ADHD in Women Checklist
Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for educational purposes and not to substitute the advice of an expert healthcare professional. Please consult a clinical or therapist who has worked with ADHD in women and girls to receive advice that is tailored to your needs, accurate diagnosis and treatment.
ADHD symptoms can alter over the life of a woman due to hormonal fluctuation. The symptoms can also become more severe during pregnancy, menopause or menstrual cycles.
1. You're easily distracted
Women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time focusing and staying focused on their tasks or other activities. They may misplace items or forget information, or be easily distracted by other people or things that are around them. Women suffering from ADHD often have difficulty controlling their emotions and balancing multiple tasks.
In the end they are more prone to overcompensate for these conditions by putting more effort into it, underestimating their abilities and prioritizing other's needs over their own. They may also find it difficult to stick to a consistent routine or rely on apps and other productivity tools to make up for their lack of focus. It is also possible for women with ADHD to have more of a cyclical pattern in their symptoms that can be caused by hormonal changes, for instance, during the premenstrual period 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.
It is easy for them to get caught in the mud and not be recognized. This makes it more challenging to get the treatment they require. Additionally, many women don't realize they have ADHD until their child is diagnosed and they observe their own struggles manifested in their child's behavior. This can cause feelings of shame and blame. It's crucial for women to identify their ADHD symptoms to seek treatment.
2. You're Easily Impulsive
You frequently act on impulses without considering the consequences. You have trouble regulating your emotions, and are particularly sensitive to rejection. You're easily offended or frustrated and might be angry at your friends when they don't agree with you. You may also be susceptible to information overload, go into a rabbit hole of information and forget that other people are trying to talk to you.
Girls and women are more likely than males to suffer from the quiet or inattentive type of ADHD. They are less likely to exhibit hyperactive or impulsive symptoms, but may display both. They are more likely to be undiagnosed than men and boys because their symptoms are different and they are more likely to hide their symptoms.
The standard ADHD stereotype is the image of a hyperactive child bouncing off walls, which has contributed to women and girls being misunderstood, ignoring or ignored by doctors. This bias against women can be present throughout your life, even though ADHD awareness has risen. Teachers aren't often recommending ADHD evaluations for female students and mental health professionals also aren't as likely to refer them as they would do for male students.
Even even if you're officially diagnosed, ADHD symptoms can vary based on your hormones. For instance, your symptoms may improve during the time of your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopausal periods which is when your body produces more estrogen. They can also worsen when you enter menopausal as your body begins to produce less estrogen, and the brain's functions change. If your symptoms are getting more intense, it's important to monitor them and share that with your doctor. They can help you find the best treatment option to manage the symptoms. This could involve therapy, medication or a combination of both.
3. You Have a Hard Time Managing Your Emotions
Women with ADHD often have trouble regulating their emotions, and are overwhelmed easily. They might also have difficulty to recognize social cues and comprehend non-verbal communication. This makes it difficult to keep relationships. They are more likely to experience depression or anxiety, and are more at risk for impulsive behaviors such as substance abuse. In addition, they are more likely to have an experience of abuse or sexual trauma and have sensitivity to rejection.
Women may be more adept at hiding their symptoms than men, which could result in underdiagnosis and delayed treatment. It's also more frequent for women and girls to be diagnosed with the inattentive type of ADHD that tends to be overlooked by doctors.
This form of ADHD is characterized by chronic forgetfulness, difficulties in staying focused on tasks and issues with planning and organization. The signs include not returning library books, booking appointments, and not attending important birthdays or events. They are easily distracted, and find it difficult to work in noisy environments and are prone of misplacing and loosing things. They may also have difficulty waiting their turn, interrupting others in conversation, or even speaking out loudly.
ADHD is characterized by forgetfulness and impulsivity However, there are also other indicators that may be present. Other symptoms include difficulty following a routine, making careless mistakes or failing to finish projects, sloppy writing or having difficulty remembering names and places as well as putting off important events like birthdays or anniversaries. Regular exercise can improve mood and concentration. Try to do 30 minutes of exercise per day, for example, running, jogging, swim or cycle.
4. You are having a difficult time focusing.
Women with ADHD may have trouble staying organized and completing tasks. They might lose things, forget appointments or get easily distracted while working or studying. ADHD symptoms can exacerbate the tensions that arise from strained relationships. This could be with family members or romantic partners. They may feel misunderstood, or even abused, by their family or partner. This can lead to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.
It's crucial to identify ADHD in adults to seek proper treatment and support. If you see yourself exhibiting certain symptoms 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 may experience emotional sensitivity and mood swings, as well as difficulty controlling emotions. She might have trouble focusing and may be in the midst of a meltdown. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty in social situations due to their inability to manage their emotions. They could react in a way that is too extreme or make inappropriate remarks.
add adult women with ADHD typically experience hyperfocus and inability to concentrate. They could spend many hours researching a topic but not be aware of the people who want to talk to them. They could overwhelm others with information, making people feel discontent or angry.
The symptoms of ADHD can also be worsened in women during hormonal changes, such as menopausal or pregnancy, or premenstrual disorders. This could cause a cycle of self-medication with substances and a tendency to overreact to criticism or rejection. It's crucial for women to identify and manage their ADHD symptoms as they age. There are a variety of methods to manage this, including using a daily planner or post-it notes to track deadlines and reminders, making notes during meetings and maintaining a calm and organized living space.
5. You have a hard time following through
Women with ADHD are often overwhelmed by the daily demands and obligations. They may skip appointments and forget important information, such as how to take medication or doctor's instructions. They may have difficulty managing their finances or get along with their colleagues and friends. They may be more susceptible to mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. This can result in low self-esteem and feelings of inadequateness.
Women are still having a tough finding a doctor and getting treated for ADHD despite the fact that it can impact all aspects of their lives. This is because women and girls are more likely to miss-interpret or disguise ADHD symptoms. They may also be referred to other conditions like depression or anxiety, rather than being diagnosed with ADHD.
Additionally, many of the same symptoms that can signal ADHD for boys and men, such as a lack of deadlines, being forgetful, or trouble with organizing and prioritizing are more likely to be seen by clinicians as anxiety or depression in girls and women. This can lead women to be misdiagnosed and not receive the treatment they need.
As girls and women mature, ADHD symptoms can worsen due to hormonal changes such as puberty and pregnancy. They can also be aggravated by stress, sleep issues, and certain foods.
If you're struggling with ADHD look for an therapist and a clinician who has worked with women with the condition. A good therapist will validate your experience and challenge the impact that societal expectations influence your perspective. They will also show you how to advocate for yourself. They can also employ various techniques to address your specific needs, including emotions regulation, time management, and organizational skills.