ADHD Symptoms in Women Test Positive
You frequently forget things, misplace them or are absentminded in your daily activities. Your memory problems may interfere with work and school performance.
To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms have to be present prior to the age of 12and lasted for 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 symptoms
Women with inattentive ADHD symptoms usually have trouble staying organized and remembering details. They might lose track of appointments or forget things they've already been told to do. They may also have trouble staying focused during meetings at work or lectures at college. They may also have a difficult time keeping track of household chores or 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 of ADHD can cause people to believe that women do not suffer from the same issues and therefore shouldn't be diagnosed or treated. This makes it difficult for educators and healthcare professionals to identify and treat girls and women who have ADHD.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms are also more difficult for people to recognize in girls and women because they are more likely to be internalized. Inattentive ADHD can make it difficult for women to maintain healthy personal and work relationships. Their impulsivity and forgetfulness are often perceived by others as chaotic. They may be able to compensate by working more and using productivity apps, or being more controlling in their relationship.
The hormonal fluctuations that happen throughout a woman's lifetime can also affect their ADHD symptoms. These changes are particularly evident during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and during the time leading up to menopause when estrogen levels decrease. Researchers are working to determine how these hormonal changes might influence ADHD symptoms and medications.
It is essential to realize that gender refers to a person's biological characteristics, including their hormonal makeup, chromosomal makeup, and anatomy, whereas sex refers a person’s internal perception of their identity as a man, woman, or nonbinary regardless of the external anatomy. Verywell Health recognizes that sex can be a complex topic and that certain people are neither female nor male or as intersex. Verywell Health doesn't define the sex for its readers. For more details, see the Verywell Health sex and age FAQ.
Hyperactive Symptoms
In general, women with ADHD do not have the same number of hyperactive symptoms as men. Because of this, it can be more difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated. But that does not mean that ADHD doesn't exist in females. The number of females diagnosed with ADHD has increased since the year 2020.
In their early years the boys have a greater likelihood of being diagnosed with ADHD than girls. As they age the odds of being diagnosed with ADHD even out. However, it can be more difficult for adults suffering from ADHD to identify their condition due to the fact that symptoms change over time and can be confused with other conditions.
Some people with ADHD for instance, are unable to sleep at the night. The problem can be made worse due to stress, hormone fluctuations or the use of medications to treat other conditions. An excessive food intake or drinking before the time to go to bed can cause it to worsen. It is important to remember that getting a good sleep is an essential aspect of managing ADHD in adults. Implementing healthy sleeping habits, such as establishing the routine and utilizing blankets with weights, can be helpful.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from emotional issues, since they are more prone to mood fluctuations. This can result in being misunderstood by other people or dismissed, which can cause relationship issues. They may also be more prone to illnesses such as depression that can make focusing and retaining information difficult.
To know 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, a person needs to have at minimum six symptoms in each category over a period of six months. Inattention 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.
Impulsive Symptoms
Women who suffer from an impulsive ADHD often experience trouble in social situations. They can be extremely talkative, go off on tangents during conversations, and aren't able to detect body language or social cues. They might also have difficulty managing their emotions. This could make them more likely to be prone to anger or anger. This can make it more difficult for them to get along with other people and work in a group environment. Women with ADHD who are impulsive ADHD are also more likely to become sexually active earlier in their age, which can cause unwanted pregnancies as well as STIs.
Women suffering from ADHD frequently experience mood swings. Many of them find that their symptoms worsen at certain times of the month or when they are dealing with major life events such as divorce or the loss of a loved-one. Women with impulsive ADHD are often misunderstood and dismissed due to gender stereotyping or other reasons.
Women are also better in concealing their ADHD symptoms. This can make it harder for them to obtain a diagnosis or treatment. Some experts believe this is due to women developing coping strategies and coping mechanisms that allow them to conceal their ADHD. This could include changing their schedule or setting reminders for appointments, employing self-care or medication techniques to manage their symptoms, or changing their behavior to fit social expectations.
Additionally, women suffering from ADHD may have trouble getting enough rest and this may affect their focus and impulsivity. Set up a routine for bedtime. Do calming adult female adhd symptoms and avoid watching TV before bed. Adding exercise to your daily routine can also be beneficial, since it releases neurotransmitters that improve your mood and increase concentration.
If you think you might have ADHD it is essential to see an expert in mental health for a diagnosis. This is the only way to find out whether you're suffering from ADHD, and the severity of your symptoms. If you're looking to take the next step to get help, our Find a Therapist resource can be of assistance.
Social symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD can find it difficult to manage their symptoms in social situations. They may feel that others think less of them because they don't seem to pay attention to what's happening, or listen to or follow through with things. This can lead to misunderstandings and anger in relationships both professional and personal.
Women also have it difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis of ADHD because they often mask their symptoms. This is a method to fit in with societal expectations and norms, as well as to manage daily tasks. This could involve healthy coping mechanisms such as using a calendar or setting reminders on their phones, but it can also involve unhealthy coping habits that include excessive fidgeting, avoiding meals and working longer hours to compensate.
It is also difficult to spot ADHD symptoms in women who are older because they could be confused with other conditions like depression or anxiety. Anxiety and ADHD have common symptoms, like difficulty concentrating, feeling restless or having trouble sleeping. However, the forgetfulness and impulsivity, along with the disorganization of ADHD aren't typically associated with anxiety.
ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and impulsivity can be misinterpreted as a sign of mood disorders, particularly for adults. Women who have a history of bipolar disorder, depression or other mood disorders could be more likely to develop ADHD. It's crucial to have a medical professional you trust to look at your symptoms to establish a precise diagnosis.
adult adhd symptoms women suffering from ADHD can improve their quality of life by learning strategies for coping and seeking treatment. They may benefit from counseling with a therapist to learn how to regulate their emotions or coaching by a professional who will teach them strategies to manage their behavior and help them set goals. They can also take medication to control their ADHD symptoms, but only with a doctor's recommendation. People suffering from ADHD are typically prescribed stimulant medication however other options could be equally efficient.