Sarah Behrends

Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About

Many girls and women who have ADHD are misdiagnosed, or are not diagnosed, due to the fact that their symptoms are different from those of men. They may experience more emotional volatility, or a hard time controlling their emotions.

Finding a therapist or a therapist who is knowledgeable about ADHD in women can make all the difference in turning your individual challenges into strengths.

1. Inattentiveness

The signs of inattention ADHD in adults may include difficulty keeping track of appointments and household tasks, ignoring deadlines at work, and battling to concentrate during meetings. Inattention ADHD sufferers frequently experience "time blindness," which is when they lose track of time or are so involved in their work that they lose track of time. This can cause feelings of being disorganized and unprepared, or perhaps irresponsible.

Women with inattentive ADHD can be particularly adept at hiding their symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. They might have learned to cope with their inability to stay organized by employing coping strategies such as self-denial or relying on other people and resorting to unhealthy habits like excessive drinking or using drugs.

This is why their difficulties with focus and organization may go unnoticed by other people until they begin to recognize their own problems. They may have a long list of foot-in mouth incidents that have embarrassed their friends or coworkers, are struggling to keep their homes and apartments tidy and clean, and feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of work they have to complete.

Untreated and undiagnosed symptoms of inattentive ADHD will negatively impact almost every aspect of their lives. They may be unable to attend occasions for professional or social gatherings because they're not invited, or fail to pay bills or return phone calls from friends in a timely manner. They might be rushed through a test or misunderstand the instructions at work, or make careless mistakes in their personal relationships. They may begin to think they are lazy or stupid and have low self-esteem.

2. Hyperactivity

People who suffer from hyperactive ADHD may fidget, squirm in their seats, or talk too much. 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 other stimuli and tend to get bored with tasks that do not interest them. This behavior isn't due to a desire for defiance or a lack of understanding it is a biological deficit in the frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).

While everyone loses keys or forgets appointments occasionally people with inattentive ADHD do it far more frequently. This subtype of ADHD can cause people to lose track of important information such as bills or work assignments. They frequently forget or lose their eyeglasses, wallets, keys, sports equipment and/or school materials. They often have difficulty keeping an occupation and often start projects, but do not complete the work.

Many people who are diagnosed with adhd disease symptoms find themselves feeling more confident once their symptoms are under control. This is especially true if they have suffered for years under the false assumption that they are lazy or irresponsible because of their procrastination disorganization, and impulsive behavior.

Stress, mental disorders and physical illnesses can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Because of this, the health professional must conduct a thorough assessment to determine the cause of the symptoms and recommend effective treatment options. They may ask you to speak with family members, friends, coworkers and teachers as well as others who know you well to get information about your past and present behaviour and experiences. They may also conduct psychological tests such as the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders and the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Inventory.

3. Impulsivity

ADHD can make stopping and taking a breath difficult especially when the situation is stressful. You may feel compelled to jump in and tackle something even though you should be patient and plan your actions. This can lead to issues at work, at school, or with relationships. You may also have problems 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 can cover up their symptoms by claiming to be being conscientious and dependable. This can create an illusion of security, and make it easier for others to view them as a troublemaker, excessively emotional, or a perfectionist. Undiagnosed ADHD over a lifetime can severely damage 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 at work and at home and interfere with your ability to function.

You might find it difficult to finish homework or school assignments, and seem unorganized and forgetful. You have a hard time waiting in line or sat for long periods of time and are unable to stay focused when reading, working on a computer or working on chores. You are drawn to novelty over the monotony of life and might be prone to skipping tasks or procrastinating to avoid them. Although ADHD shares some symptoms with anxiety disorders restlessness, fidgeting, and forgetfulness are not typically present. The symptoms of ADHD fluctuate with age and are exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations like those that are experienced during menopausal pregnancy or menopausal menopausal.

4. Rejection Sensitivity

Rejection sensitivity is a mental disorder that is characterized by extreme negative feelings and a difficulty in controlling emotions. It can trigger emotional turmoil and affect many aspects of everyday life. People who have sensitivity to rejection experience more extreme reactions than other people to social cues, which could be perceived as rejection. When they face rejection - 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 may also be present in people without these conditions.

RSD can trigger an impulsive behavior and relationship issues. It can also make people avoid taking risks, which can hinder their personal and professional growth. For some, it can cause an entire loss of self-esteem and a feeling of depression. RSD is also known to intensify and increase the severity of the most fundamental ADHD symptoms of adhd burnout, including time blindness. This can cause problems with planning and organization as well as being a waste of time doing things that aren't important. It can also result in difficulties focus and attention span and those suffering from RSD may be stuck thinking about a minor issue for hours or even days.

Research suggests that people with RSD might have a brain impairment in the processing of emotional information. This could be due to the fact that the amygdala (which is responsible for the body’s threat response) activates more when people feel rejected. People who have sensitivity to rejection could have also experienced trauma in their childhood which can have a long-lasting influence on their emotional development. This can make people more sensitive to rejection, criticism, and abandonment in adulthood. Mental health disorders that co-occur such as depression or anxiety can also influence RSD by affecting emotional regulation.

5. Gender-specific behaviors that are gender specific

ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood. It is usually diagnosed before the age of 12 years old. The symptoms of adhd in adult women are likely to last well into adulthood. This means that women with the disorder might be unable to cope with problems at school, work at home, and in relationships. They may also suffer from depression, compulsive eating, or substance abuse disorders. Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can take a toll on self-esteem and confidence and they can blame themselves for their issues because they think of themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."

Gender bias is a factor in how women and girls are perceived when they exhibit ADHD symptoms. The majority of boys with ADHD exhibit hyperactive behavior that is easy for teachers and parents to notice, whereas girls with the same symptoms could be accused of daydreaming or flighty. This makes it harder for them to receive the help they need.

Furthermore, girls who have the disorder are more likely suffer from mood disorders and anxiety than boys with the condition. They are also more likely to to mask their symptoms by using coping strategies that are typical of the gender they identify with, which may make it harder for others to see they are suffering from an issue.

Some women suffering from ADHD may use a lot makeup or dress a certain way to conceal their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behaviors such as drinking excessively or drug use, especially during the adolescent stage. They might not seek assistance until it's too late.