ADHD in Women Checklist
Medical Disclaimer This article is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified health professional. Consult a medical or therapist who has worked with ADHD in women and girls to receive personalized advice for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
ADHD symptoms can alter over a woman's lifetime due to hormonal changes. Symptoms can also worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopausal symptoms.
1. You're Easily Distracted
Women suffering from ADHD often have a harder focus and keep their attention focused on their tasks or activities. They might lose items, forget details or get easily distracted by other people or things surrounding them. Women with ADHD often have difficulty controlling their emotions and balancing multiple tasks.
In the end they are more prone to overcompensate for these symptoms by working harder, overestimating their abilities and prioritizing the needs of others over their own. They might also have difficulty to keep a routine or rely on productivity tools and apps to make up for their lack of concentration. It's also possible for women with ADHD to have more of a cyclical pattern in their symptoms that can be caused by hormonal changes, like during the menstrual phase or during 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.
As a result, it is possible for them to slip under the radar and not be detected. This can make it harder for them to access the treatment they require. In addition many women don't even realize they have ADHD until their child is diagnosed and they observe their own struggles manifested in their child's behavior. This can cause a feeling of guilt and shame. It is essential that women acknowledge their ADHD symptoms to receive the appropriate treatment.
2. You're easily distracted
You frequently react to impulses without considering the consequences. You have trouble controlling your emotions, and are particularly sensitive to rejection. You're easily upset or angry, and you might get angry with your friends when they disagree with you. adhd in women adults may also be susceptible to information overload, go into the rabbit hole of research and forget that other people are trying talk to you.
Girls and women are more likely than males to have the quiet or inattentive form of ADHD. They are less likely to suffer from hyperactive or impulsive symptoms, but they may suffer from both mixed up. They are more likely to be underdiagnosed than men and boys due to the fact that their symptoms are different and they tend to conceal them.
The most well-known ADHD stereotype depicts the image of a hyperactive child bouncing off the walls, which has contributed to many girls and women being misunderstood, ignoring or ignored by doctors. This gender bias can last throughout your life even though ADHD awareness is growing. Teachers don't recommend ADHD assessments for girls nearly as often as they do for men and they're not referred to mental health professionals too.
Even if you're officially diagnosed with ADHD symptoms, they can fluctuate depending on your hormones. The symptoms can improve during your menstrual period, pregnancy and perimenopause when your body produces more estrogen. They can also become worse when you enter menopausal when your body begins to produce less estrogen, and the brain's functions change. It is crucial to keep track of your symptoms and inform your doctor if they are getting more severe. They can assist you in finding the most effective treatment option for these symptoms. This could include therapy, medication or a combination of both.
3. You're having a difficult time Managing Your Emotions
Women who suffer from ADHD are often unable to control their emotions. They also tend to become overwhelmed very quickly. They may also find it difficult to read social cues or comprehend non-verbal communication. This could make it difficult for them to keep relationships. They are more likely to suffer from anxiety or depression and are at a higher risk of impulsive behavior such as addiction to drugs. In addition, they are more likely to have an experience of abuse or sexual trauma and have sensitivity to rejection.
Women are more adept at masking their symptoms than men, which could lead to underdiagnosis and delayed treatment. It is also more common for girls and women to be diagnosed with the inattentive form of ADHD which is more likely to be overlooked by doctors.
This form of ADHD is characterized by persistent forgetfulness and difficulty in focusing on tasks, in addition to problems with planning and organization. It is characterized by not returning library books, not scheduling appointments, or ignoring important events like birthdays or holidays. They can be easily distracted and find it hard to work in busy or noisy environments, and are prone to misplacing and losing things. They may also have trouble getting their turn, causing interruptions to others in conversation or talking out loud.
Forgetfulness and impulsivity are the most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD however, other signs may also be indicative of the condition. Other symptoms include difficulty following an established routine, making impulsive mistakes or failing to finish tasks, poor writing, having trouble remembering names and locations as well as putting off important events like birthdays or anniversaries. Regular exercise can increase your mood and focus and focus, so aim to go for a 30-minute walk or swim, cycle or run each day.
4. You have a difficult time Focusing
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty staying organized and may find it difficult to complete tasks. They may lose things, forget appointments, or become easily distracted when working or studying. ADHD symptoms can intensify the frustrations of relationships that are strained whether with family or romantic partners. They may feel misunderstood or even abused by their family, friends or colleagues. This can lead to feelings like hopelessness and helplessness.
It's important to recognize ADHD in adults so that you can seek proper treatment and assistance. If you are noticing some of the symptoms listed on this checklist of symptoms of adhd in women it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about getting an official diagnosis.
A woman with ADHD might experience emotional sensitivity mood swings and difficulties regulating emotions. She may have difficulty focusing and find herself on the verge of meltdowns. Women with ADHD may also have issues in social situations as their difficulties regulating their emotions might lead them to overreact or make inappropriate remarks.
Women suffering from ADHD often experience hyperfocus and inability to focus. They might spend a lot of time studying a topic, but fail to notice that others are trying to communicate with them. They may overload others with their knowledge, leaving them feeling angry or resentful.
The symptoms of ADHD may also worsen when women experience hormonal changes, such as menopausal or pregnancy, or premenstrual disorder. This can cause a cycle of self-medicating using substances and an inclination to react excessively to rejection or criticism. It's important for women to recognize and manage their ADHD symptoms as they get older. There are several ways to do this, including using a daily planner to record deadlines and remind you of important dates, making notes during meetings, and ensuring the home in a peaceful, orderly manner.
5. You're having a hard time Following Through
Women with ADHD are often overwhelmed by their everyday obligations and tasks. They might miss appointments or forget important information, like how to take medication or follow the doctor's prescriptions. They may have trouble managing their finances, or interacting with friends and coworkers. They could be more prone to mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. This can result in feelings of self-worth and inadequacy.
Despite the fact that ADHD symptoms can impact a variety of aspects of our lives, it's more difficult for women to obtain an assessment and treatment than men do. This is because of the tendency for women and girls to cover up their ADHD symptoms or interpret them in a different way. They could also be diagnosed with other conditions like depression or anxiety, instead of being diagnosed with ADHD.
Additionally, many of the same signs that could indicate ADHD in men and boys--such as a lack of deadlines, being forgetful, or trouble with organizing and prioritizing--are more likely to be seen by doctors as anxiety or depression in women and girls. This can lead women to be misdiagnosed and unable to receive the treatment they need.
As girls and women age, ADHD symptoms can worsen due to hormonal changes like puberty and pregnancy. They can also be exacerbated by stress, sleep disruptions, and certain foods.
If you're struggling with ADHD, seek out a therapist and clinician who has experience treating women suffering from the disorder. A qualified therapist can confirm your experience, challenge the impact of society's expectations on your outlook and help you engage in self-advocacy. They can also employ various techniques to address your particular requirements, including emotional regulation, time management and organizational skills.