Solutions To Issues With Adult ADHD Symptoms
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 differ from men's. For instance, they might be more emotionally volatile or have trouble regulating their emotions.
Finding a therapist who is knowledgeable of ADHD and women can make a an enormous difference in turning your unique problems into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults who suffer from inattention ADHD may have difficulty keeping the track of their appointments and household chores and can have trouble meeting deadlines at work, and find it difficult to remain focused in meetings. It's also common for people with inattentive ADHD to experience a condition called "time blindness," meaning that they frequently forget the time or get so caught up in their work that they forget how much time has passed. This can result in feelings of being disorganized or behind, or perhaps irresponsible.
Women with inattention ADHD can be particularly adept in obscuring their symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to receive a diagnosis. They may have learned to overcome their inability to stay organized by using coping tools such as self-denial, relying on others, and even using unhealthy habits like excessive drinking or substance abuse.
They may not even be aware the issue until they begin to recognize it for themselves. They may have a list of embarrassing moments where they've embarrassed their coworkers or friends. They may also struggle to keep their apartment and homes clean and organized and feel overwhelmed by their workload.
Undiagnosed and untreated symptoms of inattentive ADHD can affect almost every aspect of their life. They may miss out on social events and professional opportunities since they're not invited or fail to pay the bills or answer phone calls from friends in a timely manner. They may rush through a test or not understand instructions in the workplace, or make careless errors in their relationships. They start to believe that they are lazy or stupid 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 have difficulty paying attention to what other people are saying. They often interrupt or make statements they don't have the time to think about. They are easily distracted and bored by activities that do not interest them. The behavior isn't caused by a desire to be insolent or a lack of comprehension, but rather a biologically-based imbalance in the frontal lobes of the brain (Tripp & Wickens, 2009).
While everyone misplaces keys or forgets to make appointments occasionally people with inattention ADHD tend to do it more frequently. This subtype of ADHD can also cause people to lose track important information such as bills or work assignments. They frequently forget or lose eyeglasses, as well as other things like wallets, keys or school supplies and sports equipment. They often struggle to hold an occupation and often start projects, but do not finish the work.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD find themselves feeling better about themselves once their symptoms are under control. This is particularly true if the person has been misled for years into thinking they are irresponsible or lazy due to their procrastination or disorganization.
Stress, other mental health disorders, and physical ailments can trigger similar symptoms to those of ADHD. Because of this, a health care provider must conduct a thorough assessment to determine the cause of the symptoms and determine effective treatment options. They might ask your consent to speak with your family members, colleagues and teachers to find out more about your previous and current behavior. They might also conduct psychological tests, like the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders or the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Index.
3. Impulsivity
Having ADHD can make it difficult to stop and take a deep breath, especially when things get stressful. You might feel the need to get involved and tackle something even when you should be patient and plan your actions. This can lead to trouble with work, schoolwork and relationships. You might also be struggling with finances, driving or managing your home.
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because their symptoms tend to be less apparent. They may hide behind the appearance of being conscientious and dependable. This can give a false sense of security, and make it easier for others to view them as a child with a problem, an excessively emotional, or a perfectionist. Undiagnosed ADHD over the course of a lifetime could severely damage 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 present at work and at home, and they can hinder your ability to function.
It can be difficult to finish homework or school assignments, and seem unorganized and forgetful. You have trouble waiting in line or sat for long periods of time. You find it difficult to concentrate when reading or working on a laptop or working on chores. You are drawn to novelty over the monotony of life and might find yourself skipping tasks or putting off doing them. Although ADHD shares some symptoms with anxiety disorders restlessness, fidgeting, and forgetfulness are not typically present. The symptoms of ADHD can fluctuate with age, exacerbated by hormonal changes such as menopausal and pregnancy.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a psychological disorder characterized by extreme negative feelings and difficulty in regulating emotions. It can trigger emotional turmoil and impact many aspects of life. People with rejection sensitivity have more intense reactions than others to social cues which may be perceived as rejection. They may experience feelings of shame, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation when faced with rejection, either real or perceived. It is a typical condition for those with ADHD and Autism however it may occur in people who do not have these conditions as well.
RSD can lead to an inability to set personal boundaries, which leads to impulsive behavior and difficulty managing relationships. adult signs of adhd can also cause people to be cautious about taking risks which can limit their personal and professional development. For some, it may even cause the complete loss of self-esteem and a sense of depression. RSD is also known to intensify and increase the severity of the core ADHD symptoms, such as time blindness. This can lead to issues with planning and organisation, as well as wasting time on irrelevant tasks. It can also lead to problems with focus and attention span and those suffering from RSD are prone to thinking about a minor issue for hours or even days.
Research suggests that people with RSD may 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 experience rejection. People who are sensitive to rejection may also have experienced trauma from childhood that could have a lasting impact on their emotional development. They could be more sensitive to criticism, rejection and abandonment in the adult years. RSD can be influenced by co-occurring mental disorders such as depression or anxiety.
5. Gender Atypical Behaviors
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from the disorder in their childhood, and almost always receive a diagnosis before age 12. The symptoms can last until the age of adulthood. This means that women with the disorder might be unable to cope with problems at work, school at home, and in relationships. They can also experience depression, compulsive eating or addiction disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can affect women's self-esteem. They might blame themselves, thinking they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".
Gender bias plays a part in the way girls and women are viewed when they exhibit ADHD symptoms. The majority of boys with ADHD exhibit hyperactive behaviors that are easy for teachers and parents to spot, whereas girls who exhibit the same symptoms might be accused of daydreaming or flighty. This makes it difficult for them to get the assistance they require.
Additionally, girls with the disorder are more likely experience anxiety and other mood disorders than those who suffer from the condition. They may also try to conceal their symptoms by using coping techniques that are more typical for the gender that they identify with. This could make it difficult for others to recognize that they have a problem.
Women with ADHD may wear a lot of makeup or dress a certain manner to conceal their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behaviors such as drinking excessively or drug use, especially during the adolescent years. In the end, they might not seek out the help that they need until it is too late.