Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About<br /><br /><br /><br />Many girls and women who have ADHD are not diagnosed, or are not diagnosed, due to the fact that their symptoms are different from men's. For instance, they could be more emotionally volatile or have difficulty managing their emotions.<br /><br />Finding a therapist or counselor who understands ADHD in women can make all the difference in turning your unique challenges into strengths.<br /><br />1. Inattentiveness<br /><br />Symptoms of inattentive ADHD in adults could include difficulty keeping the track of appointments and household tasks, missing deadlines at work, and having trouble to concentrate during meetings. Inattention ADHD sufferers frequently suffer from "time blindness," which is when they forget the time or are so involved in their work that they lose track of time. This can result in feelings of being unorganized or behind, or perhaps irresponsible.<br /><br />Women who suffer from inattention ADHD are particularly good in obscuring their symptoms, which may make it difficult to get an diagnosis. They might have learned to overcome their difficulty in staying organized by using coping tools such as self-denial, relying on others, or even resorting to unhealthy behaviors like excessive alcohol or substance abuse.<br /><br />This is why their issues in focusing and organization can be ignored by other people until they realize their own problems. They may have a list of embarrassing incidents in which they embarrassed their colleagues or friends. They may also struggle to keep their homes and homes neat and tidy and are overwhelmed by the amount of work they have to do.<br /><br />If left untreated and undiagnosed the symptoms of inattention ADHD can cause havoc in virtually every area of their lives. They might miss out on occasions for professional or social gatherings because they're not invited, or fail to pay bills or answer phone calls from friends in a timely manner. They may take a test too fast, misunderstand instructions at work, or make careless mistakes in their relationships with others. They start to believe that they are incompetent or lazy, and suffer from low self-esteem.<br /><br />2. Hyperactivity<br /><br />People with hyperactive ADHD can 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 often interrupt or make statements that they don't consider. They are easily distracted by other things and are likely to become bored by things that don't appeal to them. The behavior isn't triggered by an urge to defy or a lack of understanding, but a biologically based abnormality in the frontal lobes (Tripp &amp; Wickens 2009).<br /><br />While everyone misplaces keys or forgets about appointments from time to time people with inattention ADHD are more likely to do this often. People with this subtype of ADHD also tend to lose the track of important information, like work or bills. They frequently forget or lose their wallets, eyeglasses, keys, sports equipment or school supplies. They often struggle to hold a job and often start projects but never finish the work.<br /><br />Many adults 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 with the false impression that they are incompetent or lazy due to their procrastination, disordered behavior, and impulsive behaviors.<br /><br />Stress, other mental health disorders, and physical illnesses can cause similar symptoms as those experienced by ADHD. Due to this, your health care provider should conduct a thorough examination to determine the source of the symptoms and determine effective treatments. They might ask your consent to speak with family members, coworkers and teachers to get more information about your previous and current behavior. They may also conduct psychological tests such as the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders or the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Index.<br /><br />3. Impulsivity<br /><br />ADHD can make stopping and taking a breath more difficult especially when the situation becomes stressful. You may feel compelled by ADHD to solve a problem even though you should plan and take your time. This can lead to difficulties with schoolwork, work, and relationships. You may also experience problems with your finances, driving, or managing your home.<br /><br />Women often have a harder to diagnose ADHD than men because their symptoms aren't as obvious. They may hide their difficulties behind appearances of being reliable, diligent and organized. This could create a false impression that they're in control and allows others to dismiss them as a troubled child or a woman who is too emotional or a perfectionist. Undiagnosed ADHD over the course of a lifetime could severely damage 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 evident in two different settings, like at home and at work and affect your ability to function.<br /><br />It can be difficult to finish assignments or work and appear disorganized and forgetful. You may have difficulty waiting in line, sitting still or staying focused when reading or working on your computer, or performing household chores. You prefer novelty to the routine and could find yourself avoiding tasks or putting off completing them. While the inattention and impulsivity that are characteristic of ADHD share some symptoms with anxiety, frustration, restlessness, and forgetfulness are typically not present in these conditions. The symptoms of ADHD can fluctuate with age, exacerbated by hormonal changes like menopausal and pregnancy.<br /><br />4. Rejection Sensitivity<br /><br />Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is an illness of the mind that is that is characterized by extreme negative emotions and difficulty in regulating emotions. It can trigger emotional turmoil and impact many aspects of life. People who have sensitivity to rejection experience more extreme reactions than other people to social cues that could be perceived as rejection. When they face rejection, whether it is real or perceived - they may be afflicted with guilt, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation. It is a typical sign for people suffering from ADHD and Autism, but it can occur in people who do not have these conditions as well.<br /><br />RSD can cause a lack of personal boundaries, leading to impulsive behaviors and trouble managing relationships. It can also make people avoid taking risks which can limit their career and personal development. It can also cause depression and self-esteem issues for certain. RSD can also intensify and amplify core ADHD symptoms such as time blindness. This can result in issues in planning and organisation and also wasting time on unimportant tasks. RSD can also cause issues with focus and attention span. People suffering from RSD may ruminate on the slightest thing for time or even for days.<br /><br />Research suggests that people suffering from RSD may have a brain impairment in the processing of emotional information. This could be due to the amygdala brain, which is responsible for the body's response to threats, activates more than other individuals when they experience rejection. It's also thought that people with rejection sensitivity might have experienced childhood trauma, which can leave permanent effects on their emotional development. They may be more sensitive to rejection, criticism, and abandonment in the adult years. RSD can be affected by co-occurring mental disorders such as depression or anxiety.<br /><br />5. Gender Atypical Behaviors<br /><br />Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from the disorder in childhood, and they almost always receive a diagnosis before age 12. The symptoms can last well into adulthood. This means that women who suffer from the disorder can remain troubled at work, school, home and in relationships. They can also struggle with depression, compulsive overeating or addiction disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can negatively impact women's self esteem. They might be tempted to blame themselves, believing that they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".<br /><br />Gender bias can play a role in how women and girls who suffer from ADHD are viewed. Teachers and parents are more likely to notice hyperactive behavior in boys with ADHD, whereas girls could be accused of daydreaming. This makes it difficult for them to get the support they require.<br /><br />Girls who suffer from the disorder are also more likely to be suffering from anxiety and other mood disorders. They might also attempt to hide their symptoms using strategies for coping that are more common for the gender that they identify with. This can make it difficult for others to see that they are suffering from a disorder.<br /><br />Some women with ADHD may wear a lot of makeup or dress a certain way in order to hide their symptoms. <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adhd-symptoms-in-adults/">I Am Psychiatry</a> might also engage in risky behaviours such as excessive drinking or drug use, particularly during the adolescent years. They may not seek help until it's too late.<br /><br />