ADHD Symptoms in Women Test Positive
You often forget things, lose them, or lose focus during daily activities. Your memory issues can cause problems with your academic and work performance.
To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must be present before the age of 12, lasted for at least six months, and affected your daily life. The test will ask questions about a variety of symptoms related to inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
Inattentional symptoms
Women with inattention ADHD often have difficulty organizing their lives and remembering specifics. They may forget appointments or things they've already been told. They might be unable to concentrate during college lectures or business meetings. They may also have trouble keeping their household chores in order or paying bills.
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 make people believe that women don't suffer from the same issues as boys and men and therefore shouldn't be assessed or treated. This can make it difficult for educators and healthcare professionals to recognize and diagnose women and girls with ADHD.
Because they are internalized, inattentive ADHD symptoms are often difficult to identify for girls and women. For example, many women with inattentive ADHD struggle to maintain good work and personal relationships because their impulsivity, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing are frequently mistakenly interpreted as disorganized or disengaged. They may try to compensate by overworking using productivity apps, or by becoming more in control of their relationships.
The hormonal fluctuations that women experience throughout their lives can also impact ADHD symptoms. The most significant changes occur in the luteal phase, during breastfeeding, pregnancy, and the years leading up menopausal symptoms as estrogen levels decrease. Researchers are continuing to study how these hormonal changes could affect the person's ADHD symptoms and the medications they take.
It is important to remember that gender refers to the person's biological makeup, including their hormonal makeup, chromosomal makeup and anatomy. whereas sex is a person's internal sense of self as a man, woman or nonbinary, regardless of their physical appearance. Verywell Health recognizes that sex can be a complex topic and that some people identify as neither female nor male or as intersex. Verywell Health doesn't define the sex of its readers. For more information, go to the Verywell Health sex and age FAQ.
Hyperactive Signs and symptoms
Generally speaking, women who suffer from ADHD are not as afflicted with the same amount of hyperactive symptoms that men do. Because of this, it can be more difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated. But that does not mean that ADHD isn't a problem for females. Actually, it's quite the opposite: the number of ADHD diagnoses in women has increased since the year 2020.
In childhood, boys are more likely to be diagnosed with an ADHD diagnosis than girls. But as they grow older the odds are even. Adults who suffer from ADHD may still have difficulty recognizing their condition, as the symptoms can change over time and be confused with other conditions.
For instance, many people with ADHD are unable to sleep at the night. The difficulty can be exacerbated due to hormone fluctuations, stress, or medication used to treat other ailments. An excessive food intake or drinking before bedtime can make it worse. It is crucial to remember that getting a good sleep is a key part of managing ADHD in adults. Implementing healthy sleeping habits, such as establishing an established routine and using blankets that are weighted can aid in managing ADHD.
The emotional issues can be particularly difficult for women with ADHD who are more prone to mood swings. This could lead them to be misunderstood or dismissed by others, and can result in relationship problems. They are also more susceptible to disorders like depression, which can make focusing and remembering things difficult.
To know more about ADHD and its symptoms, it is crucial to talk to an experienced health professional. This includes a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and mixed. In order to be diagnosed, one must have six or more of the symptoms in each category for a minimum period of six months. Inattention ADHD symptoms are typically more internal, such as daydreaming or being 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 hyperactive ADHD struggle in social situations. They can be extremely talkative and go off on tangents during conversations, and can't detect body language or social cues. They also may have trouble managing their emotions, which makes them more prone to rage or anger. This makes it difficult for them to work in groups or to get along with other people. Women with an impulsive ADHD also tend to become sexually active at a younger age, which can cause unwanted pregnancies as well as STIs.
Mood swings are common among women suffering from ADHD, and many find that their symptoms get worse during certain periods of the month, or during major life events, such as divorce or the loss of a loved one. Women with an impulsive ADHD are often misunderstood or dismissed because of gender stereotypes or other causes.
Additionally, since women are generally better at concealing their ADHD symptoms than men are and therefore, it is more difficult to get 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 these include setting up reminders for phone calls, adjusting their schedule, or taking medication to control symptoms.
Additionally, women suffering from ADHD are more likely to have issues getting enough quality sleep and this may affect their attention and impulsivity. Set up an established bedtime routine. Engage in calming activities and avoid watching TV prior to going to going to bed. Exercise can also help improve your sleep quality as it releases neurotransmitters which boost your mood and focus.
If you suspect you have ADHD it is essential to consult a mental health professional for an assessment. This is the only way to know for sure if you have ADHD, and how severe your symptoms are. If you're looking to take the next step, our Find a Therapist resource can help.
Social Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may find it hard to manage their symptoms in social situations. They can feel like others are less tolerant of them since they don't pay attention to, listen or follow through on things. This can cause misunderstandings and frustrations in relationships both professional and personal.
Women also have it difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis of ADHD because they often mask their symptoms. This is done in order to conform to norms and expectations, and to handle everyday tasks. This can include healthy methods of coping, such using a planner or setting reminders on your phone. However, add test for women can also lead to unhealthy habits, such excessive fidgeting and skipping meals.
It can also be harder to spot ADHD symptoms in adult women since they are often confused with other conditions like anxiety or depression. Anxiety and ADHD have similar symptoms, including difficulty concentrating, restlessness or trouble sleeping. However, the lack of concentration and disorganization, as well as the impulsivity of ADHD aren't typically associated with anxiety.
The hyperactivity and impulsivity of ADHD can also be confused with a mood disorder especially in adults. Women who have a history of bipolar, depression, or other mood disorders are more likely to develop ADHD. It is important to consult a trusted medical professional examine your symptoms and make an accurate diagnosis.
Adult women suffering from ADHD can improve their quality of life by learning strategies for coping and seeking treatment. They could benefit from counseling to improve their how to manage their emotions or a coaching session with an expert who can teach them strategies to manage their behavior and assist them in setting goals. You can also get medication to treat ADHD symptoms with an appointment with the doctor. People suffering from ADHD are usually prescribed stimulant drugs, but other options can be equally effective.