ADHD Symptoms in Women Test Positive
You're usually a bit numb you forget things or can't locate them. Your memory problems may hinder your work and school performance.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must be present before the age of 12, and lasted at least six months, and impacted your daily life. The test will ask questions about a variety of symptoms related to inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
Inattentive Signs and symptoms
Women with inattention ADHD symptoms often have trouble keeping track of their schedules and details. They may forget appointments or details they've already been given. They may also have difficulty staying concentrate during college lectures or business meetings. At home, their homes could be disorganized and they may have trouble keeping track of bills or household chores.
Unlike hyperactive/impulsive-type ADHD, inattentive symptoms aren't as noticeable and can make it harder for girls and women to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment. The stigma of ADHD can lead people to believe that women do not suffer from the same issues and therefore shouldn't be diagnosed or treated. This can make it difficult for educators and healthcare professionals to recognize and treat women and girls who suffer from ADHD.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms are also harder to spot in women and girls since they are often internalized. Inattentional ADHD can make it difficult for women to maintain healthy work and personal relationships. Their tendencies to be impulsive and forgetful are often misinterpreted by others as being unorganized. They may attempt to compensate by working more or relying on productivity apps or becoming more controlling in their relationships.
The hormonal fluctuations that occur throughout a woman's lifetime can affect ADHD symptoms. These changes are most noticeable during the luteal stage of the menstrual cycle, during breastfeeding and pregnancy, and during the time before menopausal, when estrogen levels decline. Researchers are trying to figure out how these hormonal changes might affect ADHD symptoms and medication.
It is important to understand that gender refers to a person's biological makeup, including chromosomal make-up, hormones, and anatomy, while sexuality refers to an individual's internal perception of themselves as a man, woman, or a nonbinary, regardless of the external anatomy. Verywell Health recognizes that sex can be a complex topic and that some people identify as neither male nor female or as intersex. Therefore, Verywell Health does not define the sex of its readers. For more information, please go to the Verywell Health sex and age FAQ.
Hyperactive Symptoms
Generally speaking, women with ADHD do not have as many hyperactive symptoms as men do. As a result, it is more difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated. However, this doesn't mean however that ADHD is not present in women. The number of females diagnosed with ADHD has risen since 2020.
In childhood boys are more likely to be diagnosed with an ADHD diagnosis than girls. As they grow older and get older, the odds are even. However, it can still be a challenge for adults with ADHD to identify their condition since the symptoms change over time and can be confused with other disorders.
For instance, many people with ADHD struggle to sleep at the night. The difficulty can be exacerbated by factors like stress, hormone fluctuations or medication used to treat other conditions. undiagnosed adhd in women or drinking before bedtime can worsen the problem. It is important to keep in mind that getting a good sleep is a key part of managing ADHD in adults. Good sleep habits like using a sleeping blanket with weights and setting a routine can help.
Problems with emotions can be particularly difficult for women with ADHD, who are more prone to mood swings. This can lead to being misunderstood by other people or dismissed, which can lead to relationship problems. They may also be more prone to illnesses such as depression, which can make focusing and remembering information difficult.
To find out more about ADHD and its symptoms, it is crucial to consult an expert in health. This includes a full evaluation and diagnosis. There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and mixed. To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person needs to have at least six symptoms in each of the categories over a period of six months. Inattentive ADHD symptoms are typically more internal, such as having a tendency to daydream or be easily distracted. Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms are more visible and include fidgeting, squirming in a chair or running around in situations where remaining seated is expected. Mixed ADHD is the most common and can cause both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms.
The signs of a sudden start
Women with hyperactive ADHD have difficulty in social situations. They can talk too much or wander off into tangents during conversations. They also have difficulty being able to recognize social cues and body language. They also may have trouble controlling their emotions, making them more prone to rage or anger. This makes it difficult for them to be part of a group or get along with other people. Women with an impulsive ADHD are also more likely to become sexually active at a younger age, which could cause unwanted pregnancies as well as STIs.
Women suffering from ADHD are often prone to mood fluctuation. Many notice that their symptoms get worse during certain times of month or when they are experiencing major life events such as divorce or the loss of a loved one. Women who have impulsive ADHD are often misunderstood and dismissed due to gender stereotypes or other factors.
Women are also better in hiding their ADHD symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to obtain diagnosed or receive treatment. Some experts believe this is because females have strategies and coping mechanisms that help them to conceal their ADHD. These might include adjusting their schedule or setting reminders for appointments, using self-care or medication to control their symptoms, or changing their behavior to suit their social expectations.
Women suffering from ADHD may have trouble sleeping well, which could affect their attention and impulsivity. Make sure you have a routine for bedtime. Do calming activities and avoid watching TV before the bed. Include exercise in your daily routine could be helpful, as it releases neurotransmitters that improve your mood and boost concentration.
If you suspect that you be suffering from ADHD, it's important to consult an expert in mental health to get diagnosis. This is the only way you can determine if you suffer from ADHD and determine how severe your symptoms are. If you're ready to take the next step to get help, our Find a Therapist resource can assist.
Social Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to cope with their symptoms in social situations. They may feel that others are less impressed by them because they aren't able to listen, pay attention or follow through. This can lead to miscommunications and irritability in relationships both professional and personal.
Women also have it difficult to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD due to the fact that they tend to conceal their symptoms. This is a method to conform to social expectations and norms, and to handle daily tasks. This could involve healthy coping mechanisms, such as using a calendar or setting reminders on their phones however, it could also lead to unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive fidgeting, skipping meals, and working longer hours to compensate.
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to recognize in women of adulthood, since they may be misinterpreted with other conditions, like depression or anxiety. Anxiety and ADHD have some similar symptoms, such as difficulty in concentration, restlessness, or difficulty sleeping. The forgetfulness, disorganization, and impulsivity that are typical of ADHD do not occur when you suffer from anxiety.
The hyperactivity and impulsivity of ADHD can be confused with mood disorders, particularly in adults. Women with an history of bipolar disorder, depression or other mood disorders can be more likely to develop ADHD. It is essential to have a trusted healthcare professional look into your symptoms and come up with an accurate diagnosis.
Adult women with ADHD can enhance their lives by learning strategies for coping and seeking treatment. They might benefit from counseling to learn emotional regulation, or even coaching from a professional who will teach them strategies for managing their behavior and help them set goals. They may also be prescribed medication to manage their ADHD symptoms however only with a doctor's recommendation. Stimulant medication is typically prescribed for those suffering from ADHD, but non-stimulant options are just as effective in certain cases.