ADHD Symptoms in Women Test Positive
You are often absentminded and forget things, or lose them. Your memory problems can interfere with your academic and work performance.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must have been present prior to 12 years old, that lasted at least six months, and affected your daily life. The test will ask questions about a variety of symptoms related to inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
Inattentional symptoms
Women with inattentive ADHD symptoms often have trouble keeping track of their schedules and details. They might lose track of appointments or forget things they've already been told to do. They might also have difficulty concentration during business meetings or lectures at college. At home, their homes could be disorganized and they may be struggling 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. Additionally the stigma associated with having ADHD can lead to people assuming that women don't suffer from 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 women and girls who have ADHD.
Because they are internalized and internalized, inattention ADHD symptoms are difficult to spot in women and girls. For example many women with inattentive ADHD struggle to maintain positive work and personal relationships because their impulsivity, forgetfulness, and trouble focusing are frequently thought of as disorganized or disengaged. They may try to cope by working too much or relying on productivity apps, or by becoming more controlling in their relationships.
The hormonal fluctuations that women undergo throughout their lives could also impact ADHD symptoms. These changes are most pronounced in the luteal stage, during breastfeeding, pregnancy, and the years preceding menopausal symptoms, when estrogen levels decrease. Researchers are attempting to discover how these hormonal changes might impact ADHD symptoms and the medications used to treat it.
It is crucial to recognize that gender refers a person’s biological makeup, including hormones, chromosomal makeup and anatomy, while the term "sex" refers to a person's internal view of themselves as a man, woman, or nonbinary regardless of their external appearance. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is a complex issue and that some people may be able to identify as neither female nor male, or as an intersex individual. This is why Verywell Health does not define the gender of its readers. For more information, look up the Verywell Health sex and age FAQ.
Hyperactive Signs and symptoms
In general, women with ADHD are not as afflicted with the same number of hyperactive symptoms as men do. Because of this, it can be more difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated. However, that doesn't mean that ADHD doesn't exist in females. Actually, it's actually the reverse: the number of ADHD diagnoses for women has risen since the year 2020.
In their early years boys have a higher chance of being diagnosed ADHD than girls. But as they grow up, the numbers get even. However, it may be more difficult for adults suffering from ADHD to recognize their condition because the symptoms change over time and can be confused with other disorders.
Some people with ADHD for instance, are unable to sleep at night. This issue can be caused by hormone fluctuations, stress, or medications used to treat other conditions. A large meal or alcohol consumption before bedtime can make it worse. It is crucial to remember that getting a good night's sleep is an essential aspect of managing ADHD in adults. Making sure you are practicing healthy sleep habits, like establishing the routine and utilizing blankets with weights, can help.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to experience emotional issues, since they are more susceptible to mood fluctuations. This can cause them to be disregarded or viewed as a nuisance by others, and can result in relationship problems. Additionally, they may be more prone to developing disorders like depression that can make it harder to concentrate or recall things.
It is essential to talk to a medical professional to learn more about ADHD. This includes a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and mixed. To be considered to have ADHD, a person needs to have at minimum six symptoms in each of the categories over a period of six months. Inattentive ADHD is typically 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.
Instinctive Symptoms
Women who suffer from an impulsive ADHD are often troubled in social situations. They can be extremely talkative, go off on off-topic conversations, and fail to discern body language or social cues. They might also have difficulty controlling their emotions. This can cause them to be more prone anger or rage. This makes it difficult for them to work in groups or to get along with others. Women with ADHD who are impulsive ADHD are also more likely to become sexually active at a younger age, which could cause unwanted pregnancies as well as STIs.
Women suffering from ADHD frequently experience mood swings. Many notice that their symptoms get worse during certain times of month or when they are experiencing major life events like divorce or the loss of a loved one. Gender stereotyping and other factors can cause women suffering from an impulsive ADHD to be misunderstood or dismissed as "overly emotional."
Additionally, since women are generally better at masking their ADHD symptoms than men, it can be harder for them to receive an assessment or treatment. Many experts believe that this is due to the fact that women develop strategies to cope and coping mechanisms that allow them to conceal their ADHD. This might involve adjusting their schedule or setting phone reminders for appointments, employing medication or self-care techniques to manage their symptoms, or changing their behavior to fit social expectations.
Finally, women with ADHD can have difficulty getting enough sleep and this may affect their concentration and impulsivity. Make sure you have an established bedtime routine. Do calming activities and avoid watching television before going to going to bed. Exercise can also enhance your sleep quality as it releases neurotransmitters, which improve your mood and improve focus.
If you think you might be suffering from ADHD it is essential to see an expert in mental health for a diagnosis. This is the only way to find out whether you're suffering from ADHD, and how severe your symptoms are. If you're ready to take the next step Our Find a Therapist resource can be of assistance.
Social Signs and Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might find it difficult to deal with their symptoms in social situations. high functioning adhd in women might feel that people are less impressed because they aren't able to listen, pay attention or follow through. This can lead to frustration and misunderstandings in professional and personal relationships.
Women also have it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis of ADHD because they tend to hide their symptoms. This is to conform to social expectations and norms, as well as to manage their daily activities. This could involve healthy coping strategies, like using a planner or setting reminders on their phones however it could also involve unhealthy coping habits like excessive fidgeting, skipping meals and working longer hours to make up for.
It can also be harder to spot ADHD symptoms in women of adulthood because they can be confused with other conditions, such as depression or anxiety. Anxiety and ADHD share a number of common symptoms, like being unable to concentrate, feeling anxious or having trouble sleeping. However, the forgetfulness and impulsivity, along with the disorganization of ADHD are not usually present with anxiety.
ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and impulsivity could be misinterpreted as a sign of mood disorders, especially among adults. Women with a past history of depression, bipolar or other mood disorders are more likely to develop ADHD. It's important to consult a trusted medical professional assess your symptoms and provide an accurate diagnosis.
Adult women with ADHD may improve their quality-of-life by acquiring coping skills and receiving treatment. They might benefit from counseling to improve their emotional regulation, or even coaching from an expert who can teach them strategies to manage their behavior and help them set goals. They can also take medication to control their ADHD symptoms but only with a doctor's prescription. Stimulant medication is typically prescribed for those suffering from ADHD however, alternatives that are not stimulant can be just as effective in certain instances.