Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many women and girls who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed, or go undiagnosed, because their symptoms are different from those of men. For instance, they might have more emotional instability or have difficulty regulating their emotions.
Finding a therapist or counselor who is knowledgeable about ADHD in women can make a huge difference in turning your unique challenges into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults who suffer from inattentive ADHD might have trouble keeping the track of their schedules and household chores and may have trouble meeting deadlines at work, and have trouble staying focused during meetings. It's also common for people who suffer from inattentive ADHD to experience a condition known as "time blindness," meaning that they frequently forget what time it is or get so engulfed in their task that they forget the amount of time that has passed. This can result in feelings of being disorganized and unprepared, or perhaps irresponsible.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD are especially adept in obscuring their symptoms, which can make it harder for them to receive an assessment. They might have learned to overcome their difficulty in staying well-organized by employing coping strategies like self-denial, relying on others, or engaging in unhealthy behaviors such as excessive drinking or substance abuse.
They might not even realize the issue until they start to realize it for themselves. They might have a list of embarrassing instances where they've embarrassed their colleagues or friends. They might also struggle to keep their apartment and homes tidy and clean and find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their work.
Undiagnosed and untreated symptoms of inattentive ADHD can negatively impact the entirety of their life. They may miss out on occasions for professional or social gatherings because they're not invited, or fail to pay the bills or return friend's phone calls in a timely manner. They might rush through a test or misunderstand the instructions at work, or make careless mistakes in their personal relationships. They begin to think that they are stupid or lazy and suffer from low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
People with hyperactive ADHD may fidget, shake their seats, or talk excessively. They may have trouble paying attention to what other people are saying. They frequently interrupt or make statements that they don't have the time to think about. They are easily distracted and bored by tasks that don't interest them. The behavior isn't caused by a desire for defiance or a lack in comprehension it is a biological abnormality in the frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
Those who have inattention ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or misplace keys than other. This subtype of ADHD can also cause people to lose track of important information like bills or work assignments. They frequently forget or lose their wallets, eyeglasses keys, sports equipment or school supplies. They often have difficulty keeping their jobs and often begin projects but never finish them.
Many people suffering from ADHD feel better at being themselves once their symptoms have been controlled. This is especially true if they have been suffering for a long time with the false assumption that they are unreliable or lazy due to their procrastination, disorganization, and impulsive behavior.
Mental disorders, stress, and physical illness can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A healthcare professional will have to conduct an extensive examination to identify the cause of the symptoms and determine effective treatments. They may ask for your permission to speak to family members, coworkers and teachers to find out more about your past and present behavior. They might also perform psychological tests, such as the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders and the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Inventory.
3. Impulsivity
ADHD can make stopping and taking a breath a challenge, especially when the situation is stressful. You may feel compelled to take action and tackle a problem even though you ought to be patient and plan your actions. This can lead to difficulties at work, in school, or with relationships. You may also have problems with finances, driving or managing your home.
Women often have a harder to diagnose ADHD than men because their symptoms are less obvious. They might cover up their symptoms by claiming to be being dependable and conscientious. This could give them a false sense that they're in control and allows others to dismiss them easily as a troubled child, an overly emotional woman or an over-achiever. This can lead to an undiagnosed lifetime of ADHD can cause 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 settings, such as work and home, and interfere with your ability to function.
You may have a difficult to complete work or school tasks, and you may appear unfocused and disorganized. You have trouble waiting in line or staying still for long periods of time and have trouble staying focused while reading or working on a laptop or working on chores. You might prefer a different approach to the monotony of your day, and you may procrastinate or avoid tasks to avoid them. While symptoms of add has some symptom similarities with anxiety disorders restlessness, fidgeting, and forgetfulness are not usually present. The symptoms of ADHD fluctuate as we age and are often 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 causes emotional turbulence and affects the way we live our lives. People who are sensitive to rejection have more extreme reactions than other people to social cues that could be perceived as rejection. They may feel shame, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation when faced with rejection, whether it is real or perceived. This is a typical symptom of people with ADHD or Autism, but can also occur in those who do not suffer from these conditions.
RSD can trigger uncontrollable behavior and relationship issues. It can also cause people to avoid risk-taking, which may limit their career and personal development. It can also cause depression and self-esteem issues in some. RSD can also intensify and amplify core ADHD symptoms, such as time blindness. This can result in issues with organisation and planning, as well as wasting time on tasks that are not important. RSD can also cause issues with focus and attention span. symptoms of add with RSD might ponder the slightest thing for hours or even days.
Researchers have discovered 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 more active when people perceive rejection. It's also thought that people who feel a sensitivity to rejection might have suffered from childhood trauma that can have lasting effects on their emotional development. This makes them more prone to rejection, criticism and abandonment when they are adults. Co-occurring mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression can also influence RSD by affecting emotional regulation.
5. Gender Atypical Behaviors
Many people with ADHD develop the disorder during childhood, and they almost always receive a diagnosis before age 12. The symptoms can last throughout adulthood it is true that women with the disorder can continue having trouble at work or school at home, as well as in relationships. They may also suffer from depression, compulsive eating, or substance abuse disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can affect women's self-esteem. They may be tempted to blame themselves, believing that they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".
Gender bias plays a part in how girls and women are perceived when they exhibit ADHD symptoms. Parents and teachers are more likely to notice the hyperactivity of boys with ADHD, while girls may be accused of daydreaming. This makes it difficult for them to receive the help they need.
Girls who suffer from the disorder are also more likely to be suffering from anxiety and other mood disorders. They may also attempt to conceal their symptoms by using methods of coping that are more typical for the gender that they identify with. This could make it difficult for others to notice that they are suffering.
Some women with ADHD may wear a lot of makeup or dress a certain way to conceal their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behaviors such as drinking excessively or drug use, especially during the adolescent stage. This means that they might not seek out the help that they need until it is too late.