Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women with ADHD are not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed as their symptoms manifest differently from men's. They might experience more emotional instability or struggle to control their emotions.
Finding a therapist or clinician who is knowledgeable of ADHD and women can make an enormous difference in turning your unique problems into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Inattention-related symptoms in ADHD for adults can include having trouble keeping on top of household and appointment tasks, not meeting deadlines at work, and battling to concentrate during meetings. It is also typical for people with inattention ADHD to experience a concept called "time blindness," meaning that they often forget what time it is or get so caught up in their work that they lose track of how much time has passed. This can result in feelings like being disorganized or behind, or perhaps irresponsible.
Women with inattentive ADHD are particularly adept in hiding their symptoms. This makes it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They might have learned to compensate for their trouble staying organized by using coping tools like self-denial, relying on others, or even engaging in unhealthy behaviors such as excessive drinking or substance abuse.
This is why their struggles in focusing and organization can be ignored by others until they start to notice their own problems. They might have a list of embarrassing instances where they embarrassed their coworkers or friends. They may also struggle to keep their homes and homes tidy and clean and find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their work.
Untreated and undiagnosed symptoms of inattention ADHD will have a negative impact on nearly every aspect of their life. They may be unable to participate in social and professional events because they were not invited. They might also not pay their bills or return friends' phone calls in a timely fashion. They could be rushed through a test or fail to follow instructions at work, or make careless mistakes in their personal relationships. They begin to think that they are incompetent or lazy and have low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
People who suffer from hyperactive ADHD may be prone to fidget, squirming in their seats, and talk a lot. They aren't able to pay attention to what others are talking about. They frequently interrupt or make statements that they don't have the time to think about. They are easily distracted and bored by tasks which do not entice them. The behavior is not caused by a desire to appear aggressive or lack of comprehension it is a result of a biological imbalance in the frontal lobes of the brain (Tripp & Wickens, 2009).
While everyone loses keys or forgets appointments from time to time, those who have inattention ADHD are more likely to do this often. People who suffer from this type of ADHD also have a tendency to lose the track of important information, like work or bills. They frequently lose or forget their wallets, eyeglasses, keys, sports equipment and/or school materials. They often have difficulty keeping their jobs and often begin projects, but do not finish their work.
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 impression that they are lazy or irresponsible because of their procrastination disorganization, and impulsive behavior.
Stress, other mental health issues, and physical illnesses can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. This is why your health care provider should conduct a thorough examination to determine the source of the symptoms and identify the most effective treatments. They might ask your permission to talk to family members, friends, coworkers and teachers as well as other individuals who know you well to find out about your present and previous behavior and experiences. They might also conduct psychological tests, such as the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders or the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Index.
3. Impulsivity
Being diagnosed with ADHD can make it hard to take a breath, particularly when you are stressed. adhd symptoms for women may feel compelled by your ADHD to tackle a problem even while you are supposed to plan and slow down. This type of impulsivity can cause problems with schoolwork, work and relationships. You may also have problems with finances, driving, or managing your home.
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because their symptoms are less apparent. They may conceal their problems by presenting themselves as reliable, diligent and organized. This can give an illusion of security, and make it easier for people to dismiss them as a child with a problem, an excessively emotional or a perfectionist. Undiagnosed ADHD throughout your life can seriously damage 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 should be evident in two different settings such as at home and work and can affect your ability to function.
It can be difficult to finish work or school assignments and look disorganized and forgetful. You might have trouble waiting in line, sitting still, or staying focused when reading, working on the computer, or doing household chores. You might prefer a different approach to the routine and may delay or skip tasks to avoid them. While the inattention and impulsivity of ADHD have some resemblances to anxiety, the feeling of frustration, restlessness and forgetfulness are usually not seen in these disorders. The symptoms of ADHD can fluctuate with age, exacerbated by hormonal changes such as menopausal and prenatal.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is mental health disorder that is characterized by extreme negative emotions and difficulty in controlling emotions. It can trigger emotional turmoil and impact many aspects of life. People who have sensitivity to rejection experience more extreme reactions than other people to social cues that could be perceived as rejection. When they experience rejection, whether it is real or perceived, they could feel shame, low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation. This is a common characteristic of people suffering from ADHD or Autism, but may also be present in people without these conditions.
RSD can cause a lack of personal boundaries, which leads to impulsive behavior and difficulty managing relationships. It can also cause people to avoid risk-taking, which may limit their career and personal development. It can lead to depression and self-esteem issues for certain. RSD can also intensify and amplify the primary ADHD symptoms such as time blindness. This can lead to problems with planning and organization as well as wasting time on unimportant tasks. It can also result in difficulties focus and attention span and those with RSD can get stuck thinking about a minor issue for hours or even days.
Research suggests that people with RSD may 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) is more active when people feel rejected. It is also believed that those who feel a sensitivity to rejection might have experienced childhood trauma that can have lasting impacts on their emotional development. This could make them more prone to criticism, rejection, and abandonment when they are adults. Other mental health disorders that are co-occurring such as anxiety or depression can also affect RSD by affecting emotional regulation.
5. Gender Atypical Behaviors
ADHD is usually diagnosed in the early years of childhood. It's almost always diagnosed before the age of 12. The symptoms can last throughout adulthood. This means that women with the disorder might remain troubled at school, work, home and in relationships. They can also struggle with depression, compulsive eating or other substance use disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can have a negative impact on women's self esteem. They might blame themselves, thinking they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".
Gender bias is a factor in the way women and girls are perceived when they display ADHD symptoms. Teachers and parents are more likely to be aware of excessive behavior in boys suffering from ADHD, whereas girls might be accused of a daydream. This makes it harder for them to receive the help they need.
Additionally, girls with the condition are more likely to be afflicted by mood disorders and anxiety as compared to boys who suffer from the disorder. They can also be more likely to to hide their symptoms by using coping strategies that are typical of the gender they identify with, which may make it more difficult for others to recognize that they have a problem.
For example, some women with ADHD might use lots of makeup or dress in a particular way so that they don't notice their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behaviours such as excessive drinking or using drugs, especially during adolescence. They may not seek assistance until it's too late.