ADHD in Women Checklist
Medical Disclaimer This article is intended solely for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. You should consult a physician or therapist who has experience with ADHD in girls and women to receive advice that is tailored to your needs, accurate diagnosis and treatment.
ADHD symptoms can change throughout a woman's life due to hormonal changes. The symptoms can also become more severe during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause.
1. You're easily distracted
Women who suffer from ADHD typically have a difficult focus and keep their attention focused on their tasks or activities. They may lose items and forget particulars, or become easily distracted by objects or people around them. It's also normal for women suffering from ADHD to have more difficulty managing their emotions and keeping track of many tasks.
As a result, they may be more likely to overcompensate for these symptoms by putting more effort into it, underestimating their capabilities, and putting others' needs over their own. They may be unable to stick to a regular routine or depend on productivity tools and apps to compensate for their lack of focus. It's possible that women with ADHD have a more cyclical pattern to their symptoms, and this can be triggered by 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 through the cracks and go undiagnosed. This makes it more difficult for them to access the treatment they need. Many women don't realize they suffer from ADHD until they observe the behavior of their child. This can lead to feelings of shame and blame. It is crucial for women to recognize their ADHD symptoms to receive the proper treatment.
2. You're Easily Impulsive
You frequently react to impulses without considering the consequences. You have a hard time managing your emotions and are especially sensitive to rejection. You're easily frustrated or offended, and you might lash out at your friends when they don't agree with you. You can also be prone to information overload, go into a rabbit hole of information and forget that others are trying talk to you.
Girls and women are more likely than men to suffer from the inattentive or quiet type of ADHD. They are less likely to show symptoms of impulsivity or hyperactivity however, they may exhibit both. They are more likely to be undiagnosed than men and boys because their symptoms present differently, and they are more likely to hide them.
The most well-known ADHD image is of an overactive boy who bounces off walls, which has led to women and girls being misunderstood, ignoring or ignored by doctors. This gender bias can persist throughout your life, even though ADHD awareness has risen. Teachers don't usually recommend ADHD evaluations for female students, and mental health professionals also don't refer them as often as they do for male students.
Even if you're officially diagnosed with ADHD symptoms can fluctuate depending on your hormones. Your symptoms could improve during your menstrual period, pregnancy and perimenopause when your body produces more estrogen. However, they can also become worse as you enter menopause as your body begins to produce less estrogen and your brain's functions change. If your symptoms are getting more severe, it's crucial to monitor the symptoms and report them to your doctor. They can assist you in finding the best treatment option to treat these symptoms. This might include therapy, medication or a combination of both.
3. You have a hard time managing your emotions
Women with ADHD frequently have difficulty regulating their emotions and may become overwhelmed easily. They may also be unable to read social cues or understand non-verbal communication. This could make it difficult for them to keep relationships. They are more likely to have anxiety or depression, and are more at risk of impulsive behavior such as addiction to drugs. Additionally, they are more likely to have an experience of abuse or sexual trauma and have sensitivity to rejection.
Women may be better in masked symptoms than men, which can lead to underdiagnosis and delayed treatment. It's also more frequent for women and girls to be diagnosed with the predominantly inattentive type of ADHD, which tends to be overlooked by doctors.
This form of ADHD is marked by chronic forgetfulness and difficulties focusing on tasks, and also problems with planning and organization. Symptoms can include not returning library books, scheduling appointments, or missing out on important birthdays or other events. They are easily distracted and find it difficult to concentrate in noisy or busy environments, and are susceptible to misplacing and losing things. They may also have issues getting their turn in conversations, causing interruptions to others or talking to themselves out loud.
Impulsivity and forgetfulness are among the most commonly reported signs of ADHD however other signs could also indicate the presence of the condition. Other symptoms include difficulty following a routine, making careless errors or failing to finish projects, sloppy writing or having difficulty remembering names and places, procrastinating and forgetting details like birthdays or anniversaries. Regular exercise can boost mood and concentration. Try to get 30 minutes of exercise every day, such as running, jogging or swim, or even cycling.
4. You have a hard time staying focused.
Women suffering from ADHD may have trouble staying organized and may find it difficult to complete tasks. They might lose things or forget appointments, or be easily distracted while working or studying. ADHD symptoms can intensify the frustrations of relationships that are strained whether with family or romantic partners. They may feel unloved, or even abused by their family, friends or colleagues. This can result in feelings of despair and helplessness.
It is crucial to recognize ADHD in adults so that you can get the right treatment and support. If you see yourself exhibiting some of the symptoms listed on this checklist of symptoms of adhd in women, it's worth speaking with your doctor about getting an official diagnosis.
A person suffering from ADHD might be prone to emotional sensitivity, mood changes and difficulty controlling her emotions. She may have difficulty focusing or be on the close to having a meltdown. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty in social situations due to their inability to control their emotions. They may react too quickly or make inappropriate remarks.
Women suffering from ADHD often experience hyperfocus and inability to focus. They may spend a lot time studying a topic, but fail to realize that other people are trying to talk to them. They could overwhelm others with information and make them feel angry or dissatisfied.
The symptoms of ADHD may also worsen in women during hormonal changes, such as menopausal or pregnancy, or premenstrual disorders. This can lead to a pattern of self-medication and the tendency to react in a way to criticism or rejection. It's crucial that women recognize and manage their ADHD as they age. There are a myriad of methods to manage this, including using a daily planner or post-it notepads to keep track of deadlines and reminders, taking notes during meetings and maintaining an orderly and calm living space.
5. It is difficult keeping track of your progress
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed by their everyday obligations and responsibilities. They might forget important information, such as instructions from doctors or the best way to take their medication. They may struggle with managing their finances or getting along with coworkers and friends. They could be more prone to mood disorders like depression and anxiety, leading to a low self-esteem or feeling of being inadequate.
Women are still having a tough finding a doctor and getting treated for ADHD despite the fact that it can affect many aspects of their lives. This is due to the tendency of women and girls to cover up their ADHD symptoms or interpret them in a different way. They might also be referred to other conditions like depression or anxiety, rather than being diagnosed with ADHD.
Furthermore, many of the same signs that could indicate ADHD for boys and men, such as a lack of deadlines, being in a state of forgetfulness, or having difficulty organizing and prioritizing--are more likely to be misinterpreted by clinicians as anxiety or depression in women and girls. This could cause women to be misdiagnosed and not receive the treatment they need.
As women and girls become older, their ADHD symptoms can worsen as hormonal changes occur, such as puberty and postpartum pregnancy, and menopause. Stress, sleep issues and certain foods can also contribute to the symptoms.
If undiagnosed adhd in women struggling with ADHD, it's crucial to seek assistance from an therapist and a therapist who are experienced in treating girls and women suffering from the condition. A good therapist will validate your experience and challenge the impact that societal expectations influence your perception. They will also teach you how to advocate for yourself. They can also use different techniques to address your specific needs, including emotions regulation, time management, and skills for organizing.