ADHD Symptoms in Women Test Positive
You're often unable to remember things you forget things or can't locate them. Your memory problems can interfere with your school and work performance.
The symptoms you are experiencing must be present before age 12, last six months, and cause disruption to your 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 inattentive ADHD symptoms usually have trouble being organized and retaining information. They may forget appointments or things they have already been given. They might also find it hard to concentrate during lectures at college or business meetings. At home, their homes could be messy and they could have trouble keeping track of 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 associated with ADHD can also lead people to believe that women do not suffer from the same issues and shouldn't be treated or treated. This can make it difficult for teachers and healthcare professionals to identify and treat women and girls who suffer from ADHD.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms are also harder to spot in women and girls because they tend to be internalized. For instance many women with inattentive ADHD struggle to maintain good relationships at work and with friends because their impulsivity, forgetfulness and trouble focusing are frequently misinterpreted as being disorganized or disengaged. They can overcome this by working too much and using productivity apps, or by being more in control of their relationships.
The hormonal fluctuations that women undergo throughout their lives could also impact ADHD symptoms. These changes are most noticeable during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, during breastfeeding and pregnancy and in the years leading up to menopause when estrogen levels decline. The research is ongoing to determine the ways that these hormone changes can influence an individual's ADHD symptoms and medication.
It is important to note that gender refers to the person's biological makeup, including their genetic makeup, hormones, and anatomy. whereas sex is a person's internal sense of self as a man, woman or nonbinary regardless of their physical appearance. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is a thorny subject and that some people be able to identify as not male or female, or as an intersex person. As a result, Verywell Health does not define the sex of its readers. For more details, look up the Verywell Health sex and age FAQ.
Hyperactive symptoms
Generally speaking, women with ADHD are not as afflicted with the same number of hyperactive symptoms as men do. It can be harder for women to get diagnosed with ADHD and get treatment. However, that doesn't mean that ADHD isn't present in females. The number of females diagnosed with ADHD has increased since the year 2020.
In the early years boys have a higher chance of being diagnosed with ADHD than girls. However, as they get older, the numbers get even. However, Keep Reading can still be a challenge for adults suffering from ADHD to recognize their condition due to the fact that symptoms often change over time and may be confused with other conditions.
Certain people with ADHD for instance, are unable to sleep at night. The problem can be made worse by hormone fluctuations, stress, or medication used to treat other conditions. A large meal or alcohol consumption prior to bedtime can worsen the problem. It is important to keep in mind that getting a good night's sleep is an essential aspect of managing ADHD in adults. Good sleep habits like using a weighted sleeping blanket and establishing a regular schedule can aid.
Problems with emotions can be particularly difficult for women with ADHD who are more prone to mood swings. This can result in them being misunderstood by others or dismissed, which can lead to relationship problems. They may also be more susceptible to disorders like depression which can make focusing and retaining information difficult.
It is vital to speak to a health care professional to learn more about ADHD. This includes a complete assessment 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 within each category over a period of six months. Inattentional ADHD is typically internalized, like 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.
The symptoms of an impulse
Women with impulsive ADHD often experience trouble in social situations. They may be prone to talk a lot or wander off into tangents during conversations. They may also have trouble understanding body language and social cues. They also may have trouble controlling their emotions, making them more susceptible to rage or anger. This makes it difficult for them to be part of groups or to get along with other people. Women with ADHD who are impulsive ADHD also tend to become sexually active at a younger age, which can result in unwanted pregnancies and STIs.
Women who suffer from ADHD often experience mood fluctuations. Many find that their symptoms are more severe during certain times of month or when they're experiencing major life events such as divorce or loss of a loved-one. Stereotyping of gender and other factors can cause women suffering from impulsive ADHD to be misunderstood or dismissed as "overly emotional."
Additionally, since women are more adept in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men and so it can be more difficult for them to receive an assessment or treatment. Some experts believe that this is because females have strategies and coping mechanisms which help them conceal their ADHD. Some of these include setting up phone reminders or adjusting their schedules, or taking medication to control symptoms.
Additionally, women suffering from ADHD may have trouble getting enough rest and this may affect their attention and impulsivity. To improve the quality of your sleeping, make sure you stick to a routine for bedtime and do some calming activities prior to you go to bed, and avoid screen time before you head to bed. Adding exercise to your daily routine can also be beneficial, as it releases neurotransmitters to boost your mood and boost concentration.
It is essential to consult an expert in mental health to determine if you suspect you may be suffering from ADHD. This is the only way to know for sure if you have ADHD and how severe your symptoms are. Find a Therapist can help you if you're ready to take the next step.
Social symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might find it difficult to manage their symptoms in social situations. They may feel like other people are less tolerant of them since they don't seem to pay attention to what's happening, or listen to or follow through on things. This can lead both to a lack of understanding and frustration in personal and professional relationships.
Women may also find it harder to get a diagnosis of ADHD because they often mask their symptoms. This is done in order to conform to expectations and norms, and to manage everyday tasks. This can include healthy methods of coping, such the use of a planner or setting reminders on your phone. But it can also be a way to engage in unhealthy habits, like frequent fidgeting and avoiding meals.
It can also be harder to spot ADHD symptoms in women of adulthood because they could be mistaken for other conditions like depression or anxiety. Anxiety and ADHD have similar symptoms, such as difficulty in concentration, restlessness, or difficulty sleeping. The disorganization, forgetfulness, and the impulsivity that is typical of ADHD do not occur in people suffering from anxiety.
The impulsivity and hyperactivity of ADHD can 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's crucial to have a healthcare professional you trust to look at your symptoms in order to make an accurate diagnosis.
Adult women suffering from ADHD may improve their quality-of-life by learning coping skills and receiving treatment. They may benefit from counseling to improve their emotional regulation or coaching by professionals who will teach them strategies for managing their behavior and assist them in setting goals. They may also be prescribed medication to control their ADHD symptoms, but only with a doctor's prescription. People with ADHD are typically prescribed stimulant medications, but other options can be equally efficient.