6 Surprising Signs of Adult ADHD

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Jun 19, 2023

Explore the six surprising signs of adult ADHD that many may overlook. Discover why women are often underdiagnosed and how ADHD can impact self-esteem and anxiety, particularly during menopause. The discussion offers personal insights into living with undiagnosed symptoms and the significance of early recognition. Learn about the brain's prefrontal cortex and its role in attention management, along with practical coping strategies for navigating daily challenges. This enlightening conversation is essential for anyone questioning their mental health.

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ANECDOTE

Mel Robbins' Late ADHD Diagnosis

Mel Robbins' son, Oakley, was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia after a neuropsych evaluation.
Reading the report, Robbins recognized similar struggles in herself and was subsequently diagnosed with ADHD at 47.

INSIGHT

Gender Differences in ADHD

ADHD research initially focused solely on boys, leading to misdiagnosis in girls.
Girls' symptoms often manifest internally as restlessness, daydreaming, and self-criticism, unlike boys' external, physical symptoms.

INSIGHT

Internalizing Symptoms

Boys with ADHD typically exhibit physical symptoms like impulsivity and fidgeting, which are easily observable.
Girls internalize their symptoms, leading to increased anxiety, self-loathing, and heightened risk of self-harm.

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More and more adults are being diagnosed with ADHD, so today, we are unpacking the 6 surprising signs of ADHD. I also tell you why so many women, in particular, go undiagnosed.

This episode is deeply personal, but my story is shared by so many women.

I lived my entire life with symptoms of ADHD and crushing anxiety because of it. But I was never diagnosed until the age of 47—and I found out by fluke!

So in this episode, I go deep into what ADHD is: a neurological disorder that affects the brain structurally and chemically. I explain the signs and the science behind what is going on in your brain to help you live a better life.

If you ever wondered if you have ADHD, if you feel like menopause is making it worse, or if you struggle with anxiety, an eating disorder, or low self-esteem, you have to listen. All these might be symptoms of ADHD.

This episode goes way beyond an inability to focus, because ADHD is so much more. This is an education in how your brain works, how focus works, and how to help yourself or someone in your life who may have ADHD.

I’ve been wanting to record this episode for MONTHS, but I didn’t want to do it until I had first-class resources for you. Because every time I talk about my ADHD story, we get an avalanche of questions from listeners.

I have regrets about that lost time when I did not know I had ADHD, and I don’t want you to have them, too.

Today you’ll learn:

*why women have been profoundly underdiagnosed

*four key differences between genders with ADHD

*why my diagnosis was both a blessing and a curse

*the surprising way most women find out

*six symptoms of ADHD that most people don’t catch

*the connection between anxiety and depression and ADHD

*resources and hacks to help you take charge over your symptoms

Xo Mel

In this episode, you’ll learn:

2:44: The surprising backdoor way I was diagnosed with ADHD.
6:30: What I learned about the “lost generation” that has blown me away.
7:45: A terrifyingly important statistic that led to this podcast episode.
9:00: The definition of ADHD that may make you feel better about yours.
10:15: Why are women underdiagnosed? The differences in symptoms.
19:30: This is how ADHD impacts your brain.
22:30: Breaking this myth about this symptom of ADHD.
24:45: A really clear metaphor to explain how your brain silences noise, or doesn’t.
32:00: How is it I have ADHD, yet I can hyper-focus?
34:00: More surprising symptoms of ADHD that might make your relationships hard.
38:00: This one hack helps me get birthday gifts for others on time.
40:00: The jobs I loved because they worked well with ADHD.
43:45: Now here’s the good news!
45:30: A predictive statistic about children that you’re going to want to hear.

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