Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About<br /><br />Many women and girls who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed, or are not diagnosed, due to the fact that their symptoms differ from men's. They may experience more emotional instability, or struggle to control their emotions.<br /><br />Finding a therapist or a clinician who is knowledgeable of ADHD and women can make an enormous difference in turning your unique challenges into strengths.<br /><br />1. Inattentiveness<br /><br />Adults with inattention ADHD might have difficulty keeping on top of their appointments and household chores and can miss deadlines at work and find it difficult to remain focused during meetings. <a href="https://notes.io/w2W3P">symptoms of adhd</a> experience "time blindness," which is when they forget the time or become so absorbed in their work that they forget about time. This can cause feelings of being unorganized, behind or irresponsible.<br /><br />Women with inattention ADHD can be particularly adept at hiding their symptoms. This makes it difficult for them to receive a diagnosis. They might have learned to overcome their inability to stay well-organized by employing coping strategies like self-denial, relying on others, or using unhealthy habits like excessive alcohol or substance abuse.<br /><br /><br /><br />They may not even be aware that they're having a problem until they begin to recognize it themselves. They might have a list of foot-in-mouth moments that have embarrassed friends or coworkers, are struggling to keep their homes and apartments tidy and clean, and feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks on their plates.<br /><br />When undiagnosed and untreated the symptoms of inattention ADHD can have a devastating effect on all aspects of their lives. They may be unable to participate in social and professional opportunities due to the fact that they weren't invited. They might also not be able to pay their bills or respond to phone calls from friends in a timely fashion. They might rush through a test or misunderstand instructions in the workplace or commit a few blunders in their relationships. They start to believe that they are incompetent or lazy and have low self-esteem.<br /><br />2. Hyperactivity<br /><br />People with hyperactive ADHD might be prone to fidget, squirming in their seats, or talk excessively. They aren't able to pay attention to what other people are saying. They frequently interrupt or make statements they don't think through. They are easily distracted and bored by tasks that don't interest them. The behavior isn't triggered by a desire for defiance or a lack of understanding and is due to a biological abnormality in the frontal lobes (Tripp &amp; Wickens 2009).<br /><br />While everyone loses keys or forgets to make appointments from time to time, those who have inattentive ADHD do it far more frequently. This subtype of ADHD can cause people to lose track of important information such as bills or work assignments. They frequently forget or lose eyeglasses, as well as other items such as keys, wallets and school supplies such as sports equipment, etc. They often struggle to hold an occupation and often start projects, but do not complete their work.<br /><br />Many people with ADHD feel more confident about themselves after their symptoms have been managed. This is especially true for those who have been suffering for a long time with the false assumption that they are incompetent or lazy because of their procrastination indecisiveness, and disorganization.<br /><br />Stress, other mental health disorders, and physical illnesses can cause similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD. Due to this, a health care provider must conduct a thorough examination to determine the source of the symptoms and determine the most effective treatments. They may ask for your consent to speak with family members, coworkers and teachers to learn more about your past and present behavior. They might also conduct psychological tests, such as the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders or the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Index.<br /><br />3. Impulsivity<br /><br />Being diagnosed with ADHD can make it hard to take a breath, especially when things get stressful. You might feel compelled by ADHD to solve a problem even when you need to plan and slow down. This impulsivity may lead to difficulties at work, in school, or in relationships. You might also be struggling with finances, driving, or managing your home.<br /><br />Women often have a harder to be diagnosed with ADHD than men because their symptoms are less obvious. They can appear to being conscientious and dependable. This can create a false sense of security, and make it easier for people to dismiss them as a problem-child, excessively emotional or a perfectionist. In the end, a lifetime of undiagnosed ADHD can do severe damage to your self-esteem.<br /><br />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 they can hinder your ability to function.<br /><br />You may have a difficult working through school or work tasks and often appear forgetful and disorganized. You might have trouble waiting in line, sitting still or staying focused when reading, working on the computer, or doing household chores. You are drawn to novelty over the routine and could find yourself skipping tasks or putting off doing them. While the inattention and impulsivity of ADHD have some resemblances to anxiety, the feeling of anxiety, irritability and forgetfulness are generally not present in these conditions. The symptoms of ADHD vary with age, exacerbated by hormonal changes like menopausal and pregnancy.<br /><br />4. Rejection Sensitivity<br /><br />Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is mental health disorder that is which is characterized by extreme negative feelings and difficulty in controlling emotions. It causes emotional turbulence and can affect many aspects of daily life. People who are sensitive to rejection have more intense reactions than others to social cues which may be perceived as rejection. When they face rejection - whether real or perceived, they might be afflicted with shame, low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation. This is a common characteristic of people suffering from ADHD or Autism, but can also occur in those without these conditions.<br /><br />RSD can cause an inability to set personal boundaries, leading to impulsive behaviors and difficulties managing relationships. It can also cause people to avoid risk-taking, limiting their career and personal growth. It can cause depression and self-esteem issues for some. RSD can also exacerbate and increase the severity of the core ADHD symptoms like time blindness. This can result in issues with planning and organisation and can lead to wasting time on irrelevant tasks. RSD can also cause problems with focusing and attention span. People suffering from RSD might ponder a slight over several hours or even for days.<br /><br />Research suggests that people with RSD might suffer from brain impairments in the processing of emotional information. This could be because the amygdala, responsible for the body's response to threats and is activated more than other individuals when they feel rejected. People who are sensitive to rejection may have also experienced trauma in their childhood that can have a lasting influence on their emotional development. This could make people more sensitive to rejection, criticism, and abandonment as adults. RSD can be influenced by co-occurring mental disorders such as depression or anxiety.<br /><br />5. Gender Atypical Behaviors<br /><br />Many people who suffer from ADHD develop the condition during childhood, and they almost always receive a diagnosis before the age of 12. The symptoms can last well into adulthood. This means that women suffering from the disorder may be unable to cope with problems at school, work at home, and in relationships. They may also suffer from depression, compulsive eating disorders, or addiction disorders. Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can have a negative impact on self-esteem of women and they can blame themselves for their problems by thinking of themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."<br /><br />Gender bias is a factor in how girls and women with ADHD are perceived. Boys who suffer from the condition generally display hyperactive behaviors that are easy for parents and teachers to notice, whereas girls who have those same symptoms may be accused of being daydreamy or anxious. This makes it difficult for them to get the assistance they require.<br /><br />Furthermore, girls who have the disorder are more likely to experience mood disorders and anxiety as compared to boys who suffer from the disorder. They may also be more likely to try to mask their symptoms using coping strategies that are typical of the gender they identify with, which can make it harder for others to recognize that they have an issue.<br /><br />For instance, women suffering from ADHD may wear excessive makeup or dress in a certain way to avoid noticing their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behaviours like excessive drinking or drug use, particularly during the adolescent years. They might not seek help until it's too late.<br /><br />