ADHD Symptoms In Women 101: Your Ultimate Guide For Beginners
ADHD Symptoms in Women Test Positive You're often unable to remember things you forget things or can't locate them. Your memory issues can cause problems with your school and work performance. The symptoms you experience must be present prior to 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. Attention-deficit Symptoms Women with inattentive ADHD often have difficulty staying organized and remembering specifics. They might lose track of appointments or forget things they've been told to do. They may also have trouble concentration during business meetings or college lectures. At home, their houses 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. In addition the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make people believe that women don't suffer from the same issues as men and boys and therefore shouldn't be diagnosed or treated. This makes it more difficult for educators and healthcare professionals to identify and diagnose girls and women with ADHD. Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms are also harder for people to recognize in women and girls because they tend to be internalized. For instance many women with inattentive ADHD struggle to maintain positive work and personal relationships because their impulsivity, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing are frequently mistakenly interpreted as disorganized or disengaged. They may compensate by working too much and using productivity apps, or being more controlling in their relationship. The hormonal fluctuations that women experience throughout their lives can also impact ADHD symptoms. These changes are most pronounced in the luteal stage, during breastfeeding, pregnancy and the years leading up menopausal as estrogen levels decrease. Researchers are attempting to discover the ways in which these hormonal changes could affect ADHD symptoms and the medications used to treat it. It is important to understand that gender refers a person’s biological makeup, including chromosomal make-up, hormones, and anatomy, whereas sex refers a person’s internal sense of themselves as a man, woman, or nonbinary regardless of the external anatomy. 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 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 details. Hyperactive symptoms In general, women with ADHD do not have the same number of hyperactive symptoms as men do. It is sometimes more difficult for women to get diagnosed with ADHD and be treated. However, this doesn't mean that ADHD isn't present in females. The number of women diagnosed with ADHD has increased since 2020. In the beginning boys are more likely to be diagnosed with an ADHD diagnosis than girls. But as they grow up the rates get even. Adults with ADHD might have trouble recognizing their condition, as the symptoms can change over time and can be confused with other conditions. Certain people suffering from ADHD For instance, they may are unable to sleep at the night. Stress, hormone fluctuations, or medications prescribed to treat other conditions can make the problem worse. A heavy food intake or drinking before the time to go to bed can cause it to worsen. It is important to remember that getting a restful night is a key part of managing ADHD in adults. Making sure you are practicing healthy sleep habits, like establishing a routine and using a weighted blanket, can help. Women with ADHD are more likely to experience emotional issues as they are more prone to mood swings. This can result in being misunderstood or dismissed, which can result in relationship problems. They could also be more susceptible to conditions such as depression, which can make focusing and remembering things difficult. It is vital to speak to a medical professional to learn more about ADHD. This includes a complete assessment and diagnosis. There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and mixed. In order to be diagnosed, one must show six or more of the symptoms of each category for a minimum of six months. Inattentive ADHD symptoms are typically more internal, like 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. More hints of sudden start Women with an 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 social cues and body language. They may also have trouble managing their emotions. This can cause them to be more prone anger or anger. This makes it difficult for them to work in groups or be able to connect with other people. Women who suffer from an impulsive ADHD also tend to become sexually active at a younger age, which can result in unwanted pregnancies and STIs. Women suffering from ADHD frequently experience mood fluctuation. Many find that their symptoms are more severe during certain times of month or when they are experiencing major life events such as divorce or loss of a loved-one. Stereotyping about gender and other factors can cause women with impulsive ADHD to be misunderstood or dismissed as “overly emotional.” Women are also more adept in concealing their ADHD symptoms. This can make it harder for them to obtain an assessment or treatment. Some experts believe this is because females have coping mechanisms and strategies that help them to conceal their ADHD. These might include adjusting their schedule or setting phone reminders for appointments, employing self-care or medication techniques to manage their symptoms, or altering their behavior to conform to society's expectations. Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty sleeping well, which could affect their attention and impulsivity. To improve your quality of sleep, adhere to a regular bedtime routine and do some calming activities prior to you go to bed and limit screen time prior to when you go to bed. Exercise can also improve your sleep quality, as it releases neurotransmitters, which improve your mood and improve focus. It is essential to consult a mental health professional to determine when you suspect that you be suffering from ADHD. This is the only way to confirm that you are suffering from ADHD and determine the severity of your symptoms. If you're ready to take the next step Our Find a Therapist resource can help. Social Signs and Symptoms Women suffering from ADHD may find it hard to manage their symptoms in social situations. They may feel that others are less impressed by them because they don't seem to pay attention, listen or follow through. This can lead to miscommunications and frustrations in relationships, both personal and professional. Women may also find it harder to get a diagnosis of ADHD due to the fact that they tend to conceal their symptoms. This is a way to conform to social expectations and norms, and to manage their daily activities. This could include healthy coping mechanisms, 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. ADHD symptoms can be difficult to detect in women of adulthood, since they are often confused with other disorders, such as depression or anxiety. Anxiety and ADHD share a number of common symptoms, like difficulty concentrating, feeling restless or having difficulty sleeping. The disorganization, forgetfulness, and the impulsivity that is typical of ADHD are not associated with anxiety. The hyperactivity and impulsivity that are characteristic of ADHD can also be confused with a mood disorder, particularly in adults. Women with an history of depression, bipolar disorder or other mood disorders could be more likely to develop ADHD. It is crucial to have a medical professional you trust to look at your symptoms to determine the most accurate diagnosis. Adult women with ADHD can improve their quality of life by learning how to cope and receiving treatment. They might benefit from counseling with a therapist in order to develop emotional regulation skills, or coaching by a professional who will teach them strategies for managing their behavior and help them set goals. You can also take medication for ADHD symptoms with an appointment with the doctor. People with ADHD are typically prescribed stimulant medication however other options may be equally effective.