Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many women and girls who have ADHD are not diagnosed, or go undiagnosed, because their symptoms are different from those of men. They may experience more emotional volatility, or a hard time controlling their emotions.
Finding a therapist or a therapist who understands ADHD in women can make all the difference in turning your individual challenges into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults who suffer from inattention ADHD might have difficulty keeping track of their household chores and appointments, have trouble meeting deadlines at work, and find it difficult to remain focused in meetings. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often experience "time blindness," which is when they lose track of time or get so caught up in their work that they forget about time. This can lead to feelings of being disorganized and unorganized, or even irresponsible.
Women with inattentive ADHD can be particularly adept in obscuring their symptoms. This makes it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They might have learned to cope with their inability to remain organized through strategies for coping such as self-denial or relying on others or resorting to unhealthy behaviors such as excessive drinking or using drugs.
They might not even realize that they have a problem until they realize that they have a problem. They may have a list of embarrassing instances where they've embarrassed their coworkers or friends. They might also struggle to keep their apartment and homes neat and tidy and feel overwhelmed by their workload.
Undiagnosed and untreated symptoms of inattention ADHD will have a negative impact on nearly every aspect of their life. They might be unable to attend professional and social events because they're not invited, or fail to pay bills or return friend's phone calls in a timely manner. They may rush through a test or fail to follow instructions at work, or make careless mistakes in their relationships with others. Eventually, they begin to believe that they are stupid or lazy and are plagued by low self-esteem and lack of confidence.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to fidget in their seats, talk incessantly or be squirming. They also have trouble paying attention to what others are saying and often interrupt them or make statements without thinking about the consequences. They are easily distracted by other stimuli and tend to become bored with tasks that don't interest them. The behavior is not caused by a desire to appear defiant or a lack of comprehension, 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 others. People who suffer from this type of ADHD also have a tendency to lose track of important information, like bills or work assignments. They frequently lose or forget their wallets, eyeglasses, keys, sports equipment or school supplies. They are often unable to keep an occupation and often start projects but never complete them.
Many adults with ADHD feel better at being themselves once their symptoms have been managed. This is especially true if the person has been misled for a number of years into thinking they are irresponsible or lazy due to their procrastination and disorganization.
Mental disorders, stress, and physical ailments can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A doctor will need to conduct a thorough evaluation in order to determine the root cause of the symptoms and to determine the most effective treatment. They may ask you to talk to family members, friends, coworkers and teachers, as well as others who know you well to find out about your current and past behavior and experiences. They might also perform psychological tests, such as the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders and the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Inventory.
3. Impulsivity
Being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult to stop and take a breath, particularly when things get stressful. You may feel compelled to jump in and tackle something even though you ought to be patient and plan your actions. This can lead to difficulties at work, in school, or in relationships. There are also issues with finances, driving or managing your home.
Women typically have a tougher time getting diagnosed with ADHD than men due to the fact that their symptoms are less obvious. They can cover up their symptoms by claiming to be being trustworthy and diligent. This could give them a false sense that they're in control and allows others to dismiss them as a troubled child or an emotionally overly sensitive woman or a perfectionist. Undiagnosed ADHD over a lifetime 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 should be present at work as well as at home, and they can hinder your ability function.
It can be difficult to complete homework or school assignments, and seem unorganized and forgetful. You have trouble waiting in lines or sat for long periods of time and have trouble staying focused while reading or working on a laptop or working on chores. You might prefer a different approach to the monotony of your day and may delay or avoid tasks to avoid them. While the inattention and impulsivity associated with ADHD are a part of anxiety, frustration, restlessness and forgetfulness are usually not present in these conditions. The symptoms of ADHD change with age and are exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a mental disorder that is characterized by extreme negative emotions and difficulty in regulating emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and affect many aspects of everyday life. People with rejection sensitivity have more intense reactions than others to social cues which may be perceived as rejection. They may feel shame, low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation when confronted with rejection, either 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 cause impulsive behavior and relationship problems. It can also cause people to be cautious about taking risks which can limit their career as well as personal growth. For some, it could even cause an entire loss of self-esteem and a feeling of depression. RSD is also known to exacerbate and increase the severity of the most fundamental ADHD symptoms, including time blindness. This can result in issues with planning and organisation and also wasting time on unimportant tasks. It can also result in difficulties in focusing and attention span, and people with RSD may be stuck ruminating on a slight for hours or days.
Researchers have found that people with RSD might be suffering from a brain disorder that affects the way they process emotional information. This could be because the amygdala brain, which is responsible for the body's response to threats is more active than other people when they experience rejection. People with rejection sensitivity may also have experienced trauma from childhood that could have a lasting impact on their emotional growth. This could make people more sensitive to rejection, criticism and abandonment as adults. RSD can be influenced by co-occurring mental disorders such as depression or anxiety.
5. Gender-specific behaviors that are gender specific
ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood. It is almost always diagnosed before the age of 12 years old. Symptoms tend to persist throughout adulthood, which means that women who have the disorder can continue having trouble at work or school, at home, and in relationships. They can also struggle with depression, compulsive eating or other substance use disorders. Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can be a drain on women's self-esteem and they could blame themselves for their problems by imagining 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. The majority of boys with ADHD exhibit hyperactive behaviors that are easy for parents and teachers to observe, while girls who have those same symptoms may be accused of daydreaming or being flighty. This makes it difficult for them to receive the support they require.
Additionally, girls with the condition are more likely to be afflicted by mood disorders and anxiety than boys with the condition. They can also be more likely to try to mask their symptoms by employing strategies for coping that are typical of the gender they identify with, which can make it harder for others to see they are suffering from an issue.
For example, some women suffering from ADHD might use a lot of makeup or dress in a particular way to avoid noticing their symptoms. find out here now might also engage in risky behaviours such as excessive drinking or drug use, particularly in the adolescent years. They might not seek assistance until it's too late.