Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women with ADHD aren't diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis because their symptoms are different from males. They might experience more emotional volatility, or have trouble controlling their emotions.
Finding a therapist or clinician who understands ADHD and women can make a a huge difference in transforming your unique difficulties into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults with inattention ADHD might have difficulty keeping the track of their household chores and appointments, miss deadlines at work and struggle to stay focused in meetings. It is also typical for people with inattentive ADHD to experience a concept called "time blindness," meaning that they frequently forget what time it is or get so engulfed in their work that they forget how long it has taken. This can lead to feelings of being disorganized and unorganized, or even irresponsible.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD are particularly adept at hiding their symptoms, which may make it more difficult to get an assessment. They may have learned to compensate for their difficulty in staying well-organized by employing coping strategies like self-denial, relying upon others, and even using unhealthy habits like excessive drinking or substance abuse.
They might not even realize the issue until they begin to recognize that they have a problem. They may have a list of embarrassing instances where they embarrassed their colleagues or friends. They may also struggle to keep their homes and homes clean and organized and feel overwhelmed by their workload.
Undiagnosed and untreated symptoms of inattentive ADHD can negatively impact the entirety of their lives. They may be unable to participate in social and professional events because they were not invited. Or, they might not pay their bills or return friends' phone calls in a timely fashion. They might be rushed through a test, misunderstand instructions at work, or commit naive mistakes in their relationships with others. They begin to think that they are lazy or stupid and suffer from low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
People with hyperactive ADHD may be prone to fidget, squirming in their seats, or talk a lot. They also struggle to pay attention to what others are saying and often interrupt them or make statements without thinking about their consequences. They are easily distracted by extraneous stimuli and have a tendency to become bored by things that don't appeal to them. The behavior isn't caused by a desire to be defiant or a lack of understanding, but rather a biologically-based imbalance in the frontal lobes of the brain (Tripp & Wickens, 2009).
While everyone loses keys or forgets to make appointments at times, those who have inattention ADHD are more likely to do this often. People with this type of ADHD also have a tendency to lose the track of important information, such as work or bills. They frequently lose or forget their wallets, eyeglasses keys, sports equipment, or school supplies. They are unable to maintain a job, and they often start projects that never end.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD find themselves feeling better about themselves once their symptoms are under control. This is particularly applicable if the person had been misled for years to believe that they are incompetent or lazy due to their procrastination or disorganization.
Stress, other mental health issues, and physical illnesses can cause similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD. A healthcare professional will have to conduct a thorough evaluation in order to identify the cause of the symptoms, and determine effective treatments. They may request your permission to talk to family members, friends, coworkers and teachers, as well as other individuals who know you well to learn about your past and present behaviors and experiences. They might also conduct 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. You might feel compelled by your ADHD to tackle a problem, even though you should plan and take your time. This type of impulsivity can cause trouble with work, schoolwork, and relationships. You might also be struggling with your finances, driving, or managing your home.
Women often have a harder to be diagnosed with ADHD than men because their symptoms aren't as obvious. They might hide their issues behind appearances of being trustworthy, reliable and well-organized. This could create a false impression that they're in control and allows others to dismiss them as a child with a problem or a woman who is too emotional or an over-achiever. As attention deficit disorder symptoms adults , a lifetime of undiagnosed ADHD can cause 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 and at home, and they can hinder your ability to function.
You may find it difficult to complete assignments or work and seem unorganized and forgetful. You have difficulty waiting in line or sitting still for long periods of time and find it difficult to concentrate when reading or working on a computer, or doing chores. You prefer novelty to the daily grind and may find yourself skipping tasks or putting off completing them. While the inattention and impulsivity that are characteristic of ADHD have some resemblances to anxiety, the feeling of restlessness, fidgeting and forgetfulness are usually not seen in these disorders. The symptoms of ADHD fluctuate with age and are exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations like those that occur during menopausal or pregnancy.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a psychological disorder characterized by extreme negative feelings and difficulty in regulating emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and influences every aspect of life. People who are sensitive to rejection experience more acute reactions to social cues which could be perceived as rejection than other people. They may feel shame, low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation when faced with rejection, whether real or perceived. It is a typical condition for those with ADHD and Autism however it may be present in people without these conditions as well.
RSD can cause impulsive behavior and relationship problems. It can also cause people to avoid risk-taking, limiting their career and personal growth. It can cause depression and self-esteem issues for certain. RSD is also known to exacerbate and amplify the core ADHD symptoms, like time blindness. This can cause problems with planning and organisation, as well as wasting time on tasks that are not important. It can also cause difficulties in focusing and attention span, and those suffering from RSD can get stuck ruminating on a slight for hours or days.
Researchers have discovered that those with RSD might be suffering from 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, activates more than other individuals when they perceive rejection. It's also thought that people with rejection sensitivity might have suffered from childhood trauma which could have lasting effects on their emotional development. They may be more prone to criticism, rejection, 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 gender specific
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from the disorder in the earliest years of their lives, and they nearly always get a diagnosis prior to the age of 12. The symptoms tend to persist throughout adulthood. This means that women who suffer from the disorder may continue to have problems at work, school, home and in relationships. They may also suffer from depression, compulsive eating, or substance abuse disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can affect women's self-esteem. They may be tempted to blame themselves, believing that they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".
Gender bias plays a role in how women and girls with ADHD are perceived. Boys with the condition typically display hyperactive behaviors that are easy for teachers and parents to notice, whereas girls with the same symptoms could be accused of daydreaming or anxious. This makes it difficult for them to get the support they require.
Girls with the disorder are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and other mood disorders. They might also attempt to conceal their symptoms by using strategies for coping that are more prevalent for the gender they identify with. This could make it difficult for others to recognize that they are suffering from a disorder.
For instance, women suffering from ADHD might use excessive makeup or dress in a particular way so that they don't notice their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behaviors like drinking excessively or drug use, particularly during the adolescent years. They may not seek help until it's too late.