We've Had Enough! 15 Things About Adult ADHD Symptoms We're Overheard

Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About

Many women and girls who have ADHD are not diagnosed, or go undiagnosed, because their symptoms are different from those of men. They might experience more emotional instability, or have trouble controlling their emotions.

Finding a clinician or therapist who is knowledgeable about ADHD in women can make a huge difference in turning your unique difficulties into strengths.

1. Inattentiveness

Adults with inattention ADHD may have difficulty keeping track of their appointments and household chores, have trouble meeting deadlines at work, and struggle to stay focussed during meetings. Inattention ADHD sufferers often experience "time blindness," which is when they forget to count the minutes or become so absorbed in their work that they lose track of time. This can cause feelings of being unorganized and unprepared, or perhaps irresponsible.

Women who have inattention ADHD can be particularly adept in hiding their symptoms. This can make it difficult to obtain a diagnosis. They may have learned how to compensate for their inability to remain organized through strategies for coping such as self-denial or relying on others, and even resorting unhealthy habits like excessive drinking or using drugs.

They might not even realize that they're having a problem until they realize that they have a problem. They might have a list of embarrassing foot-in-mouth incidents that have embarrassed family members or coworkers, have to work hard to keep their apartments and homes clean and organized, and feel overwhelmed by the number of work they have to complete.

If untreated and not diagnosed the symptoms of inattention ADHD can cause havoc in all aspects of their lives. They may miss out on occasions for professional or social gatherings because they aren't invited, or fail to pay their bills or return friend's phone calls promptly. They may rush through a test or misunderstand instructions at work or commit a few blunders in their relationships. At some point, they believe 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 too much or be squirming. They have difficulty paying attention to what other people are saying. They frequently interrupt or make statements that they don't have the time to think about. They are easily distracted by extraneous things and are likely to become bored by things that don't appeal to them. This behavior isn't due to an urge to defy or a lack in comprehension, but a biologically based abnormality in the frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).

While everyone loses keys or forgets to make appointments from time to time those with inattention 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 and other things like wallets, keys, school materials, sports equipment, etc.  adhd adult symptoms  struggle to hold a job and often start projects, but do not finish the work.

Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD say they feel more confident once their symptoms are under control. This is especially true if they have been suffering for a long time under the false assumption that they are incompetent or lazy because of their procrastination indecisiveness, and disorganization.

Mental disorders, stress, and physical illness can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. This is why your health care provider should conduct a thorough assessment to determine the cause of the symptoms and identify the most effective treatments. They may request your permission to speak to your family members, colleagues and teachers to find out more about your past and present behavior. They could also administer psychological tests like the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders or the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Index.

3. Impulsivity

Being diagnosed with ADHD can make it hard to take a breath, especially when things are stressful. You might feel compelled by your ADHD to solve a problem even while you are supposed to plan and be patient. This impulsivity may lead to difficulties at work, in school, or in your relationships. You may also experience problems with finances, driving or managing your home.

Women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because the symptoms of ADHD are less obvious. They might hide their issues by presenting themselves as reliable, diligent, and well-organized. This can create an illusion of security and make it easier for others to dismiss them as a child with a problem, an emotionally overly sensitive, or a perfectionist. In the end, a lifetime of undiagnosed ADHD can do severe 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, such as at home and work, and interfere with your ability to function.

You might have a hard time following through with school or work tasks, and you may appear unfocused and unorganized. You have trouble waiting in line or sitting still for long periods of time and find it difficult to concentrate when reading, working on a computer, or doing chores. You may want to be more creative than the monotony of your day and may delay or skip tasks in order to avoid them. While the inattention and impulsivity that are characteristic of ADHD have some resemblances to anxiety, the feeling of restlessness, fidgeting and forgetfulness are generally not present in these conditions. The symptoms of ADHD fluctuate with age and are exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations, such as those that are experienced during menopausal pregnancy or menopausal menopausal.

4. Rejection Sensitivity

Rejection sensitivity is a psychological disorder that is characterized by extreme negative emotions and difficulty in regulating emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and can affect every aspect of life. People with sensitivity to rejection feel more intense reactions to social cues that may be perceived as rejection, compared to other people. They may feel shame, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation when faced with rejection, either real or perceived. It is a common sign for people suffering from ADHD and Autism, but it can be present in people without these conditions as well.

RSD can trigger an impulsive behavior and relationship issues. It can also make people avoid taking risks which can limit their personal and professional development. For some, it could even lead to an entire loss of self-esteem and a sense of depression. RSD is also known to cause and intensify core ADHD symptoms, such as time blindness. This can result in issues with planning and organisation as well as spending time on tasks that are not important. RSD can also lead to issues with attention and focus span. People suffering from RSD might ponder the slightest thing for time or even for days.

Researchers have found that people with RSD might have a brain disorder that affects the way they process emotional information. This could be due to the amygdala, which is responsible for the body's response to threats and is activated more than other people when they feel rejected. People who are sensitive to rejection may have also experienced trauma in their childhood which can have a long-lasting influence on their emotional development. This can make them more sensitive to rejection, criticism and abandonment as adults. Mental health disorders that co-occur such as anxiety or depression can also affect RSD by affecting emotional regulation.

5. Gender-specific behaviors that are gender specific

Many people suffering from ADHD develop the condition during the earliest years of their lives, and they nearly always receive a diagnosis before the age of 12. The symptoms can last well into adulthood. This means that women with the disorder might be unable to cope with problems at school, work at home, and in relationships. They might also be suffering from anxiety, depression, or addiction disorders. Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can take a toll on self-esteem and confidence and they could blame themselves for their problems by thinking of themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."

Gender bias can play a role in how girls and women who suffer from ADHD are perceived. The majority of boys with ADHD exhibit hyperactive behavior that is easy for teachers and parents to notice, whereas girls who exhibit the same symptoms could be accused of daydreaming or flighty. This makes it harder for them to get the help that they need.

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

For example, some women suffering from ADHD might use a lot of makeup or dress in a certain way to avoid noticing their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behaviours like excessive drinking or drug use, particularly during the adolescent stage. They may not seek help until it's too late.