ADHD in Women Checklist
Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for education purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice provided by an expert healthcare professional. Please consult a clinical or therapist with experience with ADHD in girls and women to receive individualized advice, accurate diagnosis and treatment.
ADHD symptoms can alter over the life of a woman due to hormonal fluctuation. Symptoms can also worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopausal changes.
1. You're easily distracted
Women with ADHD struggle with focusing and staying focused on tasks or other activities. They might lose things or forget details, or be easily distracted by the things or people around them. Women who suffer from ADHD frequently have difficulty managing their emotions and balancing multiple tasks.
They could overcompensate by trying harder, putting others' demands ahead of their own. They might also be unable to maintain consistent routines or rely on apps and other productivity tools to compensate for their lapses in focus. It's also possible for females with ADHD to have a more cyclical pattern of their symptoms, which can be caused by hormonal changes like during the menstrual 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.
As a result, it can be easier for them to go unnoticed and remain undiagnosed. This can make it more difficult for them to receive the treatment they require. Additionally many women don't know they have ADHD until their child is diagnosed and they observe their own struggles reflected in their child's behavior. This can cause feelings of guilt and shame. It is essential that women acknowledge their ADHD symptoms to receive the proper treatment.
2. You're easily impulsive
You often make decisions based on impulses, without thinking about the consequences. You struggle to control your emotions and are particularly sensitive to rejection. You are easily upset or angry and can lash out when your friends disagree with you. You're also prone to information-dumping, falling down research rabbit holes, and not realizing that others are trying to connect with you.
Girls and women are more likely than males to have the quiet or inattentive type of ADHD. They are less likely to exhibit hyperactive or impulsive signs, but may display both. They are more likely than men and boys to be underdiagnosed because their symptoms appear differently and they tend camouflage them.
The standard ADHD image is of an overactive boy who bounces off walls, which has led to women and girls being misunderstood, ignoring, or ignored by clinicians. This gender bias can last throughout your life even though ADHD awareness is increasing. Teachers don't usually recommend ADHD evaluations for female students, and mental health professionals also aren't as likely to refer them as they do for male students.
Even if you're officially diagnosed with ADHD symptoms, they can fluctuate depending on your hormones. For instance, your symptoms may increase during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopausal which is when your body produces more estrogen. They may also get worse as you enter the menopause when your body starts to produce less estrogen, and the brain's functions change. If your symptoms are becoming more intense, it's important to track them and share that with your doctor. They can help you find the most effective treatment option for these symptoms. This could include treatment, medication or a combination.
3. You're having trouble managing your emotions
Women with ADHD can have difficulty regulating their emotions. They also tend to become overwhelmed very easily. They may also find it difficult to recognize social cues and recognize non-verbal communication. This could make it difficult for them to maintain relationships. They are more likely to experience depression or anxiety and are more at risk for impulsive behaviors such as alcohol or drug abuse. Additionally they are more likely to have an history of abuse or sexual trauma and are more prone to experience rejection sensitivity.
Women are more adept at concealing their symptoms than men. This can result in a delayed diagnosis and treatment. It's also more frequent for women and girls to be diagnosed with the inattentive type of ADHD which is more likely to be ignored by doctors.
This type of ADHD is characterized by constant forgetfulness, difficulty keeping focus on tasks and issues with planning and organization. The symptoms include forgetting to return library books, not making appointments, or not attending important events such as birthdays or holidays. They are easily distracted, find it difficult to work in noisy settings and are more likely to misplace and losing things. They may also have difficulty taking their time, interrupting others in conversation, or even speaking out loudly.
ADHD is characterized by forgetfulness and impulsivity however, there are other signs that could be present. Other symptoms include difficulty following an established routine, making impulsive mistakes, or failing to complete projects, writing in a sloppy manner or having difficulty remembering names and places, procrastinating and forgetting details like birthdays or anniversaries. Regular exercise can increase your mood and focus and focus, so aim to take a 30-minute stroll or swim, cycle or run every day.
4. You Have a Hard Time Concentrating
Women suffering from ADHD can have difficulty staying well-organized and completing tasks. They may lose things and forget appointments or get distracted when studying or working. ADHD symptoms can increase the tensions that arise from tensions in relationships. This could be with friends or romantic partners. They may feel misunderstood, or even abused, by their partner or family. This can cause feelings of helplessness and despair.
It's important to recognize ADHD in adults so that you can seek the appropriate treatment and support. If you see yourself exhibiting some of the symptoms listed on this adhd in women checklist it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about getting an official diagnosis.
A person suffering from ADHD might be prone to mood swings, emotional sensitivity and difficulties managing emotions. She may have difficulty focusing and be in the midst of a meltdown. Women with ADHD can also have trouble in social situations, as their issues with regulating their emotions could cause them to overreact or make inappropriate comments.
Hyperfocus and a lack of focus are a common 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. signs of adhd in women may overload people with their knowledge, making them feel angry or resentful.
The symptoms of ADHD can also be worsened in women during hormonal changes, such as menopausal, pregnancy, or premenstrual disorders. This could result in a cyclical pattern of self-medication with substances and a tendency to overreact to rejection or criticism. This is why it's important for women to recognize and manage their ADHD symptoms as they get older. There are a myriad of methods to manage this, such as using a daily planner or post-it notepads to keep track of deadlines and reminders, making notes at meetings and keeping an organized and peaceful living space.
5. It is difficult keeping track of your progress
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed by their daily tasks and obligations. They may skip appointments and forget important information, like how to take their medication or follow the doctor's prescriptions. They can struggle to manage 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 feelings of self-worth and inadequateness.
Despite the fact that ADHD symptoms can affect a variety of aspects of life, it's more difficult for women to obtain an assessment and treatment than men do. This is mostly due to the tendency for girls and women to camouflage their ADHD symptoms or interpret them in a different way. They might be referred to for other conditions such as anxiety or depression rather than diagnosed with ADHD.
Furthermore there are many signs that could indicate ADHD for boys and men, such as missing deadlines, being in a state of forgetfulness, or having difficulty prioritizing and organizing--are more likely to be misinterpreted by doctors as depression or anxiety in women and girls. This could lead women to be misdiagnosed, and thus not get the treatment they need.
As women and girls become older and develop, their ADHD symptoms can get worse during hormonal changes, such as puberty and pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. They can also be aggravated by stress, sleep issues and certain foods.
If you're struggling with ADHD look for a therapist and clinician who has experience treating women suffering from the condition. A good therapist will confirm your experience and question the impact that expectations from society influence your perception. They can also teach you how to advocate for yourself. They can also employ different methods to address your needs, like emotion regulation, time-management and the ability to organize.