ADHD Symptoms in Women Test Positive
You're usually a bit numb you forget things or can't locate them. Memory problems can cause problems with your work and school performance.
The symptoms you experience should be present before the age of 12, last six months and disrupt your life in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. The test will ask questions about a variety of symptoms related to inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
Attentive symptoms
Women with inattentive ADHD symptoms often have trouble staying organized and remembering details. They might lose track of appointments or forget what they've been told to do. They may be unable to concentrate during college lectures or business meetings. At home, their homes could be messy and they could struggle 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. Additionally, the stigma of having ADHD can cause people to believe that women don't have the same issues as men and boys and therefore shouldn't get diagnosed or treated. This makes it more difficult for health professionals and educators to diagnose and treat women and girls who suffer from ADHD.
Because they are internalized, inattentive ADHD symptoms are difficult to spot in girls and women. 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 disorganized. They might compensate by working too much, using productivity apps or being more controlling in their relationship.
The hormonal fluctuations that take place throughout the life of a woman can affect ADHD symptoms. These changes are most pronounced in the luteal phase, during breastfeeding, pregnancy and the years preceding the menopause, when estrogen levels decrease. Researchers are continuing to study how these hormonal changes could affect an individual's ADHD symptoms and medication.
It is essential to realize that gender refers to a person's biology, including their hormones, chromosomal makeup and anatomy, whereas the term "sex" refers to a person's internal view of their identity as a man, woman, or nonbinary irrespective of the external anatomy. Verywell Health recognizes that sex can be a complex topic and that some people identify as neither male nor female or as intersex. This is why Verywell Health does not define the gender of its readers. Please see the Verywell Health FAQ on sex and gender for more information.
Hyperactive Symptoms
In general, women with ADHD do not have the same amount of hyperactive symptoms as do men. This means that it can be more difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated. This does not mean, however that ADHD isn't present in women. Actually, it's actually the reverse The number of ADHD diagnoses among women has increased since 2020.
In their early years, boys have a higher chance of being diagnosed with ADHD than girls. As they age the odds of being diagnosed with ADHD even out. However, it can be difficult for adults suffering from ADHD to identify their condition because the symptoms often change over time and could be confused with other issues.
Some people with ADHD, for example, have trouble sleeping at the night. Stress, hormone fluctuations, or medication prescribed to treat other ailments can cause more problems. It can also be made worse by eating a heavy meal or drinking alcohol before the time to go to bed. It is important to keep in mind that getting a good sleep is a key part of managing ADHD in adults. Good sleep habits like using a blanket that is weighted and establishing a regular schedule can help.
Problems with emotions can be particularly difficult for women with ADHD who are more susceptible to mood swings. This can result in being misunderstood by other people or dismissed, which can cause relationship issues. Additionally, they could be more prone to disorders like depression and anxiety, which can make it difficult for them to concentrate or recall things.
It is essential to talk with a health expert to find out more about ADHD. This includes a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and mixed. In order to be diagnosed, a person must exhibit at least six symptoms listed in each category for a minimum of six months. Inattention ADHD is typically internalized, such as being easily distracted and daydreaming. 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 start
Women who suffer from an impulsive ADHD have difficulty in social situations. They may talk excessively or get off track in conversations. They also have trouble understanding body language and social cues. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions, which makes them more susceptible to rage or anger. This can make it difficult for them to work in a group or get along with other people. Women with impulsive ADHD are more likely to have sexually active early in life, which could lead them to unwanted pregnancy or STIs.
Women who suffer from ADHD often experience mood swings. Many find that their symptoms worsen during certain times of month or when they are dealing with major life events like divorce or the loss of a loved one. Women with hyperactive ADHD are often misunderstood and dismissed due to gender stereotypes or other factors.
In addition, since women are generally better at concealing their ADHD symptoms than men are and therefore, it is more difficult to get a diagnosis or treatment. Some experts believe this is because females have coping mechanisms and strategies that help them to conceal their ADHD. Some of these include setting up reminders for phone calls or adjusting their schedules, or taking medication to control symptoms.
Finally, women with ADHD may have trouble getting enough rest and this can affect their attention and impulsivity. To improve your quality of sleep, try to stick to a bedtime routine, do calming activities before you go to bed, and limit screen time prior to when you head to bed. Adding exercise to your routine may be beneficial, as it releases neurotransmitters to boost your mood and increase focus.
It's important that you consult a mental health professional to get a diagnosis when you suspect that you be suffering from ADHD. This is the only way you can be sure that you have ADHD and to determine the severity of your symptoms. If you're looking to take the next step, our Find a Therapist resource can be of assistance.
Social Symptoms
Women with ADHD might find it difficult to deal with their symptoms in social situations. They can feel like others think less of them because they don't pay attention, listen or follow through with things. This can lead to frustration and misunderstandings in personal and professional relationships.
Women can also find it harder to get an accurate diagnosis of ADHD because they tend to hide their symptoms. This is in order to conform to societal norms and expectations, and to manage everyday tasks. This could involve healthy coping mechanisms such as using a calendar or setting reminders on their phones, but it can also be a result of unhealthy coping practices that include excessive fidgeting, skipping meals, and working longer hours to compensate.
It can be difficult to identify ADHD symptoms in adult women because they can be misinterpreted as other ailments like anxiety or depression. Anxiety and ADHD have common symptoms, like being unable to concentrate, feeling anxious or having difficulty sleeping. The lack of organization, forgetfulness and an impulsiveness that are typical of ADHD do not happen with anxiety.
The hyperactivity and impulsivity that are characteristic of ADHD can also be confused with a mood disorder, especially in adults. Women with the history of bipolar disorder, depression or other mood disorders can be more likely to develop ADHD. adult add in women is important to seek out a trusted health professional to assess your symptoms and provide an accurate diagnosis.
Adult women suffering from ADHD can enhance their lives by learning strategies for coping and getting treatment. They might benefit from counseling with a therapist to learn the skills of emotional regulation or coaching by a professional who will teach them strategies to manage their behavior and help them set goals. They can also take medications to control their ADHD symptoms however only with a doctor's prescription. Stimulant medications are more commonly prescribed for those suffering from ADHD however, alternatives that are not stimulant are equally effective in certain cases.