Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women with ADHD aren't diagnosed or are misdiagnosed as their symptoms manifest differently from men's. For example, they may be more emotionally volatile or have trouble controlling their emotions.
Finding a therapist or clinician who is knowledgeable of ADHD and women can make an enormous difference in turning your unique difficulties into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults with inattention ADHD may have difficulty keeping the track of their household chores and appointments and may have trouble meeting deadlines at work, and find it difficult to remain focussed during meetings. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often suffer from "time blindness," which is when they forget to count the minutes or are so involved in their work that they lose track of time. This can lead to feelings like being disorganized or behind, or perhaps irresponsible.
Women with inattention ADHD can be particularly adept in obscuring their symptoms. This can make it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis. They might have learned to compensate for their inability to stay organized through strategies for coping such as self-denial or relying on other people, and even resorting unhealthy behaviors like excessive drinking or drug use.
This is why their difficulties with focus and organization may go unnoticed by others until they finally start to notice their own issues. They might have a long list of foot-in-mouth moments that have embarrassed their friends or colleagues, or struggle to keep their homes and apartments tidy and clean and are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of work they have to complete.
Untreated and undiagnosed symptoms of inattention ADHD will have a negative impact on nearly every aspect of their life. They may miss out on social events and professional opportunities because they aren't invited, or fail to pay their bills or answer phone calls from friends in a timely manner. They may rush through a test, or fail to follow instructions at work or commit a few blunders in their personal relationships. They start to believe that they are incompetent or lazy and have low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
People with hyperactive ADHD can fidget, squirm in their seats, or talk too much. They also struggle to pay attention to what others are saying, and often interrupt them or make statements without thinking about the consequences. They are easily distracted and bored by activities that don't interest them. The behavior isn't caused by a desire for being insolent or a lack of understanding it is a result of a biological imbalance in the frontal lobes of the brain (Tripp & Wickens, 2009).
While everyone loses keys or forgets about appointments from time to time, those who have inattention ADHD tend to do it more often. People with this type of ADHD also have a tendency to lose all important information, such as work or bills. They are often unable to remember or lose eyeglasses and other items like keys, wallets or school supplies such as sports equipment, etc. They are often unable to keep an occupation and often start projects, but do not finish them.
Many adults with ADHD feel better at being themselves once their symptoms are under control. This is especially true if they have been suffering for a long time with the false assumption that they are unreliable or lazy because of their procrastination, indecisiveness, and disorganization.
Stress, other mental health issues, and physical illnesses can cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD. A doctor will need to conduct an extensive examination to determine the root cause of the symptoms and to determine the most effective treatment. They might ask your consent to speak with your family members, colleagues and teachers to learn more about your previous and current behavior. They might also perform psychological tests, like the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders and the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Inventory.
3. Impulsivity
Being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult to take a breath, particularly when things get stressful. adhd signs in adults may feel compelled to jump in and tackle something even though you ought to be patient and plan your actions. This impulsivity can lead to trouble with work, schoolwork, and relationships. You may also experience issues 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 might hide their issues behind appearances of being trustworthy, reliable, and well-organized. This can give an illusion of security, and make it easier for people to dismiss them as a troublemaker, excessively emotional or an over-achiever. Undiagnosed ADHD throughout your life can cause a lot of 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 at work as well as at home, and they can hinder your ability function.
You may have a difficult to complete school or work tasks and often appear forgetful and disorganized. You might find it difficult to wait in line, sitting still or staying focused when reading or working on your computer, or performing household chores. You may prefer novelty over the routine and may delay or skip tasks to avoid them. While the inattention and impulsivity associated with ADHD have some resemblances to anxiety, frustration, restlessness, and forgetfulness are typically not present in these conditions. 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 emotions and difficulty in regulating emotions. It causes emotional turbulence and affects the way we live our lives. People with rejection sensitivity have more extreme reactions than other people to social cues which may be perceived as rejection. When they face rejection - real or perceived - they may be afflicted with guilt, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation. This is a common symptom of people with ADHD or Autism but it can also happen to those without these conditions.
RSD can cause an inability to set personal boundaries, leading to impulsive behaviors and difficulties managing relationships. It can also make people avoid taking risks, which can hinder their personal and professional growth. For some, it can even cause a complete loss of self-esteem and a feeling of depression. RSD can also exacerbate and increase the severity of the core ADHD symptoms such as time blindness. This can lead to issues in planning and organization, 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 a slight over time or even for days.
Research suggests that people with RSD might have a brain impairment in the processing of emotional information. This could be because the amygdala, which is responsible for the body's threat response is more active than other people when they feel rejected. It is also believed that people who are sensitive to rejection may have suffered from childhood trauma which could have lasting impacts on their emotional development. They could be more sensitive to rejection, criticism, and abandonment in the adult years. Co-occurring mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression can also affect RSD by affecting the regulation of emotions.
5. Gender Atypical Behaviors
ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood. It is almost always diagnosed before the age of 12. Symptoms tend to persist throughout adulthood, which means that women who have the disorder can continue having difficulties at school or at work at home, as well as in relationships. They might also be suffering from depression, compulsive eating, or substance abuse disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can negatively impact women's self-esteem. They might blame themselves, thinking they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".
Gender bias is a factor in the way that girls and women with ADHD are viewed. The majority of boys with ADHD exhibit hyperactive behavior that is easy for teachers and parents to observe, while girls who have those same symptoms could be accused of being daydreamy or anxious. This makes it more difficult 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 try to hide their symptoms by employing strategies for coping that are typical for the gender they identify with, which could make it harder for others to see they have an issue.
Women with ADHD might use a lot of makeup or dress in a certain way to conceal their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behaviours such as drinking excessively or drug use, particularly during the adolescent years. They might not seek assistance until it's too late.