ADHD Symptoms in Women Test Positive
You are often unable to remember things, misplace them or are absentminded in daily activities. Your memory issues can cause problems with your school and work performance.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must be present before the age of 12and and lasted at least six months, and impacted your daily activities. The test will ask questions about a variety of symptoms related to inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
Inattentional symptoms
Women who aren't attentive ADHD frequently have trouble staying organized and remembering specifics. They may forget appointments or things they've been given. They may also have trouble concentrating during business meetings or lectures at college. At home, their homes may be unorganized and they might be struggling to keep their 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. Additionally the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can cause people to believe that women don't have the same symptoms like men and boys, and therefore shouldn't get diagnosed or treated. This can make it harder for educators and healthcare professionals to recognize and diagnose women and girls with ADHD.
adult female adhd symptoms -deficit ADHD symptoms are also harder to spot in women and girls since they are often internalized. For example, many women with inattentive ADHD struggle to maintain healthy relationships at work and with friends because their impulsivity, forgetfulness, and difficulty focusing are frequently misinterpreted as being disorganized or disengaged. They might try to compensate by overworking using productivity apps, or by becoming more in control of their relationships.
The hormonal fluctuations women experience throughout their lives can also impact ADHD symptoms. The most significant changes occur during the luteal phase during breastfeeding, pregnancy and in the years prior to the menopause which is when estrogen levels decrease. Researchers are attempting to discover the ways in which these hormonal changes could impact ADHD symptoms and medications.
It is important to understand that gender refers to a person's biology--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 appearance. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a complicated subject and that certain people are neither female nor male, or as intersex. This is why Verywell Health does not define the sex of its readers. Please see the Verywell Health FAQ on sex and gender for more details.
Hyperactive Signs and symptoms
Generally speaking, women with ADHD generally do not exhibit the same number of hyperactive symptoms as men do. It is sometimes more difficult for women to be diagnosed with ADHD and be treated. However, that doesn't mean that ADHD doesn't exist in females. The number of women diagnosed with ADHD has risen since 2020.
In childhood boys have a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with ADHD than girls. As they grow older the odds of being diagnosed with ADHD even out. Adults with ADHD may still have difficulty recognizing their condition, as the symptoms may change over time and can be confused with other conditions.
Certain people with ADHD for instance, are unable to sleep at the night. The difficulty can be exacerbated by factors like stress, hormone fluctuations, or medication used 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 a key part of managing ADHD in adults. A healthy sleep routine, such as using a sleeping blanket with weights and establishing a regular schedule can aid.
Problems with emotions can be particularly challenging for women with ADHD who are more prone to mood swings. This can result in them being misunderstood by others or dismissed, which could cause relationship issues. In addition, they may be more prone to disorders such as depression and anxiety, which can make it difficult for them to concentrate or recall things.
To find out more about ADHD and its symptoms, it is crucial to talk to an expert in health. This includes a thorough 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 category over a time period of six months. Inattentive ADHD symptoms are usually more internal, for example, 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.
Symptoms of sudden onset
Women who suffer from an impulsive ADHD have difficulty in social situations. They may be prone to talk a lot or go off on tangents in conversations. They also have difficulty understanding social cues and body language. They also may have trouble controlling their emotions, making them more prone to 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 be sexually active earlier in life, which can result in unwanted pregnancies or STIs.
Women suffering from ADHD often experience mood fluctuations. Many notice that their symptoms worsen during certain times of month or when they're experiencing significant life events, such as divorce or the loss of a loved one. Gender stereotyping and other factors can lead women with impulsive ADHD to be misunderstood or dismissed as "overly emotional."
Women are also more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to receive an assessment or treatment. Some experts believe this is because women develop strategies to cope and coping mechanisms that allow them to conceal their ADHD. These might include adjusting their schedule or setting phone reminders for appointments, using medication or self-care techniques to manage their symptoms, or changing their behavior to conform to societal expectations.
Finally, women with ADHD can have difficulty getting enough rest, and this can impact their focus and impulsivity. To improve your quality of sleep, adhere to a routine for bedtime that includes calming activities before you go to sleep, and avoid a screen before you go to bed. Include exercise in your daily routine could be beneficial, as it releases neurotransmitters that improve your mood and boost concentration.
If you suspect that you have ADHD it is essential to consult a mental health professional for a diagnosis. This is the only way to know whether you are suffering from ADHD, and the severity of your symptoms. Find a Therapist can help you if you're ready to take a step forward.
Social Signs and Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to cope with their symptoms in social situations. They may feel that others think less of them because they don't pay attention to, listen or follow through with things. This can lead to miscommunications and frustrations in relationships, both personal and professional.
Women may also find it difficult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD because they often mask their symptoms. This is in order to conform to social expectations and norms, and to handle everyday tasks. This can include healthy coping mechanisms, such as using a planner or setting reminders on their phone, but it can also lead to unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive fidgeting, skipping meals and working longer hours to make up for.
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to detect in adult women, as they can be confused with other disorders, such as depression or anxiety. Anxiety and ADHD have common symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating, feeling restless or having difficulty sleeping. However, the irritability and disorganization, as well as the impulsivity of ADHD aren't usually associated in people suffering from anxiety.
The hyperactivity and impulsivity that are characteristic of ADHD can also be confused with a mood disorder, especially in adults. Women with a history of depression, bipolar or other mood disorders are more likely to develop ADHD. It is essential to consult a healthcare expert you trust to examine your symptoms to make an accurate diagnosis.
Adult women suffering from ADHD can improve their quality of life by learning coping strategies and seeking treatment. They may benefit from counseling with a therapist in order to develop how to regulate their emotions or coaching by a professional who will teach them behavioral strategies and assist them in setting goals. They can also take medications to control their ADHD symptoms but only with a doctor's prescription. Stimulant medication is typically prescribed for those suffering from ADHD, but non-stimulant options can be just as effective in certain cases.