Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About

Many girls and women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis because their symptoms are different from males. For instance, they might have more emotional instability or have a harder time managing their emotions.

Finding a clinician or therapist who understands ADHD in women can make a huge difference in turning your unique problems into strengths.

1. Inattentiveness

Symptoms of inattentive ADHD in adults may include difficulty keeping the track of appointments and household tasks, not meeting deadlines at work, and having trouble to stay focused during meetings. It is also common for those with inattention ADHD to experience a condition called "time blindness," meaning that they often forget the time or get so engulfed in their work that they forget how much time has passed. This can cause feelings of being unorganized, behind, or irresponsible.

Women who have inattention ADHD can be particularly adept at hiding their symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to receive an assessment. They might have learned to compensate for their inability to stay organized through strategies for coping such as self-denial or relying on others, and even resorting unhealthy behaviors such as excessive drinking or drug use.

In the end, their struggles in focusing and organization can be overlooked by other people until they realize their own issues. They may have a list of embarrassing instances where they embarrassed their colleagues or friends. They might also struggle to keep their apartment and homes clean and organized and find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their work.

If left untreated and undiagnosed the symptoms of inattention ADHD can cause havoc in the entirety of their lives. They may be unable to participate in professional and social opportunities due to the fact that they weren't invited. They might also not pay their bills on time or return phone calls from friends in a timely fashion. They may rush through a test or misunderstand instructions at work or commit a few blunders in their relationships. They may begin to think they are stupid or lazy, and suffer from low self-esteem.

2. Hyperactivity

People who suffer from hyperactive ADHD may fidget, squirm in their seat, and talk excessively. They also have difficulty paying attentively to the words of others and frequently interrupt or make statements without considering the consequences. They are easily distracted and bored by things which do not entice them. The behavior isn't caused by a desire to appear insolent or a lack of comprehension, but rather a biologically-based imbalance in the frontal lobes of the brain (Tripp & Wickens, 2009).

Those who have inattention ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or misplace keys than other people. People with this type of ADHD also tend to lose the track of important information, like bills or work assignments. They frequently forget or lose eyeglasses as well as other things like keys, wallets, school materials such as sports equipment, etc. They are often unable to keep an occupation, and often start projects that never get finished.

Many adults diagnosed with ADHD say they feel better about themselves once their symptoms are under control. This is particularly true if the person has been misled for a long time into believing that they are lazy or irresponsible due to their procrastination or disorderly behavior.

Stress, other mental health disorders, and physical ailments can trigger similar symptoms to those of ADHD. A health care provider will require a thorough evaluation in order to determine the root cause of the symptoms and determine effective treatments. They may ask you to speak with family members, friends, colleagues, teachers, and other individuals who know you well to get information about your present and previous behavior and experiences. They may also administer psychological tests such as the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders or the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Index.

3. adhd signs in adults

Being diagnosed with ADHD can make it hard to take a breath, especially when things get stressful. It is possible to feel compelled jump in and tackle something even when you should be patient and plan your actions. This impulsivity may lead to problems at work, in school, or in relationships. You might also be struggling with finances, driving or managing your home.

Women are often having a harder to be diagnosed with ADHD than men because their symptoms are less apparent. They might hide their issues under the pretense of being a conscientious, dependable and organized. This can give a false sense of security and make it easier for people to dismiss them as a problem-child, overly emotional woman, or an over-achiever. In the end, an undiagnosed lifetime of ADHD can cause significant 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 should be evident in two different environments, such as work and home, and interfere with your ability to function.

You might find it difficult to finish assignments or work and look disorganized and forgetful. You have trouble standing in line or sat for long periods of time. You find it difficult to concentrate when reading or working on a laptop or performing chores. You are drawn to novelty over the daily grind and may find yourself skipping tasks or putting off completing them. While ADHD shares some of the symptoms of anxiety disorders such as restlessness, fidgeting, and forgetfulness are not usually present. The symptoms of ADHD change with age and are exacerbated by hormonal changes like 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 trigger emotional turmoil and affect a variety of aspects of daily life. People with rejection sensitivity feel more intense reactions to social signals that could be perceived as rejection compared to others. They may feel shame, low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation when faced with rejection, whether real or perceived. It is a common sign for people suffering from ADHD and Autism, but it can co-occur in those without these conditions too.

RSD can trigger an impulsive behavior and relationship issues. It can also cause people to be cautious about taking risks, limiting their personal and professional development. It can also cause depression and self-esteem issues in some. RSD can also intensify and intensify the core ADHD symptoms, such as time blindness. This can result in issues with planning and organisation and also wasting time on unimportant tasks. RSD can also cause problems with focusing and attention span. People with RSD may ruminate on the slightest thing for several hours or even for days.

Researchers have discovered that those with RSD might be suffering from a brain disorder that affects the way they process 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 have sensitivity to rejection could also have experienced trauma from childhood that could have a lasting influence on their emotional development. This can make them more prone to rejection, criticism and abandonment in adulthood. RSD can be affected by co-occurring mental disorders like anxiety or depression.

5. Gender Atypical Behaviors

Many people suffering from ADHD develop the condition during the earliest years of their lives, and they nearly always get a diagnosis prior to the age of 12. The symptoms tend to last throughout adulthood it is true that women with the disorder may have trouble at work or school, at home, and in relationships. They can also experience depression, compulsive overeating, or substance use 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".

Gender bias plays a role in the way girls and women are perceived when they exhibit ADHD symptoms. Teachers and parents are more likely to notice excessive behavior in boys suffering from ADHD, while girls may be accused of a daydream. This makes it difficult for them to get the assistance they require.

Girls with the disorder are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and other mood disorders. They are also more likely to to hide their symptoms by employing strategies for coping that are typical for the gender they identify with, which can make it harder for others to realize that they have an issue.

Some women suffering from ADHD may use a lot makeup or dress in a certain way to conceal their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behavior such as drinking excessively or drug use, particularly during the adolescent years. They might not seek help until it's too late.