Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many women and girls who suffer from ADHD are misdiagnosed, or not diagnosed, as their symptoms are different from those of men. They may have more emotional instability, or a hard time controlling their emotions.
Finding a therapist or clinician who is knowledgeable of ADHD and women can make a an enormous difference in transforming your unique challenges into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
The signs of inattention ADHD in adults could include having trouble keeping the track of appointments and household tasks, missing deadlines at work, and having trouble to concentrate during meetings. Inattention ADHD patients often experience "time blindness," which is when they forget the time or are so involved in their work that they forget about time. This can lead to feelings like being disorganized and unorganized, or even irresponsible.
Women with inattentive ADHD are particularly adept at hiding their symptoms, which can make it difficult to get a diagnosis. They may have learned to compensate for their difficulty in staying organized by using coping tools like self-denial, relying on others, or even engaging in unhealthy behaviors such as excessive alcohol or substance abuse.
In the end, their struggles with focus and organization may be ignored by others until they finally begin to recognize their own issues. They may have a list of embarrassing incidents in which they have embarrassed their colleagues or friends. They may also be struggling to keep their apartments and homes clean and organized and are overwhelmed by the amount of work they have to do.
If untreated and not diagnosed, the signs of inattention ADHD can wreak havoc on virtually every area of their lives. They may miss out on professional and social opportunities because they weren't invited. They might also not pay their bills on time or return phone calls from friends promptly. They may take a test too fast or fail to follow instructions at work, or commit naive mistakes in their personal relationships. In the end, they start to think that they are stupid or lazy and suffer from low self-esteem and confidence.
2. Hyperactivity
People with hyperactive ADHD can be prone to fidget, squirming in their seats, and talk too much. They also have difficulty paying close attention to the words of others and often interrupt them or make statements without thinking about their consequences. female add symptoms are easily distracted and bored by things that don't interest them. This behavior isn't due to the desire to be defiant or a lack in comprehension and is due to a biological imbalance in frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
While everyone misplaces keys or forgets appointments at times, those who have inattentive ADHD do it far more frequently. This subtype of ADHD can cause people to lose track important information, such as bills or work assignments. They frequently forget or lose their eyeglasses, wallets, keys, sports equipment, and/or school supplies. They are often unable to keep their jobs, and they often start projects that never end.
Many people with ADHD feel better at being themselves once their symptoms have been managed. 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 disordered behavior, and impulsive behaviors.
Stress, mental disorders, and physical illness can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. A healthcare professional will have to conduct an exhaustive examination to identify the cause of the symptoms and determine effective treatments. They might ask your permission to speak with family members, friends, colleagues and teachers as well as other individuals who know you well to find out about your past and present behaviors and experiences. 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 difficult particularly when the situation is stressful. You might feel the need to take action and tackle a problem even when you should be patient and plan your actions. This can lead to difficulties with schoolwork, work and relationships. You may also experience issues with finances, driving or managing your home.
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because their symptoms are less obvious. They may conceal their problems by presenting themselves as reliable, diligent and well-organized. This could give them the impression that they're in control and allows others to dismiss them easily as a child with a problem, an overly emotional woman or an over-achiever. As a result, a lifetime of undiagnosed ADHD can do 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 should be present at work and at home and interfere with your ability to function.
You may find it difficult to complete assignments or work and seem unorganized and forgetful. You have a hard time standing in line or staying still for long periods of time. You have trouble staying focused while reading or working on a computer, or doing chores. You prefer novelty to the daily grind and may find yourself avoiding tasks or putting off doing them. While the inattention and impulsivity associated with ADHD are a part of anxiety, anxiety, irritability and forgetfulness are generally not seen in these disorders. The symptoms of ADHD vary with age and are exacerbated by hormonal changes such as those that are experienced during menopausal pregnancy or menopausal menopausal.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a mental disorder that is characterized by extreme negative feelings and a difficulty in controlling emotions. It causes emotional turbulence and affects the way we live our lives. People who have sensitivity to rejection experience more extreme reactions than other people to social cues, which could be perceived as rejection. They may feel anxiety, self-esteem issues, and emotional dysregulation when faced with rejection, either real or perceived. It is a typical condition for those with ADHD and Autism however, it can occur in people who do not have these conditions as well.
RSD can trigger uncontrollable behavior and relationship issues. It can also make people avoid taking risks, which could hinder their career and personal development. It can lead to depression and self-esteem issues for certain. RSD can also cause and increase the severity of the core ADHD symptoms such as time blindness. This can lead to issues with organisation and planning, as well as wasting time on irrelevant tasks. RSD can also lead to issues with focus and attention span. People with RSD may ruminate on the slightest thing for several hours or even for days.
Research suggests that those suffering from RSD may have a brain impairment that affects 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 activated more frequently when people perceive rejection. People with rejection sensitivity may also have experienced childhood trauma that can have a lasting influence on their emotional development. They may be more prone to rejection, criticism, and abandonment as they grow older. RSD can be influenced by co-occurring mental disorders such as anxiety or depression.
5. Gender-specific behaviors that are gender specific
ADHD is often diagnosed in the early years of childhood. It is usually diagnosed before the age of 12 years old. The symptoms tend to persist well into adulthood. This means that women with the disorder may be unable to cope with problems at work, school as well as in relationships. They can also experience anxiety, depression 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".
adhd symptoms for women plays a role in how women and girls who suffer from ADHD are viewed. Parents and teachers are more likely to notice the hyperactivity of boys with ADHD, whereas girls might be accused of daydreaming. This makes it difficult for them to get the help that they need.
Furthermore, girls with the disorder are more likely to experience anxiety and other mood disorders than those who suffer from the condition. They may also try to conceal their symptoms with methods of coping that are more typical for the gender that they identify with. This could make it difficult for others to see that they have a problem.
For instance, women suffering from ADHD may wear lots of makeup or dress in a certain manner to hide their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behavior such as excessive alcohol or drug use, especially during adolescence. They might not seek assistance until it's too late.