Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed or are misdiagnosed as their symptoms manifest differently from men's. They may have more emotional instability or a hard time controlling their emotions.
Finding a therapist or a clinician who understands ADHD and women can make a an enormous difference in transforming your unique difficulties into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults with inattention ADHD might have trouble keeping the track of their appointments and household chores and can have trouble meeting deadlines at work, and struggle to stay focussed during meetings. It is also typical for people with inattention ADHD to experience a phenomenon called "time blindness," meaning that they frequently forget what time it is or get so engulfed in their task that they forget how long it has taken. This can cause feelings of being unorganized and unorganized, or even irresponsible.
Women with inattention ADHD are particularly good in obscuring their symptoms, which may make it difficult to get an diagnosis. They might have developed strategies to cope with their trouble staying well-organized by employing coping strategies such as self-denial, relying on others, and even using unhealthy habits like excessive drinking or drug abuse.
They may not even notice that they have a problem until they start to realize that they have a problem. They may have a long list of embarrassing moments where they have embarrassed their colleagues or friends. They may also struggle to keep their apartments and homes clean and organized and are overwhelmed by the amount of work they have to do.
When undiagnosed and untreated, the symptoms of inattentive ADHD can have a devastating effect on the entirety of their lives. They may be left out of professional and social events because they aren't invited, or fail to pay their bills or return friend's phone calls promptly. adhd adult symptom might rush through a test, or fail to follow instructions in the workplace or commit a few blunders in their relationships. At some point, they believe that they are stupid or lazy, and struggle with low self-esteem and confidence.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to fumble in their seats, talk excessively, or shake their heads. They also have trouble paying attention to the words of others and often interrupt or make statements without thinking about their implications. They are easily distracted by extraneous stimuli and tend to get bored with things that don't appeal to them. The behavior isn't caused by a desire to be aggressive or lack of comprehension and is more likely a result of a biological imbalance in the frontal lobes of the brain (Tripp & Wickens, 2009).
While everyone loses keys or forgets appointments occasionally, those who have inattention ADHD tend to do it more often. People with this type of ADHD also tend to lose all important information, like bills or work assignments. They often forget or lose eyeglasses and other things like keys, wallets and school supplies and sports equipment. They are unable to maintain their jobs, and they often begin projects that never finish.
Many adults with ADHD feel more confident about themselves after their symptoms are under control. This is especially true for those who have been suffering for a long time under the false assumption that they are lazy or irresponsible because of their procrastination, disorganization, and impulsive behavior.
Stress, other mental health disorders, and physical illnesses can cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD. Because of this, your health care provider should conduct a thorough assessment to determine the cause of the symptoms and recommend effective treatment options. They might ask your permission to talk to your family members, colleagues and teachers to learn more about your past and present behavior. They might also administer psychological tests like the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders or the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Index.
3. Impulsivity
Being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult to stop and take a breath, especially when things get stressful. You might feel compelled by your ADHD to solve a problem even though you should plan and slow down. This can lead to trouble with work, schoolwork, and relationships. You may also experience issues with your finances, driving, or managing your home.
Women typically have a tougher time getting diagnosed with ADHD than men, as their symptoms aren't as obvious. They can cover up their symptoms by claiming to be being dependable and conscientious. This can give them a false sense that they are in control, and permit others to dismiss them easily as a child with a problem or a woman who is too emotional or a perfectionist. In the end, an undiagnosed lifetime of ADHD can cause 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 must be present in two different settings, such as at home and work and can affect your ability to function.
It can be difficult to complete work or school assignments and appear disorganized and forgetful. You have a hard time standing in line or sitting still for long periods of time. You are unable to stay focused when reading or working on a computer or working on chores. You may want to be more creative than the daily grind and may delay or skip tasks to avoid them. While the inattention and impulsivity associated with ADHD are a part of anxiety, the feeling of restlessness, fidgeting and forgetfulness are usually not present in these disorders. The symptoms of ADHD fluctuate with age and are exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations, such as those that are experienced during menopausal pregnancy or menopausal menopausal.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a psychological disorder that is characterized by extreme negative feelings and a difficulty in controlling emotions. It can trigger emotional turmoil and impact many 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 confronted with rejection, whether real or perceived. This is a common sign of someone suffering from ADHD or Autism but it may also be present in people without these conditions.
RSD can lead to a lack of personal boundaries, which leads to impulsive behavior and difficulty managing relationships. It can also make people avoid taking risks, limiting their personal and professional development. It can lead to depression and self-esteem issues for some. RSD can also cause and amplify core ADHD symptoms such as time blindness. This can result in issues with planning and organisation, as well wasting time on unimportant tasks. It can also result in difficulties focus and attention span and people with RSD may be stuck contemplating a small issue for hours or even days.
Researchers have found that people suffering from RSD may have a brain disorder that affects the way they process emotional information. This could be due to the fact that the amygdala (which is responsible for the body's threat response) is activated more frequently when people perceive rejection. People who have sensitivity to rejection could have also experienced trauma in their childhood that could have a lasting influence on their emotional development. This makes them more sensitive to criticism, rejection, and abandonment as adults. Other mental health disorders that are co-occurring 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. Symptoms tend to persist until adulthood this means that women who have the disorder can continue having trouble at work or school at home, as well as in relationships. They might also be suffering from depression, compulsive eating, or addiction 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 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 a daydream. This makes it difficult for them to receive the assistance they require.
Additionally, girls with the disorder are more likely to suffer from anxiety and other mood disorders than boys with the condition. They may also attempt to hide their symptoms using strategies for coping that are more prevalent for the gender they identify with. This can make it difficult for others to recognize that they have a problem.
Women with ADHD may use a lot makeup or dress a certain manner to conceal their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behavior such as drinking excessively or drug use, particularly during adolescence. This means that they might not seek out the assistance they require until it is too late.