The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Adult ADHD Symptoms
Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed as their symptoms manifest differently than males. For instance, they could be more emotionally volatile or have difficulty managing their emotions.
Finding a therapist or a clinician who is knowledgeable of ADHD and women can make an enormous difference in turning your unique difficulties into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD in adults could include difficulty keeping on top of household and appointment tasks, ignoring deadlines at work, and battling to stay focused during meetings. Inattentional ADHD patients often suffer from "time blindness," which is when they forget to count the minutes or get so caught up in their work that they lose track of time. This can cause feelings of being disorganized and unorganized, or even irresponsible.
Women with inattention adult adhd symptoms in men are particularly adept in hiding their symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. They may have developed strategies to cope with their inability to stay well-organized by employing coping strategies such as self-denial, relying on others, or even engaging in unhealthy behaviors such as excessive drinking or substance abuse.
They might not even realize that they're having a problem until they realize it for themselves. They may have a list of foot-in mouth incidents that have embarrassed family members or colleagues, or struggle to keep their homes and apartments clean and organized and are overwhelmed by the number of work they have to complete.
If untreated and not diagnosed, the symptoms of inattentive ADHD can cause havoc in the entirety of their lives. They may miss out on social and professional events because they were not invited. Or, they might not pay their bills on time or return phone calls from friends in a timely fashion. They might be rushed through a test or misunderstand the instructions at work, or make careless mistakes in their personal relationships. In the end, they start to believe they are incompetent or foolish and are plagued by low self-esteem and lack of confidence.
2. Hyperactivity
People who suffer from hyperactive ADHD can fidget, squirm in their seats, and talk excessively. They also have trouble paying close attention to what others are saying, and frequently interrupt or make statements without considering their consequences. They are easily distracted and bored by tasks that do not interest them. The behavior isn't caused by the desire to be defiant or a lack in comprehension and is due to a biological deficit in the frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
While everyone loses keys or forgets about appointments at times people with inattentive ADHD are more likely to do this often. This type of ADHD can cause people to lose track of important information, such as bills or work assignments. They often forget or lose eyeglasses as well as other items like keys, wallets or school supplies such as sports equipment, etc. They are unable to maintain an occupation, and often start projects that never get finished.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD report that they feel better about themselves once their symptoms are under control. This is particularly applicable if the person had been misled for a number of years into believing that they are lazy or irresponsible due to their procrastination or disorganization.
Stress, other mental health issues, and physical ailments can cause similar signs symptoms of adhd to those associated with ADHD. A health care provider will require an extensive examination to determine the source of the symptoms, and determine effective treatments. They might ask your permission to talk to your family members, colleagues and teachers to get more information about your past and current behavior. They may also administer 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 difficult, especially when the situation becomes stressful. It is possible to feel compelled take action and tackle a problem even when you should take your time and plan your actions. This impulsivity may lead to difficulties at work, in school, or in relationships. You may also have problems with finances, driving, or managing your home.
Women often have a harder time getting diagnosed with ADHD than men due to the fact that their symptoms are less apparent. They might cover up their symptoms by claiming to be being dependable and conscientious. This can create an illusion of security and make it easier for people to dismiss them as a problem-child, 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 in two different settings, such as at home and work and affect your ability to function.
You may find it difficult to complete homework or school assignments, and look disorganized and forgetful. You might have trouble waiting in line, sitting down or staying focused while reading or working on your computer, or performing household chores. You prefer novelty to the monotony of life and might find yourself avoiding tasks or procrastinating to avoid them. While ADHD shares some symptoms with anxiety disorders such as restlessness, fidgeting, and forgetfulness are not usually present. The adult symptoms of adhd of ADHD vary as we age and are often exacerbated by hormonal changes such as those that occur during menopausal or pregnancy.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is a mental health condition which is characterized by extreme negative feelings and difficulty regulating emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and can affect the way we live our lives. People who are sensitive to rejection experience more emotional reactions to social signals that could be perceived as rejection, compared to other people. They may feel shame, low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation when faced with rejection, whether it is real or perceived. This is a common characteristic of people suffering from ADHD or Autism but it can also occur in those who do not suffer from these conditions.
RSD can trigger uncontrollable behavior and relationship issues. It can also cause people to be cautious about taking risks, which may limit their career as well as personal growth. It can also cause depression and self-esteem issues in some. RSD is also known to intensify and intensify core ADHD symptoms, such as time blindness. This can cause problems in planning and organisation and also wasting time on unimportant tasks. It can also lead to problems with focusing and attention span, and those suffering from RSD may be stuck thinking about a minor issue for hours or days.
Research suggests that people suffering from RSD might have a brain impairment that affects the processing of emotional information. This could be because the amygdala, responsible for the body's response to threats, activates more than other people when they feel rejected. It is also believed that people who are sensitive to rejection may have experienced trauma in their childhood, which can leave lasting impacts on their emotional development. They could be more sensitive to rejection, criticism, and abandonment in adulthood. RSD can be influenced by co-occurring mental illnesses like depression or anxiety.
5. Gender-specific Behaviors that are Typical of a Genre
ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood. It is usually diagnosed before the age of 12. The symptoms tend to last into adulthood, though it is true that women with the disorder may have problems at school or at work as well as at home and in relationships. They can also struggle with depression, compulsive eating or addiction disorders. Years of undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can be a drain on women's self-esteem, and they may blame themselves for their problems because they think of themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."
Gender bias is a factor in the way that girls and women with ADHD are viewed. Teachers and parents are more likely to be aware of the hyperactivity of boys with ADHD, while girls may be accused of daydreaming. This makes it difficult for them to get the assistance they require.
Additionally, girls with the condition are more likely to suffer from mood disorders and anxiety than boys with the condition. They might also attempt to conceal their symptoms by using coping techniques that are more common for the gender that they identify with. This could make it difficult for others to see that they have a problem.
For instance, women with ADHD might wear a lot of makeup or dress in a certain manner to hide their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behavior such as excessive drinking or using drugs, especially in adolescence. They might not seek assistance until it's too late.