The No. 1 Question Everybody Working In Adult ADHD Symptoms Needs To Know How To Answer
Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD are misdiagnosed or are not diagnosed, due to the fact that their symptoms are different from men's. They might experience more emotional volatility, or a hard time controlling their emotions.
Finding a therapist or counselor who understands ADHD in women can make all the difference in turning your unique problems into strengths.
1. adhd in adults signs 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 patients often suffer from "time blindness," which is when they lose track of time or get so caught up in their work that they lose track of time. This can cause feelings of being disorganized, behind, or irresponsible.
Women with inattentive ADHD are especially adept at hiding their symptoms, which may make it more difficult for them to receive a diagnosis. They may have learned to make up for their inability to keep track of things by employing coping strategies such as self-denial or relying on others and resorting to unhealthy behaviors like excessive drinking or using drugs.
They may not even be aware the issue until they realize that they have a problem. They may have a long list of foot-in-mouth moments that have embarrassed their friends or coworkers, struggle to keep their homes and apartments tidy and clean, and feel overwhelmed by the volume of tasks they have to accomplish.
If left untreated and undiagnosed, the signs of inattention ADHD can wreak havoc on all aspects of their lives. They may miss out on professional and social opportunities because they were not invited. They might also not be able to pay their bills or respond to phone calls from friends promptly. They may rush through a test or not understand instructions in the workplace or make a mistake in their relationships with others. At some point, they think that they are incompetent or foolish and are plagued by low self-esteem and confidence.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to flutter in their seats, talk incessantly or shake their heads. They also have trouble paying attention to what others are saying and often interrupt them or make statements without thinking about their implications. They are easily distracted and bored by things that do not interest them. The behavior isn't triggered by an urge to defy or a lack of comprehension it is a biological abnormality in the frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
Those with inattentive ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or misplace keys than others. People with this type of ADHD also have a tendency to lose all important information, such as bills or work assignments. They often forget or lose eyeglasses, as well as other items such as wallets, keys, school materials such as sports equipment, etc. They are often unable to keep a job, and they often start projects that never get finished.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD find themselves feeling more confident once their symptoms are under control. This is particularly applicable if the person had been misled for a number of years into thinking they are incompetent or lazy due to their procrastination or disorderly behavior.
Stress, mental health disorders, as well as physical ailments can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. This is why your health care provider should do a thorough evaluation to determine the root cause of the symptoms and identify the most effective treatments. They might ask your permission to talk to family members, coworkers and teachers to find out more about your previous 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
Being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult to stop and take a breath, particularly when you are stressed. You may feel compelled by your ADHD to tackle a problem, even when you need to plan and take your time. This type of impulsivity can cause issues at work, at school, or in relationships. You may also experience problems with finances, driving or managing your home.
Women typically have a tougher to diagnose ADHD than men due to the fact that their symptoms aren't as obvious. They may cover up their symptoms by claiming to be being trustworthy and diligent. This can create an illusion of security and make it easier for others to dismiss them as a problem-child, excessively emotional, or an over-achiever. Undiagnosed ADHD throughout your life 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 must be present at work and at home, and can affect your ability to function.
You may have a difficult time following through with school or work tasks and often appear forgetful and unorganized. You might find it difficult to wait in line, sitting down, or staying focused when reading or working on your computer, or performing household chores. You might prefer a different approach to the routine and you might delay or avoid tasks to avoid them. Although ADHD shares some of the symptoms of anxiety disorders such as restlessness, fidgeting, and forgetfulness are not usually present. The symptoms of ADHD are prone to change with age, and can be exacerbated by hormonal changes such as menopausal and pregnancy.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is a mental health condition characterized by extreme negative emotions and difficulty in regulating emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and impact many aspects of daily life. People with rejection sensitivity have more aggressive reactions than other people to social cues which may be perceived as rejection. When they are faced with rejection - real or perceived - they may feel shame, low self esteem, and emotional dysregulation. This is a common symptom of people with ADHD or Autism however it may also be present in people without these conditions.
RSD can cause an inability to set personal boundaries, leading to impulsive behaviors and difficulties managing relationships. It can also cause people to be cautious about taking risks which can limit their career as well as personal growth. It can cause depression and self-esteem issues in some. RSD is also known to cause and intensify core ADHD symptoms, including time blindness. This can result in issues with organisation and planning and can lead to wasting time on tasks that are not important. RSD can also lead to issues with focus and attention span. People suffering from RSD might be prone to ruminating on the slightest thing for several hours or even for days.
Research suggests that people with RSD might have a brain impairment that affects the processing of emotional information. This could be due to the fact that the amygdala (which is responsible for the body's threat response) activates more when people perceive rejection. It is also believed that those who are sensitive to rejection may have experienced childhood trauma which could have permanent effects on their emotional development. This could make them more prone to criticism, rejection, and abandonment when they are adults. RSD can be affected by co-occurring mental disorders such as depression or anxiety.
5. Gender-specific behaviors that are gender specific
Many people with ADHD suffer from the disorder in their childhood, and almost always get a diagnosis prior to the age of 12. The symptoms can last well into adulthood. This means that women who suffer from the disorder may continue to have problems at work, school, home and in relationships. They might also be suffering from anxiety, depression, or substance abuse disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can affect women's self-esteem. They might be tempted to blame themselves, believing that they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".
Gender bias can play a role in how women and girls who suffer from ADHD are perceived. Teachers and parents are more likely to observe the hyperactivity of boys with ADHD, while girls may be accused of a daydream. This makes it harder for them to receive the help that they need.
Additionally, girls with the condition are more likely to be afflicted by anxiety and other mood disorders than those who suffer from the condition. They can also be more likely to to hide their symptoms by using strategies to cope that are typical of the gender they identify with, which can make it difficult for others to see they are suffering from an issue.
For example, some women suffering from ADHD might wear excessive makeup or dress in a certain way to avoid noticing their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behaviours such as drinking excessively or drug use, especially during adolescence. They might not seek help until it's too late.