Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many women and girls with ADHD aren't diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis because their symptoms manifest differently from males. For instance, they might have more emotional instability or have difficulty managing their emotions.
Finding a clinician or therapist who understands ADHD in women can make all the difference in turning your unique challenges into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Inattention-related symptoms in ADHD for adults can include difficulty keeping track of appointments and household tasks, not meeting deadlines at work, and battling to concentrate during meetings. Inattentional ADHD sufferers frequently suffer from "time blindness," which is when they forget the time or get so caught up in their work that they lose track of time. This can lead to feelings of being unorganized and unprepared, or perhaps irresponsible.
Women with inattentive ADHD are particularly adept in obscuring their symptoms, which can make it harder to get an diagnosis. They may have learned to compensate for their inability to stay organised by using coping methods such as self-denial, relying on others, or even engaging in unhealthy behaviors such as excessive alcohol or substance abuse.
They may not even notice the issue until they begin to recognize it themselves. They may have a long list of embarrassing moments where they have embarrassed their coworkers or friends. They may also struggle to keep their apartment and homes neat and tidy and find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their work.
Undiagnosed and untreated symptoms of inattention ADHD will negatively impact the entirety of their life. They may miss out on social and professional events because they were not invited. They might also not pay their bills or return phone calls from friends promptly. They may be rushed through a test or misunderstand instructions in the workplace or make a mistake in their relationships with others. Eventually, they begin to believe they are lazy or stupid, and struggle with low self-esteem and lack of confidence.
2. Hyperactivity
People who suffer from hyperactive ADHD might be prone to fidget, squirming in their seat, and talk a lot. They have difficulty paying attention to what other people are saying. They often interrupt or make statements that they don't think through. They are easily distracted by other stimuli and tend to become bored with things that don't appeal to them. This behavior isn't due to an urge to defy or a lack of understanding, but a biologically based imbalance in frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
People with inattention ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or misplace keys than other people. This kind of ADHD can also cause people to lose track of important information like bills or work assignments. They often forget or lose eyeglasses, as well as other things like keys, wallets and school supplies such as sports equipment, etc. They are often unable to keep a job, and they often begin projects that never get finished.
Many people with ADHD feel better at being themselves once their symptoms are under control. This is especially applicable if the person had been misled for a long time into thinking they are incompetent or lazy due to their procrastination and indecisiveness.
Stress, mental disorders and physical illness can cause symptoms that are similar to 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 request your permission to speak with family members, friends, coworkers, teachers, and other individuals who know you well to get information about your past and present behavior and experiences. They may also conduct psychological tests such as 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 ought to take your time and plan your actions. This type of impulsivity can cause trouble with work, schoolwork, and relationships. You might also be struggling with finances, driving, or managing your home.
Women often have a harder to diagnose ADHD than men because their symptoms are less apparent. They may cover up their symptoms by claiming to be being dependable and conscientious. This can create a false sense of security, and make it easier for others to view them as a troublemaker, overly emotional woman, or an over-achiever. In the end, an undiagnosed lifetime of 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 must be evident in two different settings, such as at home and work and can affect your ability to function.
You may have a difficult to complete work or school tasks and often appear forgetful and disorganized. You may have difficulty waiting in line, sat down, or staying focused when reading, working on the computer, or performing household chores. signs of adhd in adults are drawn to novelty over the daily grind and may find yourself avoiding tasks or putting off doing them. While signs of adhd adults and impulsivity associated with ADHD share some symptoms with anxiety, feelings of restlessness, fidgeting, and forgetfulness are typically not seen in these disorders. The symptoms of ADHD are prone to change as you age, and are exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as menopausal and pregnancy.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a psychological disorder characterized by extreme negative feelings and a difficulty in controlling emotions. It causes emotional turbulence and influences every aspect of life. People who are sensitive to rejection experience more acute reactions to social cues that may be perceived as rejection compared to other people. They may feel shame, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation when faced with rejection, whether real or perceived. It is a common condition for those with ADHD and Autism however, it can be present in people without 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 as well as personal growth. For some, it can even lead to a complete loss of self-esteem as well as a feeling of depression. RSD is also known to exacerbate and increase the severity of core ADHD symptoms, including time blindness. This can lead to issues with organisation and planning and can lead to wasting time on irrelevant tasks. RSD can also lead to issues with attention and focus span. People suffering from RSD might ponder the slightest thing for hours or even days.
Researchers have found that people who suffer from RSD might be suffering from a brain disorder that affects how they process emotional information. This could be due to the amygdala brain, which is responsible for the body's response to threats, activates more than other individuals when they perceive rejection. It is also believed that those with rejection sensitivity might have suffered from childhood trauma, which can leave lasting effects on their emotional development. This makes people more sensitive to criticism, rejection, and abandonment in adulthood. Co-occurring mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression can also influence RSD by affecting the regulation of emotions.
5. Gender-specific Behaviors that are Typical of a Genre
ADHD is often diagnosed in the early years of childhood. It is almost always diagnosed before the age of 12 years old. The symptoms can last into adulthood, though it is true that women with the disorder can continue having difficulties at school or at work at home, as well as in relationships. They may also suffer from depression, compulsive eating disorders, or other addiction disorders. Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can have a negative impact on self-esteem and confidence and they can blame themselves for their troubles by thinking of themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."
Gender bias plays a part in the way that girls and women are viewed when they display ADHD symptoms. Boys who suffer from the condition generally exhibit hyperactive behavior that is easy for teachers and parents to observe, while girls who exhibit the same symptoms may be accused of daydreaming or being anxious. This makes it difficult for them to receive the assistance they require.
Girls with the disorder are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and other mood disorders. They are also more likely to to mask their symptoms by employing strategies for coping that are typical of the gender they identify with, which can make it more difficult for others to recognize that they are suffering from an issue.
For example, some women suffering from ADHD might use excessive makeup or dress in a particular manner to hide their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behavior such as excessive drinking or using drugs, especially during the adolescent stage. As a result, they might not seek out the assistance they require until it's too late.