ADHD Symptoms in Women Test Positive
You're often unable to remember things and forget things, or lose them. Your memory problems can interfere with your academic and work performance.
To be considered to have ADHD, the symptoms have to be present prior to the age of 12, that lasted at least six months and interfered with your daily activities. The test will ask questions about a variety of symptoms related to inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
Attentive symptoms
Women with inattention ADHD symptoms usually have trouble staying organized and remembering details. They might lose track of appointments or forget what they've been told to do. They might also have difficulty concentration during business meetings or college lectures. At home, their homes 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 of ADHD can also lead people to believe that women do not suffer from the same issues and shouldn't be treated or treated. This makes it difficult for teachers and healthcare providers to diagnose and treat girls and women who suffer from ADHD.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms are also more difficult for people to see in girls and women because they are often internalized. Inattentive ADHD can make it difficult for women to maintain healthy work and personal relationships. Their inattention and forgetfulness are frequently perceived by others as disorganized. They might try to cope by working too much or relying on productivity apps, or becoming more controlled in their relationships.
The hormonal fluctuations that women undergo throughout their lives could also impact ADHD symptoms. These changes are most noticeable during the luteal phase during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the years leading up the menopause as estrogen levels decrease. Researchers are trying to figure out how these hormonal changes may influence ADHD symptoms and the medications used to treat it.
It is essential to realize that gender refers to a person's biological makeup, including chromosomal make-up, hormones, and anatomy, whereas the term "sex" refers to a person's internal sense of their identity as a man, woman, or a nonbinary, regardless of their external appearance. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is a thorny subject and that some people may be able to identify as neither female nor male, or as an intersex person. Therefore, Verywell Health does not define the gender of its readers. For more details, see the Verywell Health sex and age FAQ.
Hyperactive Symptoms
In general, women with ADHD generally do not exhibit the same amount of hyperactive symptoms that men do. As a result, it is more difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated. However, this doesn't mean that ADHD isn't a problem for females. The number of women diagnosed with ADHD has risen since 2020.
In their early years, boys have a higher chance of being diagnosed ADHD than girls. As they grow older and get older, the odds are even. However, it can still be difficult for adults suffering from ADHD to identify their condition because the symptoms often change over time and may be confused with other conditions.
Certain people with ADHD for instance, are unable to sleep at the night. Stress, hormone fluctuations or medications prescribed to treat other ailments can make the problem worse. signs of adhd in women or alcohol consumption before bedtime can make it worse. It is crucial to understand that getting a good night's sleep is an essential aspect of tackling ADHD as an adult. A healthy sleep routine, such as using a sleeping blanket with weights and establishing a regular schedule can be helpful.
Women with ADHD are more likely to experience emotional issues as they are more susceptible to mood fluctuations. This can lead to them being misunderstood or dismissed by others, and can cause problems in relationships. They may also be more prone to illnesses such as depression that can make focusing and retaining information difficult.
To know more about ADHD and its symptoms, it is crucial to speak with a health professional. This includes a thorough assessment and diagnosis. There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and mixed. To be considered to have ADHD, a person needs to show at minimum six symptoms in each of the categories over a period of six months. Inattentional ADHD is typically internalized, like daydreaming and 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.
Impulsive Symptoms
Women with an impulsive ADHD frequently have trouble in social situations. They can talk too much and unrelated topics during conversations, and fail to pick up on social cues or body language. They also may have trouble controlling their emotions, making them more susceptible to anger or rage. This makes it difficult for them to be part of a group or get along with other people. Women who suffer from impulsive ADHD are more likely to have a sexual urge earlier in life, which can cause unwanted pregnancies or STIs.
Mood swings are common in women with ADHD and many notice that their symptoms become more severe during certain periods of the month or at key life events such as divorce or the loss of loved ones. Stereotyping about gender and other factors can cause women suffering from impulsive ADHD to be misunderstood or dismissed as "overly emotional."
Women are also better at hiding their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for them to receive diagnosed or receive treatment. Some experts believe this is due to the fact that women develop strategies for coping and coping that help them conceal their ADHD. Some of these include setting up reminders for phone calls and adjusting their schedules or taking medication to control symptoms.
Women suffering from ADHD may have trouble sleeping well, which can affect their attention and impulsivity. To enhance your quality of sleep, adhere to a routine for bedtime and do some calming activities prior to you go to sleep, and limit screen time prior to when you head to bed. Exercise can also improve your sleep quality as it releases neurotransmitters, which improve your mood and concentration.
If you suspect that you have ADHD it is essential to see an expert in mental health to get diagnosis. It is the only way to determine if you suffer from ADHD and determine how severe your symptoms are. If you're ready to move on, our Find a Therapist resource can help.
Social symptoms
Women with ADHD might have difficulty to cope with symptoms in social situations. They may feel that others are not as impressed with them because they do not seem to pay attention, listen or follow through. This can lead to frustration and misunderstandings in professional and personal relationships.
Women also have it difficult to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD due to the fact that they tend to conceal their symptoms. This is to conform to societal norms and expectations, and to manage everyday tasks. This can include healthy ways of coping, like the use of a planner or setting reminders on your phone. But it can also be a way to engage in unhealthy habits like excessive fidgeting, and skipping meals.
It is also difficult to spot ADHD symptoms in women of adulthood since they are often confused with other conditions like depression or anxiety. Anxiety and ADHD have similar symptoms, such as difficulty concentration, restlessness, or difficulty sleeping. However, the forgetfulness, disorganization and impulsivity of ADHD aren't typically associated with anxiety.
The hyperactivity and impulsivity that are characteristic of ADHD can also be confused with mood disorders, particularly in adults. Women with the history of depression, bipolar disorder or other mood disorders can be more likely to suffer from ADHD. It's crucial to have a medical expert you trust to examine your symptoms to determine the most accurate diagnosis.
Adult women with ADHD may improve their quality-of-life by learning how to cope and seeking treatment. They could benefit from counseling to improve their emotional regulation, or even coaching from an expert who can teach them strategies to manage their behavior and help them set goals. They can also take medications to control their ADHD symptoms but only with a prescription from a doctor. The use of stimulant drugs is more frequently prescribed for those suffering from ADHD however, non-stimulant alternatives can be just as effective in certain cases.