ADHD in Women Checklist
Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended to be used for educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute the advice of a qualified healthcare provider. Consult a physician or therapist experienced with ADHD in women and girls for individualized guidance for accurate assessment and diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.
ADHD symptoms can change throughout a woman's lifetime due to hormonal fluctuations. These symptoms can also get worse when menopausal, pregnant or menstrual cycles.
1. You're Easily Distracted
Women with ADHD often have a harder time concentrating and keeping their focus on their tasks or activities. They might lose items, forget details or get easily distracted by people or things around them. It's also common for women suffering from ADHD to have difficulty managing their emotions and balancing multiple tasks.
As a result they could be more prone to overcompensate for these issues by putting in more effort, underestimating their capabilities, and putting others' needs over their own. They may also find it difficult to keep their routines consistent or rely on apps and other productivity tools to compensate for their lapses in focus. It's possible that those with ADHD have more of a 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.
It is easy for them to get through the cracks and go undiagnosed. It can be challenging for them to get the treatment they need. Many women are unaware that they suffer from ADHD until they see the child's behavior. This can cause feelings of guilt and shame. This is why it's crucial for women to identify their ADHD symptoms in order to seek the proper treatment.
2. You're Easily Impulsive
You often act on impulses without considering the consequences. You're having a difficult time controlling your emotions, and are particularly sensitive to rejection. You can be easily offended or frustrated and may be angry when your friends disagree with you. You can also be prone to information overload, slide down rabbit holes of research and forget that others are trying to communicate with you.
Girls and women are more likely than men to suffer from the quiet or inattentive type of ADHD. They are less likely to exhibit hyperactive or impulsive symptoms however, they may exhibit both. They are more likely to be undiagnosed than men and boys due to the fact that their symptoms are different and they are more likely to hide their symptoms.
The standard ADHD stereotype is a hyperactive boy bouncing off walls, which has contributed to a lot of 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 aren't recommending ADHD evaluations for girls as often as they do for males, and they're under-referred to mental health professionals too.
Even if you're officially diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms may change with your hormones. Your symptoms may improve during your menstrual period as well as during pregnancy and perimenopausal periods when your body produces more estrogen. However, they could also become worse when you enter menopausal when your body begins to make less estrogen and your brain function changes. If your symptoms are getting more severe, it's crucial to track the symptoms and report them to your doctor. They can help you determine the best method to manage your symptoms. This could involve treatment, medication or a combination.
3. You're having trouble managing your emotions
Women with ADHD are often unable to control their emotions. They may also be overwhelmed easily. They may also have trouble reading social cues and understanding non-verbal communication, which could make it challenging to keep up with relationships. They are more susceptible to depression or anxiety and are more prone for impulsive behaviors such as substance abuse. In addition, they are more likely to have an experience of sexual trauma or abuse and have sensitivity to rejection.
Women may be better in masked symptoms than men, which could lead to underdiagnosis and delayed treatment. It's also more common for girls and women to be diagnosed with the predominantly inattentional type of ADHD which is more likely to be overlooked by doctors.
This form of ADHD is characterized by chronic forgetfulness, trouble staying focused on tasks and problems with organization and planning. The signs include not returning library books, making appointments, and also being absent from important birthdays or other events. They are easily distracted, find it difficult to work in noisy environments, and are susceptible to misplacing and loosing things. They may also have difficulty getting their turn, causing interruptions to others in conversation, or even speaking out loud.
ADHD is defined by impulsivity and forgetfulness however, there are other signs that could be present. This includes difficulty adhering to the schedule, making impulsive mistakes or failing to complete tasks, poor handwriting difficulties in remembering names and locations or putting off tasks, forgetting important dates such as birthdays or anniversaries and speaking without thinking first. Regular exercise can improve mood and concentration. Try to complete 30 minutes of exercise each day, for example, running, jogging, swim or cycle.
4. inattentive add in women have trouble focusing.
Women with ADHD might have difficulty staying organized and may find it challenging to complete tasks. They may lose items, forget appointments, or be easily distracted while working or studying. ADHD symptoms can exacerbate the stress that comes with difficult relationships. This could be with friends or romantic partners. They may feel unloved, or even victimized by their partner, family or colleagues. This can cause feelings of despair and helplessness.
It's important to recognize ADHD in adults to seek proper 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 health care professional about obtaining an official diagnosis.
A person suffering from ADHD might experience emotions sensitivity, mood changes and difficulties controlling emotions. inattentive add in women might have trouble staying focused or be on the verge a meltdown. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have issues in social situations due to their inability to control their emotions. They may react too quickly or make inappropriate remarks.
Hyperfocus and a lack of focus are a common symptom of ADHD in women. They could spend a significant amount of time researching a subject but fail to realize that others are trying to talk to them. They can overwhelm people with their knowledge and make them feel angry or dissatisfied.
The symptoms of ADHD can also become more severe when women experience hormonal changes like menopausal and pregnancy or premenstrual disorders. This could lead to an increased self-medication pattern and a tendency to react excessively to criticism or rejection. It is essential that women recognize and manage their ADHD as they age. There are many ways to do this, for instance, using a daily planner to track deadlines and remind you of important dates, making notes during meetings, and ensuring a calm, organized home.
5. You Have a Hard Time following through
Women with ADHD can easily become overwhelmed by the daily demands and commitments. They may forget important information, such as instructions from doctors or how to take their medication. They may struggle with managing their finances or getting along with coworkers and friends. They may be more susceptible to mood disorders like depression and anxiety. This can result in feelings of self-worth and inadequacy.
Despite the fact that ADHD symptoms can impact a variety of aspects of life, it's harder for women to get a diagnosis and treatment than men do. This is due to the tendency for girls and women to camouflage their ADHD symptoms or misinterpret them. They may be referred to for other conditions such as depression or anxiety rather than diagnosed with ADHD.
A lot of the symptoms that are a sign of ADHD for both men and boys, such as inattention, forgetfulness and not meeting deadlines, can be misinterpreted by clinicians in women and girls as depression or anxiety. This could lead to misdiagnosis and prevent women from receiving the treatment they require.
As girls and women mature, ADHD symptoms can worsen due to hormonal changes, such as puberty and pregnancy. Stress, sleep disturbances and certain foods can cause the symptoms.
If you are struggling with ADHD look for a therapist and clinician who has worked with women suffering from the disorder. A good therapist can validate your experience, challenge the impact of society's expectations on your attitude and help you practice self-advocacy. They can also employ different ways to address your needs, including emotion regulation, time-management, and organizing skills.