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 are different from men's. They may experience more emotional instability or a hard time controlling their emotions.
Finding a therapist or counselor who understands ADHD in women can make a huge difference in turning your unique difficulties into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults who suffer from inattention ADHD might have trouble keeping the track of their schedules and household chores, have trouble meeting deadlines at work, and struggle to stay focused during meetings. Inattentive ADHD sufferers frequently suffer from "time blindness," which is when they forget to count the minutes or get so caught up in their work that they lose track of time. This can lead to feelings of being disorganized or behind, or perhaps irresponsible.
Women who have inattention ADHD are particularly adept in hiding their symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They might have learned to overcome their trouble staying organised by using coping methods such as self-denial, relying on others, or resorting to unhealthy behaviors like excessive drinking or drug abuse.
This is why their issues in focusing and organization can go unnoticed by others until they start to notice their own problems. They may have a long list of embarrassing foot-in-mouth incidents that have embarrassed friends or colleagues, struggle to keep their apartments and homes clean and organized, and feel overwhelmed by the volume of tasks they have to accomplish.
Untreated and undiagnosed symptoms of inattentive ADHD can affect nearly every aspect of their lives. They may be unable to attend occasions for professional or social gatherings because they aren't invited, or fail to pay the bills or return phone calls from friends in a timely manner. They may be rushed through a test or not understand instructions at work or make a mistake in their relationships with others. They begin to think that they are incompetent or lazy and suffer from low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
People with hyperactive ADHD might fidget, shake their seats, and talk too much. They also have difficulty paying close attention to what others are saying and often interrupt them or make statements without considering their consequences. They are easily distracted by other stimuli and have a tendency to become bored by tasks that do not interest them. The behavior isn't triggered by a desire for defiance or a lack of understanding, but a biologically based abnormality in the frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
While everyone misplaces keys or forgets appointments at times those with inattentive ADHD do it far more often. People who suffer from this type of ADHD also tend to lose the track of important information, like work or bills. They often lose or forget their wallets, eyeglasses keys, sports equipment and/or school supplies. They often have difficulty keeping an occupation and often start projects, but do not complete them.
Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD say they 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 disordered behavior, and impulsive behaviors.
Stress, other mental health disorders, as well as physical ailments can cause similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD. A doctor will need to conduct an exhaustive examination to identify the cause of the symptoms, and then determine the most effective treatment. They may ask for your consent to speak with family members, coworkers and teachers to find out more about your past and current behavior. They could also administer 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 might feel the need to take action and tackle a problem even though you ought to be patient and plan your actions. This impulsivity may lead to difficulties at work, in school, or in relationships. There are also issues with your finances, driving, or managing your home.
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because their symptoms tend to be less obvious. They may hide their difficulties under the pretense of being a conscientious, dependable and organized. This could give them a false sense that they are in control, and permit people to dismiss them as a troubled child or a woman who is too emotional or an over-achiever. Undiagnosed ADHD throughout your life can severely 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 must be present at work and at home, and can affect your ability to function.
You might find it difficult to complete assignments or work and look disorganized and forgetful. You have difficulty waiting in lines or sitting still for long periods of time and find it difficult to concentrate when reading or working on a laptop or performing chores. You may want to be more creative than the monotony of your day, and you may procrastinate or skip tasks in order to avoid them. Although ADHD shares some of the symptoms of anxiety disorders, restlessness, fidgeting and forgetfulness aren't typically present. The symptoms of ADHD vary with age, and can be exacerbated by hormonal changes like menopausal and pregnancy.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is an illness of the mind that is that is characterized by extreme negative emotions and difficulty in controlling emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and impact many aspects of daily life. People with rejection sensitivity have more intense reactions than others to social cues, which could be perceived as rejection. When they experience rejection - real or perceived, they might feel shame, low self esteem, and emotional dysregulation. It is a typical sign for people suffering from ADHD and Autism however it may co-occur in those without these conditions as well.
RSD can cause an inability to set personal boundaries, which can lead to impulsive behaviors and trouble managing relationships. It can also cause people to avoid risk-taking, limiting their career and personal development. For some, it could cause an entire loss of self-esteem and a sense of depression. RSD is also known to exacerbate and intensify core ADHD symptoms, including time blindness. This can result in issues with planning and organization, as well being a waste of time doing things that aren't important. It can also lead to problems with in focusing and attention span, and those suffering from RSD can get stuck thinking about a minor issue for hours or days.
Research suggests that people with RSD may have a brain impairment that affects the processing of emotional information. This could be because the amygdala, responsible for the body's response to threats and is activated more than other individuals when they perceive rejection. find out here now who are sensitive to rejection may have also experienced trauma in their childhood that can have a lasting impact on their emotional growth. This could make people more sensitive to criticism, rejection, and abandonment in adulthood. Mental health disorders that co-occur such as anxiety or depression can also influence RSD by impacting emotional regulation.
5. Gender Atypical Behaviors
Many people with ADHD develop the condition during childhood, and they almost always receive a diagnosis before the age of 12. The symptoms tend to persist until the age of adulthood. This means that women with the disorder can continue to have problems at school, work as well as in relationships. They can also struggle with depression, compulsive overeating, or substance use disorders. Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can take a toll on women's self-esteem and they could blame themselves for their issues because they think of themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."
Gender bias plays a role in the way that girls and women are perceived when they display ADHD symptoms. Teachers and parents are more likely to observe hyperactive behavior in boys with ADHD, whereas girls could be accused of daydreaming. This makes it difficult for them to get the support they require.
Additionally, girls with the disorder are more likely be afflicted by mood disorders and anxiety as compared to boys who suffer from the disorder. They are also more likely to to mask their symptoms using coping strategies that are typical of the gender they identify with, which could make it harder for others to see they are suffering from an issue.
For instance, women with ADHD might wear excessive makeup or dress in a particular manner to hide their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behavior such as drinking excessively or drug use, particularly during the adolescent stage. They might not seek help until it's too late.