ADHD Symptoms in Women Test Positive
You're often unable to remember things you forget things or can't locate them. Your memory problems may hinder your work and school performance.
To be considered to have ADHD the symptoms must be present before the age of 12, that lasted at least six months and impacted your daily 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 are often having trouble organizing their lives and remembering specifics. They may lose track of appointments or forget what they've been instructed to do. They may also have trouble concentration during business meetings or college lectures. They may also have trouble keeping 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 symptoms as men and boys and therefore shouldn't get diagnosed or treated. This can make it difficult for healthcare providers and educators to diagnose and treat women and girls who suffer from ADHD.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms are also harder for people to see in women and girls because they are more likely to be internalized. Inattentional ADHD can make it difficult for women to maintain healthy work and personal relationships. Their inattention and forgetfulness are frequently perceived by others as unorganized. They may be able to compensate by working more and using productivity apps, or being more controlling in their relationships.
The hormonal fluctuations that happen throughout a woman's lifetime can affect their ADHD symptoms. These changes are most noticeable during the luteal stage of menstrual cycles, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and in the period that lead up to menopausal when estrogen levels decrease. The research is ongoing to determine how these hormone changes might influence the person's ADHD symptoms and the medications they take.
It is crucial to recognize that gender refers a person’s biological characteristics, including their chromosomal make-up, hormones, and anatomy, while the term "sex" refers to a person's internal perception of their self as a man or woman, or a nonbinary, regardless of their external anatomy. Verywell Health recognizes that sex can be a complex topic and that some people identify as not male or female, 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 information.
Hyperactive Signs and symptoms
In general, women with ADHD do not have the same number of hyperactive symptoms as do men. As a result, it is more difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated. However, that doesn't mean that ADHD doesn't exist in females. The number of females diagnosed with ADHD has increased since the year 2020.
In childhood, boys have a higher chance of being diagnosed with ADHD than girls. As they age and get older, the odds are even. However, it can be more difficult for adults with ADHD to identify their condition since the symptoms can change over time and can be confused with other issues.
For instance, people suffering from ADHD struggle to sleep at night. The difficulty can be exacerbated by factors like hormone fluctuations, stress, or the use of medications to treat other conditions. A large meal or alcohol consumption before the time to go to bed can cause it to worsen. It is important to remember that getting a good night's sleep is a key part of managing ADHD in adults. A healthy sleep routine, such as using a weighted sleeping blanket and establishing a schedule can help.
The emotional issues can be particularly challenging for women with ADHD who are more prone to mood swings. 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 susceptible to conditions such as depression that can make focusing and remembering information difficult.
To know more about ADHD, it is important to talk to an experienced health professional. This includes a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and mixed. To be diagnosed with ADHD, one needs to have at minimum six symptoms in each category over a time period of six months. Inattention ADHD is typically internalized, such as 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.
Signs of a sudden onset
Women with hyperactive ADHD are often unable to function in social situations. treatment for adhd in women may talk excessively or wander off into tangents during conversations. They also have difficulty being able to recognize body language and social cues. They may also have trouble controlling their emotions. This could make them more likely to be prone to anger or rage. This makes it difficult for them to be part of groups or be able to connect with others. Women who suffer from an impulsive ADHD also tend to become sexually active at a younger age, which could result in unwanted pregnancies and STIs.
Women with ADHD are often prone to mood fluctuation. Many find that their symptoms get worse at certain times of the month or when they're experiencing major life events, such as divorce or loss of a loved one. Women with impulsive 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 men and therefore, it is more difficult to get the diagnosis or treatment they need. Many experts believe that this is because women develop strategies to cope and coping mechanisms that allow them to conceal their ADHD. This might involve adjusting their schedules or setting phone reminders for appointments, employing medication or self-care techniques to manage their symptoms, or altering their behavior to suit their society's expectations.
Women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble sleeping well, which could affect their impulsivity and attention. To improve your quality of sleep, try to stick to a bedtime routine, do calming activities before you go to bed and avoid a screen before you head to bed. Adding exercise to your routine may be beneficial, since it releases neurotransmitters to boost your mood and improve concentration.
If you think you might have ADHD it is essential to see a mental health professional for a diagnosis. It is the only way you can be sure that you have ADHD and to determine the severity of your symptoms. If you're looking to move on, our Find a Therapist resource can be of assistance.
Social symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty to manage their symptoms in social situations. They may feel that others are less impressed by them because they do not seem to listen, pay attention or follow through. This can lead both to a lack of understanding and frustration in personal and professional relationships.
Women may also have a harder time getting diagnosed with ADHD, as they tend to mask their symptoms. This is a method to fit in with societal expectations and norms, and to manage their daily activities. This could include healthy coping strategies, like using a planner or setting reminders on their phones, but it can also lead to unhealthy coping strategies like excessive fidgeting, avoiding meals and working longer hours to make up for.
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to recognize in women who are older, since they may be misinterpreted with other conditions, like depression or anxiety. Anxiety and ADHD share a number of common symptoms, like being unable to concentrate, feeling anxious or having difficulty sleeping. The disorganization, forgetfulness, and impulsivity that are typical of ADHD do not happen when you suffer from anxiety.
inattentive add in women as hyperactivity and impulsivity could be confused with mood disorders, especially for adults. Women with a past history of bipolar, depression, or other mood disorders are more likely to develop ADHD. It's crucial to have a medical professional who you trust examine your symptoms to determine the most accurate diagnosis.
Adult women with ADHD can enhance their lives by learning strategies for coping and seeking treatment. They may benefit from counseling to improve their emotional regulation or coaching by a professional who will teach them strategies for managing their behavior and assist them in setting goals. You can also get medication to treat ADHD symptoms with an appointment with a doctor. Stimulant medications are more commonly prescribed for those suffering from ADHD, but non-stimulant options are just as effective in certain cases.