ADHD Symptoms In Women 101: A Complete Guide For Beginners
ADHD Symptoms in Women Test Positive You are often absentminded you forget things or can't locate them. Your memory problems may hinder your work and school performance. The symptoms you are experiencing must be present prior to age 12, and last for a minimum of six months and disrupt your life to be deemed to have 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 often have trouble keeping track of their schedules and details. They may forget appointments or forget things they've already been told to do. Home may also find it hard to concentrate during college lectures or business meetings. At home, their homes could be unorganized and they might struggle 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. The stigma of ADHD can lead people to think that women don't have the same symptoms and should not be diagnosed or treated. This makes it more difficult for healthcare providers and educators to identify and diagnose women and girls who suffer from ADHD. Inattentive ADHD symptoms are also harder for people to see in girls and women because they tend to be internalized. Inattentive ADHD can make it difficult for women to maintain healthy personal and work relationships. Their impulsivity and forgetfulness are often perceived by others as chaotic. They may overcome this by working too much, using productivity apps or being more controlling in their relationships. The hormonal fluctuations that happen throughout the life of a woman can affect ADHD symptoms. These changes are especially pronounced during the luteal phase of menstrual cycles, during breastfeeding and pregnancy and in the period that lead up to menopausal as estrogen levels decrease. Researchers are attempting to discover the ways in which these hormonal changes could impact ADHD symptoms and the medications used to treat it. It is important to understand that gender refers to a person's biology—their hormonal makeup, chromosomal makeup and anatomy—whereas sex refers to a person's internal sense of self as a woman, man or nonbinary, regardless of their physical anatomy. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is a complicated issue and that some individuals may identify as not male or female, or as an intersex person. This is why Verywell Health does not define the gender of its readers. Please refer to the Verywell Health FAQ on sex and gender for more information. Hyperactive Signs and symptoms Generally speaking, women with ADHD generally do not exhibit the same number of hyperactive symptoms as men do. Because of this, it can be more difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated. This doesn't mean, however that ADHD is not present in women. The number of females diagnosed with ADHD has risen since 2020. In the early years boys have a higher chance of being diagnosed ADHD than girls. As they grow older, the numbers balance out. However, it can still be difficult for adults suffering from ADHD to recognize their condition due to the fact that symptoms change over time and could be confused with other disorders. For instance, many people with ADHD struggle to sleep at night. This issue can be caused by factors like stress, hormone fluctuations or medications used to treat other conditions. A heavy meal or alcohol consumption prior to bedtime can worsen the problem. It is crucial to understand that getting a good night's sleep is an essential part of coping with ADHD as an adult. Good sleep habits like using a blanket that is weighted and setting a routine can aid. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from emotional issues as they are more prone to mood swings. This could lead them to be disregarded or viewed as a nuisance by others and cause problems in relationships. They could also be more susceptible to disorders like depression which can make focusing and remembering information difficult. To know more about ADHD, it is important 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. In order to be diagnosed, a person must have six or more of the symptoms of each category for a minimum period of six months. Inattentive ADHD symptoms are usually more internal, for example, having a tendency to daydream or be 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 who suffer from impulsive ADHD have difficulty in social situations. They can talk too much or get off track in conversations. They may also have trouble understanding body language and social cues. They may also have difficulty controlling their emotions. This can make them more susceptible to anger or anger. This can make it harder for them to interact with other people and function in a team environment. Women with impulsive ADHD are more likely to have a sexual urge earlier in life, which can lead them to unwanted pregnancy or STIs. Mood swings are common in women with ADHD Many find that their symptoms are more severe at certain times of the month or important life events like divorce or the loss of a loved one. Women with an impulsive ADHD are often misunderstood or dismissed because of gender stereotypes or other reasons. Women are also more adept at concealing their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult for them to obtain a diagnosis or treatment. Some experts believe 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 control their symptoms, or altering their behavior to suit their society's expectations. Finally, women with ADHD are more likely to have issues getting enough sleep and this can affect their concentration and impulsivity. To improve the quality of your sleeping, make sure you stick to a bedtime routine that includes calming activities before you go to sleep, and avoid a screen before you head to bed. Incorporating exercise into your daily routine could be beneficial, since it releases neurotransmitters to boost your mood and increase focus. If you think you might have ADHD it is essential to consult a mental health professional for an assessment. This is the only way to find out whether you are suffering from ADHD, and how severe your symptoms are. Find an Therapist will be able to assist you if you're ready move forward. Social Symptoms Women who suffer from ADHD can find it difficult to deal with their issues in social situations. They may feel that others are less impressed by them because they do not seem to pay attention, listen or follow through. This can lead to frustration and miscommunications in personal and professional relationships. Women can have a difficult to be diagnosed with ADHD, as they tend to hide their symptoms. This is done in order to conform to norms and expectations, and to handle daily tasks. This could include healthy methods of coping, such the use of a planner or setting reminders on your phone. However, it can also be a way to engage in unhealthy habits like frequent fidgeting and avoiding meals. It is also difficult to identify ADHD symptoms in women of adulthood because they can be mistaken for other conditions like anxiety or depression. Anxiety and ADHD share some of the same symptoms, such as difficulty in staying focused, restlessness or difficulty sleeping. However, the forgetfulness and disorganization, as well as the impulsivity of ADHD aren't usually associated with anxiety. The hyperactivity and impulsivity that are characteristic of ADHD can be confused with a mood disorder particularly in adults. Women with a history of bipolar disorder, depression or other mood disorders may be more likely to develop ADHD. It's important to consult a trusted medical professional examine your symptoms and make an accurate diagnosis. Adult women with ADHD can improve their quality of life by learning strategies for coping and seeking treatment. They might benefit from counseling to improve their emotional regulation, or even coaching from professionals who will teach them strategies to manage their behavior and assist them in setting goals. They can also take medications to manage their ADHD symptoms but only with a doctor's recommendation. People suffering from ADHD are usually prescribed stimulant drugs however other options may be equally effective.