ADHD Symptoms in Women Test Positive
You often forget things, are unable to locate them, or become numb in daily activities. Memory problems can interfere with work and school performance.
The symptoms you are experiencing must be present prior to age 12, and last for a minimum of 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.
Attentive Symptoms
Women who aren't attentive ADHD symptoms often have trouble being organized and retaining information. They may lose track of appointments or forget things they've already been told to do. They may also have trouble concentrating during business meetings or college lectures. At home, their homes may 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. The stigma associated with ADHD can also lead people to believe that women don't have the same symptoms and therefore shouldn't be diagnosed or treated. This can make it difficult for health professionals and educators to recognize and diagnose women and girls who suffer from ADHD.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms are also harder for people to recognize in girls and women because they are more likely to be internalized. For instance many women with inattentive ADHD struggle to maintain positive relationships at work and with friends because their impulsivity, forgetfulness, and difficulty focusing are frequently mistakenly interpreted as disorganized or disengaged. They may compensate by working too much and using productivity apps, or imposing more control on their relationship.
The hormonal fluctuations that women undergo throughout their lives could affect ADHD symptoms. The most significant changes occur in the luteal phase, during breastfeeding, pregnancy and in the years prior to the menopause as estrogen levels decrease. Researchers are attempting to discover the ways in which these hormonal changes could influence ADHD symptoms and medication.
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 sense of their identity as a man, woman, or a nonbinary, regardless of their external anatomy. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a subject that can be complex and that certain people are not male or female or as intersex. As a result, Verywell Health does not define the sex of its readers. Check out the Verywell Health FAQ on sex and gender for more details.
Hyperactive Symptoms
In general, women with ADHD generally do not exhibit the same amount of hyperactive symptoms that men do. It can be harder for women to get diagnosed with ADHD and get treatment. inattentive adhd in women doesn't mean, however that ADHD is not present in women. In fact, it's actually the reverse: the number of ADHD diagnoses among women has increased since the year 2020.
In the early years, boys are more likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis than girls. As they grow older, the numbers balance out. However, it can still be more difficult for adults with ADHD to recognize their condition since the symptoms can change over time and could be confused with other disorders.
For instance, many people with ADHD have trouble sleeping at the night. This issue can be caused by stress, hormone fluctuations or medications 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 keep in mind that getting a restful night is a key part of managing ADHD in adults. Practicing healthy sleep habits, such as establishing the routine and utilizing blankets with weights, can aid in managing ADHD.
Women with ADHD are more likely to suffer from emotional issues as they are more susceptible to mood fluctuations. This can result in being misunderstood by other people or dismissed, which can lead to relationship problems. Additionally, they could be more prone to developing disorders like depression and anxiety, which can make it harder to concentrate or remember things.
To find out more about ADHD, it is important to talk to a health professional. This includes a complete evaluation and diagnosis. There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and mixed. To be diagnosed, a person must exhibit at least six symptoms in each category for a minimum of six months. Inattention ADHD symptoms are usually more internal, for example, being easily distracted or a daydreamer. 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 hyperactive ADHD are often troubled in social situations. They can talk too much or wander off into tangents during conversations. They also have trouble picking up on social cues and body language. They may also have difficulty controlling their emotions, making them more prone to anger or rage. This can make it more difficult to be able to coexist with other people and work in a team environment. Women with an impulsive ADHD are more likely to have sexually active early in life, which can result in unwanted pregnancy or STIs.
Mood swings are common among women with ADHD Many find that their symptoms become more severe during certain times of the month or at key life events such as divorce or the loss of loved ones. Women with hyperactive ADHD are often misunderstood and dismissed due to gender stereotypes or other factors.
Women are also more adept at concealing their ADHD symptoms. This can make it harder for them to receive an assessment or treatment. Some experts believe that this is due to the fact that females develop coping mechanisms and strategies that help them to conceal their ADHD. Some of strategies include setting up reminders for phone calls and adjusting their schedules or using medication to manage symptoms.
Lastly, women with ADHD may have trouble getting enough sleep and this can affect their concentration and impulsivity. Set up an established bedtime routine. Do activities that calm you and avoid watching television before going to the bed. Exercise can also improve your sleep quality, as it releases neurotransmitters, which improve your mood and improve focus.
It is essential to consult a mental health professional to receive a diagnosis in the event that you suspect you be suffering from ADHD. 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 move on, our Find a Therapist resource can be of assistance.
Social symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to cope with their symptoms in social situations. They can feel like others consider them less attractive because they don't pay attention, listen or follow through on things. This can lead to miscommunications and frustrations in relationships, both personal and professional.
Women can also find it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis of ADHD because they tend to hide their symptoms. This is in order to conform to norms and expectations, and to handle daily tasks. This can involve healthy coping methods, such using a planner or setting reminders on your phone. But it can also lead to unhealthy habits like frequent fidgeting and avoiding meals.
It is also difficult to identify ADHD symptoms in adult women since they are often mistaken for other conditions like depression or anxiety. Anxiety and ADHD share a number of common symptoms, like trouble concentrating, feeling agitated or having difficulty sleeping. However, the lack of concentration, disorganization and impulsivity of ADHD aren't usually associated in people suffering from anxiety.
ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and impulsivity are often misinterpreted as a sign of mood disorders, particularly for adults. Women who have a history of bipolar disorder, depression or other mood disorders may be more likely to have ADHD. It's important to seek out a trusted health professional to look into your symptoms and come up with an accurate diagnosis.
Adult women suffering from ADHD may improve their quality-of-life by learning how to cope and seeking treatment. They may get counseling to help them learn emotional regulation, or even coaching from professionals who will teach them strategies to manage their behavior and help them set goals. They can also take medication to control their ADHD symptoms however only with a prescription from a doctor. Patients with ADHD are usually prescribed stimulant drugs however other options could be equally effective.