11 Strategies To Completely Defy Your Adult ADHD Symptoms
Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD are misdiagnosed or go undiagnosed, because their symptoms are different from men's. They may experience more emotional instability or struggle to control their emotions.
Finding a therapist or counselor who understands ADHD in women can make a huge difference in turning your individual problems into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults who suffer from inattentive ADHD might have trouble keeping track of their appointments and household chores, have trouble meeting deadlines at work, and have trouble staying focused in meetings. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often suffer from "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 unorganized or behind, or even irresponsible.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD are particularly adept at hiding their symptoms, which can make it more difficult to get a diagnosis. They may have learned to overcome their inability to stay well-organized by employing coping strategies like self-denial, relying upon others, and even using unhealthy habits like excessive drinking or substance abuse.
This is why their issues with organization and focus can be overlooked by others until they finally realize their own problems. They may have a long list of embarrassing incidents in which they embarrassed their colleagues or friends. They might also struggle to keep their apartments and homes clean and organized and find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their work.
If left untreated and undiagnosed the symptoms of inattention ADHD can have a devastating effect on all aspects of their lives. They may miss out on professional and social opportunities because they weren't invited. In addition, they may not be able to pay their bills or return phone calls from friends in a timely fashion. They could be rushed through a test or fail to follow instructions at work, or commit naive mistakes in their relationships with others. They start to believe that they are incompetent or lazy and suffer from low self-esteem.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to flutter in their seats, talk too much or shake their heads. They also struggle to pay attention to what others are saying, and often interrupt or make statements without considering their consequences. They are easily distracted by other things and are likely to get bored with things that don't appeal to them. This behavior isn't due to a desire for defiance or a lack in comprehension and is due to a biological abnormality in the frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
Those with inattentive ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or misplace keys than other people. People with this subtype of ADHD also tend to lose the track of important information, like work or bills. They often lose or forget their wallets, eyeglasses keys, sports equipment, and/or school supplies. They are often unable to keep a job and often start projects but never complete them.
Many people with ADHD feel more confident about themselves after their symptoms are under control. This is especially true for those who have been suffering for a long time under the false impression that they are unreliable or lazy due to their procrastination, indecisiveness, and disorganization.
Stress, mental disorders, and physical ailments can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. signs adhd to this, a health care provider must conduct a thorough examination to determine the root cause of the symptoms and determine the most effective treatments. They may ask you to speak with family members, friends, colleagues, teachers, and others who know you well to find out about your past and present behavior and experiences. They could 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 hard to stop and take a breath, especially when things get stressful. You may feel compelled to get involved and tackle something even when you should take your time and plan your actions. This type of impulsivity can cause difficulties with schoolwork, work and relationships. You may also experience issues with finances, driving or managing your home.
Women often have a harder to be diagnosed with ADHD than men, as their symptoms aren't as obvious. They might hide their issues under the pretense of being a conscientious, dependable and organized. This can give a false sense of security and make it easier for others to dismiss them as a problem-child, excessively emotional, or a perfectionist. Undiagnosed ADHD over a lifetime can 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 affect your ability to function.
You might find it difficult to complete homework or school assignments, and appear disorganized and forgetful. You have trouble waiting in line or staying still for long periods of time. You find it difficult to concentrate when reading or working on a computer, or doing chores. You may prefer novelty over the daily grind, and you may procrastinate or skip tasks to avoid them. While ADHD has some symptom similarities with anxiety disorders restlessness, fidgeting, and forgetfulness are not usually present. The symptoms of ADHD are prone to change with age, exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy and menopause.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a psychological disorder that is characterized by extreme negative emotions and difficulty in regulating emotions. It can trigger emotional turmoil and impact many aspects of life. People with sensitivity to rejection feel more intense reactions to social cues that may be perceived as rejection, compared to others. When they are faced with rejection - whether real or perceived - they may feel shame, low self esteem, and emotional dysregulation. It is a common symptom for people with ADHD and Autism however it may be present in people without these conditions too.
RSD can cause an inability to set personal boundaries, leading to impulsive behavior and difficulty managing relationships. It can also cause people to avoid risk-taking, limiting their career as well as personal growth. It can cause depression and self-esteem issues in some. RSD can also cause and increase the severity of core ADHD symptoms like time blindness. This can lead to problems with planning and organization as well as spending time on tasks that are not important. It can also cause difficulties in focusing and attention span, and those suffering from RSD may be stuck ruminating on a slight for days or hours.
Researchers have discovered that people with RSD might have a brain disorder that affects how they process emotional information. This could be due to the amygdala, responsible for the body's response to threats, activates more than other individuals when they perceive rejection. It's also thought that people who are sensitive to rejection may have experienced trauma in their childhood, which can leave permanent effects on their emotional development. They may be more prone to criticism, rejection and abandonment in the adult years. Mental health disorders that co-occur such as depression or anxiety can also affect RSD by affecting emotional regulation.
5. Gender Atypical Behaviors
ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood. It's almost always diagnosed before the age of 12 years old. The symptoms tend to last until adulthood this means that women who have the disorder may have trouble at work or school at home, as well as in relationships. They may also suffer from anxiety, depression, or substance abuse disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can have a negative impact on women's self-esteem. They might blame themselves, believing they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".
Gender bias plays a role in the way girls and women are perceived when they exhibit ADHD symptoms. Boys who suffer from the condition generally display hyperactive behaviors that are easy for parents and teachers to observe, while girls who have those same symptoms may be accused of daydreaming or being anxious. This makes it harder for them to receive the help they need.
Furthermore, girls with the disorder are more likely to experience anxiety and other mood disorders than those who suffer from the condition. They are also more likely to try to mask their symptoms by using strategies to cope that are typical of the gender they identify with, which could make it more difficult for others to recognize that they have a problem.
For instance, women with ADHD might wear lots of makeup or dress in a particular manner to hide their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behavior like drinking excessively or using drugs, especially during the adolescent years. As a result, they may not seek the help that they need until it is too late.