A Look At The Myths And Facts Behind ADHD Symptoms In Women

· 6 min read
A Look At The Myths And Facts Behind ADHD Symptoms In Women

ADHD Symptoms in Women Test Positive

You often forget things, misplace them, or lose focus during daily activities. Your memory problems can interfere with your academic and work performance.

The symptoms you are experiencing must be present prior to age 12, last for six months, and cause disruption to your life to be diagnosed with ADHD. The test will ask questions about a variety of symptoms related to inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.

Attentive symptoms

Women with inattentive ADHD symptoms usually have trouble keeping track of their schedules and details. They might lose track of appointments or forget what they've already been told to do. They might also find it hard to concentrate during college lectures or business meetings. At home, their houses could be disorganized and they may have trouble keeping 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. The stigma associated with ADHD can cause people to believe that women don't have the same symptoms and shouldn't be treated or treated. This can make it harder for healthcare providers and educators to diagnose and treat girls and women with ADHD.

Because they are internalized and internalized, inattentive ADHD symptoms are difficult to spot in women and girls. For instance many women suffering from inattentive ADHD struggle to maintain positive work and personal relationships because their impulsivity, forgetfulness and trouble focusing are frequently mistakenly interpreted as disorganized or disengaged. They might try to cope by working too much, relying on productivity apps, or becoming more controlling in their relationships.

The hormonal fluctuations women encounter throughout their lives may affect ADHD symptoms. These changes are especially pronounced during the luteal stage of menstrual cycles, during breastfeeding and pregnancy, and during the time leading up to menopause when estrogen levels decrease. Researchers are trying to figure out how these hormonal changes may influence ADHD symptoms and medications.

It is important to remember that gender refers to the person's biological makeup, including their chromosomal makeup, hormones and anatomy. whereas sex is the person's internal view of self as a man, woman or nonbinary, regardless of their external anatomy. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is a complex issue and that some people may consider themselves not male or female, or as an intersex individual. This is why Verywell Health does not define the gender of its readers. For more details, go to the Verywell Health sex and age FAQ.

Hyperactive Signs and symptoms

Generally speaking, women with ADHD are not as afflicted with as many hyperactive symptoms as men do. It can be more difficult for women to get diagnosed with ADHD and treated. However, this doesn't mean that ADHD isn't present in females. In fact, it's very contrary The number of ADHD diagnoses for women has risen from 2020.

In their early years boys have a higher chance of being diagnosed ADHD than girls. But as they grow up, the numbers get even. Adults suffering from ADHD may still have difficulty recognizing their condition, as the symptoms can change over time and be confused with other disorders.

Some people with ADHD, for example, have trouble sleeping at night. Stress, hormone fluctuations or medications prescribed to treat other ailments can exacerbate the problem. It can also be made worse when you eat a big meal or drinking alcohol before bedtime. It is important to remember that getting a good night's rest is a crucial aspect of tackling ADHD as an adult. A healthy sleep routine, such as using a sleeping blanket with weights and establishing a regular schedule can help.

Problems with emotions can be particularly difficult for women suffering from ADHD, who are more prone to mood swings. This can lead to being misunderstood by other people or dismissed, which could cause relationship issues. They could also be more susceptible to disorders like depression that can make focusing and remembering information difficult.

It is essential to talk to a health care expert to find out 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, a person must exhibit six or more of the symptoms listed in each category for a minimum period of six months. Inattentional 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.

The signs of sudden appearance

Women who suffer from hyperactive ADHD struggle in social situations. They may be prone to talk a lot or get off track in conversations.  online  have trouble understanding social cues and body language. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions, which makes them more prone to rage or anger. This makes it difficult for them to get along with other people and function in a team setting. Women who suffer from an impulsive ADHD are also more likely to become sexually active at a younger age, which could cause unwanted pregnancies as well as STIs.

Mood swings are commonplace in women with ADHD, and many find that their symptoms get worse during certain times of the month or at important life events like a divorce or loss of a loved one. Gender stereotyping and other factors can cause women suffering from hyperactive ADHD to be misunderstood or dismissed as "overly emotional."

Additionally, since women are more adept at masking their ADHD symptoms than males are and so it can be more difficult for them to receive an assessment or treatment. Some experts believe that this is because females develop coping mechanisms and strategies that help them to conceal their ADHD. This could include changing their schedules or setting phone reminders for appointments, employing self-care or medication to manage their symptoms, or changing their behavior to fit society's expectations.

Lastly,  adhd in adults women  with ADHD can have difficulty getting enough rest and this may affect their attention and impulsivity. To improve the quality of your sleep, try to stick to a regular bedtime routine, do calming activities before you go to bed and limit screen time prior to when you go to bed. Include exercise in your routine may be helpful, as it releases neurotransmitters to boost your mood and improve concentration.

If you suspect you have ADHD It is important to consult a mental health professional for diagnosis. This is the only way to determine whether you're suffering from ADHD and how severe your symptoms are. If you're looking to take the next step, our Find a Therapist resource can help.

Social Symptoms


Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty to manage their symptoms in social situations. They might feel that people are not as impressed with them because they don't seem to listen, pay attention or follow through. This can lead to misunderstandings and irritability in relationships both professional and personal.

Women can also find it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis of ADHD because they tend to hide their symptoms. This is in order to conform to societal norms and expectations, and to handle daily tasks. This could include healthy ways of coping, like the use of a planner or setting reminders on your phone. However, it can also be a way to engage in unhealthy habits, such excessive fidgeting and skipping meals.

It can be difficult to spot ADHD symptoms in women who are older because they can be misinterpreted as other ailments, such as anxiety or depression. Anxiety and ADHD have similar symptoms, including difficulty concentrating, restlessness or trouble sleeping. However, the irritability, disorganization and impulsivity of ADHD aren't usually associated in people suffering from anxiety.

ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and impulsivity can be misinterpreted as a sign of mood disorders, particularly in adults. Women who have a history of bipolar disorder, depression or other mood disorders could be more likely to have ADHD. It's crucial to consult a healthcare professional who you trust examine your symptoms in order to determine the most accurate diagnosis.

Adult women with ADHD can enhance their lives by learning coping strategies and seeking treatment. They may benefit from counseling to improve their emotional regulation, or even coaching from a professional who will 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. Stimulant medications are more commonly prescribed for people with ADHD however, alternatives that are not stimulant are just as effective in certain cases.