Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis because their symptoms are different from men's. They may have more emotional instability, or struggle to control their emotions.
Finding a clinician or therapist who is knowledgeable about ADHD in women can make all the difference in turning your individual difficulties into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Inattention-related symptoms in ADHD in adults may include having trouble keeping track of appointments and household tasks, missing deadlines at work, and having trouble to stay focused during meetings. It is also common for those with inattention ADHD to experience a phenomenon called "time blindness," meaning that they frequently forget the time or get so caught up in their work that they forget the amount of time that has passed. This can result in feelings of being disorganized, behind or irresponsible.
Women with inattention ADHD are particularly adept in obscuring their symptoms. This can make it difficult to obtain a diagnosis. They may have learned to overcome their difficulty in staying organized by using coping tools like self-denial, relying on others, or resorting to unhealthy behaviors like excessive alcohol or substance abuse.
As a result, their difficulties with organization and focus can be overlooked by others until they start to notice their own issues. They may have a list of foot-in-mouth moments that have embarrassed friends or colleagues, struggle to keep their homes and apartments tidy and clean and are overwhelmed by the number of work they have to complete.
If untreated and not diagnosed, the signs of inattention ADHD can wreak havoc on all aspects of their lives. They may be left out of social events and professional opportunities because they're not invited, or fail to pay the bills or answer phone calls from friends promptly. They might take a test too fast or misunderstand the instructions at work, or make naive mistakes in their relationships with others. They start to believe that they are lazy or stupid and suffer from low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to flutter in their seats, talk excessively or be squirming. They also have trouble paying attentively to what others are saying and often interrupt them or make statements without thinking about the consequences. They are easily distracted and bored by tasks which do not entice them. The behavior isn't triggered by a desire for defiance or a lack of comprehension and is due to a biological deficit in the frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
Those who have inattention ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or misplace keys than other people. People with this type of ADHD also have a tendency to lose the track of important information, like work or bills. They frequently forget or lose eyeglasses and other things like keys, wallets or school supplies such as sports equipment, etc. They often struggle to hold an occupation and often start projects, but do not finish them.
adult add symptoms who are diagnosed with ADHD say they feel more confident about themselves after their symptoms are under control. This is especially true for those who have been suffering for a long time with the false impression that they are incompetent or lazy due to their procrastination, disordered behavior, and impulsive behaviors.
Stress, mental disorders, and physical illnesses can trigger 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 talk with family members, friends, colleagues and teachers, as well as others who know you well to learn about your current and past behaviour and experiences. They could also administer psychological tests, like the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders and the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Inventory.
3. Impulsivity
Having ADHD can make it hard to stop and take a breath, especially when things get stressful. You may feel compelled to jump in and tackle something even though you should take your time and plan your actions. This can lead to problems at work, in school, or with relationships. There are also issues with your finances, driving, or managing your home.
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD are less obvious. They might appear to being dependable and conscientious. This can give a false sense of security, and make it easier for others to dismiss them as a child with a problem, an overly emotional woman or a perfectionist. This can lead to a lifetime of undiagnosed ADHD can cause severe 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 as well as at home and interfere with your ability to function.
You might find it difficult to finish assignments or work and look disorganized and forgetful. You have a hard time waiting in lines or staying still for long periods of time and have trouble staying focused while reading or working on a computer or performing chores. You prefer novelty to the daily grind and may find yourself avoiding tasks or putting off completing them. While the inattention and impulsivity of ADHD share some symptoms with anxiety, restlessness, fidgeting, and forgetfulness are typically not seen in these disorders. The symptoms of ADHD fluctuate with age and are exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations like those that occur during pregnancy or menopause.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is a mental health condition characterized by extreme negative emotions and difficulty in controlling emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and influences every aspect of life. People with rejection sensitivity have more intense reactions than others to social cues that could be perceived as rejection. They may feel anxiety, self-esteem issues, and emotional dysregulation when confronted with rejection, either real or perceived. This is a typical sign of someone suffering from ADHD or Autism, but can also happen to those without these conditions.
RSD can lead to an inability to set personal boundaries, which leads to impulsive behavior and difficulty managing relationships. It can also make people avoid taking risks, which could limit their career as well as personal growth. For some, it may even cause the complete loss of self-esteem and a sense of depression. RSD is also known to exacerbate and intensify core ADHD symptoms, like time blindness. This can lead to problems with planning and organisation, as well wasting time on unimportant tasks. It can also result in difficulties in focusing and attention span, and people with RSD can get stuck contemplating a small issue for hours or days.
Researchers have discovered that those suffering from RSD might be suffering from 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) is more active when people experience rejection. People who are sensitive to rejection may have also experienced trauma in their childhood which can have a long-lasting influence on their emotional development. They may be more sensitive to criticism, rejection and abandonment in the adult years. Other mental health disorders that are co-occurring 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
Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from the disorder in their childhood, and almost always receive a diagnosis before age 12. Symptoms tend to persist throughout adulthood, which means that women with the disorder can continue having difficulties at school or at work, at home, and in relationships. They might also be suffering from depression, compulsive eating, or substance abuse disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can affect women's self-esteem. They may blame themselves, thinking they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".
Gender bias plays a role in the way women and girls are perceived when they exhibit ADHD symptoms. Parents and teachers are more likely to notice excessive behavior in boys suffering from ADHD, whereas girls might be accused of daydreaming. This makes it difficult for them to get the help they need.
Additionally, girls with the disorder are more likely be afflicted by mood disorders and anxiety as compared to boys who suffer from the disorder. They may also be more likely to try to hide their symptoms by employing strategies for coping that are typical of the gender they identify with, which may make it more difficult for others to realize that they have an issue.
Some women suffering from ADHD might use a lot of makeup or dress in a certain way in order to hide their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behavior like drinking excessively or drug use, particularly in the adolescent years. They might not seek help until it's too late.