13 Things About Adult ADHD Symptoms You May Not Have Known

Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About

Many girls and women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed or are misdiagnosed as their symptoms manifest differently than men's. For example, they may have more emotional instability or have trouble controlling their emotions.

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

1. Inattentiveness

Inattention-related symptoms in ADHD in adults could include difficulty keeping on top of household and appointment tasks, ignoring deadlines at work, and having trouble to stay focused during meetings. Inattention ADHD patients often suffer from "time blindness," which is when they forget to count the minutes or get so caught up in their work that they lose track of time. This can lead to feelings of being disorganized, behind, or irresponsible.

Women who have inattention ADHD are particularly adept at hiding their symptoms. This makes it difficult for them to receive a diagnosis. They may have learned how to make up for their inability to remain organized by using coping strategies like self-denial or relying on others and resorting to unhealthy behaviors such as excessive drinking or using drugs.

They might not even realize that they have a problem until they realize it themselves. They might have a long list of embarrassing foot-in-mouth incidents that have embarrassed their friends or colleagues, have to work hard to keep their homes and apartments tidy and clean and are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks on their plates.

When undiagnosed and untreated, the symptoms of inattentive ADHD can wreak havoc on virtually every area of their lives. They might miss out on professional and social events because they're not invited, or fail to pay bills or return phone calls from friends in a timely manner. They could rush through a test or misunderstand the instructions at work, or make naive mistakes in their personal relationships. In the end, they start to think that they are incompetent or foolish and suffer from low self-esteem and lack of confidence.

2. Hyperactivity

People who suffer from hyperactive ADHD might be prone to fidget, squirming in their seat, and talk a lot. They also have difficulty paying attention to what others are saying and often interrupt them or make statements without considering the consequences. They are easily distracted and bored by activities that don't interest them. The behavior isn't triggered by the desire to be defiant or a lack of understanding it is a biological abnormality in the frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).

Those with inattentive ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or misplace keys than other. This subtype of ADHD can cause people to lose track of important information like bills or work assignments. They are often unable to remember or lose eyeglasses, as well as other items like keys, wallets, school materials, sports equipment, etc. They are often unable to keep their jobs and often begin projects, but do not finish their work.

Many adults with ADHD feel better about themselves after their symptoms have been controlled. This is especially relevant if the person has been misled for a long time to believe that they are irresponsible or lazy due to their procrastination or disorganization.

Mental disorders, stress, and physical ailments can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A healthcare professional will need to conduct an extensive examination to identify the 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 behaviors and experiences.  adhd in men symptoms  may also conduct psychological tests, such as the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders and the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Inventory.

3. Impulsivity

ADHD can make stopping and taking a breath a challenge, especially when the situation is stressful. You might feel the need to take action and tackle a problem even though you should be patient and plan your actions. This type of impulsivity can cause issues at work, at school, or with relationships. You might also have issues with your finances, driving, or managing your home.

Women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because their symptoms tend to be less apparent. They might cover up their symptoms by claiming to be being conscientious and dependable. This can give a false sense of security, and make it easier for others to dismiss them as a problem-child, overly emotional woman or an over-achiever. In the end, a lifetime of undiagnosed ADHD can do 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 present at work as well as at home, and they can hinder your ability to function.

You might have a hard to complete work or school tasks, and you may appear unfocused and disorganized. You might have trouble waiting in line, sitting down or staying focused while reading or working on your computer, or performing household chores. You may prefer novelty over the monotony of your day and you might delay or avoid tasks to avoid them. Although ADHD has some symptom similarities with anxiety disorders restlessness, fidgeting, and forgetfulness aren't typically present. The symptoms of ADHD are prone to change with age, exacerbated by hormonal changes such as menopausal and prenatal.

4. Rejection Sensitivity

Rejection sensitivity is a mental disorder characterized by extreme negative feelings and a difficulty in controlling emotions. It can trigger emotional turmoil and impact many aspects of life. People who are sensitive to rejection experience more intense reactions to social cues which could be perceived as rejection, compared to others. They may experience feelings of shame, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation when confronted with rejection, either real or perceived. It is a common sign for people suffering from ADHD and Autism however it may co-occur in those without these conditions as well.

RSD can cause uncontrollable behavior and relationship issues. It can also cause people to avoid taking risks, which could hinder their career and personal development. For some, it can cause an entire loss of self-esteem and a sense of depression. RSD is also known to exacerbate and amplify core ADHD symptoms, including time blindness. This can lead to problems in planning and organisation, as well wasting time on unimportant tasks. It can also result in difficulties focusing and attention span, and those with RSD are prone to ruminating on a slight for hours or days.

Research suggests that people with RSD might have a brain impairment in the processing of emotional information. This could be due to the fact that the amygdala (which is responsible for the body’s threat response) is activated more frequently when people feel rejected. It's also thought that people with rejection sensitivity might have experienced trauma in their childhood that can have lasting impacts on their emotional development. They could be more sensitive to criticism, rejection, and abandonment in adulthood. Other mental health disorders that are co-occurring such as anxiety or depression can also influence RSD by affecting the regulation of emotions.

5. Gender-specific behaviors that are gender specific

Many people with ADHD develop the disorder during the earliest years of their lives, and they nearly always get a diagnosis prior to age 12. The symptoms tend to persist well into adulthood. This means that women with the disorder may be unable to cope with problems at work, school as well as in relationships. They can also struggle with depression, compulsive overeating or other substance use disorders. Years of undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can have a negative impact on self-esteem and confidence and they can blame themselves for their problems because they think of themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."

Gender bias can play a role in how girls and women with ADHD are perceived. Parents and teachers are more likely to notice the hyperactivity of boys with ADHD, whereas girls could be accused of a daydream. This makes it harder for them to receive the help they need.

Furthermore, girls who have the disorder are more likely experience mood disorders and anxiety than those who suffer from the condition. They may also attempt to conceal their symptoms by using strategies for coping that are more prevalent for the gender that they identify with. This can make it difficult for others to recognize that they have a problem.

Some women with ADHD might use a lot of makeup or dress in a particular way to conceal their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behaviours like excessive drinking or drug use, particularly during the adolescent years. In the end, they might not seek out the assistance they require until it is too late.