ADHD Symptoms in Women Test Positive<br /><br />You're often unable to remember things you forget things or can't locate them. Memory problems can affect your school and work performance.<br /><br />The symptoms you are experiencing should be present before the age of 12, last for 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.<br /><br />Inattentive Symptoms<br /><br />Women with inattention ADHD frequently have trouble staying organized and remembering specifics. They may forget appointments or forget things they've already been told to do. They may also have trouble concentration during business meetings or lectures at college. They may also have a difficult time keeping their household chores in order or paying bills.<br /><br />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 cause people to believe that women don't have the same symptoms and therefore shouldn't be diagnosed or treated. This can make it difficult for teachers and healthcare professionals to identify and treat women and girls who suffer from ADHD.<br /><br />Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms are also harder to spot in women and girls because they tend to be internalized. For example many women suffering from inattentive ADHD struggle to maintain healthy relationships at work and with friends because their impulsivity, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing are frequently mistakenly interpreted as disorganized or disengaged. They might be able to compensate by working more using productivity apps, or imposing more control on their relationship.<br /><br />The hormonal fluctuations that occur throughout the life of a woman can affect ADHD symptoms. These changes are especially pronounced during the luteal stage of the menstrual cycle during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and during the time before menopausal, as estrogen levels decrease. Researchers are continuing to study the ways that these hormone changes can impact a person's ADHD symptoms and the medications they take.<br /><br />It is important to remember 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 external anatomy. Verywell Health recognizes that sex can be a complex topic and that certain people are not male or female or as intersex. As a result, Verywell Health does not define the gender of its readers. For more details, look up the Verywell Health sex and age FAQ.<br /><br />Hyperactive Signs and symptoms<br /><br />In general, women who suffer from ADHD do not have the same amount of hyperactive symptoms as do men. It is sometimes more difficult for women to be diagnosed with ADHD and get treatment. But that does not mean that ADHD isn't present in females. In <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adult-adhd-in-women/">adhd in adult women symptoms I Am Psychiatry</a> , it's very contrary: the number of ADHD diagnoses among women has increased since 2020.<br /><br />In childhood the boys have a greater chance of being diagnosed with ADHD than girls. As they grow older and get older, the odds are even. However, it may be a challenge for adults suffering from ADHD to identify their condition due to the fact that symptoms often change over time and may be confused with other issues.<br /><br />For instance, some people with ADHD struggle to sleep at night. Stress, hormone fluctuations, or medication prescribed to treat other conditions can exacerbate the problem. An excessive meal or alcohol consumption before bedtime can make it worse. It's important to note that getting a good night's sleep is an essential part of managing ADHD as an adult. Making sure you are practicing healthy sleep habits, such as establishing the routine and utilizing a weighted blanket, can aid in managing ADHD.<br /><br />Problems with emotions can be particularly difficult for women with ADHD who are more susceptible to mood swings. This can result in being misunderstood or dismissed, which could lead to relationship problems. In addition, they may be more prone to disorders such as depression that can make it difficult for them to concentrate or recall things.<br /><br />It is vital to speak to a medical expert to find out more about ADHD. This includes a thorough assessment and diagnosis. There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and mixed. To be considered to have ADHD, one needs to show at minimum six symptoms in each of the categories over a period of six months. Inattention ADHD symptoms are typically more internal, such as being easily distracted or a daydreamer. 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.<br /><br />Impulsive Symptoms<br /><br /><br /><br />Women with impulsive ADHD are often unable to function in social situations. They may talk excessively or wander off into tangents during conversations. They also have difficulty being able to recognize social cues and body language. They might also have difficulty managing their emotions, which makes them more susceptible to rage or anger. This can make it harder to be able to coexist with others and work in a team setting. Women with ADHD who are impulsive ADHD also tend to be sexually active earlier in their age, which can cause unwanted pregnancies as well as STIs.<br /><br />Mood swings are common in women with ADHD, and many find that their symptoms are more severe at certain times of the month or key life events such as divorce or the 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."<br /><br />In addition, 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 this is because women develop coping strategies and coping mechanisms that help them conceal their ADHD. Some of strategies include setting up reminders for phone calls and adjusting their schedules or using medication to manage symptoms.<br /><br />Additionally, women suffering from ADHD may have trouble getting enough quality sleep, and this can impact their attention and impulsivity. To enhance 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 head to bed. Exercise can also enhance your sleep quality as it releases neurotransmitters that boost your mood and improve focus.<br /><br />It's important that you consult a mental health professional to receive a diagnosis if you suspect you may have ADHD. This is the only way to determine whether you are suffering from ADHD, and the severity of your symptoms. If you're ready to take the next step Our Find a Therapist resource can be of assistance.<br /><br />Social Symptoms<br /><br />Women suffering from ADHD are often unable to manage their symptoms in social situations. They may feel that others are less tolerant of them since they don't seem to pay attention, listen or follow through with things. This can lead both to frustration and miscommunications in personal and professional relationships.<br /><br />Women can also have a harder when it comes to being diagnosed with ADHD because they tend to mask their symptoms. This is to comply with social expectations and norms, as well as to manage daily tasks. This can involve healthy methods of coping, such using a planner or setting reminders on your phone. However, it can also lead to unhealthy habits, like frequent fidgeting and avoiding meals.<br /><br />It can also be harder to identify ADHD symptoms in women who are older since they are often mistaken for other conditions, such as depression or anxiety. Anxiety and ADHD share some of the same symptoms, such as difficulty concentration, restlessness, or difficulty sleeping. However, the lack of concentration, disorganization and impulsivity of ADHD aren't typically associated with anxiety.<br /><br />The impulsivity and hyperactivity of ADHD can be confused with mood disorders, especially in adults. Women with a history of bipolar, depression, or other mood disorders are more likely to develop ADHD. It's crucial to have a medical professional you trust to look at your symptoms to establish a precise diagnosis.<br /><br />Adult women suffering from ADHD can improve their lives by learning coping skills and receiving treatment. They might benefit from counseling to improve their emotional regulation or coaching by an expert who can teach them strategies to manage their behavior and assist them in setting goals. They can also take medication to manage their ADHD symptoms but only with a doctor's recommendation. Stimulant medications are more commonly prescribed to people suffering from ADHD however, non-stimulant alternatives are just as effective in certain cases.<br /><br />