How To Explain Adult ADHD Symptoms To Your Grandparents
Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women suffering from ADHD go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed as their symptoms are different from males. They may experience more emotional instability, or have trouble controlling their emotions.
Finding a therapist or a therapist who is knowledgeable about ADHD in women can make all the difference in turning your individual problems into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults who suffer from inattentive ADHD may have difficulty keeping on top of their schedules and household chores, are late at work and struggle to stay focused during meetings. It is also common for those who suffer from inattention ADHD to experience a phenomenon 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 lead to feelings of being disorganized, behind or irresponsible.
Women who have inattention ADHD are particularly adept in hiding their symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. They may have learned how to cope with their inability to stay organized by using coping strategies like self-denial or relying on other people and resorting to unhealthy behaviors like excessive alcohol or drug abuse.
In the end, their struggles in focusing and organization can be overlooked by others until they begin to recognize their own issues. They might have a long list of embarrassing foot-in-mouth incidents that have embarrassed their friends or colleagues, or struggle to keep their homes and apartments tidy and clean and are overwhelmed by the number of tasks on their plates.
If left untreated and undiagnosed, the signs of inattention ADHD can have a devastating effect on virtually every area of their lives. They may miss out on social and professional opportunities due to the fact that they weren't invited. In addition, they may not be able to pay their bills or return friends' phone calls promptly. They could take a test too fast or misunderstand the instructions at work, or make careless mistakes in their personal relationships. Eventually, they begin to believe that they are incompetent or foolish, and struggle with low self-esteem and confidence.
2. Hyperactivity
Hyperactive ADHD can cause people to fumble in their seats, talk too much, or squirm. They also have trouble paying attentively to what others are saying and often interrupt them or make statements without considering their consequences. They are easily distracted and bored by activities that do not interest them. The behavior isn't triggered by the desire to be defiant or a lack of comprehension 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. People with this type of ADHD also have a tendency to lose track of important information, like bills or work assignments. They frequently forget or lose eyeglasses, as well as other items such as keys, wallets and school supplies, sports equipment, etc. They often struggle to hold their jobs and often begin projects, but don't finish their work.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD report that they feel more confident about themselves after their symptoms are under control. This is especially applicable if the person had been misled for a number of years into thinking they are lazy or irresponsible due to their procrastination or indecisiveness.

Stress, other mental health disorders, and physical ailments can cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD. A healthcare professional will require an exhaustive examination to determine the root cause of the symptoms and determine effective treatments. They might ask your permission to talk with family members, friends, colleagues and teachers, as well as other individuals who know you well to get information about your current and past behavior and experiences. They might also perform 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 more difficult, especially when the situation becomes stressful. You may feel compelled by ADHD to solve a problem even while you are supposed to plan and slow down. This type of impulsivity can cause problems at work, in school, or with relationships. You might also be struggling with your finances, driving, or managing your home.
Women often have a harder time getting diagnosed with ADHD than men, as their symptoms are less obvious. They may appear to being trustworthy and diligent. This can give a false sense of security and make it easier for people to dismiss them as a problem-child, emotionally overly sensitive, or an over-achiever. Undiagnosed ADHD over a lifetime can 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 must be present at work as well as at home, and can affect your ability to function.
You may find it difficult to complete work or school assignments and look disorganized and forgetful. You have trouble standing in line or staying still for long periods of time and have trouble staying focused while reading or working on a laptop, or doing chores. You might prefer a different approach to the daily grind and may delay or avoid tasks to avoid them. While ADHD has some symptom similarities with anxiety disorders, restlessness, fidgeting and forgetfulness are not typically present. The symptoms of ADHD fluctuate with age and are exacerbated by hormonal changes such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is a mental health condition which is characterized by extreme negative feelings and difficulty in controlling emotions. It can trigger emotional turmoil and affect a variety of aspects of life. People with rejection sensitivity have more extreme reactions than other people to social cues which may be perceived as rejection. When they experience rejection - whether real or perceived, they could be afflicted with guilt, low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation. signs and symptoms of adhd in adults is a typical characteristic of people suffering from ADHD or Autism but it can also occur in those without these conditions.
RSD can cause an inability to set personal boundaries, which leads to impulsive behaviors and difficulties managing relationships. It can also make people avoid taking risks, which can limit their career and personal development. It can cause depression and self-esteem issues for some. RSD is also known to exacerbate and increase the severity of the core ADHD symptoms, like time blindness. This can result in issues with planning and organization, as well being a waste of time doing things that aren't important. RSD can also cause issues with focus and attention span. People with RSD might be prone to ruminating on the slightest thing for several hours or even for days.
Researchers have found that people suffering from RSD might be suffering from a brain disorder that affects how they process 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 experience rejection. People with rejection sensitivity may also have experienced trauma from childhood that can have a lasting impact on their emotional growth. They may be more prone to rejection, criticism, and abandonment in adulthood. RSD can be influenced by co-occurring mental disorders like depression or anxiety.
5. Gender Atypical Behaviors
Many people who suffer from ADHD develop the condition during their childhood, and almost always have a diagnosis before the age of 12. The symptoms are likely to last well into adulthood. This means that women who suffer from the disorder might continue to have problems at school, at work at home, and in relationships. They can also struggle with depression, compulsive overeating or other substance use disorders. Undiagnosed ADHD can have a negative impact on women's self esteem. signs and symptoms of adhd in adults might be tempted to blame themselves, believing that they are "lazy", "irresponsible" or "stupid".
Gender bias plays a role in how girls and women are perceived when they display ADHD symptoms. Teachers and parents are more likely to be aware of excessive behavior in boys suffering from ADHD, while girls may be accused of a daydream. This makes it difficult for them to receive the help that they need.
Girls with the disorder are also more likely to be suffering from anxiety and other mood disorders. They may also attempt to conceal their symptoms with methods of coping that are more prevalent for the gender they identify with. This can make it difficult for others to see that they are suffering from a disorder.
For instance, women with ADHD may wear lots of makeup or dress in a particular way so that they don't notice their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behaviors such as drinking excessively or drug use, especially during the adolescent years. This means that they may not seek the assistance they require until it is too late.