Five ADHD Symptoms In Women Lessons Learned From Professionals ADHD Symptoms in Women Test Positive

You're often unable to remember things and forget things, or lose them. Your memory issues can cause problems with your work and school performance.

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

Attentive Signs and symptoms

Women with inattention ADHD symptoms usually have trouble staying organized and remembering details. They might forget appointments or details they have already been given. They may also have difficulty staying concentrate during lectures at college or business meetings. At home, their homes could be unorganized and they might be struggling to keep the track of household bills or 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 of 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 difficult for educators and healthcare providers to diagnose and treat women and girls who have ADHD.

Inattentive ADHD symptoms are also more difficult for people to recognize in girls and women because they tend to be internalized. For example many women suffering from inattentive ADHD struggle to maintain positive relationships at work and with friends because their impulsivity, forgetfulness and trouble focusing are frequently misinterpreted as being disorganized or disengaged. They may compensate by working too much and using productivity apps, or by being more in control of their relationship.

The hormonal fluctuations that occur throughout the course of a woman's life can affect their ADHD symptoms. The most significant changes occur during the luteal phase during breastfeeding, pregnancy, and in the years prior to menopausal symptoms, when estrogen levels decrease. Researchers are trying to figure out the ways in which these hormonal changes could affect ADHD symptoms and the medications used to treat it.

It is important to understand that gender is a reference to a person's biological characteristics, such as their genetic makeup, hormones, and anatomy--whereas sex refers to a person's internal sense of self as a man, woman or nonbinary regardless of their physical anatomy. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a subject that can be complex and that certain people are neither male nor female, or as intersex. Verywell Health doesn't define the sex of its readers. Please refer to the Verywell Health FAQ on sex and gender for more details.

Hyperactive Symptoms

Generally speaking, women who suffer from ADHD generally do not exhibit the same amount of hyperactive symptoms that men do. adhd symptoms women means that it is more difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated. However, that doesn't mean that ADHD doesn't exist in females. The number of females diagnosed with ADHD has increased since 2020.

In the beginning the likelihood for boys is higher to be diagnosed with an ADHD diagnosis than girls. As they age the odds of being diagnosed with ADHD even out. Adults who suffer from ADHD may have a difficult time understanding their condition, since the symptoms may change over time and be confused with other disorders.

Certain people with ADHD For instance, they may have difficulty sleeping at night. Stress, hormone fluctuations, or medications prescribed to treat other conditions can exacerbate the problem. An excessive meal or alcohol consumption before the time to go to bed can cause it to worsen. It is crucial to understand that getting a good night's sleep is a crucial aspect of tackling ADHD as an adult. A healthy sleep routine, such as using a weighted sleeping blanket and establishing a regular schedule can aid.

Problems with emotions can be particularly challenging for women with ADHD, who are more susceptible to mood swings. This can cause them to be ignored or misunderstood by others, and can cause problems in relationships. In addition, they may be more prone to developing disorders like depression, which can make it harder to concentrate or recall things.

To learn more about ADHD and its symptoms, it is crucial to speak with an experienced health professional. This includes a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and mixed. To be considered to have ADHD, a person has to have at minimum six symptoms within each of the categories over a period of six months. Inattention ADHD is usually internalized, like being easily distracted and daydreaming. 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.

Impulsive Symptoms

Women with an impulsive ADHD are often troubled in social situations. They can talk too much or get off track in conversations. They may also have trouble picking up on social cues and body language. They also may have trouble controlling their emotions, making them more prone to rage or anger. This can make it more difficult for them to interact with others and work in a group environment. Women who suffer from an impulsive ADHD are more likely to have a sexual urge earlier in life, which may lead them to unwanted pregnancy or STIs.

Women suffering from ADHD are often prone to mood swings. Many of them find that their symptoms worsen during certain times of month or when they are experiencing major life events like divorce or the loss of a loved one. Women who have an impulsive ADHD are often misunderstood and dismissed due to gender stereotypes or other causes.

Additionally, since women are generally better at masking their ADHD symptoms than males are and therefore, it is more difficult to get the diagnosis or treatment they need. Some experts believe that this is because females develop coping mechanisms and strategies that help them to conceal their ADHD. Some of strategies include setting up phone reminders and adjusting their schedules or taking medication to control symptoms.

Additionally, women suffering from ADHD are more likely to have issues getting enough quality sleep and this can affect their focus and impulsivity. Try to establish a regular bedtime routine. Do calming activities and avoid watching television before going to going to bed. Exercise can also enhance your sleep quality, as it releases neurotransmitters, which improve your mood and focus.

It is essential to consult an expert in mental health to receive a diagnosis in the event that you suspect you be suffering from ADHD. It is the only way to confirm that you are suffering from ADHD and to determine how severe your symptoms are. Find an Therapist will be able to assist you if you're willing to move forward.

Social Signs and Symptoms

Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty to cope with 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 a lack of understanding and frustration in professional and personal relationships.


Women can also find it difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis of ADHD because they often mask their symptoms. This is a method to conform to social expectations and norms, and to handle daily tasks. This can involve healthy methods of coping, such the use of a planner or setting reminders on your phone. But it can also be a way to engage in unhealthy habits, like excessive fidgeting and skipping meals.

It can also be harder to recognize ADHD symptoms in women who are older since they are often mistaken for other conditions, such as anxiety or depression. Anxiety and ADHD have common symptoms, such as being unable to concentrate, feeling anxious or having trouble sleeping. The lack of organization, forgetfulness and the impulsivity that is typical of ADHD do not happen in people suffering from anxiety.

ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and impulsivity could be mistaken for mood disorders, especially in adults. Women who have a history of bipolar disorder, depression or other mood disorders could be more likely to suffer from ADHD. It is essential to consult a trusted medical professional look into your symptoms and come up with an accurate diagnosis.

Adult women with ADHD can improve their lives by learning strategies for coping and getting treatment. They may benefit from counseling with a therapist to improve their the skills of emotional regulation or coaching by a professional who will teach them strategies to manage their behavior and help them set goals. They can also take medications to control their ADHD symptoms but only with a prescription from a doctor. Stimulant medications are more commonly prescribed for those suffering from ADHD however, alternatives that are not stimulant are just as effective in some cases.