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Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About

Many women and girls who suffer from ADHD are misdiagnosed or not diagnosed, as their symptoms differ from men's. For example, they may experience more emotional volatility or have trouble managing their emotions.

Finding a therapist or clinician who is knowledgeable of ADHD and women can make a an enormous difference in turning your unique problems into strengths.

1. Inattentiveness

Adults with inattentive ADHD may have difficulty keeping track of their appointments and household chores and may have trouble meeting deadlines at work, and have trouble staying focused during meetings. Inattentional ADHD sufferers frequently experience "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 lead to feelings of being disorganized and unprepared, or perhaps irresponsible.


Women who have inattention ADHD are particularly adept in obscuring their symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to get an assessment. They may have learned to compensate for their inability to keep track of things through strategies for coping such as self-denial or relying on others and resorting to unhealthy behaviors like excessive alcohol or drug abuse.

This is why their difficulties in focusing and organization can 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 friends or colleagues, are struggling to keep their homes and apartments tidy and clean, and feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of work they have to complete.

If untreated and not diagnosed the symptoms of inattention ADHD can wreak havoc on virtually every area of their lives. They may miss out on social and professional opportunities due to the fact that they weren't invited. In addition, they may not pay their bills or return phone calls from friends in a timely fashion. They may rush through a test or fail to follow instructions at work, or commit naive mistakes in their relationships with others. They begin to think that they are stupid or lazy, and suffer from low self-esteem.

2. Hyperactivity

People with hyperactive ADHD might be prone to fidget, squirming in their seats, and talk a lot. They also struggle to pay attentively to what others are saying, and frequently interrupt or make statements without thinking about the consequences. They are easily distracted by extraneous things and are likely to get bored with tasks that don't interest them. This behavior isn't triggered by a desire to be aggressive or lack of understanding and is more likely a result of a biological imbalance in the frontal lobes of the brain (Tripp & Wickens, 2009).

While everyone loses keys or forgets appointments at times, those who have inattentive ADHD do it far more often. People with this subtype of ADHD also have a tendency to lose all important information, such as work or bills. They frequently forget or lose their wallets, eyeglasses keys, sports equipment or school supplies. They often have difficulty keeping an occupation and often start projects but never complete them.

Many people suffering from ADHD feel more confident at being themselves once their symptoms have been managed. This is especially true for those who have been suffering for a long time with the false impression that they are unreliable or lazy because of their procrastination, disordered behavior, and impulsive behaviors.

Mental disorders, stress, and physical illnesses can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. A doctor will have to conduct an exhaustive examination to determine the root cause of the symptoms, and determine effective treatments. They might ask your consent to speak with your family members, colleagues and teachers to get more information about your past and present behavior. They might also conduct psychological tests such as the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders or the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Index.

3. Impulsivity

Having ADHD can make it difficult to stop and take a breath, particularly when you are stressed. You may feel compelled to jump in and tackle something even though you should take your time and plan your actions. This impulsivity can lead to problems with schoolwork, work, and relationships. You may also have problems with your finances, driving, or managing your home.

Women typically have a tougher time getting diagnosed with ADHD than men due to the fact that their symptoms are less apparent. They can cover up their symptoms by claiming to be being trustworthy and diligent. This can create a false impression that they're in control and allows others to dismiss them as a troubled child or an emotionally overly sensitive woman or a perfectionist. In the end, 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 like at home and at work, and interfere with your ability to function.

You might have a hard working through work or school tasks and are often seen as unorganized and disorganized. You have trouble waiting in line or staying still for long periods of time and find it difficult to concentrate when reading or working on a laptop or working on chores. You are drawn to novelty over the monotony of life and might find yourself skipping tasks or procrastinating to avoid them. While the inattention and impulsivity of ADHD share some symptoms with anxiety, restlessness, fidgeting, and forgetfulness are typically not present in these disorders. The symptoms of ADHD change as you age and are made worse by hormonal changes like 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 cause emotional turmoil and can affect every aspect of life. People with rejection sensitivity feel more acute reactions to social signals that could be perceived as rejection than others. They may experience feelings of shame, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation when confronted with rejection, whether it is real or perceived. This is a typical symptom of people with ADHD or Autism but it can also happen to those without these conditions.

RSD can cause an inability to set personal boundaries, which can lead to impulsive behavior and difficulty managing relationships. It can also make people avoid taking risks, which can limit their career as well as personal growth. For some, it could even lead to an entire loss of self-esteem and a feeling of depression. RSD is also known to exacerbate and amplify the most fundamental ADHD symptoms, including time blindness. This can cause problems with organisation and planning and can lead to wasting time on irrelevant tasks. It can also cause difficulties in focusing and attention span, and those with RSD are prone to ruminating on a slight for hours or days.

Researchers have found that people with RSD may have 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 activated more frequently when people experience rejection. It's also thought that people who are sensitive to rejection may have suffered from childhood trauma, which can leave permanent effects on their emotional development. This could make them more sensitive to rejection, criticism, and abandonment as adults. RSD can be affected by co-occurring mental disorders such as depression or anxiety.

5. Gender Atypical Behaviors

ADHD is usually diagnosed in the early years of childhood. It is usually diagnosed before the age of 12 years old. The symptoms can last until the age of adulthood. This means that women who suffer from the disorder may be unable to cope with problems at school, at work at home, and in relationships. They may also be struggling with depression, compulsive overeating or addiction disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can negatively impact women's self esteem. They may blame themselves, believing they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".

adhd in men symptoms is a factor in the way girls and women are viewed when they display ADHD symptoms. Parents and teachers are more likely to notice the hyperactivity of boys with ADHD, whereas girls could be accused of daydreaming. This makes it difficult for them to get the help they need.

Girls with this disorder are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and other mood disorders. They might also attempt to conceal their symptoms with methods of coping that are more prevalent for the gender they identify with. This can make it difficult for others to notice that they are suffering.

Women with ADHD might use a lot of makeup or dress in a particular way in order to hide their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behaviours such as excessive alcohol or drug use, particularly during adolescence. They may not seek assistance until it's too late.

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Pub: 06 Oct 2024 12:07 UTC
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