Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women who have ADHD are misdiagnosed, or go undiagnosed, because their symptoms differ from men's. They may have 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 unique difficulties into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Inattention-related symptoms in ADHD for adults can include having trouble keeping the track of appointments and household tasks, missing deadlines at work, and having trouble to concentrate during meetings. It is also common for those who suffer from inattentive ADHD to experience a phenomenon known as "time blindness," meaning that they frequently forget the time or get so engulfed in their work that they forget how long it has taken. This can cause feelings of being disorganized or behind, or even irresponsible.
Women who have inattention ADHD are able in hiding their symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to receive an assessment. They may have learned to overcome their inability to stay organized by using coping tools like self-denial, relying upon others, and even using unhealthy habits like excessive drinking or drug abuse.
They might not even realize the issue until they start to realize that they have a problem. They might have a list of embarrassing foot-in-mouth incidents that have embarrassed family members or colleagues, or struggle to keep their apartments and homes clean and organized and are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks on their plates.
Undiagnosed and untreated symptoms of inattention ADHD can affect nearly every aspect of their life. They may be unable to participate in professional and social opportunities because they were not invited. Or, they might not pay their bills on time or return phone calls from friends promptly. They might be rushed through a test, misunderstand instructions at work, or make careless mistakes in their relationships with others. They may begin to think they are stupid or lazy, and suffer from low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
People with hyperactive ADHD may fidget, squirm in their seat, and talk excessively. They may have trouble paying attention to what other people are talking about. They frequently interrupt or make statements they don't consider. They are easily distracted and bored by activities that do not interest them. This behavior isn't triggered by a desire to appear insolent or a lack of understanding and is more likely a result of a biological 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. This subtype of ADHD can also cause people to lose track of important information like bills or work assignments. They are often unable to remember or lose eyeglasses, as well as other items like keys, wallets and school supplies and sports equipment. They often have difficulty keeping their jobs and often begin projects, but do not finish their work.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD find themselves feeling more confident once their symptoms are under control. This is especially true if they have been suffering for a long time with the false impression that they are lazy or irresponsible due to their procrastination, disorganization, and impulsive behavior.
Stress, mental health disorders, and physical ailments can cause similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD. A doctor will have to conduct an extensive examination to determine the root cause of the symptoms and then determine the most effective treatment. They may request your permission to talk with family members, friends, colleagues and teachers as well as other individuals who know you well to find out about your present and previous behaviour and experiences. They could also administer psychological tests such as the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders or the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Index.
3. Impulsivity
Having ADHD can make it difficult to take a breath, particularly when things get stressful. You may feel compelled to take action and tackle a problem even though you should be patient and plan your actions. This can lead to problems with schoolwork, work and relationships. You may also experience issues with finances, driving or managing your home.
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because their symptoms tend to be less obvious. They can appear to being conscientious and dependable. This can create a false sense of security and make it easier for others to dismiss them as a child with a problem, an excessively emotional or a perfectionist. Undiagnosed ADHD throughout your life can seriously 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 as well as at home and interfere with your ability to function.
You might have a hard working through school or work tasks, and you may appear unfocused and disorganized. You might find it difficult to wait in line, sat down or staying focused when reading, working on the computer, or performing household chores. You like the novelty of the monotony of life and might find yourself skipping tasks or putting off doing them. Although ADHD has some symptom similarities with anxiety disorders such as restlessness, fidgeting, and forgetfulness are not usually present. The symptoms of ADHD vary as you age, and are exacerbated by hormonal changes like during pregnancy and menopause.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a psychological disorder that is characterized by extreme negative emotions and a difficulty in controlling emotions. It can trigger emotional turmoil and affect many aspects of life. People with rejection sensitivity have more intense reactions than others to social cues, which could be perceived as rejection. When they face rejection - real or perceived, they might feel shame, low self esteem, and emotional dysregulation. This is a common characteristic of people suffering from ADHD or Autism however it can also happen to those without these conditions.
RSD can lead to an inability to set personal boundaries, which can lead to impulsive behaviors and difficulties managing relationships. It can also cause people to avoid taking risks, which could limit their career as well as personal growth. It can cause depression and self-esteem issues in some. RSD is also known to exacerbate and amplify the most fundamental ADHD symptoms, such as time blindness. This can lead to issues with organisation and planning and can lead to wasting time on tasks that are not important. It can also lead to problems with in focusing and attention span, and those suffering from RSD are prone to thinking about a minor issue for days or hours.
Research suggests that people with RSD might have a brain impairment in the processing of emotional information. This could be due to the amygdala, which is responsible for the body's response to threats is more active than other people when they feel rejected. People with rejection sensitivity may have also experienced trauma in their childhood that could have a lasting impact on their emotional development. They may be more prone to rejection, criticism, and abandonment as they grow older. RSD can be affected by co-occurring mental illnesses like depression or anxiety.
5. Gender-specific Behaviors that are Typical of a Genre
ADHD is usually diagnosed in the early years of childhood. It is almost always diagnosed before the age of 12. click the up coming website tend to persist until adulthood, which means that women with the disorder may have problems at school or at work as well as at home and in relationships. They may also be struggling with depression, compulsive eating, or substance use disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can have a negative impact on women's self esteem. They may blame themselves, thinking they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".
Gender bias is a factor in the way that girls and women who suffer from ADHD are viewed. Boys who suffer from the condition generally display hyperactive behaviors that are easy for teachers and parents to spot, whereas girls who have those same symptoms could be accused of daydreaming or anxious. This makes it more difficult for them to receive the help that they need.
Girls with the disorder are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and other mood disorders. They may also be more likely to to hide their symptoms by using strategies to cope that are typical of the gender they identify with, which can make it harder for others to see they have an issue.
For instance, women suffering from ADHD may wear 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 too much or use of drugs, especially in the adolescent years. They might not seek help until it's too late.