ADHD Symptoms in Women Test Positive
You are often unable to remember things, misplace them, or become numb during daily activities. Your memory issues can cause problems with your work and school performance.
The symptoms you experience must be present before age 12, last for six months and interfere with your daily life to be diagnosed with ADHD. The test will ask questions about a variety of symptoms related to inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
Inattentive Signs and symptoms
Women with inattention ADHD often have difficulty organizing their lives and remembering specifics. They may lose track of appointments or forget things they've already been told to do. They may be unable to concentrate during college lectures or business meetings. They may also have difficulty keeping their household chores in order or paying bills.
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 associated with ADHD can cause people to think that women don't have the same symptoms and therefore shouldn't be diagnosed or treated. This makes it difficult for educators and healthcare professionals to recognize and treat women and girls who suffer from ADHD.
Because they are internalized, inattention ADHD symptoms can be difficult to recognize for girls and women. Inattentive 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 disorganized. They may try to cope by working too much, relying on productivity apps or becoming more controlling in their relationships.
The hormonal fluctuations that take place throughout a woman's lifetime can affect ADHD symptoms. The most significant changes occur during the luteal phase during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in the years prior to menopausal symptoms, when estrogen levels decrease. The research is ongoing to determine how these hormonal changes could influence a person's ADHD symptoms and medications.
It is important to understand that gender refers to a person's biology, including their hormones, chromosomal makeup and anatomy, while the term "sex" refers to a person's internal perception of themselves as a man, woman, or nonbinary irrespective of the external anatomy. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a complicated subject and that some people identify as neither female nor male, or as intersex. Verywell Health doesn't define the sex of its readers. Please see the Verywell Health FAQ on sex and gender for more details.
Hyperactive Symptoms
In general, women who suffer from ADHD don't have the same amount of hyperactive symptoms as do men. It can be harder for women to get diagnosed with ADHD and get treatment. But that does not mean that ADHD isn't present in females. The number of women diagnosed with ADHD has risen since 2020.
In the early years the boys have a greater chance of being diagnosed with ADHD than girls. However, as they get older the odds even out. However, it can be more difficult for people with ADHD to identify their condition since the symptoms change over time and may be confused with other conditions.
For instance, many people with ADHD are unable to sleep at the night. Stress, hormone fluctuations, or medications prescribed to treat other conditions can exacerbate the problem. An excessive meal or alcohol consumption before bedtime can make it worse. It is important to remember that getting a good night's sleep is a crucial aspect of managing ADHD in adults. Healthy sleep habits such as using a sleeping blanket with weights and setting a routine can be helpful.
Women with ADHD are more likely to suffer from emotional issues, since they are more susceptible to mood swings. This can cause them to be ignored or misunderstood by others, and can contribute to relationship troubles. Additionally, they could be more prone to developing disorders such as depression and anxiety, which can make it difficult for them to focus or remember things.
To learn more about ADHD, it is important to consult a health professional. This includes a full evaluation and diagnosis. There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and mixed. To be diagnosed with ADHD, one needs to have at minimum six symptoms in each of the categories over a period of six months. Inattentive ADHD symptoms are usually more internal, like daydreaming or being 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.
Instinctive Symptoms
Women with impulsive ADHD frequently have trouble in social situations. They may be prone to talk a lot or go off on tangents in conversations. They also have trouble being able to recognize social cues and body language. They might also have difficulty managing their emotions, which makes them more prone to anger or rage. This makes it difficult for them to work in groups or to get along with other people. Women who suffer from impulsive ADHD are more likely to have sexually active early in life, which can result in unwanted pregnancies or STIs.
Women with ADHD are often prone to mood fluctuation. Many notice that their symptoms get worse during certain times of month or when they are dealing with major life events such as divorce or loss of a loved-one. Stereotyping of gender and other factors can cause women with impulsive ADHD to be misunderstood and dismissed as "overly emotional."
In addition, because women are generally better at masking their ADHD symptoms than men are and therefore, it is more difficult to get a diagnosis or treatment. Some experts believe this is because females have strategies and coping mechanisms that help them to conceal their ADHD. Some of these include setting up reminders for phone calls or adjusting their schedules, or taking medication to control symptoms.
Finally, women with ADHD may have trouble getting enough sleep and this may affect their focus and impulsivity. To improve your quality of sleeping, make sure you stick to a bedtime routine that includes calming activities before you go to sleep, and avoid screen time before you head to bed. Exercise can also enhance your sleep quality as it releases neurotransmitters, which improve your mood and improve focus.
adhd in adults women is essential to consult an expert in mental health to receive a diagnosis when you suspect that you have ADHD. This is the only way to determine whether you are suffering from ADHD and how severe your symptoms are. Find a Therapist will be able to assist you if you're willing to take a step forward.
Social Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD can find it difficult to manage their symptoms in social situations. They might feel that people are less impressed because they don't seem to listen, pay attention or follow through. This can lead to misunderstandings and anger in relationships, both personal and professional.
Women may also find it harder to get a diagnosis of ADHD because they often mask their symptoms. This is to comply with social expectations and norms, as well as to handle daily tasks. This can include healthy coping mechanisms, like using a planner or setting reminders on their phones however, it could also lead to unhealthy coping strategies like excessive fidgeting, not eating, and working longer hours to compensate.
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to recognize in women who are older, since they may be misinterpreted with other conditions such as anxiety or depression. Anxiety and ADHD share some of the same symptoms, including difficulty staying focused, restlessness or difficulty sleeping. The disorganization, forgetfulness, and impulsivity that are typical of ADHD do not happen with anxiety.
ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and impulsivity can be misinterpreted as a sign of mood disorders, especially in adults. Women who have an history of bipolar disorder, depression or other mood disorders can be more likely to suffer from ADHD. It's crucial to have a healthcare expert you trust to examine your symptoms in order to make an accurate diagnosis.
Adult women with ADHD can improve their quality of life by learning strategies for coping and seeking treatment. They might benefit from counseling with a therapist to improve their emotional regulation skills or coaching by a professional who will teach them behavioral strategies and assist them in setting goals. You can also take medication for ADHD symptoms with an appointment with the doctor. People suffering from ADHD are often prescribed stimulant medications however other options may be equally effective.