women and adhd in Women Test Positive
You frequently forget things, are unable to locate them or are absentminded in daily activities. Your memory problems can interfere with your work and school performance.
The symptoms you experience must be present before age 12, last for six months and disrupt your life in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. The test will ask questions about a variety of symptoms related to inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
Attentive Signs and symptoms
Women with inattentive ADHD symptoms typically have difficulty staying organized and remembering details. They might forget appointments or details they've been given. They might also have difficulty concentration during business meetings or college lectures. At home, their houses could be messy and they could 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. In addition, the stigma of having ADHD can lead to people assuming that women don't have the same issues like men and boys, and therefore shouldn't get diagnosed or treated. This can make it difficult for teachers and healthcare professionals to recognize and treat girls and women who have ADHD.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms are also more difficult 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 work and personal relationships. Their tendencies to be impulsive and forgetful are often perceived by others as disorganized. They may attempt to compensate by working more, relying on productivity apps, or becoming more controlled in their relationships.
The hormonal fluctuations that happen throughout the course of a woman's life can affect ADHD symptoms. These changes are particularly evident in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and during the time before menopausal, as estrogen levels decrease. Researchers are working to determine how these hormonal changes might influence ADHD symptoms and the medications used to treat it.
It is important to remember that gender is a reference to a person's biological characteristics, such as their hormonal makeup, chromosomal makeup and anatomy--whereas sex refers to the person's internal view of self as a woman, man or nonbinary, regardless of their physical anatomy. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is a complex issue and that some people consider themselves neither male nor female or as an intersex person. Verywell Health doesn't define the sex for its readers. Check out the Verywell Health FAQ on sex and gender for more details.
Hyperactive Symptoms
In general, women who suffer from ADHD don't have the same number of hyperactive symptoms as do men. This means that it can be more difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated. However, that doesn't mean that ADHD doesn't exist in females. The number of females diagnosed with ADHD has increased since 2020.
In the early years the likelihood for boys is higher to receive an ADHD diagnosis than girls. As they age, the numbers balance out. However, it can still be difficult for adults suffering from ADHD to identify their condition since the symptoms often change over time and may be confused with other issues.
Some people with ADHD For instance, they may have trouble sleeping at night. The difficulty can be exacerbated by factors like stress, hormone fluctuations or medication used to treat other conditions. A heavy meal or alcohol consumption prior to bedtime can worsen the problem. It's important to note that getting a good night's sleep is an essential aspect of tackling ADHD as an adult. Healthy sleep habits such as using a weighted sleeping blanket and setting a routine can help.
Women with ADHD are more likely to suffer from emotional problems, as they are more susceptible 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 disorders like depression which can make focusing and remembering information difficult.
To find out more about ADHD it is essential to speak with a health professional. This includes a thorough assessment and diagnosis. There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and mixed. To be able to be diagnosed, one must exhibit six or more of the symptoms in each category for a minimum of six months. Inattentive ADHD is typically internalized, such as having a tendency to daydream and becoming 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.
Signs of sudden onset
Women who suffer from an impulsive ADHD are often unable to function in social situations. They can be extremely talkative and off-topic conversations, and can't pick up on body language or social cues. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions, which makes them more prone to rage or anger. This can make it difficult for them to be part of groups or be able to connect with others. Women who suffer from impulsive ADHD are also more likely to become sexually active earlier in their age, which could result in unwanted pregnancies and STIs.
Women suffering from ADHD are often prone to mood fluctuations. Many notice that their symptoms worsen during certain times of month or when they are dealing with major life events, like divorce or the loss of a loved one. Gender stereotyping and other factors can cause women with hyperactive ADHD to be misunderstood and dismissed as "overly emotional."
In addition, because women are more adept in hiding 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 coping strategies and coping mechanisms which help them hide their ADHD. This might involve adjusting their schedules or setting phone reminders for appointments, using self-care or medication to control their symptoms, or changing their behavior to fit social expectations.
Additionally, adhd in women treatment suffering from ADHD may have trouble getting enough sleep and this may affect their concentration and impulsivity. To improve your quality of sleep, try to stick to a bedtime routine that includes calming activities before you go to bed, and avoid a screen before you head to bed. Include exercise in your daily routine could be beneficial, since it releases neurotransmitters that boost your mood and increase concentration.
If you think you might be suffering from ADHD it is essential to consult a mental health professional for diagnosis. This is the only way to determine for sure if you have ADHD, and how severe your symptoms are. If you're ready to take the next step, our Find a Therapist resource can help.
Social symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD may find it difficult to cope with their symptoms in social situations. They can feel like others are less tolerant of them since they don't pay attention to what's happening, or listen to or follow through on things. This can lead to frustration and miscommunications in personal and professional relationships.
Women may also have a harder when it comes to being diagnosed with ADHD due to their tendency to mask their symptoms. This is a way to fit in with societal expectations and norms, as well as to manage their daily activities. This can include healthy coping strategies, such as using a planner or setting reminders on their phone, but it can also lead to unhealthy coping strategies like excessive fidgeting, avoiding meals and working longer hours to make up for.
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to detect in women who are older, since they can be confused with 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. The forgetfulness, disorganization, and impulsivity that are typical of ADHD do not happen in people suffering from anxiety.
The hyperactivity and impulsivity of ADHD can also be confused with mood disorders, especially in adults. Women who have a history of depression, bipolar disorder or other mood disorders can be more likely to develop ADHD. It's crucial to consult a healthcare expert you trust to examine your symptoms to determine the most accurate diagnosis.
Adult women with ADHD can enhance their lives by learning coping strategies and getting treatment. They could benefit from a session with a therapist to learn emotional regulation skills, or coaching from a professional who can 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. The use of stimulant drugs is more frequently prescribed for those suffering from ADHD however, non-stimulant alternatives are just as effective in some cases.