent stage. They might not seek assistance until it's too late.