Many girls and women with ADHD go undiagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis because their symptoms manifest differently than males. They may have more emotional volatility, or have trouble controlling their emotions.
Finding a therapist or clinician who understands ADHD and women can make an enormous difference in transforming your unique problems into strengths.
1. InattentivenessThe signs of inattention ADHD in adults may include difficulty keeping on top of household and appointment tasks, missing deadlines at work, and having trouble to stay focused during meetings. It is also typical for people with inattentive ADHD to experience a phenomenon known as "time blindness," meaning that they often forget the time or are so caught up in their task that they lose track of how much time has passed. This can cause feelings of being unorganized and unprepared, or perhaps irresponsible.
Women with inattentive ADHD are particularly good at hiding their symptoms, which can make it harder for them to receive an diagnosis. They might have learned to overcome their difficulty in staying organised by using coping methods like self-denial, relying upon others, or even resorting to unhealthy behaviors like excessive alcohol or substance abuse.
They might not even realize the issue until they begin to recognize it for themselves. They may have a list of embarrassing moments where they've embarrassed their coworkers or friends. They may also struggle to keep their apartments and homes neat and tidy and are overwhelmed by the amount of work they have to do.
When undiagnosed and untreated the symptoms of inattention uncommon adhd symptoms can cause havoc in virtually every area of their lives. They might be unable to attend social events and professional opportunities because they're not invited, or fail to pay their bills or answer phone calls from friends promptly. They may take a test too fast or fail to follow instructions at work, or commit naive mistakes in their personal relationships. They start to believe that they are lazy or stupid, and suffer from low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
People who suffer from hyperactive impulsive adhd symptoms ADHD might be prone to fidget, squirming in their seat, and talk a lot. They may have trouble paying attention to what other people are saying. They often interrupt or make statements that they don't consider. They are easily distracted and bored by things that do not interest them. The behavior isn't caused by a desire to be insolent or a lack of understanding it is a result of a biological imbalance in the frontal lobes of the brain (Tripp & Wickens, 2009).
While everyone loses keys or forgets to make appointments from time to time people with inattention add adhd symptoms do it far more often. People who suffer from this type of ADHD also have a tendency to lose track of important information, like bills or work assignments. They frequently forget or lose eyeglasses as well as other items like keys, wallets and school supplies and sports equipment. They are unable to maintain an occupation, and often start projects that never get finished.
Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD find themselves feeling more confident about themselves after 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 unreliable or lazy due to their procrastination, indecisiveness, and disorganization.
Stress, other mental health issues, and physical illnesses can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. A healthcare professional will require an extensive examination to determine the source of the symptoms, and determine effective treatments. They may request 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 might 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 hard to stop and take a deep breath, especially when things are stressful. You may feel compelled to jump in and tackle something even though you ought to take your time and plan your actions. This impulsivity can lead to difficulties 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 the symptoms of adhd in adults symptoms women are less apparent. They might cover up their symptoms by claiming to be being conscientious and dependable. This could give them the impression that they're in control and allow people to dismiss them as a child with a problem or a woman who is too emotional or an over-achiever. As a result, 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 must be present in two different settings such as at home and work, and interfere with your ability to function.
You might have a hard to complete school or work-related tasks, and you may appear unfocused and disorganized. You might have trouble waiting in line, sat down or staying focused when reading, working on the computer, or performing household chores. You are drawn to novelty over the monotony of life and might find yourself avoiding tasks or procrastinating to avoid them. While ADHD has some symptom similarities with anxiety disorders, restlessness, fidgeting and forgetfulness aren't typically present. The symptoms of ADHD fluctuate as we age and are often exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations like those that occur during menopausal or pregnancy.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is mental health disorder that is that is characterized by extreme negative emotions and difficulty regulating emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and can affect every aspect of life. People with rejection sensitivity have more extreme reactions than other people to social cues which may be perceived as rejection. They may feel shame, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation when confronted with rejection, whether real or perceived. It is a typical sign for people suffering from ADHD and Autism however it may co-occur in those without these conditions as well.
RSD can trigger an impulsive behavior and relationship issues. It can also cause people to be cautious about taking risks, limiting their career as well as personal growth. It can lead to depression and self-esteem issues for some. RSD can also intensify and increase the severity of core ADHD symptoms like time blindness. This can result in issues with planning and organisation, as well as wasting time on irrelevant tasks. It can also result in difficulties focusing and attention span, and those with RSD may be stuck ruminating on a slight 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 because the amygdala brain, which is responsible for the body's response to threats and is activated more than other people when they feel rejected. It is also believed that people who feel a sensitivity to rejection might have experienced childhood trauma, which can leave permanent effects on their emotional development. This makes them more prone to rejection, criticism and abandonment when they are adults. Mental health disorders that co-occur such as depression or anxiety can also affect RSD by affecting emotional regulation.
5. Gender-specific behaviors that are gender specific
Many people suffering from ADHD develop the condition during the earliest years of their lives, and they nearly always receive a diagnosis before the age of 12. The symptoms can last throughout adulthood this means that women with the disorder may have difficulties at school or at work, at home, and in relationships. They may also suffer from depression, compulsive eating disorders, or addiction disorders. Years of undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can be a drain on women's self-esteem and they could blame themselves for their issues because they think of themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."
Gender bias is a factor in how girls and women are perceived when they exhibit ADHD symptoms. Teachers and parents are more likely to observe excessive behavior in boys suffering from ADHD, while girls may be accused of a daydream. This makes it more difficult for them to receive the assistance they require.
Additionally, girls with the disorder are more likely to suffer from mood disorders and anxiety than those who suffer from the condition. They might also attempt to conceal their symptoms by using strategies for coping that are more common for the gender they identify with. This can make it difficult for others to recognize that they are suffering from a disorder.
Women with ADHD may wear a lot of makeup or dress a certain way in order to hide their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behavior like drinking excessively or drug use, particularly during the adolescent stage. They might not seek help until it's too late.