14 Cartoons On Adult ADHD Symptoms Which Will Brighten Your Day
Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About
Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed, or go undiagnosed, because their symptoms are different from those of men. They may experience more emotional volatility, or struggle to control their emotions.
Finding a therapist or a clinician who understands ADHD and women can make a a huge difference in transforming your unique problems into strengths.
1. Inattentiveness
Adults who suffer from inattention ADHD may have difficulty keeping the track of their schedules and household chores and may are late at work and have trouble staying focussed during meetings. It's also common for people with inattention ADHD to experience a condition known as "time blindness," meaning that they frequently forget what time it is or are so caught up in their work that they forget how much time has passed. This can lead to feelings of being disorganized or behind, or even irresponsible.
Women with inattentive ADHD are particularly adept at hiding their symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to receive an assessment. They may have learned how 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 like excessive alcohol or drug abuse.
In the end, their issues with organization and focus can be overlooked by other people until they realize their own issues. They might have a list of foot-in mouth incidents that have embarrassed friends or colleagues, or struggle to keep their homes and apartments clean and organized and are overwhelmed by the number of tasks on their plates.
Undiagnosed and untreated symptoms of inattentive ADHD will negatively impact the entirety of their life. They may be unable to attend professional and social events because they're not invited, or fail to pay their bills or answer phone calls from friends promptly. They might take a test too fast or fail to follow instructions at work, or make naive mistakes in their relationships with others. At some point, they believe they are incompetent or foolish and suffer from low self-esteem and confidence.
2. Hyperactivity
People with hyperactive ADHD can fidget, squirm in their seats, and talk too much. They also have difficulty paying attention to the words of others and frequently interrupt or make statements without thinking about their consequences. They are easily distracted and bored by things which do not entice them. This behavior isn't due to an urge to defy or a lack of understanding and is due to a biological abnormality in the frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).
Those with inattentive ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or misplace keys than others. People with this subtype of ADHD also have a tendency to lose track of important information, such as work or bills. They frequently forget or lose their wallets, eyeglasses keys, sports equipment and/or school materials. They are often unable to keep an occupation, and often start projects that never get finished.
Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD report that they feel more confident about themselves after their symptoms are under control. This is especially true for those who have suffered for years under the false assumption that they are lazy or irresponsible because of their procrastination, disordered behavior, and impulsive behaviors.
Mental disorders, stress, and physical illness can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. A healthcare professional will have to conduct a thorough evaluation in order to determine the root cause of the symptoms, and then determine the most effective treatment. They might ask your permission to speak to family members, coworkers and teachers to get more information about your previous and current behavior. symptoms of add in adults could also administer psychological tests, like 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 might be compelled by your ADHD to solve a problem even when you need to plan and slow down. This impulsivity may lead to problems at work, in school, or in relationships. You might also have issues with your finances, driving, or managing your home.
Women typically have a tougher to be diagnosed with ADHD than men because their symptoms are less apparent. They can appear to being conscientious and dependable. This can create an illusion of security, and make it easier for people to dismiss them as a child with a problem, an overly emotional woman or a perfectionist. In the end, an undiagnosed lifetime of 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 evident in two different settings such as at home and work, and interfere with your ability to function.
You may find it difficult to finish homework or school assignments, and seem unorganized and forgetful. You might find it difficult to wait in line, sitting still or staying focused while reading or working on your computer, or performing household chores. You might prefer a different approach to the monotony of your day, and you may procrastinate or skip tasks in order to avoid them. While the inattention and impulsivity associated with ADHD are a part of anxiety, the feeling of restlessness, fidgeting and forgetfulness are usually not present in these disorders. The symptoms of ADHD vary with age, exacerbated by hormonal changes like menopausal and prenatal.
4. Rejection Sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity is a psychological disorder characterized by extreme negative emotions and difficulty in regulating emotions. It can cause emotional turmoil and affect many aspects of everyday life. People who are sensitive to rejection experience more intense reactions to social cues that may be perceived as rejection than others. When they face rejection - real or perceived, they might be afflicted with guilt, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation. It is a common condition for those with ADHD and Autism however, it can be present in people without these conditions as well.
RSD can lead to an inability to set personal boundaries, leading to impulsive behavior and difficulty managing relationships. It can also cause people to avoid risk-taking which can limit their career and personal development. For some, it may cause a complete loss of self-esteem and a sense of depression. RSD is also known to cause and increase the severity of the core ADHD symptoms, such as time blindness. This can lead to problems with planning and organisation and also being a waste of time doing things that aren't important. It can also cause difficulties focusing and attention span, and people with RSD may be stuck ruminating on a slight for hours or even days.

Researchers have found that people suffering from RSD may have 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) activates more when people perceive rejection. It is also believed that those who feel a sensitivity to rejection might have experienced childhood trauma that can have lasting impacts on their emotional development. This could make them more prone to rejection, criticism, and abandonment in adulthood. Mental health disorders that co-occur such as anxiety or depression can also affect RSD by impacting emotional regulation.
5. Gender-specific behaviors that are gender specific
ADHD is often diagnosed in the early years of childhood. It's almost always diagnosed before the age of 12. The symptoms can last until the age of adulthood. This means that women suffering from the disorder might remain troubled at work, school as well as in relationships. They can also experience anxiety, depression or other substance use disorders. Years of undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can be a drain on self-esteem and confidence and they could blame themselves for their issues by thinking of themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."
Gender bias is a factor in the way that girls and women with ADHD are perceived. Boys with the condition typically exhibit hyperactive behaviors that are easy for parents and teachers to spot, whereas girls who have those same symptoms could be accused of daydreaming or being anxious. This makes it difficult for them to get the assistance they require.
Furthermore, girls who have the disorder are more likely to be afflicted by anxiety and other mood disorders than those who suffer from the condition. They may also try to conceal their symptoms with strategies for coping that are more common for the gender that they identify with. This can make it difficult for others to notice that they are suffering from a disorder.
For instance, women suffering from ADHD might use a lot of makeup or dress in a certain way so that they don't notice their symptoms. They might also engage in risky behavior such as drinking excessively or drug use, especially during adolescence. They might not seek assistance until it's too late.