There Are Myths And Facts Behind ADHD Symptoms In Women

· 6 min read
There Are Myths And Facts Behind ADHD Symptoms In Women

ADHD Symptoms in Women Test Positive

You often forget things, misplace them, or become numb during daily activities. Your memory issues could affect your school and work performance.

To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must have been present prior to the age of 12and and lasted at least six months and impacted your everyday life. The test will ask questions about a variety of symptoms related to inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.

Inattentional symptoms

Women who aren't attentive ADHD symptoms usually have trouble keeping track of their schedules and details. They may forget appointments or things they've already been given. They may also have trouble concentration during business meetings or college lectures. They may also have difficulty keeping track of household chores or bills.

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 should not be diagnosed or treated. This makes it more difficult for educators and healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat women and girls with ADHD.

Because they are internalized, inattention ADHD symptoms are difficult to spot for girls and women. For example, many women with inattentive ADHD struggle to maintain good relationships at work and with friends because their impulsivity, forgetfulness, and trouble focusing are often misinterpreted as being disorganized or disengaged. They might try to compensate by overworking or 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 most noticeable in the luteal stage, during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in the years prior to menopausal which is when estrogen levels decrease. Researchers are attempting to discover the ways in which these hormonal changes could affect ADHD symptoms and medication.

It is important to understand that gender refers to a person's biology, including their hormonal makeup, chromosomal makeup, and anatomy, whereas sex refers a person’s internal sense of themselves as a man, woman, or a nonbinary, regardless of their external appearance. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a subject that can be complex and that some people identify as neither female nor male, or as intersex. Verywell Health doesn't define the sex for its readers. Check out the Verywell Health FAQ on sex and gender for more information.

Hyperactive Signs and symptoms

In general, women who suffer from ADHD do not exhibit the same amount of hyperactive symptoms as do men. As  adhd symptoms in women test , it is more difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated. However, this doesn't mean that ADHD doesn't exist in females. The number of females diagnosed with ADHD has risen since 2020.

In the early years the likelihood for boys is higher to receive an ADHD diagnosis than girls. But as they grow up the odds even out. Adults who suffer from ADHD might have trouble recognizing their condition, as the symptoms can change over time and can be confused with other conditions.

For instance, people suffering from ADHD are unable to sleep at night. The difficulty can be exacerbated by factors like stress, hormone fluctuations or the use of medications to treat other conditions. It can also be aggravated when you eat a big meal or drinking alcohol before the time to go to bed. It is important to remember that getting a good night's sleep is an essential aspect of coping with ADHD as an adult. Good sleep habits like using a weighted sleeping blanket and setting a routine can help.

Emotional problems can be especially difficult for women with ADHD who are more prone to mood swings. This can lead to being misunderstood or dismissed, which can result in relationship problems. They could also be more prone to illnesses such as depression, which can make focusing and retaining information difficult.

It is crucial to talk with a health professional to learn more about ADHD. This includes a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and mixed. To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person needs to show at least six symptoms in each of the categories over a period of six months. Inattention 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.

Signs of sudden start


Women with impulsive ADHD frequently have trouble in social situations. They can be extremely talkative, go off on tangents during conversations, and aren't able to detect body language or social cues. They might also have difficulty managing their emotions, which makes them more susceptible to anger or rage. This makes it difficult for them to work in groups or be able to connect with other people. Women with impulsive ADHD are more likely to have a sexual urge earlier in life, which could lead them to unwanted pregnancies or STIs.

Women with ADHD often experience mood fluctuation. Many find that their symptoms are more severe during certain times of month or when they are dealing with significant life events, such as divorce or loss of a loved one. Women who have hyperactive ADHD are often misunderstood or dismissed because of gender stereotypes or other reasons.

In addition, since women are more adept at masking their ADHD symptoms than men and therefore, it is more difficult for them to receive an assessment or treatment. Some experts believe this is due to women developing coping strategies and coping mechanisms that allow them to conceal their ADHD. Some of these include setting up reminders for phone calls and adjusting their schedules or taking medication to control symptoms.

Additionally, women suffering from ADHD are more likely to have issues getting enough sleep and this can affect their focus and impulsivity. Set up an established bedtime routine. Do calming activities and avoid watching TV prior to going to bed. Incorporating exercise into your daily routine can also be beneficial, since it releases neurotransmitters that improve your mood and increase focus.

It's important that you consult a mental health professional to receive a diagnosis in the event that you suspect you be suffering from ADHD. This is the only way to be sure that you have ADHD and determine how severe your symptoms are. Find an Therapist can assist you if you're ready take a step forward.

Social Symptoms

Women with ADHD may find it hard to deal with their symptoms in social situations. They may feel like other people consider them less attractive because they don't pay attention to what's happening, or listen to or follow through on their commitments. This can lead to miscommunications and anger in relationships, both personal and professional.

Women also have it difficult to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD because they tend to hide their symptoms. This is to conform to societal norms and expectations, as well as to handle everyday tasks. This could involve healthy coping mechanisms such as using a planner or setting reminders on their phone however it could also be a result of unhealthy coping practices, such as excessive fidgeting, avoiding 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 conditions, like depression or anxiety. Anxiety and ADHD share some of the same symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating, restlessness or trouble sleeping. The lack of organization, forgetfulness and an impulsiveness that are typical of ADHD do not occur with anxiety.

The hyperactivity and impulsivity of ADHD can also 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 is essential to consult a healthcare professional you trust to look at your symptoms to make an accurate diagnosis.

Adult women with ADHD can improve their lives by learning coping strategies and getting treatment. They could benefit from counseling to learn emotional regulation, or even coaching from a professional who will teach them strategies for managing their behavior and assist them in setting goals. You can also take medications for ADHD symptoms with a prescription from a doctor. Stimulant medications are more commonly prescribed for people with ADHD however, non-stimulant alternatives are equally effective in some cases.