ADHD in Women Checklist
Medical Disclaimer This article is intended for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace the advice of a qualified health professional. Please consult a clinical or therapist who has experience with ADHD in women and girls to receive individualized advice, accurate diagnosis and treatment.
ADHD symptoms can change over a woman's lifetime due to hormonal changes. These symptoms can also get worse during menopausal cycles, pregnancy or menstrual cycles.
1. You're easily distracted
Women with ADHD have a difficult time keeping their attention and staying focused on their tasks or other activities. They may misplace items, forget details or get easily distracted by other people or things that are around them. It's also normal for women with ADHD to have more difficulty managing their emotions and balancing many tasks.
In the end they could be more prone to overcompensate for these symptoms by putting in more effort, underestimating their capabilities and prioritizing other's needs over their own. They might also find it difficult to keep a routine or rely on productivity tools and apps to make up for their lack of concentration. It is also possible for women who suffer from ADHD to have a more cyclical pattern of their symptoms that could 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.
As a result, it can be easier for them to slip under the radar and not be detected. This makes it more difficult to get the treatment they need. In addition many women don't even realize they suffer from ADHD until their child is diagnosed and they can see their own struggles reflected in their child's behavior. This can result in feelings of guilt and shame. It is essential that women acknowledge their ADHD symptoms in order to receive the appropriate treatment.
2. You're easily in a state of mind
You are prone to acting on impulses frequently without considering the consequences. You have a hard time managing your emotions and are especially sensitive to rejection. You are easily upset or angry and may lash out when your friends disagree with you. You're also prone to information-dumping and falling down rabbit holes, and not realizing that other people are trying to communicate with you.
Girls and women are more likely than men to have the inattentive or quiet type of ADHD. They are less likely to show symptoms of impulsivity or hyperactivity, but may display both. They are more likely than men and boys to be underdiagnosed because their symptoms are different and they can be difficult to detect.
The classic stereotype of ADHD is a hyperactive, boy who bounces off walls. This has led to many girls and women being viewed as a burden or ignoring by doctors. This bias towards gender can continue throughout your life, even though ADHD awareness has improved. Teachers don't recommend ADHD assessments for girls nearly as often as they do for boys and they're not referred to mental health professionals as well.
Even if adhd symptoms in women adults with ADHD the symptoms may fluctuate with your hormones. For instance, your symptoms could increase during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopause as your body produces more estrogen. They can also become worse when you enter menopausal when your body starts to produce less estrogen and your brain functions change. If adhd symptoms in women adults are getting more severe, it's crucial to keep track of them and share that with your doctor. They can assist you in determining the best way to manage your symptoms. This could include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
3. You're having trouble managing your emotions
Women who suffer from ADHD typically have trouble controlling their emotions and may become overwhelmed easily. They may also have difficulty in recognizing social cues or picking up on non-verbal communication, which can make it challenging to keep up with relationships. They are more likely to suffer from anxiety or depression, and are more at risk of impulsive behavior like alcohol or drug abuse. They are also more likely to experience rejection sensitivity and have a history of sexual abuse.
Women are perhaps more adept at hiding their symptoms than men. This can result in a delayed diagnosis and treatment. Women and girls are more likely to be diagnosed as having the inattentive form of ADHD. This is often overlooked by doctors.
This type of ADHD is marked by chronic forgetfulness and difficulties focusing on tasks, as well as problems with planning and organization. The symptoms include failing to return library books, failing to make appointments, or missing important events like birthdays or holidays. They are easily distracted, have difficulty to work in noisy environments, and are susceptible to misplacing and loosing things. They may also have issues getting their turn in conversations, interrupting others or speaking to themselves loudly.
Impulsivity and forgetfulness are among the most commonly reported signs of ADHD however other signs may also be indicative of the condition. Other symptoms include difficulty following routines, making careless errors or failing to finish tasks, poor writing, having trouble remembering names and places or putting off important dates like birthdays or anniversary celebrations. Regular exercise can boost your mood and concentration. Try to do 30 minutes of exercise each day, including walking, jogging or swim, or even cycling.
4. You're having a hard time Focusing
Women with ADHD can have difficulty staying organized and completing tasks. They may lose things and forget appointments or be easily distracted while studying or working. ADHD symptoms can intensify the stress that comes with tensions in relationships. This could be with friends or romantic partners. They may feel misunderstood or even abused by their family or partner. This can lead to feelings of despair and helplessness.
It's crucial to identify ADHD in adults to seek the appropriate treatment and help. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed in this adhd women's checklist consult your healthcare provider to get an official diagnosis.
A woman with ADHD may be prone to emotions sensitivity, mood changes and difficulty controlling her emotions. She might have trouble focusing and be in the midst of a meltdown. Women who suffer from ADHD might also experience difficulties in social situations, since their issues with regulating their emotions might lead them to overreact or make inappropriate remarks.
Women with ADHD often have hyperfocus and inability to concentrate. They might spend a lot of time researching a subject but not be aware that other people 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 may also worsen when women experience hormonal changes, such as menopausal and pregnancy or premenstrual disorder. This can lead to an increase in self-medication and a tendency to react excessively to criticism or rejection. This is why it's crucial for women to identify and manage their ADHD symptoms as they age. There are a myriad of ways to achieve this, such as using a daily planner or post-it notes to track deadlines and reminders, taking notes during meetings and maintaining a calm and organized living space.
5. You have a hard time following through
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed by their everyday obligations and responsibilities. They may skip appointments and forget important information, like how to take medication or follow the doctor's prescriptions. They may have difficulty managing their finances or interacting with coworkers and friends. They may be more susceptible to mood disorders like anxiety and depression. This can result in feelings of self-worth and inadequateness.
Despite the fact that ADHD symptoms can impact many aspects of life, it's difficult for women to receive an diagnosis and treatment than men do. This is because women and girls often miss-interpret or disguise ADHD symptoms. They may also be referred to other disorders like depression or anxiety, rather than being diagnosed with ADHD.
Furthermore there are many symptoms that can signal 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 clinicians as depression or anxiety in women and girls. This could cause women to be misdiagnosed and not receive the treatment they need.
As women and girls mature, ADHD symptoms can worsen due to hormonal changes, such as puberty and pregnancy. They can also be aggravated by stress, sleep disturbances, and certain foods.
If you are struggling with ADHD Find a therapist and clinician who has worked with women suffering from the disorder. A good therapist will be able to validate your experience, rethink the impact of society's expectations on your perspective and help you practice self-advocacy. They can also employ various methods to address your individual needs, such as emotion regulation, time management and organizational skills.