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ADHD Symptoms in Women Test Positive

You're often unable to remember things you forget things or can't locate them. www.iampsychiatry.uk may hinder your work and school performance.

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

Inattentive symptoms

Women with inattentive ADHD symptoms typically have difficulty being organized and retaining information. They might forget appointments or details they've already been told. They might also have difficulty staying focused during meetings at work or lectures at college. At home, their homes could be unorganized and they might struggle to keep track of 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 also lead people to believe that women do not suffer from the same issues and should not be diagnosed or treated. This can make it harder for healthcare providers and educators to diagnose and treat women and girls who suffer from ADHD.

Inattentive ADHD symptoms are also harder for people to recognize in women and girls since they are often internalized. Inattentional ADHD can make it difficult for women to maintain healthy personal and work relationships. Their tendencies to be impulsive and forgetful are often misinterpreted by others as being disorganized. They may attempt to cope by working too much using productivity apps, or by becoming more controlling in their relationships.

The hormonal fluctuations women undergo throughout their lives could also impact ADHD symptoms. These changes are most noticeable during the luteal phase during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the years leading up the menopause as estrogen levels decrease. Researchers are attempting to discover how these hormonal changes may affect ADHD symptoms and the medications used to treat it.

It is crucial to recognize that gender refers to a person's biological characteristics, including their hormonal makeup, chromosomal makeup, and anatomy, whereas sexuality refers to an individual's internal sense of their identity as a man, woman, or nonbinary regardless of the external anatomy. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a subject that can be complex and that certain people are neither female nor male, or as intersex. Verywell Health doesn't define the sex for its readers. For more information, please go to the Verywell Health sex and age FAQ.

Hyperactive Signs and symptoms

In general, women who suffer from ADHD don't have the same amount of hyperactive symptoms as do men. This means that it can be more difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated. This doesn't mean, however, that ADHD is not present in women. Actually, it's quite the opposite The number of ADHD diagnoses among women has increased since 2020.

In childhood boys have a higher chance of being diagnosed ADHD than girls. However, as they get older, the numbers are even. Adults suffering from ADHD might have trouble in recognizing their condition, because the symptoms can change over time and become confused with other ailments.

Some people with ADHD for instance, have trouble sleeping at night. The difficulty can be exacerbated due to hormone fluctuations, stress, or medication used to treat other ailments. 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 restful night is a key part of managing ADHD in adults. Good sleep habits like using a weighted sleeping blanket and setting a routine can be helpful.

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

It is essential to talk with a health professional to learn 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 have at minimum six symptoms within each category over a time period of six months. Inattention ADHD is typically internalized, such as daydreaming and 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.

Signs of a sudden appearance

Women who suffer from an impulsive ADHD struggle in social situations. They may be prone to talk a lot or go off on tangents in conversations. They may also have trouble picking up on social cues and body language. They might also have difficulty managing their emotions, which makes them more prone to rage or anger. This can make it harder for them to interact with others and work in a team environment. Women with an impulsive ADHD are more likely to have sexually active early in life, which can lead them to unwanted pregnancy or STIs.

Mood swings are common among women with ADHD, and many find that their symptoms get worse during certain periods of the month or at important life events like a divorce or loss of a loved one. Women with hyperactive ADHD are often misunderstood and dismissed due to gender stereotyping or other causes.

Women are also better at concealing their ADHD symptoms. This can make it harder for them to receive an assessment or treatment. Some experts believe this is because females develop strategies and coping mechanisms which help them conceal their ADHD. This could include changing their schedule or setting phone reminders for appointments, employing self-care or medication to manage their symptoms, or altering their behavior to conform to social expectations.

Lastly, women with ADHD are more likely to have issues getting enough sleep, and this can impact their attention and impulsivity. To enhance your quality of sleeping, make sure you stick to a routine for bedtime and do some calming activities prior to you go to sleep, and avoid screen time before you head to bed. Exercise can also enhance your sleep quality as it releases neurotransmitters that boost your mood and improve focus.

If you suspect you have ADHD, it's important to see an expert in mental health for a diagnosis. This is the only way to know for sure if you have ADHD, and how severe your symptoms are. If you're ready to move on, our Find a Therapist resource can be of assistance.

Social Signs and Symptoms

Women with ADHD might have difficulty to deal with their symptoms in social situations. They may feel that others are not as impressed with them because they do not seem to pay attention, listen or follow through. This can lead to miscommunications and irritability in relationships, both personal and professional.

Women may also find it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis of ADHD because they tend to hide their symptoms. This is to fit in with societal expectations and norms, as well as to handle daily tasks. This can include healthy coping strategies, such as using a calendar or setting reminders on their phone, but it can also lead to unhealthy coping strategies that include excessive fidgeting, skipping meals, and working longer hours to compensate.


ADHD symptoms are difficult to spot in adult women, as they are often confused with other disorders, such as depression or anxiety. Anxiety and ADHD share a number of common symptoms, such as trouble concentrating, feeling agitated or having difficulty sleeping. However, the lack of concentration, disorganization and impulsivity of ADHD are not usually present in people suffering from anxiety.

The hyperactivity and impulsivity of ADHD can be confused with mood disorders, especially in adults. Women who have the history of bipolar disorder, depression or other mood disorders may be more likely to have ADHD. It's important to have a trusted healthcare professional look into your symptoms and come up with an accurate diagnosis.

Adult women suffering from ADHD can enhance their lives by learning coping strategies and seeking treatment. They may get counseling to help them learn emotional regulation, or even coaching from professionals who will teach them strategies for managing their behavior and assist them in setting goals. They can also take medications to manage their ADHD symptoms, but only with a prescription from a doctor. People suffering from ADHD are usually prescribed stimulant drugs however other options could be equally efficient.

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