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 are different from those of men. They may have more emotional instability or struggle to control their emotions.
Finding a therapist who understands ADHD and women can make a huge difference in transforming your unique difficulties into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults with inattention ADHD may have difficulty keeping track of their schedules and household chores, are late at work and have trouble staying focused during meetings. It is also common for those with inattention ADHD to experience a concept known as "time blindness," meaning that they often forget the time or get so engulfed in their task that they lose track of the amount of time that has passed. This can lead to feelings of being disorganized and unprepared, or perhaps irresponsible.
Women with inattentive ADHD are especially adept in obscuring their symptoms, which can make it difficult for them to receive a diagnosis. They may have learned how to compensate for their inability to stay organized through strategies for coping such as self-denial or relying on others, and even resorting unhealthy behaviors like excessive alcohol or drug abuse.
They may not even be aware that they're having a problem until they start to realize it themselves. They may have a list of embarrassing moments where they've embarrassed their friends or coworkers. They might also struggle to keep their apartments and homes neat and tidy and feel overwhelmed by their workload.
Untreated and undiagnosed symptoms of inattention ADHD will negatively impact nearly every aspect of their life. They may miss out on social and professional opportunities because they weren't invited. Or, they might not be able to pay their bills or return phone calls from friends in a timely fashion. They might take a test too fast or fail to follow instructions at work, or make careless mistakes in their personal relationships. They start to believe that they are lazy or stupid, and suffer from low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to fidget in their seats, talk too much, or shake their heads. They also have trouble paying attention to what others are saying, and frequently interrupt or make statements without considering the consequences. They are easily distracted by other stimuli and have a tendency to get bored with tasks that do not interest them. This behavior isn't triggered by a desire for being aggressive or lack of comprehension, but rather a biologically-based imbalance in the frontal lobes of the brain (Tripp & Wickens, 2009).
While everyone misplaces keys or forgets appointments occasionally, those who have inattentive ADHD tend to do it more often. This subtype of ADHD can also cause people to lose track of important information such as bills or work assignments. They are often unable to remember or lose eyeglasses, as well as other items like wallets, keys or school supplies, sports equipment, etc. They have difficulty maintaining a job, and they often start projects that never get finished.
Many people suffering from ADHD feel better at being themselves once their symptoms have been controlled. This is especially true for those who have suffered for years under the false assumption that they are incompetent or lazy because of their procrastination disorganization, and impulsive behavior.
Mental disorders, stress, and physical ailments can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. This is why the health professional must conduct a thorough assessment to determine the cause of the symptoms and identify effective treatment options. They might ask your permission to speak with family members, friends, coworkers, teachers, and other individuals who know you well to find out about your present and previous behavior and experiences. They could also conduct 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 is stressful. It is possible to feel compelled take action and tackle a problem even though you ought to take your time and plan your actions. This type of impulsivity can cause trouble with work, schoolwork, and relationships. There are also issues with your finances, driving, or managing your home.
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because their symptoms tend to be less obvious. They might 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 throughout your life can 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 must be evident in two different environments, 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 are often seen as unorganized and disorganized. You have difficulty waiting in lines or staying still for long periods of time. You have trouble staying focused while reading or working on a computer, or doing chores. You may prefer novelty over the routine, and you may procrastinate or skip tasks in order to avoid them. Although ADHD has some symptom similarities with anxiety disorders, restlessness, fidgeting and forgetfulness are not typically present. The symptoms of ADHD vary as you age and are made worse by hormonal changes such as those that occur during pregnancy or 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 cause emotional turmoil and can affect every aspect of life. People with rejection sensitivity feel more acute reactions to social signals that could be perceived as rejection compared to others. They may feel anxiety, self-esteem issues, 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 co-occur in those without these conditions as well.
RSD can cause a lack of personal boundaries, leading to impulsive behaviors and difficulties managing relationships. It can also cause people to be cautious about taking risks, limiting their personal and professional development. It can lead to depression and self-esteem issues in some. RSD can also exacerbate and intensify the core ADHD symptoms such as time blindness. This can cause problems with organisation and planning as well as the inability to focus time on unimportant tasks. RSD can also lead to issues with focus and attention span. People with RSD might be prone to ruminating on a slight over hours or even days.
Researchers have found that people suffering from RSD might have a brain disorder that affects how they process emotional information. signs of adhd adults could be due to the amygdala, responsible for the body's threat response is more active than other people when they perceive rejection. People who are sensitive to rejection may also have experienced trauma from childhood that could have a lasting influence on their emotional development. They may be more prone to rejection, criticism, and abandonment in adulthood. RSD can be affected by co-occurring mental disorders like depression or anxiety.
5. Gender-specific behaviors that are gender specific
ADHD is usually diagnosed in the early years of childhood. It's almost always diagnosed before the age of 12. The symptoms can last throughout adulthood this means that women who have the disorder can continue having problems at school or at work as well as at home and in relationships. They can also experience depression, compulsive overeating or other substance use disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can affect women's self esteem. They might blame themselves, believing they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".
Gender bias can play a role in how girls and women who suffer from ADHD are viewed. Parents and teachers are more likely to be aware of hyperactive behavior in boys with ADHD, while girls may be accused of daydreaming. This makes it difficult for them to get the assistance they require.
Furthermore, girls who have the disorder are more likely experience mood disorders and anxiety than those who suffer from the condition. They are also more likely to to hide their symptoms by using coping strategies that are typical for the gender they identify with, which may make it more difficult for others to see they are suffering from an issue.
For example, some women with ADHD may wear a lot of makeup or dress in a particular way to avoid noticing their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behaviours such as excessive alcohol or drug use, especially during adolescence. As a result, they may not seek the assistance they require until it's too late.