Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About

Many girls and women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed or are misdiagnosed as their symptoms manifest differently from men's. For example, they may have more emotional instability or have trouble regulating their emotions.

Finding a therapist or a clinician who understands ADHD and women can make an enormous difference in transforming your unique challenges into strengths.

1. Inattentiveness

Adults who suffer from inattention ADHD might have difficulty keeping the track of their schedules and household chores and may miss deadlines at work and have trouble staying focused during meetings. Inattentive ADHD sufferers frequently suffer from "time blindness," which is when they forget to count the minutes or become so absorbed in their work that they forget about time. This can cause feelings of being unorganized, behind or irresponsible.

Women with inattentive ADHD are particularly adept in obscuring their symptoms, which can make it difficult to get an assessment. They might have learned to compensate for their difficulty in staying organized by using coping tools like self-denial, relying upon others, and even using unhealthy habits like excessive alcohol or substance abuse.

This is why their issues in focusing and organization can be overlooked by others until they realize their own problems. They might have a long list of foot-in-mouth moments that have embarrassed their friends or coworkers, struggle to keep their apartments and homes tidy and clean and are overwhelmed by the volume of work they have to complete.

Undiagnosed and untreated symptoms of inattention ADHD will negatively impact nearly every aspect of their life. They might miss out on professional and social opportunities because they were not invited. Or, they might not be able to pay their bills or respond to phone calls from friends in a timely fashion. They might take a test too fast, misunderstand instructions at work, or make careless mistakes in their relationships with others. Eventually, they begin to believe that they are stupid or lazy, and struggle with low self-esteem and confidence.

2. Hyperactivity

Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to fidget in their seats, talk too much, or be squirming. They also have trouble paying attentively to the words of others and often interrupt them or make statements without thinking about their implications. They are easily distracted and bored by tasks that don't interest them. The behavior is not caused by a desire to be aggressive or lack of comprehension, but rather a biologically-based imbalance in the frontal lobes of the brain (Tripp & Wickens, 2009).

People with inattention ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or misplace keys than others. People with this subtype of ADHD also tend to lose the track of important information, like bills or work assignments. They frequently forget or lose their wallets, eyeglasses, keys, sports equipment, and/or school supplies. They often have difficulty keeping an occupation and often start projects but never complete their work.

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 suffered for years under the false assumption that they are incompetent or lazy due to their procrastination, indecisiveness, and disorganization.

Stress, mental health disorders, and physical ailments can cause similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD. Due to this, your health care provider should conduct a thorough assessment to determine the cause of the symptoms and recommend effective treatment options. They might ask your permission to talk to your family members, colleagues and teachers to get more information about your past and present behavior. They could also conduct psychological tests, such as the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders or the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Index.

3. Impulsivity

ADHD can make stopping and taking a breath more difficult particularly when the situation is stressful. You may be compelled by your ADHD to tackle a problem even when you need to plan and take your time. This can lead to difficulties with schoolwork, work, and relationships. You might also have issues with finances, driving or managing your home.

Women are more likely to be diagnosed with adhd symptoms anger because their main symptoms of adhd in adults (these details) are less obvious. They can cover up their symptoms of high functioning adhd by claiming to be being trustworthy and diligent. This can create a false sense of security, and make it easier for others to view them as a child with a problem, an excessively emotional or a perfectionist. Undiagnosed ADHD throughout your life can seriously 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 should be present at work and at home, and they can hinder your ability to function.

You might find it difficult to complete work or school assignments and look disorganized and forgetful. You might have trouble waiting in line, sitting still or staying focused when reading, working on the computer, or doing household chores. You might prefer a different approach to the daily grind and may delay or avoid tasks to avoid them. While the inattention and impulsivity that are characteristic of ADHD share some symptoms with anxiety, frustration, restlessness, and forgetfulness are typically not seen in these disorders. The symptoms of ADHD vary as we age and are often exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations like those that occur during menopausal or pregnancy.

4. Rejection Sensitivity

Rejection sensitivity is a psychological disorder that is characterized by extreme negative emotions and a difficulty in controlling emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and impact many aspects of life. People with rejection sensitivity feel more emotional reactions to social cues which could be perceived as rejection compared to other people. They may experience feelings of anxiety, self-esteem issues, and emotional dysregulation when confronted with rejection, whether it is real or perceived. This is a common sign of someone suffering from ADHD or Autism, but can also occur in those without these conditions.

RSD can cause an impulsive behavior and relationship issues. It can also cause people to avoid risk-taking, which may limit their career as well as personal development. For some, it can even lead to an entire loss of self-esteem and a sense of depression. RSD can also exacerbate and amplify the primary ADHD symptoms such as time blindness. This can lead to problems with planning and organization as well as being a waste of time doing things that aren't important. RSD can also cause issues with focus and attention span. People suffering from RSD might be prone to ruminating on a slight over hours or even days.

Researchers have discovered that those suffering from RSD might be suffering from a brain disorder that affects the way they process emotional information. This could be due to the amygdala, which is responsible for the body's threat response, activates more than other people when they experience rejection. People who are sensitive to rejection may have also experienced trauma in their childhood that could have a lasting impact on their emotional development. This can make them more sensitive to criticism, rejection, and abandonment as adults. RSD can be affected by co-occurring mental disorders such as anxiety or depression.

5. Gender Atypical Behaviors

Many people with ADHD develop the disorder during childhood, and they almost always receive a diagnosis before the age of 12. The symptoms can last until adulthood, which means that women with the disorder may have trouble at work or school at home, as well as in relationships. They can also struggle with depression, compulsive eating, or substance use disorders. Undiagnosed adhd symptoms in young adults can affect women's self-esteem. They may blame themselves, thinking they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".

Gender bias plays a part in the way that girls and women are viewed when they display adhd test symptoms symptoms. Teachers and parents are more likely to be aware of excessive behavior in boys suffering from ADHD, while girls may be accused of daydreaming. This makes it difficult for them to get the help they need.

Furthermore, girls who have the condition are more likely to be afflicted by mood disorders and anxiety than those who suffer from the condition. They are also more likely to to hide their symptoms by using coping strategies that are typical of the gender they identify with, which can make it difficult for others to realize that they are suffering from an issue.

For instance, women suffering from ADHD may wear lots of makeup or dress in a particular way to avoid noticing their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behaviors such as excessive alcohol or drug use, particularly during the adolescent years. They may not seek help until it's too late.