ADHD in Women Checklist
Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for education purposes only and is not intended to substitute the advice of a qualified healthcare provider. You should consult a physician or therapist who has experience with ADHD in girls and women to receive individualized advice as well as a precise diagnosis and treatment.
ADHD symptoms can change throughout a woman's life due to hormonal changes. These symptoms can also get worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause.
1. You're easily distracted
Women with ADHD struggle with keeping their attention and staying focused on tasks or other pursuits. 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 or balancing multiple tasks.
They may overcompensate by working harder, putting their colleagues' needs ahead of their own. They might also find it difficult to stick to a regular routine or depend on productivity tools and apps to compensate for their lack of concentration. It is also possible for women with ADHD to have an atypical pattern of their symptoms, which can be triggered by hormonal changes, such as 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.
This means it can be easier for them to slip under the radar and not be detected. This can make it more difficult for them to access the treatment they need. In addition, many women don't realize they have ADHD until their child is diagnosed and they can see their own struggles reflected in their child's behavior. This can lead to feelings of shame and self-blame. It's important for women to recognize their ADHD symptoms to seek treatment.
2. You're easily distracted
You are prone to acting on impulses frequently without thinking about the consequences. You struggle to control your emotions and are particularly sensitive to rejection. You're easily upset or angry and may get angry with your friends when they don't agree with you. You're also susceptible to information dumping and falling down rabbit holes and forgetting that other people are trying to communicate with you.
Women and girls are more likely than men to suffer from the quiet or inattentive form of ADHD. They're less likely to have symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsivity however they could suffer from both mixed together. They are more likely to be underdiagnosed than boys and men because their symptoms present differently, and they are more likely to hide their symptoms.
The standard image of ADHD is that of a hyperactive boy who bounces off walls. This has led to many women and girls being misunderstood or ignored by doctors. This bias towards gender can persist throughout your life even when ADHD awareness is growing. Teachers rarely suggest ADHD assessments for female students, and mental health professionals also don't refer them as often as they would for male students.
Even if you're officially diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms may change with your hormones. The symptoms can improve during your menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopause when your body produces more estrogen. They can also worsen when you enter menopausal as your body begins to produce less estrogen, and the brain's functions change. It is crucial to keep track of your symptoms and notify your doctor if they are getting more severe. They can help you determine the best approach to treat your symptoms. This could be treatment, medication or a combination.
3. You're having trouble managing your emotions
Women with ADHD may have trouble regulating their emotions. They also tend to become overwhelmed very quickly. They may also have difficulties understanding social cues and picking up on non-verbal signals, which can make it challenging to keep up with relationships. They are more likely to have depression or anxiety and are at a higher risk of impulsive behavior like addiction to drugs. They are also more likely to suffer from sensitive to rejection and have a history of sexual abuse.
Women are perhaps more adept at concealing their symptoms than men. This can result in delay in diagnosis and treatment. Girls and women are more likely to be diagnosed with the inattentive form of ADHD. This is often overlooked by doctors.
This type of ADHD is characterized by persistent forgetfulness and difficulty in focusing on tasks, as well as issues with planning and organization. The symptoms include forgetting to return library books, not making appointments, or missing important events such as birthdays or holidays. They are easily distracted, have difficulty to work in noisy environments, and are susceptible to misplacing and losing things. They may also have trouble keeping their place in conversations, or interrupting others when speaking to themselves loudly.
ADHD is characterised by impulsivity and forgetfulness, but there are other symptoms that can be present. They can include difficulty following an agenda, making unintentional mistakes, or failing to finish projects, sloppy handwriting difficulties in remembering names and places, procrastinating, forgetting details like birthdays or anniversary dates and speaking without thinking before speaking. Regular exercise can boost mood and concentration. Try to get 30 minutes of exercise each day, such as a walk, jog or swim, or even cycling.
4. You have a difficult time Concentrating
Women suffering from ADHD might have trouble being organized and find it difficult to finish tasks. They might misplace items, forget appointments or become easily distracted when 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 or friends. This can result in feelings of despair and helplessness.
It is essential to recognize ADHD among adults to receive the right treatment and assistance. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms in this adhd women's checklist, speak to your doctor to obtain an official diagnosis.
A person suffering from ADHD might be prone to emotional sensitivity, mood changes and trouble controlling emotions. She may have difficulty focusing and find herself nearing the point of a meltdown. Women with ADHD may also experience difficulties in social situations because of their inability to control their emotions. They may react too quickly or make inappropriate comments.
Hyperfocus and inability to 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. attention deficit in women could overwhelm others with information and make people feel discontent or angry.
The symptoms of ADHD may also worsen in women during hormonal changes such as menopause and pregnancy or premenstrual disorders. This could lead to an increase in self-medication and a tendency to react excessively to rejection or criticism. It's crucial for women to identify and manage their ADHD symptoms as they get older. There are many ways to achieve this, including using a daily planner or post-it notes to track deadlines and reminders, taking notes at meetings, and maintaining a calm and organized living space.
5. You have a difficult time keeping track of your progress
Women suffering from ADHD can easily become overwhelmed by daily tasks and obligations. They might forget important information such as the instructions of doctors or the best way to take their medication. They may have difficulty managing their finances or interacting with their colleagues and friends. They could be more prone to mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. This can result in low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy.
Despite the fact that ADHD symptoms can affect various aspects of life, it's still more difficult for women to obtain an assessment and treatment than men. This is due to the fact that women and girls often miss-interpret or disguise ADHD symptoms. They might be referred to for other disorders like depression or anxiety, rather than being diagnosed with ADHD.
A lot of the symptoms that are associated with ADHD in both genders such as difficulties in prioritizing, forgetfulness and a tendency to miss deadlines, can be incorrectly identified by the doctors of women and girls as depression or anxiety. This could cause women to be misdiagnosed and unable to receive the treatment they need.
As girls and women become older they develop ADHD symptoms can get worse due to hormonal changes such as puberty, postpartum pregnancy and menopausal. They can also be made worse by stress, sleep disruptions and certain food items.
If you're struggling with ADHD Find a therapist and clinician who has experience in treating women suffering from the disorder. A good therapist will be able to validate your experience and question the impact that expectations from society influence your perspective. They can also teach you how to advocate for yourself. They can also use different methods to address your individual needs, including emotions regulation, time management, and the ability to organize.