10 ADHD Symptoms In Women That Are Unexpected

· 6 min read
10 ADHD Symptoms In Women That Are Unexpected

ADHD Symptoms in Women Test Positive

You often forget things, misplace them, or lose focus in your daily activities. Your memory issues can cause problems with your work and school performance.

The symptoms you experience must be present prior to age 12, last 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 inattention ADHD symptoms often have trouble being organized and retaining information. They may forget appointments or information they have already been told. They may also have difficulty staying concentrate during lectures at college or business meetings. They may also have trouble keeping the 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 of ADHD can cause people to think that women don't have the same symptoms and therefore shouldn't be diagnosed or treated. This makes it more difficult for health professionals and educators to diagnose and treat women and girls who suffer from 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 positive relationships at work and with friends because their impulsivity, forgetfulness and trouble focusing are often mistakenly interpreted as disorganized or disengaged. They might try to compensate by working more using productivity apps, or becoming more controlling in their relationships.

The hormonal fluctuations women undergo throughout their lives could also impact ADHD symptoms. These changes are especially pronounced in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and during the time that lead up to menopausal when estrogen levels decrease. Research is ongoing to understand the ways that these hormone changes can affect an individual's ADHD symptoms and medications.

It is essential to realize that gender refers a person’s biology, including their hormones, chromosomal makeup and anatomy, whereas sexuality refers to an individual's internal view of themselves as a man, woman, or nonbinary irrespective of their external anatomy. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is a thorny subject and that some individuals 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. Please refer to the Verywell Health FAQ on sex and gender for more information.

Hyperactive Signs and symptoms

In general, women with ADHD do not have the same amount of hyperactive symptoms that men do. It is sometimes more difficult for women to get diagnosed with ADHD and get treatment. This does not mean, however that ADHD is not present in women. In fact, it's quite the opposite: the number of ADHD diagnoses for women has risen since 2020.

In childhood the likelihood for boys is higher to receive an ADHD diagnosis than girls. As they grow older, the numbers balance out. Adults with ADHD may have a difficult time in recognizing their condition, because the symptoms may change over time and be confused with other ailments.

For instance, some people with ADHD struggle to sleep at the night. Stress, hormone fluctuations, or medications prescribed to treat other conditions can make the problem worse. A heavy meal or alcohol consumption prior to the time to go to bed can cause it to worsen. It's important to note that getting a good night's rest is a crucial aspect of managing ADHD as an adult. A healthy sleep routine, such as using a blanket that is weighted and establishing a regular schedule can aid.

Emotional problems can be especially challenging for women with ADHD who are more susceptible to mood swings. This can lead to being misunderstood by other people or dismissed, which could lead to relationship problems. Additionally, they could be more prone to disorders like depression and anxiety, which can make it harder to concentrate or remember things.

To know more about ADHD, it is important to consult an experienced health professional. This includes a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and mixed. To be diagnosed with  adhd symptoms in women adults , a person needs to show at least six symptoms in each category over a period of six months. Inattentive ADHD symptoms are usually more internal, like daydreaming or being 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.

Instinctive Symptoms



Women with hyperactive ADHD struggle in social situations. They may talk excessively, go off on off-topic conversations, and aren't able to detect social cues or body language. They also may have trouble controlling their emotions, making them more susceptible to anger or rage. This makes it difficult for them to be part of groups or to get along with other people. Women who suffer from impulsive ADHD are more likely to be sexually active earlier in life, which could result in unwanted pregnancy or STIs.

Women suffering from ADHD are often prone to mood swings. 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 the loss of a loved-one. Stereotyping of gender and other factors can cause women with hyperactive ADHD to be misunderstood or dismissed as "overly emotional."

Additionally, since women are generally better at masking their ADHD symptoms than men are and so it can be more difficult for them to receive the diagnosis or treatment they need. Some experts believe this is due to women developing strategies for coping and coping that allow them to conceal their ADHD. This might involve adjusting their schedule or setting reminders for appointments, employing self-care or medication to control their symptoms, or altering their behavior to conform to societal expectations.

Women with ADHD might have difficulty sleeping well, which can affect their impulsivity and attention. To improve your quality of sleep, try to stick to a regular bedtime routine that includes calming activities before you go to bed and avoid screen time before you go to bed. Exercise can also improve the quality of your sleep, since it releases neurotransmitters, which improve your mood and focus.

It's important that you consult an expert in mental health to get a diagnosis in the event that you suspect you have ADHD. This is the only way to find out for sure if you have ADHD and how severe your symptoms are. Find an Therapist will be able to assist you if you're ready move forward.

Social Symptoms

Women suffering from ADHD are often unable to cope with their symptoms in social situations. They can feel like others consider them less attractive because they don't pay attention to, listen or follow through on their commitments. This can lead to a lack of understanding and frustration in personal and professional relationships.

Women may also find it harder to get an accurate diagnosis of ADHD because they tend to hide their symptoms.  adhd women uk  is a method to comply with social expectations and norms, and to manage daily tasks. This can involve healthy methods of coping, such a using a planner, or setting reminders on your phone. However, it could also involve unhealthy habits, like excessive fidgeting, and skipping meals.

It is also difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms in women of adulthood because they could 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. However, the irritability and impulsivity, along with the disorganization of ADHD are not usually present with anxiety.

ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and impulsivity could be confused with mood disorders, especially for adults. Women with a history of bipolar, depression, or other mood disorders are more likely to develop ADHD. It's important to seek out a trusted health professional to look into your symptoms and come up with an accurate diagnosis.

Adult women suffering from ADHD can improve their quality of life by acquiring coping skills and receiving treatment. They may benefit from counseling with a therapist in order to develop the skills of emotional regulation, or coaching from a professional who can teach them strategies to manage their behavior and help them set goals. You can also get medication to treat ADHD symptoms with an appointment with an expert doctor. People with ADHD are usually prescribed stimulant medication, but other options can be equally effective.