ADHD Symptoms in Women Test Positive
You're usually a bit numb you forget things or can't locate them. Memory problems can cause problems with your work and school performance.
The symptoms you experience must be present before age 12, and last for a minimum of six months, and cause disruption to your life in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. The test will ask questions about a variety of symptoms related to inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
Inattentional symptoms
Women with inattentive ADHD symptoms typically have difficulty being organized and retaining information. They might forget appointments or details they have already been given. They may also find it hard to concentrate during lectures at college or business meetings. They may also have a difficult time 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. In addition the stigma associated with having ADHD can make people believe that women don't suffer from the same symptoms as boys and men and therefore shouldn't get diagnosed 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 women and girls since they are often internalized. Inattentional ADHD can make it difficult for women to maintain healthy personal and work relationships. Their impulsivity and forgetfulness are often misinterpreted by others as being disorganized. They can compensate by working too much and using productivity apps, or imposing more control on their relationships.
The hormonal fluctuations women experience throughout their lives can affect ADHD symptoms. These changes are particularly evident during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, during breastfeeding and pregnancy and in the years that lead up to menopausal when estrogen levels decrease. Researchers are working to determine how these hormonal changes might impact ADHD symptoms and medications.
It is crucial to recognize that gender refers a person’s biology, including their hormonal makeup, chromosomal makeup, and anatomy, while the term "sex" refers to a person's internal sense of their self as a man or woman, or a nonbinary, regardless of the external anatomy. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a subject that can be complex and that some people identify as neither male nor female or as intersex. As a result, Verywell Health does not define the gender of its readers. Please refer to the Verywell Health FAQ on sex and gender for more details.
Hyperactive Symptoms
In general, women who suffer from ADHD do not have the same amount of hyperactive symptoms as men. It is sometimes more difficult for women to get diagnosed with ADHD and get treatment. However, this doesn't mean however, that ADHD isn't present in women. The number of women diagnosed with ADHD has increased since the year 2020.
In childhood, boys are more likely to be diagnosed with an ADHD diagnosis than girls. As they age and get older, the odds are even. However, it can be a challenge for adults with ADHD to recognize their condition due to the fact that symptoms change over time and could be confused with other disorders.
For instance, some people with ADHD struggle to sleep at night. This issue can be caused by stress, hormone fluctuations or medication used to treat other ailments. It can also be made worse by eating a large meal or drinking alcohol before the time to go to bed. It is important to remember that getting a restful night is an essential aspect of managing ADHD in adults. Implementing healthy sleeping habits, such as establishing the routine and utilizing blankets with weights, can help.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to experience emotional problems, as they are more prone to mood swings. More methods could lead them to be ignored or misunderstood by others and contribute to relationship troubles. Additionally, they could be more susceptible to disorders such as depression that can make it harder to focus or remember things.
To learn more about ADHD, it is important to speak with an experienced health professional. This includes a full assessment and diagnosis. There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and mixed. In order to be diagnosed, one must exhibit at least six symptoms of each category for a minimum period of six months. Inattentional ADHD is usually internalized, like 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 hyperactive ADHD frequently have trouble in social situations. They may talk excessively and tangents during conversations, and aren't able to discern body language or social cues. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions. This can make them more susceptible to anger or rage. This can make it difficult for them to work in a group or get along with other people. Women with ADHD who are impulsive ADHD are also more likely to become sexually active earlier in their age, which can result in unwanted pregnancies and STIs.
Mood swings are common in women with ADHD, and many find that their symptoms are more severe at certain times of the month, or during key life events such as divorce or the loss of a loved one. Women with an impulsive ADHD can be misunderstood and dismissed because of gender stereotypes or other causes.
Women are also more adept in hiding their ADHD symptoms. This can make it harder for them to get an assessment or treatment. Some experts believe this is due to women developing strategies to cope and coping mechanisms which help them hide their ADHD. Some of these include setting up reminders for phone calls or adjusting their schedules, or using medication to manage symptoms.
Lastly, women with ADHD can have difficulty getting enough rest, and this can impact their focus and impulsivity. Make sure you have a regular bedtime routine. Do activities that calm you and avoid watching TV prior to going to going to bed. Exercise can also improve your sleep quality as it releases neurotransmitters, which improve your mood and focus.
It's important that you consult an expert in mental health to receive a diagnosis when you suspect that you have ADHD. This is the only way to determine whether you're suffering from ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. Find an Therapist will be able to assist you if you're willing to take a step forward.
Social symptoms
Women with ADHD may find it difficult to cope with their symptoms in social situations. They can feel like others consider them less attractive because they don't pay attention, listen or follow through on their commitments. This can cause misunderstandings and frustrations in relationships both professional and personal.
Women can also find it difficult to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD due to the fact that they tend to conceal their symptoms. This is to fit in with societal expectations and norms, as well as to manage their daily activities. This could include healthy methods of coping, such a using a planner, or setting reminders on your phone. However, it could also lead to unhealthy habits, such frequent fidgeting and avoiding meals.
It can be difficult to identify ADHD symptoms in adult women because they can be confused with other conditions, such as anxiety or depression. Anxiety and ADHD have common symptoms, such as trouble concentrating, feeling agitated or having trouble sleeping. The disorganization, forgetfulness, and an impulsiveness that are typical of ADHD do not happen with anxiety.
The hyperactivity and impulsivity of ADHD can also be confused with a mood disorder particularly in adults. Women who have the history of depression, bipolar disorder or other mood disorders may be more likely to have ADHD. It is essential to have a medical professional who you trust examine your symptoms in order to establish a precise diagnosis.
Adult women suffering from ADHD can improve their lives by learning strategies for coping and getting treatment. They could benefit from a session with a therapist to learn the skills of emotional regulation or coaching by a professional who will teach them strategies to manage their behavior and help them set goals. You can also take medications for ADHD symptoms with a prescription from a doctor. Stimulant medication is typically prescribed for people with ADHD however, alternatives that are not stimulant are just as effective in certain instances.