ADHD in Women Checklist
Medical Disclaimer: This article is meant to be educational and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified health professional. Please seek a clinical and/or therapist who has experience with ADHD in women and girls to receive individualized guidance as well as a precise diagnosis, and the appropriate treatment.
ADHD symptoms can change over a woman's lifetime due to hormonal fluctuation. The symptoms can also become more severe during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopausal changes.
1. You're easily distracted
Women who suffer from ADHD often have a harder time concentrating and keeping their attention focused on their tasks or activities. They might lose items or forget details, or be easily distracted by objects or people around them. Women who suffer from ADHD often have difficulty controlling their emotions and balancing multiple tasks.
As a result they could be more prone to overcompensate for these issues by working harder, overestimating their abilities and prioritizing the needs of others over their own. They might also be unable to stick to a consistent routine or rely on apps and other productivity tools to compensate for their lack of focus. It's also possible for women who suffer from ADHD to have an atypical pattern of their symptoms that can be caused by hormonal changes such as during the premenstrual phase or during 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 not be recognized. This can make it more challenging to get the treatment they require. Many women don't realize they suffer from ADHD until they see the behavior of their child. This can lead to feelings of guilt and shame. This is why it's crucial for women to be aware of their ADHD symptoms in order to seek treatment.
2. You're easily distracted
You tend to make decisions based on impulses, without thinking about the consequences. You're having a difficult time managing your emotions, and are particularly sensitive to rejection. You're likely to be easily upset or angry and may get angry when friends don't agree with your views. You may also be susceptible to information overload, go into a rabbit hole of information and forget that other people are trying to communicate with you.
Women and girls are more likely than men to suffer from the inattentive or quiet type of ADHD. They're less likely to have symptoms of impulsivity or hyperactivity however, they could suffer from both mixed up. They are more likely to be undiagnosed than men and boys due to the fact that their symptoms present differently, and they tend to camouflage them.
The classic ADHD image is of the image of a hyperactive child bouncing off the walls, which has contributed to women and girls being viewed as unimportant, ignored or ignored by doctors. This gender bias can last throughout your life, even when ADHD awareness is growing. Teachers don't usually recommend ADHD evaluations for female students, and mental health professionals also don't refer them as often as they would do for male students.
Even if you're officially diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms may change with your hormones. Your symptoms may improve during your menstrual period, pregnancy and perimenopause when your body produces more estrogen. They may also get worse as you enter the menopause when your body begins to produce less estrogen, and the brain's functions change. If your symptoms are becoming more severe, it's crucial to keep track of your symptoms and discuss them with your doctor. adhd traits in women can assist you in finding the most effective treatment option to treat them. This could include treatment, medication or a combination.
3. You're having trouble managing your emotions
Women who suffer from ADHD typically have trouble controlling their emotions and can become overwhelmed easily. They may also be unable to recognize social cues and comprehend non-verbal communication. This makes it difficult to maintain relationships. They are more prone to anxiety or depression and are more at risk for impulsive behaviors such as alcohol or drug abuse. Additionally, they are more likely to have an experience of abuse or sexual trauma and have sensitivity to rejection.
Women may be better at hiding their symptoms than men, which could cause underdiagnosis and delay in treatment. It is also more common for women and girls to be diagnosed with the inattentive form of ADHD that tends to be overlooked by doctors.
This form of ADHD is characterized by constant forgetfulness and difficulty in focusing on tasks, as well as problems with planning and organization. Symptoms can include not returning library books or booking appointments, and not attending important events or birthdays. They are easily distracted, have difficulty to work in noisy settings and are prone of misplacing and loosing things. They may also have trouble getting their turn, causing interruptions to other people in conversation or speaking out loud.
Inattention and forgetfulness are the most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD however other signs may also be indicative of the presence of the disorder. These include trouble following the schedule, making impulsive mistakes or failing to finish tasks, poor handwriting, difficulty remembering names and locations or putting off tasks, forgetting important dates like birthdays and anniversary celebrations and speaking without thinking first. Regular exercise can improve mood and concentration. Try to complete 30 minutes of exercise every day, such as walking, jogging or swim, or even cycling.
4. You're having a hard time Concentrating
Women with ADHD might have trouble being organized and find it difficult to finish tasks. They might lose things, forget appointments or get easily distracted while doing work or studying. ADHD symptoms can intensify the frustrations of relationships that are strained with family members or romantic partners. They may feel unloved, or even abused, by their family or friends. This can lead to feelings like hopelessness and helplessness.
It's important to recognize ADHD in adults so that you can get the right treatment and support. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed on this adhd women checklist, speak to your healthcare professional to get an official diagnosis.
A person suffering from ADHD might be prone to emotional sensitivity, mood changes and difficulty managing emotions. They may experience difficulty staying focused or be on the verge a meltdown. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty in social situations due to their inability control their emotions. They could react in a way that is too extreme or make inappropriate comments.
Hyperfocus and the inability to focus are common symptoms of ADHD in women. They may spend long hours studying a subject, but not be aware of the people who are looking to speak to them. They may overwhelm others with their knowledge and make people feel discontent or angry.
The symptoms of ADHD for women can get worse during hormonal changes like premenstrual syndrome, pregnancy, or menopausal symptoms. This could cause a cycle of self-medication with substances and a tendency to react excessively to criticism or rejection. This is why it's important for women to recognize and manage their ADHD symptoms as they age. There are a myriad of ways to do this, including using a daily planner or post-it notes to track deadlines and reminders, making notes at meetings and keeping a calm and organized living space.
5. You Have a Hard Time Making it through
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed by daily tasks and obligations. They may forget important information, such as instructions from doctors or the best way to take their medication. They may have difficulty managing their finances or get along with their colleagues and friends. They might be more prone to mood disorders like depression and anxiety, leading to a low self-esteem or feeling of being inadequate.
Women have a difficult time getting diagnosed and treated for ADHD despite the fact that it can impact many aspects of their lives. This is mostly because of the tendency for women and girls to cover up their ADHD symptoms or misinterpret them. They may also be referred to other conditions like anxiety or depression rather than diagnosed with ADHD.
A lot of the symptoms that are associated with ADHD in both genders such as inattention, forgetfulness and not meeting deadlines, may be mistakenly interpreted by doctors treating women and girls as anxiety or depression. This can lead women to be misdiagnosed, and thus not get the treatment they need.
As girls and women age, ADHD symptoms can worsen due to hormonal changes like puberty and pregnancy. Stress, sleep disturbances and certain foods can also contribute to the symptoms.
If you're struggling with ADHD it is essential to seek assistance from an therapist and a therapist who are experienced in treating women and girls with the condition. A good therapist will be able to validate your experience and ask questions about the impact that social expectations have on your outlook. They will also show you how to advocate for yourself. They can also employ different ways to address your needs, like emotion regulation, time-management and organizational skills.