ADHD Symptoms in Women Test Positive
You frequently forget things, are unable to locate them, or lose focus during daily activities. Your memory problems may hinder your work and school performance.
To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must have been present before the age of 12and that lasted at least six months and affected your everyday life. The test will ask questions about a variety of symptoms related to inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
Inattentional symptoms
Women who aren't attentive ADHD symptoms often have trouble staying organized and remembering details. They may forget appointments or details they have already been told. They may also have difficulty staying concentrate during college lectures or business meetings. At home, their homes may be disorganized and they may struggle to keep their bills or household 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 think that women don't suffer from the same issues and should not be diagnosed or treated. This can make it difficult for teachers and healthcare professionals to identify and treat girls and women who suffer from ADHD.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms are also harder to spot in women and girls since they are more likely to be internalized. For instance, many women with inattentive ADHD struggle to maintain positive relationships with their colleagues and friends due to their impulsivity, forgetfulness, and trouble focusing are frequently mistakenly interpreted as disorganized or disengaged. They might overcome this by working too much using productivity apps, or by being more in control of their relationships.
The hormonal fluctuations women encounter throughout their lives may affect ADHD symptoms. These changes are most noticeable during the luteal stage of the menstrual cycle during breastfeeding and pregnancy, and in the years that lead up to menopausal when estrogen levels decrease. Researchers are continuing to study how these hormone changes might impact an individual's ADHD symptoms and medications.
It is crucial to recognize that gender refers a person’s biological characteristics, including their chromosomal make-up, hormones, and anatomy, whereas the term "sex" refers to a person's internal perception of their identity as a man, woman, or nonbinary irrespective of their external appearance. Verywell Health recognizes that sex can be a complex topic and that some people identify as neither female nor male or as intersex. As a result, Verywell Health does not define the sex of its readers. For more information, go to the Verywell Health sex and age FAQ.
Hyperactive symptoms
Generally speaking, women who suffer from ADHD generally do not exhibit as many hyperactive symptoms as men do. As a result, it can be more difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated. This doesn't mean, however that ADHD is not present in women. In fact, it is actually the reverse: the number of ADHD diagnoses for women has risen from 2020.
In the early years the likelihood for boys is higher to be diagnosed with an ADHD diagnosis than girls. As they age, the numbers balance out. Adults who suffer from ADHD may still have difficulty understanding their condition, since the symptoms can change over time and become confused with other disorders.
Some people with ADHD For instance, they may have difficulty sleeping at night. Stress, hormone fluctuations, or medication prescribed to treat other conditions can exacerbate the problem. A heavy meal or alcohol consumption before bedtime can worsen the problem. It is crucial to understand that getting a good night's sleep is an essential part of tackling ADHD as an adult. Making sure you are practicing healthy sleep habits, like establishing the routine and utilizing blankets that are weighted can aid in managing ADHD.
Problems with emotions can be particularly difficult for women with ADHD who are more prone to mood swings. This can cause them to be ignored or misunderstood by others, and can result in relationship problems. Additionally, they could be more prone to disorders such as depression that can make it difficult to focus or remember things.
To learn more about ADHD it is essential to speak with an expert in health. This includes a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and mixed. To be considered to have ADHD, one needs to show at minimum six symptoms in each category over a time 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.
Impulsive Symptoms
Women with hyperactive ADHD are often unable to function in social situations. They may talk excessively or go off on tangents in conversations. They may also have trouble understanding social cues and body language. They might also have difficulty controlling their emotions, making them more susceptible to rage or anger. This can make it harder to be able to coexist with other people and work in a group environment. Women who suffer from an impulsive ADHD are more likely to have a sexual urge earlier in life, which can lead them to unwanted pregnancies or STIs.
Mood swings are commonplace in women suffering from ADHD, and many find that their symptoms are more severe during certain times of the month or at major life events, such as a divorce or loss of a loved one. Women with hyperactive ADHD are often misunderstood and dismissed due to gender stereotypes or other causes.
In addition, since women are generally better in hiding their ADHD symptoms than males are and therefore, it is more difficult for them to receive the diagnosis or treatment they need. Some experts believe this is due to the fact that females develop coping mechanisms and strategies which help them conceal their ADHD. Some of these include setting up phone reminders, adjusting their schedule, or using medication to manage symptoms.
Women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty sleeping well, which can affect their attention and impulsivity. Try to establish a regular bedtime routine. Engage in calming activities and avoid watching television before going to bed. Incorporating exercise into your daily routine could be beneficial, since it releases neurotransmitters that boost your mood and boost concentration.
It's important that you consult an expert in mental health to receive a diagnosis when you suspect that you be suffering from ADHD. This is the only way to know for sure if you have ADHD, and the severity of your symptoms. If you're looking to move on to get help, our Find a Therapist resource can be of assistance.
Social Symptoms
Women with ADHD can find it difficult to deal with their issues in social situations. They may feel that others consider them less attractive because they don't pay attention, listen or follow through with things. This can cause misunderstandings and frustrations in relationships both professional and personal.
Women also have it difficult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD because they often mask their symptoms. adhd in older women is to fit in with societal expectations and norms, as well as to manage daily tasks. This could involve healthy coping strategies, such as using a planner or setting reminders on their phone however, it could also lead to unhealthy coping strategies that include excessive fidgeting, avoiding meals, and working longer hours to compensate.
It can also be harder to identify ADHD symptoms in adult women because they can be confused with other conditions, such as depression or anxiety. Anxiety and ADHD have some similar symptoms, such as difficulty in concentrating, restlessness or trouble sleeping. The disorganization, forgetfulness, and impulsivity that are typical of ADHD are not associated with anxiety.
The hyperactivity and impulsivity 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 could be more likely to suffer from ADHD. It is crucial to have a medical expert you trust to examine your symptoms in order to make an accurate diagnosis.
Adult women with ADHD can improve their quality of life by learning strategies for coping and getting treatment. They might benefit from counseling to learn how to manage their emotions or a coaching session with professionals who will teach them strategies to manage their behavior and assist them in setting goals. They can also take medication to manage their ADHD symptoms however only with a prescription from a doctor. Stimulant medication is typically prescribed for those suffering from ADHD however, alternatives that are not stimulant are just as effective in certain instances.