ADHD Symptoms in Women Test Positive
You often forget things, are unable to locate them, or become numb in daily activities. Your memory issues can cause problems with your school and work performance.
To be considered to have ADHD, the symptoms must have been present prior to the age of 12, that 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.
Attention-deficit Symptoms
Women who aren't attentive ADHD symptoms typically have difficulty staying organized and remembering details. They may forget appointments or details they've already been told. They may also have trouble concentration during business meetings or college lectures. At home, their houses could be messy and they could be struggling to keep 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 associated with 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 more difficult for healthcare providers and educators to identify and diagnose women and girls who suffer from ADHD.
Because they are internalized, inattentive ADHD symptoms are difficult to spot for girls and women. Inattentional ADHD can make it difficult for women to maintain healthy personal and work relationships. Their inattention and forgetfulness are frequently perceived by others as disorganized. They may try to cope by working too much, relying on productivity apps or becoming more controlled in their relationships.
The hormonal fluctuations that occur throughout the life of a woman can also affect their ADHD symptoms. The most significant changes occur during the luteal phase during breastfeeding, pregnancy, and the years preceding the menopause as estrogen levels decrease. Researchers are continuing to study how these hormonal changes could influence the person's ADHD symptoms and the medications they take.
It is important to note that gender refers to the person's biological makeup, including their genetic makeup, hormones, and anatomy, whereas sex refers to the internal perception of self as a man, woman or nonbinary regardless of their physical anatomy. Verywell Health recognizes that sex can be a complex topic and that certain people are neither female nor male or as intersex. Therefore, Verywell Health does not define the gender of its readers. Check out the Verywell Health FAQ on sex and gender for more information.
Hyperactive symptoms
In general, women with ADHD do not exhibit as many hyperactive symptom as do men. Because of this, it can be more difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated. But that does not mean that ADHD isn't present in females. In fact, it is actually the reverse The number of ADHD diagnoses in women has increased since 2020.
In childhood the likelihood for boys is higher to be diagnosed with an ADHD diagnosis than girls. As they get older, the numbers balance out. However, it can be difficult for people with ADHD to identify their condition because the symptoms change over time and could be confused with other issues.
Certain people with ADHD For instance, they may are unable to sleep at the night. Stress, hormone fluctuations or medications prescribed to treat other conditions can make the problem worse. An excessive meal or alcohol consumption before bedtime can worsen the problem. It is crucial to understand that getting a good night's sleep is a crucial aspect of managing ADHD as an adult. Good sleep habits like using a sleeping blanket with weights and establishing a regular schedule can be helpful.
The emotional issues can be particularly difficult for women with ADHD, who are more susceptible to mood swings. This can lead to them being misunderstood by others or dismissed, which can cause relationship issues. They may also be more susceptible to disorders like depression which can make focusing and retaining information difficult.
It is essential to talk to a medical professional to understand more about ADHD. This includes a complete assessment and diagnosis. There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and mixed. In order to be diagnosed, one must show six or more of the symptoms in each category for a minimum period of six months. Inattentive ADHD is usually internalized, like having a tendency to daydream and becoming 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 impulsive ADHD have difficulty in social situations. They may talk excessively and off-topic conversations, and fail to detect body language or social cues. They may also have trouble managing their emotions. This could make them more prone anger or rage. This can make it harder for them to interact with other people and work in a team setting. Women with impulsive ADHD are more likely to have a sexual urge earlier in life, which could lead them to unwanted pregnancies or STIs.
Mood swings are common in women suffering from ADHD and many notice that their symptoms get worse during certain times of the month, or during key life events such as divorce or the loss of loved ones. Stereotyping of gender and other factors can cause women with impulsive ADHD to be misunderstood or dismissed as "overly emotional."
Additionally, since women are generally better at concealing their ADHD symptoms than males are, it can be harder for them to receive an assessment or treatment. Some experts believe this is because females develop strategies and coping mechanisms that allow them to hide their ADHD. This might involve adjusting their schedules or setting phone reminders for appointments, employing medication or self-care techniques to control their symptoms, or changing their behavior to conform to society's expectations.
Women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty sleeping well, which could affect their attention and impulsivity. To improve the quality of your sleep, try to stick to a bedtime routine, do calming activities before you go to bed, and avoid screen time before you go to bed. Incorporating exercise into your daily routine could be beneficial, as it releases neurotransmitters that improve your mood and increase focus.
It is crucial to speak with an expert in mental health to receive a diagnosis in the event that you suspect you have ADHD. This is the only way to confirm that you are suffering from ADHD and to determine the severity of your symptoms. If you're ready to take the next step Our Find a Therapist resource can help.
Social Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD might find it difficult to manage their symptoms in social situations. They can feel like others consider them less attractive because they don't pay attention to, listen or follow through on things. This can lead both to frustration and miscommunications in personal and professional relationships.
Women also have it difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis of ADHD because they tend to hide their symptoms. This is to comply with social expectations and norms, as well as to manage daily tasks. This can involve healthy coping methods, such a using a planner, or setting reminders on your phone. But it can also be a way to engage in unhealthy habits, like excessive fidgeting, and skipping meals.
It can be difficult to identify ADHD symptoms in adult women since they are often misinterpreted as other ailments, such as depression or anxiety. Anxiety and ADHD have similar symptoms, including difficulty concentration, restlessness, or difficulty sleeping. The forgetfulness, disorganization, and the impulsivity that is typical of ADHD do not happen when you suffer from anxiety.
add symptoms in women as hyperactivity and impulsivity are often misinterpreted as a sign of mood disorders, particularly among adults. Women who have the history of bipolar disorder, depression or other mood disorders may be more likely to suffer from ADHD. It's crucial to have a healthcare expert you trust to examine your symptoms to determine the most accurate diagnosis.
Adult women suffering from ADHD may improve their quality-of-life by acquiring coping skills and receiving treatment. They may benefit from counseling with a therapist to learn emotional regulation skills, or coaching by a professional who will teach them strategies for managing their behavior and help them set goals. They may also be prescribed medication to control their ADHD symptoms, but only with a doctor's recommendation. Stimulant medication is typically prescribed to people suffering from ADHD however, alternatives that are not stimulant are just as effective in some cases.