ADHD in Women Checklist
Medical Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is intended for educational purposes and not to substitute the advice of a qualified healthcare provider. Consult a medical or therapist who has experience with ADHD in women and girls to receive personalized advice, accurate diagnosis and treatment.
ADHD symptoms can change throughout the life of a woman due to hormonal fluctuation. Symptoms can also worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms.
1. You're easily distracted
Women with ADHD struggle with focusing and staying focused on tasks or other pursuits. They might lose items or forget information, or be easily distracted by other people or things around them. It's also common for women with ADHD to have difficulty managing their emotions and keeping track of multiple tasks.
They may overcompensate by working harder, putting other's demands over their own. They might also have difficulty to stick to a regular routine or rely on productivity tools and apps to make up for their lack of focus. It's possible that women with ADHD have an underlying pattern of cyclicality to their symptoms, which can be triggered during hormonal changes such as the premenstrual period and 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 go undiagnosed. It can be challenging for them to receive the treatment they require. Additionally many women don't know they have ADHD until their child is diagnosed and they can see 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 in order to receive the proper treatment.
2. You're Easily Impulsive
You often react to impulses without considering the consequences. You have trouble controlling your emotions, and are particularly sensitive to rejection. You're easily frustrated or offended and might lash out at your friends when they don't agree with your. You could also be prone to information overload, fall into the rabbit hole of research and forget that others are trying to talk to you.
Women and girls are more likely than men to suffer from the inattentive or quiet type of ADHD. They are less likely to exhibit hyperactive or impulsive symptoms however, they could have both types of symptoms mixed up. They are more likely than boys and men to be misdiagnosed due to the fact that their symptoms appear differently and they can be difficult to detect.
The classic ADHD image is of the image of a hyperactive child bouncing off the walls, which has led to many girls and women being misunderstood, overlooked or omitted by healthcare professionals. This gender bias can persist throughout your life even though ADHD awareness has risen. Teachers aren't often recommending ADHD evaluations for female students and mental health professionals aren't as likely to refer them as they would for male students.
Even if you're diagnosed with ADHD symptoms, they can fluctuate depending on your hormones. For instance, your symptoms may improve during the time of your menstrual cycle, pregnancy and perimenopausal as 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 vital to monitor them and share that with your doctor. They can help you determine the best treatment option for them. This could be treatment, medication or a combination of both.
3. You're having trouble managing your emotions
Women with ADHD can have difficulty regulating their emotions. They can also be overwhelmed easily. They may also have difficulties understanding social cues and understanding non-verbal communication, which can make it challenging to keep up with relationships. They are more susceptible to depression or anxiety and are more at risk for impulsive behavior, such as alcohol or drug abuse. They are also more likely to experience rejection sensitivity and may have a history of sexual abuse.
Women may be more adept at hiding their symptoms than men. This can result in delay in diagnosis and treatment. It is also more common for girls and women to be diagnosed with the predominantly inattentive form of ADHD, which tends to be overlooked by doctors.
This form of ADHD is characterized by persistent forgetfulness, difficulty staying focused on tasks, and issues with planning and organization. Symptoms can include not returning library books, making appointments, and also being absent from important events or birthdays. They are easily distracted, find it difficult to work in noisy environments and are prone of misplacing and loosing things. They may also have trouble taking their time, interrupting other people in conversation or speaking out loudly.
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 routines, making careless mistakes, or failing to complete projects, writing in a sloppy manner and having trouble remembering names and locations as well as putting off important events like birthdays or anniversary celebrations. Regular exercise can improve mood and focus, so try to take a 30-minute walk or swim, cycle, or run each day.
4. You are having a difficult time focusing.
Women suffering from ADHD are often unable to stay focused and accomplishing tasks. They might lose things and forget appointments, or be easily distracted when working or studying. ADHD symptoms can intensify the frustrations of relationships that are strained with family members or romantic partners. They may feel misunderstood or even victimized by their partner, family or colleagues. This can result in feelings of despair and helplessness.
It's crucial to identify ADHD in adults to get the right treatment and assistance. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms on this adhd women checklist, speak to your doctor to obtain an official diagnosis.
A person suffering from ADHD might experience sensitivity to emotions mood swings and difficulties managing emotions. She may struggle to focus and be on the verge of meltdowns. Women with ADHD may also experience difficulties in social situations due to their inability manage their emotions. They could react in a way that is too extreme, or make inappropriate comments.
Women with ADHD often have hyperfocus and inability to concentrate. They could spend long hours researching a topic but not be aware of when other people want to talk to them. They may overwhelm others with information, making people feel discontent or angry.
The symptoms of ADHD can also be worsened during hormonal changes such as menopause or pregnancy, or premenstrual disorders. This can lead to an increased self-medication pattern and an increased tendency to react to criticism or rejection. It's crucial that women recognize and manage their ADHD as they get older. There are several methods to achieve this, such as 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 Have a Hard Time following through
Women with ADHD are often overwhelmed by daily tasks and commitments. They may miss appointments and forget important information, like how to take their medication or follow the doctor's prescriptions. They may have trouble managing their finances or getting along with their colleagues and friends. They could be more prone to mood disorders like depression and anxiety. This can cause low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy.
Women have a difficult finding a doctor and getting treated for ADHD regardless of the fact that it can impact all aspects of their lives. This is mainly due to the tendency for women and girls to cover up their ADHD symptoms or misinterpret them. They could be referred to as other disorders like depression or anxiety, instead of being diagnosed with ADHD.
A lot of the symptoms that are a sign of ADHD for both men and boys such as forgetfulness, difficulty prioritizing and not meeting deadlines, are often misinterpreted by clinicians in girls and women as anxiety or depression. add women could result in misdiagnosis and stop women from receiving the treatment they need.
As girls and women get older and develop, their ADHD symptoms can worsen during hormonal changes, like puberty, postpartum pregnancy, and menopause. They can also be aggravated by stress, sleep disturbances and certain foods.
If you are struggling with ADHD, seek out an experienced therapist or a professional who has experience treating women suffering from the disorder. A good therapist can validate your experience, question the impact of societal expectations on your perspective and help you practice self-advocacy. They can also employ different techniques to address your particular requirements, including emotional regulation, time management, and organizational skills.