Many women and girls who suffer from ADHD are misdiagnosed or not diagnosed, as their symptoms differ from men's. For example, they may be more emotionally volatile or have trouble controlling their emotions.
Finding a therapist or counselor who is knowledgeable about ADHD in women can make a huge difference in turning your unique problems into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
The signs of inattention ADHD in adults could include having trouble keeping track of appointments and household tasks, ignoring deadlines at work, and having trouble to concentrate during meetings. It's also common for people who suffer from inattentive ADHD to experience a concept known as "time blindness," meaning that they often forget the time or get so caught up in their task that they lose track of the amount of time that has passed. This can cause feelings of being disorganized and unorganized, or even irresponsible.
Women with inattentive ADHD are especially adept at hiding their symptoms, which may make it harder for them to receive an diagnosis. They might have learned to cope with their inability to keep track of things by employing coping strategies such as self-denial or relying on others and resorting to unhealthy behaviors such as excessive alcohol or drug abuse.
In the end, their struggles with focus and organization may be overlooked by other people until they realize their own issues. They might have a list of foot-in mouth incidents that have embarrassed friends or colleagues, are struggling to keep their apartments and homes tidy and clean and are overwhelmed by the number of tasks on their plates.
If untreated and not diagnosed, the signs of inattention ADHD can wreak havoc on all aspects of their lives. They might miss out on social and professional events because they were not invited. In addition, they may not be able to pay their bills or return friends' phone calls in a timely fashion. They may rush through a test or not understand instructions at work or commit a few blunders in their personal relationships. At some point, they believe they are lazy or stupid and suffer from low self-esteem and confidence.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to flutter in their seats, talk too much, or be squirming. They also have trouble paying attention to what others are saying and often interrupt them or make statements without thinking about their consequences. They are easily distracted by extraneous things and are likely to become bored by things that don't appeal to them. This behavior isn't due to the desire to be defiant or a lack in comprehension, but a biologically based deficit in the frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
While everyone loses keys or forgets appointments at times people with inattention ADHD tend to do it more frequently. People who suffer from this type of ADHD also tend to lose all important information, like work or bills. They frequently forget or lose eyeglasses as well as other items like wallets, keys, school materials, sports equipment, etc. They often struggle to hold their jobs and often begin projects, but don't finish the work.
Many people who are diagnosed with adhd symptoms in men report that they feel better about themselves once their symptoms are under control. This is especially true if they have suffered for years under the false assumption that they are unreliable or lazy because of their procrastination disorganization, and impulsive behavior.
Stress, other mental health disorders, as well as physical ailments can trigger similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD. A healthcare professional will need to conduct an exhaustive examination to determine the source of the symptoms and determine effective treatments. They may ask for your consent to speak with your family members, colleagues and teachers to find out more about your past and current behavior. They may also conduct psychological tests, like 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 becomes stressful. You might be compelled by your ADHD to tackle a problem, even while you are supposed to plan and take your time. This impulsivity can lead to problems with schoolwork, work and relationships. You might also be struggling with your finances, driving, or managing your home.
Women typically have a tougher time getting diagnosed with ADHD than men because their symptoms are less obvious. They may hide behind the appearance of being conscientious and dependable. This can give them the impression that they are in control, and permit others to dismiss them as a problem child or a woman who is too emotional or an over-achiever. 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 of adhd should be present at work and at home, and can affect your ability to function.
You may find it difficult to finish assignments or work and appear disorganized and forgetful. You may have difficulty waiting in line, sitting 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 be prone to skipping tasks or putting off doing them. While the inattention and impulsivity that are characteristic of ADHD are a part of anxiety, the feeling of frustration, restlessness and forgetfulness are usually not present in these disorders. The symptoms of ADHD change as we age and are often exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is an illness of the mind that is which is characterized by extreme negative feelings and difficulty in controlling emotions. It can trigger emotional turmoil and impact many aspects of everyday life. People who have sensitivity to rejection experience more aggressive reactions than other people to social cues that could be perceived as rejection. They may feel shame, low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation when faced with rejection, either real or perceived. This is a common sign of someone suffering from ADHD or Autism however it may also be present in people who do not suffer from these conditions.
RSD can cause uncontrollable behavior and relationship issues. It can also cause people to avoid risk-taking, limiting their career and personal growth. It can cause depression and self-esteem issues in some. RSD is also known to cause and intensify the core ADHD symptoms, such as time blindness. This can cause problems with planning and organization and also wasting time on unimportant tasks. It can also result in difficulties focusing and attention span, and people with RSD are prone to thinking about a minor issue for days or hours.
Researchers have discovered that people with RSD might be suffering from a brain disorder that affects how they process emotional information. This could be due to the fact that the amygdala (which is responsible for the body's threat response) is more active when people feel rejected. People who are sensitive to rejection may also have experienced childhood trauma that could have a lasting impact on their emotional development. This could make people more sensitive to rejection, criticism, and abandonment in adulthood. RSD can be influenced by co-occurring mental illnesses like depression or anxiety.
5. Gender Atypical Behaviors
ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood. It is almost always diagnosed before the age of 12. The symptoms are likely to last until the age of adulthood. This means that women who suffer from the disorder might be unable to cope with problems at school, work, home and in relationships. They may also suffer from depression, compulsive eating disorders, or other addiction disorders. Years of undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can have a negative impact on women's self-esteem and they could blame themselves for their troubles by imagining themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."
Gender bias is a factor in how girls and women who suffer from female adhd symptoms are viewed. The majority of boys with ADHD display hyperactive behaviors that are easy for teachers and parents to notice, whereas girls with the same key symptoms of adhd could be accused of daydreaming or flighty. This makes it difficult for them to get the assistance they require.
Additionally, girls with the condition are more likely to experience anxiety and other mood disorders as compared to boys who suffer from the disorder. They may also try to hide their symptoms using coping techniques that are more common for the gender they identify with. This can make it difficult for others to recognize that they are suffering.
For example, some women with ADHD might use excessive makeup or dress in a certain way to avoid noticing their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behaviors like drinking excessively or use of drugs, especially during the adolescent stage. They might not seek help until it's too late.