ADHD Symptoms in Women Test Positive
You are often unable to remember things, are unable to locate them, or lose focus in your daily activities. Memory problems can cause problems with your school and work performance.
The symptoms you are experiencing should be present before the age of 12, last six months and interfere with your daily life to be deemed to have ADHD. The test will ask questions about a variety of symptoms related to inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
Inattentive symptoms
Women with inattention ADHD symptoms typically have difficulty being organized and retaining information. They might lose track of appointments or forget things they've been instructed to do. They may also have trouble staying focused during meetings at work or lectures at college. They may also have a difficult time keeping the track of household chores or 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 of being diagnosed with ADHD can cause people to believe that women don't suffer from the same issues as boys and men and therefore shouldn't be diagnosed or treated. This makes it difficult for teachers and healthcare professionals to recognize and treat women and girls who suffer from ADHD.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms are also more difficult for people to recognize in women and girls because they tend to be 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 unorganized. They may compensate by working too much and using productivity apps, or imposing more control on their relationship.
The hormonal fluctuations that women experience throughout their lives can affect ADHD symptoms. These changes are most noticeable during the luteal phase of menstrual cycles, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and in the period leading up to menopause as estrogen levels decrease. The research is ongoing to determine how these hormone changes might influence a person's ADHD symptoms and the medications they take.
It is important to remember that gender is a reference to a person's biological characteristics, such as their chromosomal makeup, hormones and anatomy--whereas sex refers to the internal perception of self as a woman, man or nonbinary regardless of their external anatomy. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a subject that can be complex and that some people identify as neither female nor male, or as intersex. Verywell Health doesn't define the sex for its readers. Please refer to the Verywell Health FAQ on sex and gender for more details.
Hyperactive Signs and symptoms
Generally speaking, women who suffer from ADHD do not have the same number of hyperactive symptoms as men do. This means that it is more difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated. But that does not mean that ADHD isn't a problem for females. Actually, it's very contrary: the number of ADHD diagnoses in women has increased from 2020.
In the beginning the likelihood for boys is higher to be diagnosed with an ADHD diagnosis than girls. As they get older, the numbers balance out. Adults who suffer from ADHD may have a difficult time recognizing their condition, as the symptoms can change over time and can be confused with other conditions.
For instance, many people with ADHD struggle to sleep at night. This issue can be caused due to stress, hormone fluctuations or medications used to treat other ailments. It can also be made more difficult by eating a large meal or drinking alcohol prior to bedtime. It is important to remember that getting a restful night is an essential aspect of managing ADHD in adults. Good sleep habits like using a blanket that is weighted and establishing a schedule can be helpful.
Emotional problems can be especially challenging for women with ADHD who are more prone to mood swings. This can lead to being misunderstood or dismissed, which could lead to relationship problems. In addition, they may be more prone to developing disorders like depression that can make it harder to concentrate or recall things.
It is vital to speak to a medical professional to learn more about ADHD. This includes a thorough assessment and diagnosis. There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and mixed. In order to be diagnosed, a person must show at least six symptoms in each category for a minimum period of six months. Inattention ADHD symptoms are typically 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.
Symptoms of a sudden onset
Women with hyperactive ADHD are often unable to function in social situations. They can be extremely talkative and go off on tangents during conversations, and can't discern social cues or body language. They may also have trouble managing their emotions. This can make them more susceptible to anger or anger. This makes it difficult for them to work in groups or be able to connect with other people. Women who suffer from an impulsive ADHD are also more likely to become sexually active earlier in their age, which could result in unwanted pregnancies and STIs.
Mood swings are commonplace in women suffering from ADHD Many find that their symptoms get worse at certain times of the month or at important life events like divorce or the loss of a loved one. Gender stereotyping and other factors can lead women with impulsive ADHD to be misunderstood and dismissed as "overly emotional."
In addition, since women are generally better in hiding their ADHD symptoms than males are, it can be harder for them to receive the diagnosis or treatment they need. Some experts believe that this is due to the fact that females develop coping mechanisms and strategies that help them to conceal their ADHD. Some of these include setting up phone reminders and adjusting their schedules or taking medication to control symptoms.
Women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty sleeping well, which can affect their impulsivity and attention. To improve your quality of sleeping, make sure you stick to a routine for bedtime that includes calming activities before you go to bed and avoid a screen before you head to bed. Exercise can also help improve your sleep quality, as it releases neurotransmitters that boost your mood and concentration.
It's important that you consult an expert in mental health to get a diagnosis in the event that you suspect you have ADHD. This is the only way to know whether you're suffering from ADHD and how severe your symptoms are. Find a Therapist can help you if you're willing to take the next step.
Social Signs and Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty to deal with their symptoms in social situations. They may feel like other people consider them less attractive because they don't pay attention to what's happening, or listen to or follow through on their commitments. This can lead to frustration and misunderstandings in personal and professional relationships.
Women may also have a tough when it comes to being diagnosed with ADHD, as they tend to cover up their symptoms. This is done to conform to social norms and expectations, and to manage everyday tasks. This could include healthy coping methods, such using a planner or setting reminders on your phone. However, adhd in women adult can also involve unhealthy habits, like frequent fidgeting and avoiding meals.
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to recognize in adult women, as they are often confused with other conditions such as depression or anxiety. Anxiety and ADHD have common symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating, feeling restless or having trouble sleeping. The forgetfulness, disorganization, and an impulsiveness that are typical of ADHD do not occur in people suffering from anxiety.
The hyperactivity and impulsivity of ADHD can also be confused with mood disorders, particularly in adults. Women with a history of bipolar disorder, depression or other mood disorders are more likely to develop ADHD. It is crucial to consult a healthcare expert you trust to examine your symptoms in order to make an accurate diagnosis.
Adult women suffering from ADHD can improve their quality of life by acquiring coping skills and seeking treatment. They may 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 assist them in setting goals. You can also take medication for ADHD symptoms with a prescription from an expert doctor. Patients with ADHD are typically prescribed stimulant medications, but other options can be equally effective.