ADHD in Women Checklist
Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for educational purposes and not to replace the advice given by an experienced healthcare professional. Please consult a clinical or therapist who has worked with ADHD in girls and women to receive personalized advice as well as a precise diagnosis and treatment.
ADHD symptoms can change throughout the life of a woman due to hormonal fluctuation. The symptoms can also become more severe when menopausal, pregnant or menstrual cycles.
1. You're easily distracted
Women suffering from ADHD typically have a difficult focus and keep their attention focused on tasks or activities. They might lose things and forget particulars, or become easily distracted by the things or people around them. Women suffering from ADHD often have difficulty controlling their emotions and balancing multiple tasks.
They might overcompensate by working harder, putting other's demands ahead of their own. They might be unable to maintain a consistent routine or rely on productivity tools and apps to compensate for their lack of focus. It's possible that women with ADHD have a more cyclical pattern to their symptoms, which could be triggered during hormonal changes such as the premenstrual cycle or pregnancy.
In general, women with ADHD tend to have more inattentive symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive or mixed subtypes of the disorder. It's less common for women to have hyperactive/impulsive symptoms than men, but they do exist.
This means it's easier for them to slip under the radar and remain undiagnosed. It can be a challenge for them to access the treatment they need. Many women don't realize they suffer from ADHD until they witness the child's behavior. This can lead to feelings of guilt and shame. It is essential that women acknowledge their ADHD symptoms to receive the appropriate treatment.
2. You're easily distracted
You act on impulses often without considering the consequences. You're having a difficult time managing your emotions and are especially sensitive to rejection. You're easily upset or angry, and you might lash out at your friends when they don't agree with you. You may also be susceptible to information overload, go down rabbit holes of research and forget that others are trying to communicate with you.
Girls and women are more likely than males to have the quiet or inattentive type of ADHD. They are less likely to suffer from symptoms of impulsivity or hyperactivity however, they could suffer from both mixed in. They are more likely to be underdiagnosed than men and boys because their symptoms manifest differently and they are more likely to hide their symptoms.
The most common stereotype of ADHD is a hyperactive, boy who bounces off the walls. This has led to many girls and women being misunderstood or ignoring by doctors. This gender bias can last throughout your life, even when ADHD awareness is improving. Teachers aren't recommending ADHD assessments for girls nearly as often as they do for boys and they're not referred to mental health professionals as well.
Even when you're officially diagnosed with ADHD symptoms can fluctuate depending on your hormones. For instance, your symptoms might get better during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopause, when your body makes more estrogen. However, they can also become worse when you enter menopausal when your body begins to produce less estrogen and your brain's functions change. If your symptoms are becoming more intense, it's vital to monitor the symptoms and report them to your doctor. They can help you determine the best treatment option to treat them. This could include therapy, medication or a combination of both.
3. You have a hard time managing your emotions
Women with ADHD typically have trouble controlling their emotions, and are overwhelmed easily. They may also have trouble reading social cues and understanding non-verbal communication, which can make it challenging to keep up with relationships. They are more prone to anxiety or depression and are at greater risk for impulsive behavior such as substance abuse. Additionally they are more likely to have an experience of abuse or sexual trauma and experience rejection sensitivity.
Women are more adept at hiding their symptoms than men, which can cause underdiagnosis and delay in treatment. Women and girls are more likely to be diagnosed as having the inattention-deficiency form of ADHD. This is often not recognized by doctors.
This type of ADHD is characterized by constant forgetfulness, trouble staying focused on tasks, and problems with organization and planning. adhd in adult women is characterized by forgetting to return library books, failing to make appointments, or missing important occasions like birthdays or holidays. They can be easily distracted and find it hard to concentrate in noisy or busy environments, and are susceptible to misplacing or losing things. They may also have issues getting their turn in conversations, interrupting others or speaking to themselves loudly.
Forgetfulness and impulsivity are the most commonly reported signs of ADHD, but other symptoms could also indicate the presence of the presence of the disorder. Other symptoms include difficulty following a routine, making careless errors or failing to finish projects, writing in a sloppy manner or having difficulty remembering names and places as well as putting off important events like birthdays or anniversaries. Getting regular exercise can help boost your mood and improve focus so make sure you go for a 30-minute walk or swim, cycle or run every day.
4. You Have a Hard Time Focusing
Women suffering from ADHD are often unable to stay focused and accomplishing tasks. They may lose things and forget appointments or be easily distracted while working or studying. ADHD symptoms can intensify the frustrations that come with tensions in relationships. This may be with friends or romantic partners. They may feel unloved, or even abused by their partner, family or colleagues. This can lead to feelings of despair and helplessness.
It is essential to recognize ADHD among adults in order to receive the appropriate treatment and support. If you are noticing some of the symptoms listed on this checklist of symptoms of adhd in women, it's worth speaking with your healthcare professional about getting an official diagnosis.
A woman with ADHD might experience emotional sensitivity, mood swings and difficulty regulating emotions. She may have difficulty focusing and be nearing the point of a meltdown. Women who suffer from ADHD can also have trouble in social situations as their struggles with controlling their emotions can cause them to overreact or make inappropriate statements.
Hyperfocus and the inability to concentrate are a typical symptom of ADHD in women. They may spend a lot time studying a topic, but fail to notice that others are trying to talk to them. They might info-dump and overwhelm people with their knowledge, making them feel dissatisfied or even resentful.
The symptoms of ADHD can also be worsened during hormonal changes such as menopause or pregnancy, or premenstrual disorder. This could result in a cyclical pattern of self-medicating using substances and an inclination to react excessively to rejection or criticism. It is essential that women recognize and manage their ADHD as they age. There are a variety of methods to achieve this, for instance, using a daily planner to record deadlines and remind you of important dates, writing notes during meetings, and ensuring an orderly, well-organized home.
5. You have a difficult time Following Through
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed by their daily tasks and commitments. They may not remember important information like instructions from doctors or the best way to take their medication. They may have trouble managing their finances, or interacting with their colleagues and friends. They could be more prone to mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, leading to low self-esteem or feelings of being inadequate.
Despite the fact that ADHD symptoms can impact various aspects of life, it's harder for women to get an diagnosis and treatment than men do. This is due to the tendency for women and girls to cover up their ADHD symptoms or misinterpret them. They could also be referred to other conditions such as anxiety or depression rather than diagnosed with ADHD.
Additionally some of the symptoms that indicate ADHD for boys and men, such as missing deadlines, being in a state of forgetfulness, or having difficulty organizing and prioritizing are more likely to be seen by doctors as depression or anxiety in girls and women. This could lead women to be misdiagnosed and not receive the treatment they require.
As women and girls get older they develop ADHD symptoms can become more severe during hormonal changes, like puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. Stress, sleep disturbances and certain foods can cause the symptoms.
If you're struggling with ADHD Find an therapist and a clinician who has experience in treating women suffering from the condition. A good therapist can validate your experience, challenge the impact of society's expectations on your outlook and help you practice self-advocacy. They can also employ different strategies to meet your needs, including emotional regulation, time management, and organizing skills.