ADHD Symptoms in Women Test Positive
You frequently forget things, lose them, or lose focus in your daily activities. Your memory issues can cause problems with your academic and work performance.
The symptoms you experience should be present before the age of 12, last six months and interfere with your daily 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 Signs and symptoms
Women with inattention ADHD often have difficulty keeping track of their schedules and remembering details. They might forget appointments or things they've already been given. They might also find it hard to concentrate during lectures at college or business meetings. At home, their houses could be disorganized and they may be struggling to keep the track of household bills or 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 shouldn't be treated or treated. This can make it harder for health professionals and educators to diagnose and treat women and girls with ADHD.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms are also harder for people to recognize in girls and women because they tend to be internalized. Inattentional ADHD can make it difficult for women to maintain healthy personal and work relationships. Their inattention and forgetfulness are frequently thought of as chaotic. They might try to cope by working too much, relying on productivity apps or becoming more controlled in their relationships.
The hormonal fluctuations women experience throughout their lives can affect ADHD symptoms. These changes are most noticeable in the luteal phase, during breastfeeding, pregnancy and the years preceding the menopause which is when estrogen levels decrease. Research is ongoing to understand how these hormonal changes could affect a person's ADHD symptoms and medication.
It is important to understand that gender refers a person’s biological makeup, including hormones, chromosomal makeup and anatomy, whereas the term "sex" refers to a person's internal perception 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. Verywell Health doesn't define the sex for its readers. For more information, please look up the Verywell Health sex and age FAQ.
Hyperactive symptoms
Generally speaking, women with ADHD do not have as many hyperactive symptoms as men do. This means that it can be more difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated. This doesn't mean, however, that ADHD isn't present in women. The number of females diagnosed with ADHD has risen since 2020.
In their early years, boys have a higher chance of being diagnosed ADHD than girls. However, as they get older, the numbers even out. However, it may be a challenge for adults with ADHD to recognize their condition due to the fact that symptoms often change over time and can be confused with other issues.
Certain people with ADHD, for example, are unable to sleep at the night. The problem can be made worse by stress, hormone fluctuations, or the use of medications to treat other conditions. A heavy meal or alcohol consumption before the time to go to bed can cause it to worsen. It's important to note that getting a good night's rest is an essential aspect of managing ADHD as an adult. Good sleep habits like using a blanket that is weighted and establishing a regular schedule can aid.
Women with ADHD are more likely to experience emotional issues, since they are more prone to mood fluctuations. This could lead them to be ignored or misunderstood by others and cause problems in relationships. They are also more prone to illnesses such as depression that can make focusing and remembering things difficult.
To find out more about ADHD and its symptoms, it is crucial to talk to an experienced health professional. This includes a complete assessment and diagnosis. There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and mixed. To be able to be diagnosed, a person must show six or more of the symptoms of each category for a minimum period of six months. Inattentional ADHD is typically internalized, which includes 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.
Instinctive Symptoms
Women who suffer from an impulsive ADHD frequently have trouble in social situations. They can talk too much and go off on off-topic conversations, and can't discern body language or social cues. They might also have difficulty controlling their emotions, making them more susceptible to anger or rage. This can make it difficult for them to work in groups or to get along with others. Women who suffer from an impulsive ADHD are more likely to have sexually active early in life, which may lead them to unwanted pregnancy or STIs.
Mood swings are commonplace in women with ADHD, and many find that their symptoms get worse during certain periods of the month or major life events, such as a divorce or loss of a loved one. Women who have hyperactive ADHD are often misunderstood and dismissed because of gender stereotypes or other factors.
In addition, since women are generally better in hiding their ADHD symptoms than males are and therefore, it is more difficult for them to receive an assessment or treatment. Many experts believe that this is because women develop strategies to cope and coping mechanisms that allow them to conceal their ADHD. Some of strategies include setting up reminders for phone calls, adjusting their schedule, or taking medication to manage symptoms.
Lastly, women with ADHD are more likely to have issues getting enough sleep and this may affect their focus and impulsivity. Make sure you have an established bedtime routine. Do calming activities and avoid watching TV before bed. Adding exercise to your routine may be helpful, as it releases neurotransmitters to boost your mood and improve focus.
It is crucial to speak with an expert in mental health to receive a diagnosis if you suspect you may 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. Find an Therapist can assist you if you're ready to move forward.
Social symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty to cope with symptoms in social situations. They can feel like others think less of them because they don't seem to pay attention to, listen or follow through with things. This can lead to misunderstandings and anger in relationships, both personal and professional.
Women also have it difficult to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD due to the fact that they tend to conceal their symptoms. adhd traits in women is to comply with social expectations and norms, as well as to manage their daily activities. This could include healthy coping strategies, such as using a calendar or setting reminders on their phone however it could also lead to unhealthy coping strategies that include excessive fidgeting, not eating and working longer hours to compensate.
ADHD symptoms are difficult to spot in adult women, as they are often confused with other disorders, such as anxiety or depression. Anxiety and ADHD share a number of common symptoms, like trouble concentrating, feeling agitated or having trouble sleeping. However, the forgetfulness, disorganization and impulsivity of ADHD are not usually present with anxiety.
ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and impulsivity are often mistaken for mood disorders, especially for adults. Women with a history of bipolar, depression, or other mood disorders are more likely to develop ADHD. It is important to seek out a trusted health professional to look into your symptoms and come up with an accurate diagnosis.
Adult women with ADHD can improve their lives by learning how to cope and receiving treatment. They might benefit from counseling to learn 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 manage their ADHD symptoms but only with a doctor's recommendation. Stimulant medication is typically prescribed for those suffering from ADHD, but non-stimulant options can be just as effective in certain cases.