Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women who have ADHD are misdiagnosed, or not diagnosed, as their symptoms are different from those of men. For adult adhd symptoms , they might be more emotionally volatile or have a harder time regulating their emotions.
Finding a therapist or a therapist who is knowledgeable about ADHD in women can make a huge difference in turning your individual difficulties into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults with inattentive ADHD may have difficulty keeping track of their appointments and household chores and can are late at work and have trouble staying focussed during meetings. Inattentive ADHD patients often suffer from "time blindness," which is when they lose track of time or are so involved in their work that they forget about time. This can result in feelings of being disorganized or behind, or even irresponsible.
Women who have inattention ADHD are particularly adept at hiding their symptoms. This makes it difficult for them to receive a diagnosis. They might have learned to cope with their inability to stay organized by using coping strategies like self-denial or relying on other people or resorting to unhealthy behaviors like excessive alcohol or drug abuse.
They may not even be aware the issue until they realize it themselves. They may have a list of embarrassing instances where they embarrassed their colleagues or friends. They might also struggle to keep their apartments and homes clean and organized and are overwhelmed by the amount of work they have to do.
When undiagnosed and untreated, the symptoms of inattentive ADHD can have a devastating effect on all aspects of their lives. They might miss out on social and professional events due to the fact that they weren't invited. They might also not be able to pay their bills or return friends' phone calls promptly. They may take a test too fast or fail to follow instructions at work, or make naive mistakes in their relationships with others. Eventually, they begin to believe they are lazy or stupid and are plagued by low self-esteem and confidence.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to fidget in their seats, talk too much or squirm. 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 get bored with tasks that don't interest them. This behavior isn't due to the desire to be defiant or a lack of comprehension it is a biological abnormality in the frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
Those with inattentive ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or misplace keys than other people. People who suffer from this type of ADHD also tend to lose the track of important information, like work or bills. More Bonuses forget or lose eyeglasses and other things like keys, wallets, school materials, sports equipment, etc. They often struggle to hold an occupation and often start projects, but do not complete the work.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD say they feel more confident about themselves after their symptoms are under control. This is particularly relevant if the person has been misled for a number of years into thinking they are lazy or irresponsible because of their procrastination and disorganization.
Stress, other mental health issues, and physical ailments can cause similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD. This is why the health professional must conduct a thorough assessment to determine the cause of the symptoms and identify effective treatments. They may ask you to speak with family members, friends, coworkers, teachers, and other individuals who know you well to get information about your past and present behaviour 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 more difficult, especially when the situation becomes stressful. It is possible to feel compelled get involved and tackle something even when you should take your time and plan your actions. This can lead to problems with schoolwork, work and relationships. You might also have issues with finances, driving or managing your home.
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because their symptoms are less obvious. They can cover up their symptoms by claiming to be being dependable and conscientious. This can give a false sense of security and make it easier for others to view them as a child with a problem, an excessively emotional, or an over-achiever. adult add symptoms over the course of a lifetime could cause a lot of 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 they can hinder your ability function.
You may find it difficult to complete assignments or work and look disorganized and forgetful. You might find it difficult to wait in line, sitting down or staying focused while reading, working on the computer, or performing household chores. You may prefer novelty over the routine, and you may procrastinate or skip tasks in order to avoid them. While the inattention and impulsivity that are characteristic of ADHD are a part of anxiety, the feeling of frustration, restlessness, and forgetfulness are typically not seen in these disorders. The symptoms of ADHD vary with age, exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as menopausal and prenatal.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is mental health disorder that is which is characterized by extreme negative feelings and difficulty in controlling emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and affect many aspects of life. People with rejection sensitivity feel more acute reactions to social cues which could be perceived as rejection than others. They may experience feelings of shame, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation when confronted with rejection, whether real or perceived. It is a common symptom for people with ADHD and Autism, but it can be present in people without these conditions too.
RSD can cause an inability to set personal boundaries, which can lead to impulsive behaviors and difficulties managing relationships. It can also make people avoid taking risks, which could hinder their personal and professional growth. For some, it may even lead to a complete loss of self-esteem and a feeling of depression. RSD is also known to cause and intensify the core ADHD symptoms, such as time blindness. This can lead to problems in planning and organisation and also wasting time on unimportant tasks. RSD can also lead to issues with focus and attention span. People suffering from RSD might ponder a slight over several hours or even for days.
Researchers have discovered that those who suffer from RSD may have a brain disorder that affects how they process emotional information. This could be due to the fact that the amygdala (which is responsible for the body’s threat response) activates more when people feel rejected. People who are sensitive to rejection may have also experienced trauma in their childhood that can have a lasting influence on their emotional development. They may be more prone to rejection, criticism, and abandonment as they grow older. Other mental health disorders that are co-occurring such as depression or anxiety can also influence RSD by impacting emotional regulation.
5. Gender-specific behaviors that are gender specific
ADHD is usually diagnosed in the early years of childhood. It is almost always diagnosed before the age of 12 years old. The symptoms are likely to last well into adulthood. This means that women who suffer from the disorder can be unable to cope with problems at work, school as well as in relationships. They may also be struggling with depression, compulsive eating or other substance use disorders. Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can be a drain on self-esteem and confidence and they can blame themselves for their problems because they think of themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."
Gender bias can play a role in the way that girls and women 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 support they require.
Girls who suffer from the disorder are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and other mood disorders. They are also more likely to try to mask their symptoms using coping strategies that are typical for the gender they identify with, which can make it difficult for others to realize that they have an issue.
For example, some women with ADHD might use lots of makeup or dress in a particular way so that they don't notice their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behaviors such as drinking excessively or drug use, particularly during the adolescent years. As a result, they might not seek out the assistance they require until it's too late.