Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD are misdiagnosed, or go undiagnosed, because their symptoms are different from those of men. For example, they may experience more emotional volatility or have a harder time managing their emotions.
Finding a therapist who understands ADHD and women can make an enormous difference in transforming your unique problems into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults who suffer from inattention ADHD might have difficulty keeping track of their household chores and appointments, are late at work and find it difficult to remain focused during meetings. It is also typical for people who suffer from inattentive ADHD to experience a phenomenon known as "time blindness," meaning that they often forget what time it is or get so caught up in their task that they forget how long it has taken. This can lead to feelings of being unorganized, behind, or irresponsible.
Women with inattentive ADHD are particularly good at hiding their symptoms, which can make it more difficult for them to receive an assessment. They might have learned to compensate for their trouble staying organized by using coping tools like self-denial, relying on others, or even using unhealthy habits like excessive drinking or drug abuse.
They might not even realize the issue until they realize that they have a problem. They might have a list of embarrassing moments where they've embarrassed their coworkers or friends. They may also struggle to keep their apartments and homes clean and organized and are overwhelmed by the amount of work they have to do.
Untreated and undiagnosed symptoms of inattention ADHD can negatively impact nearly every aspect of their life. They may be unable to attend social events and professional opportunities because they're not invited, or fail to pay the bills or answer phone calls from friends in a timely manner. They may take a test too fast or fail to follow instructions at work, or commit naive mistakes in their personal relationships. They may begin to think they are stupid or lazy and have low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to fidget in their seats, talk excessively or shake their heads. They also struggle to pay close attention to what others are saying, and often interrupt them or make statements without considering their implications. They are easily distracted by irrelevant stimuli and tend to get bored with tasks that don't interest them. The behavior isn't caused by a desire to appear aggressive or lack of comprehension it is a result of a biological imbalance in the frontal lobes of the brain (Tripp & Wickens, 2009).
While everyone loses keys or forgets about appointments at times people with inattentive ADHD tend to do it more frequently. This type of ADHD can also cause people to lose track important information, such as bills or work assignments. They are often unable to remember or lose eyeglasses as well as other items such as wallets, keys and school supplies and sports equipment. They are unable to maintain an occupation, and often begin projects that never get finished.
Many adults with ADHD feel more confident at being themselves once their symptoms have been managed. This is especially true if the person has been misled for a number of years to believe that they are incompetent or lazy due to their procrastination or disorganization.
Stress, mental health issues, and physical ailments can cause similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD. A doctor will require an extensive examination to identify the cause of the symptoms and then determine the most effective treatment. They may ask you to talk with family members, friends, colleagues and teachers as well as other individuals who know you well to find out about your past and present behaviour and experiences. They might also administer psychological tests such as the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders or the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Index.
3. Impulsivity
Being diagnosed with ADHD can make it hard to take a breath, particularly when you are stressed. 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 impulsivity may lead to problems at work, in school, or with relationships. There are also click through the next article with finances, driving or managing your home.
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD are less apparent. They may hide behind the appearance of being conscientious and dependable. This can create a false sense of security, and make it easier for others to view them as a child with a problem, an overly emotional woman or an over-achiever. This can lead to a lifetime of undiagnosed ADHD can do serious 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 can affect your ability to function.
You might have a hard time following through with school or work tasks and often appear forgetful and unorganized. You have difficulty waiting in lines or staying still for long periods of time and find it difficult to concentrate when reading or working on a computer or working on chores. You like the novelty of the routine and could be prone to skipping tasks or putting off doing them. While ADHD has some symptom similarities with anxiety disorders, restlessness, fidgeting and forgetfulness aren't typically present. The symptoms of ADHD are prone to change with age, and can be exacerbated by hormonal changes such as menopausal and pregnancy.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is a mental health condition that is characterized by extreme negative emotions and difficulty regulating emotions. It causes emotional turbulence and influences every aspect of life. People with rejection sensitivity have more intense reactions than others to social cues, which could be perceived as rejection. When they are faced with rejection - whether real or perceived - they may feel shame, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation. 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 a lack of personal boundaries, which leads to impulsive behaviors and trouble managing relationships. It can also make people avoid taking risks, which can limit their career as well as personal growth. It can also cause depression and self-esteem issues for certain. RSD is also known to intensify and intensify the core ADHD symptoms, including time blindness. This can cause problems with planning and organisation as well as spending time on tasks that are not important. RSD can also cause issues with focus and attention span. People with RSD may ruminate on an incident for 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 amygdala brain, which is responsible for the body's response to threats is more active than other individuals when they experience rejection. People who are sensitive to rejection may also have experienced trauma from childhood which can have a long-lasting impact on their emotional development. They may be more sensitive to rejection, criticism, and abandonment in the adult years. 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 often diagnosed in the early years of childhood. It is almost always diagnosed before the age of 12 years old. The symptoms tend to persist throughout adulthood. This means that women suffering from the disorder may continue to have problems at school, at work at home, and in relationships. They may also suffer from anxiety, depression, or other addiction disorders. Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can take a toll on women's self-esteem and they can blame themselves for their troubles by imagining themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."
Gender bias is a factor in the way that girls and women are perceived when they display ADHD symptoms. Boys with the condition typically display hyperactive behaviors that are easy for teachers and parents to observe, while girls who have those same symptoms could be accused of daydreaming or hyperactive. This makes it harder for them to get the help they need.
Furthermore, girls with the disorder are more likely to suffer from anxiety and other mood disorders than boys with the condition. They are also more likely to try to mask their symptoms by employing strategies for coping that are typical of the gender they identify with, which could make it more difficult for others to see they have an issue.
Women with ADHD may wear a lot of makeup or dress in a certain way to conceal their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behaviours such as drinking excessively or drug use, particularly during the adolescent years. In the end, they might not seek out the assistance they require until it is too late.