11 Ways To Completely Sabotage Your Adult ADHD Symptoms Adult ADHD Symptoms Women and Girls May Not Know About

Many women and girls with ADHD are not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis because their symptoms manifest differently than men's. They might experience more emotional instability, or struggle to control their emotions.

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

1. Inattentiveness

Adults with inattention ADHD might have difficulty keeping on top of their household chores and appointments and may miss deadlines at work and struggle to stay focused during meetings. Inattentive ADHD patients often suffer from "time blindness," which is when they forget the time or are so involved in their work that they forget about time. This can result in feelings of being unorganized or behind, or even irresponsible.

Women who have inattention ADHD are able at hiding their symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to get a diagnosis. They may have learned to compensate for their difficulty in staying well-organized by employing coping strategies like self-denial, relying upon others, or even resorting to unhealthy behaviors like excessive alcohol or substance abuse.

This is why their difficulties in focusing and organization can be overlooked by others until they start to notice their own problems. They might have a list of embarrassing moments where they have embarrassed their friends or coworkers. They may also struggle to keep their apartments 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 wreak havoc on virtually every area of their lives. They might be unable to attend occasions for professional or social gatherings because they aren't invited, or fail to pay bills or answer phone calls from friends in a timely manner. They may rush through a test or misunderstand instructions in the workplace, or make careless errors in their relationships. adults adhd symptoms may begin to think they are lazy or stupid, and suffer from low self-esteem.

2. Hyperactivity

People who suffer from hyperactive ADHD can be prone to fidget, squirming in their seats, and talk excessively. They aren't able to pay attention to what others are saying. They frequently interrupt or make statements they don't think through. They are easily distracted and bored by tasks which do not entice them. The behavior isn't caused by a desire for defiance or a lack in comprehension, but a biologically based imbalance in frontal lobes (Tripp & Wickens 2009).

Those who have inattention ADHD are more likely to forget appointments or misplace keys than other people. This kind of ADHD can also cause people to lose track important information, such as bills or work assignments. They frequently lose or forget their eyeglasses, wallets, keys, sports equipment or school supplies. They are often unable to keep a job and often start projects, but do not complete the work.

Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD say they feel more confident about themselves after their symptoms are under control. This is especially true if they have suffered for years under the false impression that they are lazy or irresponsible because of their procrastination indecisiveness, and disorganization.

Mental disorders, stress, and physical ailments can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A health care provider will require an extensive examination to identify the cause of the symptoms and determine effective treatments. They may ask for your permission to speak to your family members, colleagues and teachers to get more information about your past and current behavior. They may also conduct psychological tests, such as the Rotterdam Test for Attention Disorders or the Beck Cognitive Abnormality Index.

3. Impulsivity

Being diagnosed with ADHD can make it hard to stop and take a deep breath, especially when you are stressed. It is possible to feel compelled take action and tackle a problem even though you should be patient and plan your actions. This can lead to problems with schoolwork, work, and relationships. symptoms of adhd adult may also experience issues with your finances, driving, or managing your home.

Women are often having a harder to be diagnosed with ADHD than men due to the fact that their symptoms are less apparent. They might hide their issues under the pretense of being a trustworthy, reliable, and well-organized. This can give them a false sense that they are in control and allow people to dismiss them as a troubled child, an overly emotional woman or an over-achiever. Undiagnosed ADHD over a lifetime can cause a lot of 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 must be evident in two different settings, such as work and home, and interfere with your ability to function.

You may find it difficult to finish assignments or work and look disorganized and forgetful. You might have trouble waiting in line, sat down, or staying focused when reading or working on your computer, or doing household chores. You prefer novelty to the monotony of life and might be prone to skipping tasks or procrastinating to avoid them. Although ADHD has some symptom similarities with anxiety disorders, restlessness, fidgeting and forgetfulness are not usually present. The symptoms of ADHD change as you age and are made worse by hormonal fluctuations such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause.

4. Rejection Sensitivity

Rejection sensitivity (RSD) is an illness of the mind that is that is characterized by extreme negative emotions and difficulty in controlling emotions. It causes emotional turbulence and can affect the way we live our lives. People with rejection sensitivity have more extreme reactions than other people to social cues, which could be perceived as rejection. When they are faced with rejection, whether it is real or perceived, they might be afflicted with guilt, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation. This is a typical characteristic of people suffering from ADHD or Autism, but can also happen to those without these conditions.

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 cause depression and self-esteem issues in some. RSD can also cause and intensify the primary ADHD symptoms like time blindness. This can cause problems with planning and organization, as well wasting time on unimportant tasks. It can also cause difficulties focusing and attention span, and people with RSD can get stuck thinking about a minor issue for hours or even days.

Researchers have discovered that those suffering from RSD might be suffering from a brain disorder that affects how they process emotional information. This could be due to the amygdala, which is responsible for the body's threat response, activates more than other individuals when they perceive rejection. People with rejection sensitivity may also have experienced childhood trauma that could have a lasting impact on their emotional growth. They may be more sensitive to criticism, rejection and abandonment as they grow older. Co-occurring mental health disorders like depression or anxiety can also affect RSD by affecting the regulation of emotions.

5. Gender Atypical Behaviors

ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood. It is almost always diagnosed before the age of 12 years old. Symptoms tend to persist throughout adulthood it is true that women with the disorder can continue having difficulties at school or at work as well as at home and in relationships. They can also struggle with anxiety, depression or addiction disorders. Years of undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can be a drain on women's self-esteem and they can blame themselves for their issues by imagining themselves as "lazy," "irresponsible," or "stupid."

Gender bias is a factor in how women and girls who suffer from ADHD are perceived. The majority of boys with ADHD display hyperactive behaviors that are easy for teachers and parents to observe, while girls with the same symptoms may be accused of daydreaming or being anxious. This makes it difficult for them to receive the help they need.

Girls with this disorder are also more likely to be suffering from anxiety and other mood disorders. They might also attempt to conceal their symptoms with coping techniques that are more typical for the gender that they identify with. This could make it difficult for others to see that they have a problem.

Women with ADHD may use a lot makeup or dress in a particular way in order to hide their symptoms. They may also engage in risky behavior such as drinking too much or using drugs, especially during adolescence. This means that they may not seek the help they require until it's too late.