ADHD Symptoms in Women Test Positive
You frequently forget things, misplace them, or become numb in daily activities. Your memory problems may interfere with work and school performance.
To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must be present prior to 12 years old, 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.
Inattentive Signs and symptoms
Women with inattention ADHD are often having trouble keeping track of their schedules and remembering details. They may forget appointments or things they've been given. They might also have difficulty staying concentrate during lectures at college or business meetings. At home, their homes may be messy and they could 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. In addition the stigma associated with having ADHD can make people believe that women don't have the same symptoms like men and boys, and therefore shouldn't get diagnosed or treated. This can make it harder for healthcare providers and educators to identify and diagnose women and girls with ADHD.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms are also harder for people to see in girls and women because they are more likely to be internalized. For example many women with inattentive ADHD struggle to maintain healthy work and personal relationships because their impulsivity, forgetfulness and trouble focusing are frequently thought of as disorganized or disengaged. They can be able to compensate by working more and using productivity apps, or imposing more control on their relationships.
The hormonal fluctuations women encounter throughout their lives may also impact ADHD symptoms. These changes are most pronounced in the luteal stage, during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the years preceding menopausal symptoms as estrogen levels decrease. Researchers are continuing to study the ways that these hormone changes can impact a person's ADHD symptoms and medication.
It is important to remember that gender is a reference to a person's biological characteristics, such as their hormonal makeup, chromosomal makeup and anatomy--whereas sex refers to the internal perception of self as a woman, man or nonbinary, regardless of their physical anatomy. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is a complex issue and that some individuals may identify as not male or female, or as an intersex individual. Verywell Health doesn't define the sex for its readers. Check out the Verywell Health FAQ on sex and gender for more information.
Hyperactive Symptoms
Generally speaking, women with ADHD do not have as many hyperactive symptoms as men do. As a result, it can be 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 females diagnosed with ADHD has risen since 2020.
In childhood boys are more likely to be diagnosed with an ADHD diagnosis than girls. As they grow older the odds of being diagnosed with ADHD even out. However, adhd in women adults can still be difficult for adults suffering from ADHD to identify their condition because the symptoms often change over time and can be confused with other disorders.
Some people with ADHD for instance, have trouble sleeping at the night. This issue can be caused due to stress, hormone fluctuations, or medications used to treat other conditions. An excessive meal or alcohol consumption before bedtime can worsen the problem. It is crucial to understand that getting a good night's rest is a crucial aspect of coping with ADHD as an adult. Implementing healthy sleeping habits, like establishing a routine and using a weighted blanket, can aid in managing ADHD.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to experience emotional issues, since they are more prone to mood fluctuations. This can cause them to be disregarded or viewed as a nuisance by others, and can result in relationship problems. They may also be more prone to illnesses such as depression, which can make focusing and remembering things difficult.
It is vital to speak to a medical professional to learn more about ADHD. This includes a full evaluation and diagnosis. There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and mixed. To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person has to show at minimum six symptoms within each of the categories over a period of six months. Inattention ADHD is typically internalized, which includes 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.
The symptoms of an impulse
Women with impulsive ADHD are often unable to function in social situations. They can talk too much or get off track in conversations. They also have difficulty being able to recognize social cues and body language. They may also have trouble managing their emotions. This could make them more susceptible to anger or rage. This can make it harder to be able to coexist with others and work in a team setting. Women with impulsive ADHD are more likely to be sexually active earlier in life, which could lead them to unwanted pregnancies or STIs.
Women suffering from ADHD frequently experience mood fluctuation. Many of them find that their symptoms are more severe at certain times of the month or when they are dealing with major life events such as divorce or loss of a loved one. Stereotyping about gender and other factors can cause women with impulsive ADHD to be misunderstood and dismissed as "overly emotional."
Women are also better in hiding their ADHD symptoms. This can make it harder for them to receive diagnosed or receive treatment. Some experts believe this is because females develop coping mechanisms and strategies that help them to conceal their ADHD. Some of these include setting up phone reminders or adjusting their schedules, or taking medication to control symptoms.
Women with ADHD might have difficulty sleeping well, which can affect their attention and impulsivity. To improve the quality of your sleep, adhere to a routine for bedtime that includes calming activities before you go to bed and avoid screen time before you head to bed. Adding exercise to your daily routine could be beneficial, since it releases neurotransmitters that boost your mood and improve focus.
It is crucial to speak with a mental health professional to receive a diagnosis in the event that you suspect 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. Find a Therapist can help you if you're willing to take the next step.
Social Signs and Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD are often unable to manage their symptoms in social situations. They might feel that people are not as impressed with them because they don't seem to pay attention, listen or follow through. This can lead to miscommunications and anger in relationships both professional and personal.
Women can have a difficult to be diagnosed with ADHD, as they tend to mask their symptoms. This is in order to conform to social norms and expectations, as well as to manage everyday tasks. This can involve healthy coping methods, such using a planner or setting reminders on your phone. However, it can also involve unhealthy habits like excessive fidgeting and skipping meals.
It is also difficult to identify ADHD symptoms in adult women because they could be confused with other conditions, such as anxiety or depression. Anxiety and ADHD share some common symptoms, such as being unable to concentrate, feeling anxious or having difficulty sleeping. The forgetfulness, disorganization, and impulsivity that are typical of ADHD are not associated when you suffer from anxiety.
The impulsivity and hyperactivity of ADHD can also be confused with mood disorders, especially in adults. Women who have the history of depression, bipolar disorder or other mood disorders could be more likely to develop ADHD. It is important to have a trusted healthcare professional look into your symptoms and come up with an accurate diagnosis.
Adult women with ADHD may improve their quality-of-life by learning coping skills and receiving treatment. They could benefit from a session with a therapist to improve their how to regulate their emotions or coaching from a professional who can teach them strategies for managing their behavior and help them set goals. They can also take medication to manage their ADHD symptoms, but only with a doctor's prescription. Stimulant medications are more commonly prescribed for people with ADHD, but non-stimulant options are equally effective in some cases.