ADHD Symptoms in Women Test Positive
You are often unable to remember things, are unable to locate them, or become numb during daily activities. Your memory issues can cause problems with your academic and work performance.
The symptoms you are experiencing must be present before age 12, last for six months, and cause disruption to your life to be deemed to have ADHD. The test will ask questions about a variety of symptoms related to inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
Inattentional symptoms
Women who aren't attentive ADHD symptoms typically have difficulty being organized and retaining information. They may forget appointments or forget things they've been told to do. They might be unable to concentrate during college lectures or business meetings. At home, their homes may be disorganized and they may have trouble keeping 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 cause people to believe that women don't have the same symptoms and therefore shouldn't be diagnosed or treated. This makes it difficult for teachers and healthcare providers to diagnose and treat women and girls who have ADHD.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms are also harder to spot in women and girls since they are more likely to be internalized. For example, many women with inattentive ADHD struggle to maintain positive relationships with their colleagues and friends due to their impulsivity, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing are frequently thought of as disorganized or disengaged. They may attempt to compensate by working more, relying on productivity apps, or becoming more in control of their relationships.
The hormonal fluctuations women undergo throughout their lives could affect ADHD symptoms. The most significant changes occur in the luteal phase, during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the years leading up the menopause, when estrogen levels decrease. Researchers are continuing to study how these hormone changes might influence the person's ADHD symptoms and medications.
It is important to understand that gender refers a person’s biological characteristics, including their chromosomal make-up, hormones, and anatomy, whereas sex refers a person’s internal perception of their identity as a man, woman, or nonbinary regardless of their external anatomy. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is a complex issue and that some individuals may be able to identify as neither male nor female, or as an intersex person. Verywell Health doesn't define the gender of its readers. For more information, please look up the Verywell Health sex and age FAQ.
Hyperactive Signs and symptoms
Generally speaking, women with ADHD do not have the same amount of hyperactive symptoms that men do. As a result, it is more difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated. However, this doesn't mean that ADHD isn't a problem for females. The number of females diagnosed with ADHD has increased since 2020.
In the early years boys are more likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis than girls. As women and adhd grow older and get older, the odds are even. Adults who suffer from ADHD might have trouble in recognizing their condition, because the symptoms can change over time and become confused with other disorders.
For instance, many people with ADHD struggle to sleep at the night. The difficulty can be exacerbated by hormone fluctuations, stress, or the use of medications to treat other conditions. It can also be made more difficult when you eat a big meal or drinking alcohol prior to the time to go to bed. It is important to keep in mind that getting a good sleep is an essential aspect of managing ADHD in adults. A healthy sleep routine, such as using a blanket that is weighted and establishing a schedule can be helpful.
Women with ADHD are more likely to suffer from emotional issues, since they are more prone to mood fluctuations. This could lead them to be disregarded or viewed as a nuisance by others and contribute to relationship troubles. Additionally, they could be more prone to disorders such as depression that can make it difficult for them to concentrate or recall things.
To know more about ADHD, it is important to consult an expert in health. This includes a complete assessment and diagnosis. There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and mixed. To be diagnosed with ADHD, one needs to show at minimum six symptoms in each category over a time period of six months. Inattentive 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.
Instinctive Symptoms
Women with impulsive ADHD struggle in social situations. They may be prone to talk a lot or go off on tangents in conversations. They also have trouble understanding social cues and body language. They might also have difficulty controlling their emotions, making them more susceptible to rage or anger. This can make it more difficult for them to interact with others and work in a group environment. Women who suffer from impulsive ADHD are also more likely to become sexually active earlier in their age, which could lead to unwanted pregnancies and STIs.
Mood swings are commonplace in women with ADHD Many find that their symptoms are more severe during certain periods of the month, or during key life events such as a divorce or loss of loved ones. Women who have an impulsive ADHD are often misunderstood and dismissed because of gender stereotypes or other factors.
Women are also more adept at concealing their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for them to obtain diagnosed or receive 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. This might involve adjusting their schedule or setting reminders for appointments, using self-care or medication techniques to manage their symptoms, or altering their behavior to suit their social expectations.
Women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble sleeping well, which can affect their attention and impulsivity. To improve your quality of sleep, try to stick to a bedtime routine that includes calming activities before you go to bed and avoid screen time before you head to bed. Exercise can also enhance the quality of your sleep, since it releases neurotransmitters which boost your mood and concentration.
If you suspect that you have ADHD It is important to see an expert in mental health to get a diagnosis. It is the only way to be sure that you have ADHD and to determine the severity of your symptoms. Find a Therapist can help you if you're ready to move forward.
Social Signs and Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD might find it difficult to cope with symptoms in social situations. They can feel like others think less of them because they don't pay attention to, listen or follow through on things. This can lead to misunderstandings and irritability in relationships, both personal and professional.
Women may have a difficult to be diagnosed with ADHD because they tend to hide their symptoms. This is done to conform to social expectations and norms, and to handle everyday tasks. This can involve healthy ways of coping, like a using a planner, or setting reminders on your phone. However, it can also lead to unhealthy habits, such excessive fidgeting and skipping meals.
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to recognize in women of adulthood, since they can be confused with other disorders, such as anxiety or depression. Anxiety and ADHD share a number of common symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating, feeling restless or having difficulty sleeping. The forgetfulness, disorganization, and an impulsiveness that are typical of ADHD do not happen in people suffering from anxiety.
The hyperactivity and impulsivity that are characteristic of ADHD can be confused with mood disorders, especially in adults. Women who have a history of bipolar disorder, depression or other mood disorders are more likely to develop ADHD. It is crucial to have a medical expert you trust to examine your symptoms in order to determine the most accurate diagnosis.
Adult women suffering from ADHD can improve their quality of life by learning strategies for coping and seeking treatment. They might benefit from counseling with a therapist in order to develop emotional regulation skills, or coaching from a professional who can teach them behavioral strategies and help them set goals. You can also get medication to treat ADHD symptoms with the prescription of a doctor. People with ADHD are typically prescribed stimulant drugs, but other options can be equally effective.