ADHD Symptoms in Women Test Positive
You frequently forget things, misplace them, or lose focus in daily activities. Your memory issues can cause problems with your academic and work performance.
The symptoms you experience must be present prior to age 12, and last for a minimum of six months and interfere with your daily life to be deemed to have ADHD. The test will ask questions about a variety of symptoms related to inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
Attention-deficit Signs and symptoms
Women with inattentive ADHD symptoms typically have difficulty keeping track of their schedules and details. They may forget appointments or forget what they've been instructed to do. They might also have difficulty staying focused during meetings at work or lectures at college. At home, their houses could be unorganized and they might 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. In addition the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make people believe that women don't have the same symptoms as men and boys and therefore shouldn't be assessed or treated. This makes it difficult for teachers and healthcare professionals to recognize and treat girls and women who suffer from ADHD.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms are also harder for people to recognize in girls and women because they tend to be internalized. For example many women with inattentive ADHD struggle to maintain healthy work and personal relationships because their impulsivity, forgetfulness and trouble focusing are frequently misinterpreted as being disorganized or disengaged. They might try to compensate by working more or relying on productivity apps, or becoming more controlling in their relationships.
The hormonal fluctuations that women undergo throughout their lives could affect ADHD symptoms. These changes are most pronounced during the luteal phase during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the years preceding the menopause which is when estrogen levels decrease. Research is ongoing to understand the ways that these hormone changes can influence the person's ADHD symptoms and the medications they take.
It is essential to realize that gender refers a person’s biological characteristics, including their chromosomal make-up, hormones, and anatomy, whereas sex refers a person’s internal sense of their identity as a man, woman, or nonbinary irrespective of their external anatomy. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is a complex issue and that some people may consider themselves not male or female or as an intersex individual. As a result, Verywell Health does not define the sex of its readers. For more details, look up the Verywell Health sex and age FAQ.
Hyperactive Signs and symptoms
Generally speaking, women with ADHD are not as afflicted with as many hyperactive symptoms as men do. It is sometimes more difficult for women to be diagnosed with ADHD and treated. However, this doesn't mean however that ADHD is not present in women. The number of females diagnosed with ADHD has increased since 2020.
In their early years 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 who suffer from ADHD may still have difficulty understanding their condition, since the symptoms may change over time and become confused with other disorders.
For instance, many people with ADHD struggle to sleep at night. The difficulty can be exacerbated by stress, hormone fluctuations or the use of medications to treat other conditions. An excessive meal or alcohol consumption before bedtime can worsen the problem. It is crucial to remember that getting a good sleep is a key part of managing ADHD in adults. Healthy sleep habits such as using a blanket that is weighted and setting a routine can aid.
Emotional problems can be especially difficult for women suffering from ADHD, who are more prone to mood swings. This could lead them to be disregarded or viewed as a nuisance by others and result in relationship problems. In addition, they may be more prone to developing disorders like depression and anxiety, which can make it difficult for them to concentrate or recall things.
To know more about ADHD, it is important 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 minimum six symptoms in each of the categories over a period of six months. Inattention 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.
The signs of sudden onset
Women with hyperactive ADHD struggle in social situations. They can talk too much and go off on unrelated topics during conversations, and aren't able to detect social cues or body language. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions. This could make them more likely to be prone to anger or anger. This can make it harder for them to interact with other people and function in a team setting. Women who suffer from an impulsive ADHD are more likely to have a sexual urge earlier in life, which could cause unwanted pregnancies or STIs.
Mood swings are common among women with ADHD, and many find that their symptoms become more severe during certain periods of the month, or during key life events such as a divorce or loss of loved ones. Stereotyping about gender and other factors can cause women suffering from hyperactive ADHD to be misunderstood and dismissed as "overly emotional."
Women are also better in concealing their ADHD symptoms. This can make it more difficult for them to obtain an assessment or treatment. Many experts believe that this is due to women developing coping strategies and coping mechanisms that help them conceal their ADHD. This might involve adjusting their schedule or setting reminders for appointments, using self-care or medication to manage their symptoms, or altering their behavior to suit their society's expectations.
Women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble sleeping well, which could affect their attention and impulsivity. To enhance your quality of sleeping, make sure you stick to a regular bedtime routine that includes calming activities before you go to sleep, and avoid screen time before you go to bed. Include adhd in adult women symptoms in your routine may be beneficial, since it releases neurotransmitters to boost your mood and increase focus.
It's important that you consult a mental health professional to determine when you suspect that you be suffering from ADHD. It is the only way to be sure that you have ADHD and to determine how severe your symptoms are. 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 pay attention to, listen or follow through with things. This can lead both to a lack of understanding and frustration in personal and professional relationships.
Women can also find it difficult to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD because they often mask their symptoms. This is a way to fit in with societal expectations and norms, as well as to manage their daily activities. This could involve healthy coping mechanisms, like using a planner or setting reminders on their phones however it could also lead to unhealthy coping strategies that include excessive fidgeting, avoiding meals, and working longer hours to make up for.
ADHD symptoms are difficult to spot in women of adulthood, since they can be confused with other conditions, like depression or anxiety. Anxiety and ADHD share some common symptoms, such as being unable to concentrate, feeling anxious or having difficulty sleeping. The forgetfulness, disorganization, and the impulsivity that is typical of ADHD do not happen in people suffering from anxiety.
The hyperactivity and impulsivity of ADHD can also be confused with a mood disorder, especially in adults. Women with the history of depression, bipolar disorder or other mood disorders can be more likely to have ADHD. It is important to have a trusted healthcare professional examine your symptoms and make an accurate diagnosis.
Adult women suffering from ADHD can improve their quality of life by learning coping skills and receiving treatment. They might get counseling to help them learn how to manage their emotions or a coaching session with professionals who will teach them behavioral strategies and assist them in setting goals. They may also be prescribed medication to manage their ADHD symptoms however only with a doctor's recommendation. The use of stimulant drugs is more frequently prescribed to people suffering from ADHD however, alternatives that are not stimulant can be just as effective in certain instances.