ADHD Symptoms in Women Test Positive
You often forget things, lose them or are absentminded in your daily activities. Your memory problems may interfere with 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 to be diagnosed with ADHD. The test will ask questions about a variety of symptoms related to inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
Attentive symptoms
Women who aren't attentive ADHD symptoms usually have trouble keeping track of their schedules and details. They might forget appointments or things they've already been told. They might also have difficulty staying concentrate during college lectures or business meetings. At home, their houses could be messy and they could be struggling to keep 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 associated with having ADHD can make people believe that women don't have the same symptoms as boys and men and therefore shouldn't get diagnosed or treated. This makes it difficult for teachers and healthcare professionals to recognize and treat women and girls who have ADHD.
Because they are internalized as a result, inattentive ADHD symptoms can be difficult to recognize in women and girls. For iampsychiatry suffering from inattentive ADHD struggle to maintain good work and personal relationships because their impulsivity, forgetfulness, and difficulty focusing are frequently mistakenly interpreted as disorganized or disengaged. They might try to compensate by overworking or relying on productivity apps, or becoming more controlled in their relationships.
The hormonal fluctuations that take place throughout the course of a woman's life can affect ADHD symptoms. The most significant changes occur in the luteal phase, during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the years leading up menopausal symptoms as estrogen levels decrease. Research is ongoing to understand the ways that these hormone changes can affect the person's ADHD symptoms and medication.
It is important to understand that gender refers to a person's biology--their genetic makeup, hormones, and anatomy. whereas sex is the internal perception of self as a man, woman or nonbinary, regardless of their external anatomy. 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. Check out the Verywell Health FAQ on sex and gender for more information.
Hyperactive symptoms
Generally speaking, women who suffer from ADHD do not have the same amount of hyperactive symptoms that men do. It can be more difficult for women to get diagnosed with ADHD and be treated. However, this doesn't mean however that ADHD isn't present in women. The number of women diagnosed with ADHD has risen since 2020.
In their early years boys have a higher chance of being diagnosed ADHD than girls. As they get older, the numbers balance out. However, it may be a challenge for people with ADHD to identify their condition due to the fact that symptoms change over time and may be confused with other issues.
Certain people with ADHD for instance, have difficulty sleeping at the night. Stress, hormone fluctuations, or medication prescribed to treat other ailments can cause more problems. It can also be made worse when you eat a big meal or drinking alcohol prior to the time of bed. It is crucial to understand that getting a good night's sleep is an essential aspect of managing ADHD as an adult. Healthy sleep habits such as using a weighted sleeping blanket and establishing a regular schedule can be helpful.
Problems with emotions can be particularly challenging 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. They could also be more susceptible to conditions such as depression that can make focusing and remembering things difficult.
To find out more about ADHD, it is important to talk to an expert in health. This includes a thorough assessment and diagnosis. There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and mixed. To be diagnosed, a person must exhibit at least six symptoms in each category for a minimum period of six months. Inattention ADHD symptoms are typically more internal, like daydreaming or 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 impulsive ADHD frequently have trouble in social situations. They may talk excessively and unrelated topics during conversations, and aren't able to pick up on social cues or body language. They might also have difficulty managing their emotions, which makes them more prone to rage or anger. This can make it harder to be able to coexist with other people and work in a group environment. Women with an impulsive ADHD are more likely to be sexually active earlier in life, which could cause unwanted pregnancies or STIs.
Mood swings are common in women suffering from ADHD and many notice that their symptoms get worse during certain times of the month, or during important life events like divorce or the loss of loved ones. Women with hyperactive ADHD are often misunderstood and dismissed due to gender stereotyping or other factors.
In addition, since women are more adept at masking their ADHD symptoms than males are, it can be harder for them to receive a diagnosis or treatment. Many experts believe that this is due to the fact that women develop strategies to cope and coping mechanisms which help them hide their ADHD. This might involve adjusting their schedule or setting reminders for appointments, employing self-care or medication to manage their symptoms, or changing their behavior to fit society's expectations.
Women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble sleeping well, which can affect their attention and impulsivity. To enhance your quality of sleep, try to stick to a bedtime routine and do some calming activities prior to you go to sleep, and limit screen time prior to when you head to bed. Adding exercise to your routine may be beneficial, since it releases neurotransmitters that boost your mood and increase concentration.
If you suspect you have ADHD, it's important to consult an expert in mental health for an assessment. This is the only way to determine whether you're suffering from ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. Find a Therapist can assist you if you're willing to take a step forward.
Social symptoms
Women with ADHD can find it difficult to manage their symptoms in social situations. They may feel that others are less impressed by them because they don't seem to listen, pay attention or follow through. This can lead both to frustration and miscommunications in professional and personal relationships.
Women can also have a harder to be diagnosed with ADHD because they tend to mask their symptoms. This is a method to comply with social expectations and norms, and to manage their daily activities. This could include healthy coping mechanisms such as using a planner or setting reminders on their phones however it could also involve unhealthy coping habits, such as excessive fidgeting, avoiding meals, and working longer hours to make up for.
It can also be harder to identify ADHD symptoms in women who are older because they could be confused with other conditions, such as anxiety or depression. Anxiety and ADHD have common symptoms, like difficulty concentrating, feeling restless or having trouble sleeping. However, the irritability and impulsivity, along with the disorganization of ADHD aren't usually associated in people suffering from anxiety.
The hyperactivity and impulsivity of ADHD can be confused with a mood disorder, particularly in adults. Women with a history of bipolar, depression, or other mood disorders are more likely to develop ADHD. It's crucial to have a medical expert you trust to examine your symptoms to establish a precise diagnosis.
Adult women suffering from ADHD may improve their quality-of-life by learning how to cope and seeking treatment. They could benefit from a session with a therapist to improve their emotional regulation skills or coaching by a professional who will teach them strategies to manage their behavior and help them set goals. You can also take medication to treat ADHD symptoms with the prescription of a doctor. People with ADHD are often prescribed stimulant medications however other options may be equally effective.