ADHD Symptoms in Women Test Positive
You are often absentminded, forget things or misplace them. Your memory problems may interfere with work and school performance.
The symptoms you are experiencing should be present before the age of 12, last for six months and interfere with your daily life to be diagnosed with ADHD. The test will ask questions about a variety of symptoms related to inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
Attention-deficit Symptoms
Women with inattentive ADHD are often having trouble keeping track of their schedules and remembering details. They may forget appointments or details they have already been given. They may also have trouble staying focused during meetings at work or college lectures. At home, their homes could 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. Additionally, the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make people believe that women don't have the same symptoms as boys and men and therefore shouldn't be assessed or treated. This can make it difficult for teachers and healthcare professionals to identify and treat girls and women who have ADHD.
Because they are internalized and internalized, inattentive ADHD symptoms are difficult to spot in girls and women. For instance many women with inattentive ADHD struggle to maintain good relationships with their colleagues and friends due to their impulsivity, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing are frequently thought of as disorganized or disengaged. add and adhd in women can compensate by working too much and using productivity apps, or being more controlling 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 stage of the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and in the years that lead up to menopausal as estrogen levels decrease. Research is ongoing to understand how these hormone changes might affect a person's ADHD symptoms and medications.
It is important to understand that gender refers a person’s biological characteristics, including their hormones, chromosomal makeup and anatomy, whereas sex refers a person’s internal view of themselves as a man, woman, or nonbinary regardless of the external anatomy. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a subject that can be complex and that some people identify as not male or female, or as intersex. Verywell Health doesn't define the sex of its readers. Please refer to the Verywell Health FAQ on sex and gender for more information.
Hyperactive symptoms
In general, women with ADHD do not have the same amount of hyperactive symptoms that men do. It is sometimes more difficult for women to get diagnosed with ADHD and be treated. However, this doesn't mean however, that ADHD is not present in women. In fact, it is quite the opposite: the number of ADHD diagnoses for women has risen from 2020.
In the beginning, boys are more likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis than girls. As they age the odds of being diagnosed with ADHD even out. Adults who suffer from ADHD may have a difficult time recognizing their condition, as the symptoms may change over time and be confused with other disorders.
Certain people with ADHD, for example, are unable to sleep at the night. The problem can be made worse by factors like stress, hormone fluctuations or medications used to treat other conditions. A heavy food intake or drinking before the time to go to bed can cause it to worsen. It is crucial to remember that getting a good sleep is a crucial aspect of managing ADHD in adults. Implementing healthy sleeping habits, like establishing the routine and utilizing blankets that are weighted can be helpful.
The emotional issues can be particularly difficult for women suffering from ADHD, who are more prone to mood swings. This can result in them being misunderstood by others or dismissed, which could result in relationship problems. They may also be more prone to illnesses such as depression, which can make focusing and remembering information difficult.
To find out more about ADHD, it is important to speak with an experienced health professional. This includes a complete 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 least six symptoms in each of the categories over a period of six months. Inattentional ADHD is usually internalized, such as 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 who suffer from hyperactive ADHD struggle in social situations. They can talk too much and go off on tangents during conversations, and fail to discern body language or social cues. They also may have trouble controlling their emotions, making them more prone to anger or rage. This makes it difficult to be able to coexist with other people and function in a team environment. Women with an impulsive ADHD are also more likely to become sexually active earlier in their age, which can lead to unwanted pregnancies and STIs.
Women who suffer from ADHD are often prone to mood fluctuations. Many of them find that their symptoms worsen at certain times of the month or when they're experiencing significant life events, such as divorce or loss of a loved one. Stereotyping of gender and other factors can cause women suffering from an impulsive ADHD to be misunderstood and dismissed as "overly emotional."
In addition, since women are more adept at masking their ADHD symptoms than men and so it can be more difficult to get a diagnosis or treatment. Some experts believe that this is because females develop coping mechanisms and strategies that allow them to hide their ADHD. Some of these include setting up phone reminders and adjusting their schedules or taking medication to control symptoms.
Lastly, women with ADHD are more likely to have issues getting enough quality sleep and this 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 go to bed. Exercise can also enhance your sleep quality, as it releases neurotransmitters, which improve your mood and focus.
It is crucial to speak with an expert in mental health to receive a diagnosis when you suspect that you be suffering from ADHD. This is the only way to find out whether you are suffering from ADHD, and the severity of your symptoms. If you're looking to take the next step to get help, our Find a Therapist resource can assist.
Social Symptoms
Women with ADHD might find it difficult to cope with symptoms in social situations. They may feel like other people are less tolerant of them since they don't pay attention, listen or follow through with things. Home can lead both to frustration and misunderstandings in personal and professional relationships.
Women may also find it difficult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD because they tend to hide their symptoms. This is to conform to social expectations and norms, and to manage everyday tasks. This can include healthy coping methods, such a using a planner, or setting reminders on your phone. However, it can also be a way to engage in unhealthy habits like excessive fidgeting and skipping meals.
ADHD symptoms are difficult to spot in women who are older, since they may be misinterpreted with other conditions, like depression or anxiety. Anxiety and ADHD share some typical symptoms, including trouble concentrating, feeling agitated or having difficulty sleeping. The disorganization, forgetfulness, 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 a mood disorder, especially in adults. Women with a history of bipolar disorder, depression or other mood disorders are more likely to develop ADHD. It is essential to seek out a trusted health professional to examine your symptoms and make an accurate diagnosis.
Adult women suffering from ADHD can improve their quality of life by learning coping strategies 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 strategies for managing their behavior and help them set goals. They can also take medications to manage their ADHD symptoms, but only with a doctor's recommendation. Stimulant medications are more commonly prescribed for people with ADHD however, non-stimulant alternatives are just as effective in certain instances.