Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women with ADHD aren't diagnosed or are misdiagnosed because their symptoms manifest differently from males. They might experience more emotional instability, or have trouble controlling their emotions.
Finding a therapist or clinician who is knowledgeable of ADHD and women can make a an enormous difference in turning your unique problems into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults who suffer from inattention ADHD might have trouble keeping on top of their appointments and household chores, are late at work and struggle to stay focused in meetings. It's also common for people with inattention ADHD to experience a concept known as "time blindness," meaning that they frequently forget the time or get so engulfed in their work that they forget the amount of time that has passed. This can result in feelings of being disorganized or behind, or even irresponsible.
Women with inattention ADHD are particularly good in obscuring their symptoms, which can make it harder for them to receive an assessment. They may have learned to make up for their inability to stay organized by employing coping strategies such as self-denial or relying on others and resorting to unhealthy habits like excessive drinking or drug use.
As a result, their issues with organization and focus can be overlooked by other people until they realize their own issues. They may have a long list of embarrassing incidents in which they embarrassed their colleagues or friends. They may also struggle to keep their apartments and homes neat and tidy and are overwhelmed by the amount of work they have to do.
If left untreated and undiagnosed, the symptoms of inattentive ADHD can cause havoc in virtually every area of their lives. They might miss out on professional and social opportunities because they weren't invited. In addition, they may not pay their bills or return friends' phone calls promptly. They might rush through a test or not understand instructions at work or make a mistake in their personal relationships. They begin to think that they are incompetent or lazy, and suffer from low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
People who suffer from hyperactive ADHD can fidget, squirm in their seats, or talk excessively. They also have difficulty paying close attention to what others are saying and frequently interrupt or make statements without thinking about their consequences. They are easily distracted by other stimuli and have a tendency to become bored with tasks that do not interest them. The behavior is not caused by a desire for being defiant or a lack of understanding, but rather a biologically-based imbalance in the frontal lobes of the brain (Tripp & Wickens, 2009).
Those with inattentive ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or lose keys than other. People with this type of ADHD also tend to lose the track of important information, like bills or work assignments. They are often unable to remember or lose eyeglasses, as well as other items like wallets, keys and school supplies such as sports equipment, etc. They often struggle to hold a job and often start projects, but do not finish the work.
Many people with ADHD feel better at being themselves once their symptoms have been managed. This is especially relevant if the person has been misled for years to believe that they are lazy or irresponsible because of their procrastination and disorderly behavior.
Mental disorders, stress, and physical illness can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Because of this, your health care provider should do a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of the symptoms and recommend the most effective treatments. They may request your permission to talk with family members, friends, colleagues, teachers, and others who know you well to find out about your current and past behavior and experiences. They might also administer psychological tests like the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders or the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Index.
3. Impulsivity
ADHD can make stopping and taking a breath difficult especially when the situation becomes stressful. You might feel the need to jump in and tackle something even though you should take your time and plan your actions. This can lead to issues at work, at school, or in relationships. You might also have 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 can appear to being dependable and conscientious. This can give a false sense of security, and make it easier for people to dismiss them as a troublemaker, overly emotional woman or an over-achiever. Undiagnosed ADHD over the course of a lifetime could 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 in two different settings, such as work and home and affect your ability to function.
You may find it difficult to finish work or school assignments and seem unorganized and forgetful. You might have trouble waiting in line, sitting down or staying focused when reading, working on the computer, or doing household chores. You might prefer a different approach to the routine and you might delay or skip tasks in order to avoid them. While adhd signs in adults has some symptom similarities with anxiety disorders such as restlessness, fidgeting, and forgetfulness are not typically present. The symptoms of ADHD can fluctuate with age, and can be exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as menopausal and prenatal.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is a mental health condition which is characterized by extreme negative feelings and difficulty in regulating emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and affects every aspect of life. People with sensitivity to rejection feel more acute reactions to social signals that could be perceived as rejection compared to other people. When they face rejection, whether it is real or perceived, they might be afflicted with shame, low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation. This is a typical characteristic of people suffering from ADHD or Autism, but may also be present in people who do not suffer from these conditions.
RSD can cause a lack of personal boundaries, which can lead to impulsive behaviors and trouble managing relationships. It can also make people avoid taking risks, which could hinder their personal and professional growth. It can also cause depression and self-esteem issues for certain. RSD can also intensify and intensify the core ADHD symptoms such as time blindness. This can result in issues with planning and organization and also spending time on tasks that are not important. RSD can also lead to issues with attention and focus span. People with RSD might be prone to ruminating on a slight over several hours or even for days.
Research suggests that people suffering from RSD may have a brain impairment that affects the processing of emotional information. This could be due to the amygdala, which is responsible for the body's threat response and is activated more than other people when they experience rejection. It's also thought that people who feel a sensitivity to rejection might have experienced trauma in their childhood that can have lasting effects on their emotional development. They may be more sensitive to rejection, criticism, and abandonment as they grow older. RSD can be affected by co-occurring mental disorders such as depression or anxiety.
5. Gender Atypical Behaviors
Many people who suffer from ADHD develop the condition during their childhood, and almost always have a diagnosis before the age of 12. The symptoms tend to last into adulthood, though, which means that women who have the disorder may continue to have difficulties at school or at work, at home, and in relationships. They may also suffer from depression, compulsive eating disorders, or other addiction disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can negatively impact women's self-esteem. They may blame themselves, believing they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".
Gender bias plays a role in the way that girls and women who suffer from ADHD are viewed. Teachers and parents are more likely to notice excessive behavior in boys suffering from ADHD, while girls may be accused of a daydream. This makes it difficult for them to receive the assistance they require.
Furthermore, girls with the condition 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 can make it difficult for others to see that they are suffering from a disorder.
For example, some women with ADHD might wear excessive makeup or dress in a certain way so that they don't notice their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behaviours such as excessive drinking or using drugs, especially in adolescence. In the end, they might not seek out the help that they need until it's too late.