signs of adult add and Girls May Not Know About
Many women and girls who have ADHD are not diagnosed, or not diagnosed, as their symptoms are different from men's. They may have more emotional instability, or a hard time controlling their emotions.
Finding a therapist or clinician who is knowledgeable of ADHD and women can make a huge difference in transforming your unique difficulties into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
The signs of inattention ADHD for adults can include having trouble keeping the track of appointments and household tasks, not meeting deadlines at work, and struggling to stay focused during meetings. Inattention ADHD sufferers frequently experience "time blindness," which is when they forget to count the minutes or are so involved in their work that they lose track of time. This can cause feelings of being disorganized or behind, or even irresponsible.
Women with inattentive ADHD can be particularly adept at hiding their symptoms. This makes it difficult to obtain an assessment. They may have learned how to make up for their inability to keep track of things through strategies for coping such as self-denial or relying on other people and resorting to unhealthy behaviors like excessive alcohol or drug abuse.
As a result, their difficulties with focus and organization may be ignored by others until they finally begin to recognize their own issues. They may have a list of embarrassing instances where they embarrassed their coworkers or friends. They may also struggle to keep their apartment and homes neat and tidy and find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their work.
Undiagnosed and untreated symptoms of inattention ADHD can affect almost every aspect of their life. They may be unable to attend social events and professional opportunities since they're not invited or fail to pay their bills or return friend's phone calls promptly. They may rush through a test, or fail to follow instructions at work, or make careless errors in their relationships. They begin to think that they are lazy or stupid and have low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to fumble in their seats, talk incessantly, or shake their heads. They also have trouble paying close attention to what others are saying, and often interrupt or make statements without thinking about the consequences. They are easily distracted by extraneous stimuli and have a tendency to become bored by tasks that do not interest them. The behavior isn't triggered by a desire for defiance or a lack of understanding and is due to a biological deficit in the frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
Those with inattentive ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or lose keys than other people. People who suffer from this type of ADHD also tend to lose the track of important information, like work or bills. They frequently forget or lose eyeglasses as well as other items like keys, wallets or school supplies and sports equipment. They are unable to maintain a job, and they often begin projects that never finish.
Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD report that they feel more confident once their symptoms are under control. This is especially applicable if the person had been misled for a long time into believing that they are irresponsible or lazy due to their procrastination or disorganization.
Mental disorders, stress, and physical illness can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A healthcare professional will require a thorough evaluation in order to identify the cause of the symptoms and then determine the most effective treatment. They may ask for your permission to talk to your family members, colleagues and teachers to learn more about your past and present behavior. They might also conduct psychological tests, like the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders or the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Index.
3. Impulsivity
ADHD can make stopping and taking a breath more difficult, especially when the situation is stressful. You might feel compelled by ADHD to solve a problem even while you are supposed to plan and take your time. This type of impulsivity can cause problems with schoolwork, work, and relationships. You may also have problems with finances, driving or managing your home.
Women typically have a tougher to diagnose ADHD than men, as their symptoms aren't as obvious. They might hide their issues under the pretense of being a reliable, diligent and organized. This can create a false sense of security and make it easier for others to view them as a troublemaker, emotionally overly sensitive or a perfectionist. Undiagnosed ADHD over the course of a lifetime could cause a lot of 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 should be evident in two different settings, such as at home and work, and interfere with your ability to function.
You may find it difficult to finish work or school assignments and look disorganized and forgetful. You have trouble standing in line or sitting still for long periods of time and have trouble staying focused while reading or working on a laptop or working on chores. You may prefer novelty over the daily grind, and you may procrastinate or avoid tasks to avoid them. Although ADHD has some symptom similarities with anxiety disorders restlessness, fidgeting, and forgetfulness are not usually present. The symptoms of ADHD fluctuate with age and are exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is mental health disorder that is characterized by extreme negative emotions and difficulty regulating emotions. It causes emotional turbulence and can affect many aspects of daily life. People who are sensitive to rejection have more aggressive reactions than other people to social cues that could be perceived as rejection. When they are faced with rejection - real or perceived, they could feel shame, low self esteem, and emotional dysregulation. It is a typical symptom for people with ADHD and Autism however it may occur in people who do not have these conditions as well.
RSD can trigger impulsive behavior and relationship problems. It can also make people avoid taking risks, which may limit their career and personal growth. It can also cause depression and self-esteem issues for certain. RSD can also exacerbate and intensify the core ADHD symptoms, such as time blindness. This can cause problems with planning and organisation as well as the inability to focus time on unimportant tasks. It can also cause difficulties focusing and attention span, and people with RSD may be stuck contemplating a small issue for hours or even days.
Researchers have discovered that those with RSD might be suffering from a brain disorder that affects how they process emotional information. This could be due to the amygdala brain, which is responsible for the body's threat response is more active than other individuals when they experience rejection. It is also believed that those who are sensitive to rejection may have experienced childhood trauma which could have lasting impacts on their emotional development. This can make people 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-specific behaviors that are gender specific
ADHD is usually diagnosed in the early years of childhood. It's almost always diagnosed before the age of 12 years old. Symptoms tend to persist until adulthood it is true that women who have the disorder may continue to have problems at school or at work as well as at home and in relationships. They may also suffer from depression, compulsive eating, or other addiction disorders. Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can have a negative impact on women's self-esteem and they can blame themselves for their troubles by imagining themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."
Gender bias is a factor in how girls and women are viewed when they exhibit ADHD symptoms. The majority of boys with ADHD exhibit hyperactive behavior that is easy for teachers and parents to spot, whereas girls with the same symptoms may be accused of daydreaming or hyperactive. This makes it difficult for them to get the support they require.
Girls with the disorder are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and other mood disorders. They can also be more likely to to hide their symptoms by employing strategies for coping that are typical for the gender they identify with, which may make it harder for others to see they have a problem.
Women with ADHD might use a lot of makeup or dress a certain manner to conceal their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behaviors like drinking excessively or using drugs, especially during adolescence. They might not seek help until it's too late.