ADHD in Women Checklist
Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended to be used for educational purposes and not to replace the advice given by an expert healthcare professional. You should consult a physician or therapist who has worked with ADHD in girls and women to receive individualized advice, accurate diagnosis and treatment.
ADHD symptoms can change over the life of a woman due to hormonal fluctuation. Symptoms may also worsen when menopausal, pregnant or menstrual cycles.
1. You're easily distracted
Women who suffer from ADHD typically have a difficult time concentrating and keeping their attention focused on their tasks or activities. They may misplace items or forget information, or be easily distracted by other people or things around them. Women with ADHD often have trouble managing their emotions and balancing multiple tasks.
high functioning adhd in women may overcompensate by working harder, putting their colleagues' needs ahead of their own. They might also be unable to stick to a consistent routine or rely on apps and other productivity tools to make up for their lapses in focus. It's possible that women with ADHD have more of a cyclical pattern to their symptoms, and this 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.
In the end, it is possible for them to go unnoticed and remain undiagnosed. It can be challenging for them to get the treatment they require. Many women are unaware they suffer from ADHD until they observe the child's behavior. This can lead to feelings of shame and self-blame. 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're having a difficult time controlling your emotions and are especially sensitive to rejection. You're easily upset or angry and may get angry with your friends when they don't agree with your. You could also be prone to information overload, slide into a rabbit hole of information and forget that other people are trying to talk to you.
Girls and women are more likely than men to have the inattentive or quiet type of ADHD. They are less likely to display symptoms of impulsivity or hyperactivity, but may display both. They are more likely than males and females to be misdiagnosed due to the fact that their symptoms appear differently and they are more likely to conceal them.
The most well-known ADHD stereotype is the image of a hyperactive child bouncing off walls, which has led to a lot of girls and women being viewed as unimportant, ignored or omitted by healthcare professionals. This bias towards gender can persist throughout your life even although ADHD awareness is increasing. Teachers don't usually recommend ADHD assessments for female students, and mental health professionals also do not refer them as often as they would for male students.
Even if adhd in older women diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms can change with your hormones. For instance, your symptoms could increase during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopausal which is when your body produces more estrogen. However, they could also become worse when you enter menopausal as your body begins to produce less estrogen and the brain's function changes. It's important to track your symptoms and notify your doctor if they're becoming more severe. They can assist you in finding the most effective treatment option to manage these symptoms. This could be therapy, medication or a combination of both.
3. You're having a difficult time managing your emotions
Women suffering from ADHD can have difficulty regulating their emotions. They may also become overwhelmed very quickly. They may also have difficulty understanding social cues and recognizing non-verbal communication, which can make it challenging to keep up with relationships. They are more likely to suffer from anxiety or depression, and are more at risk of impulsive behavior such as substance abuse. Additionally, they are more likely to have an history of abuse or sexual trauma and are more prone to experience rejection sensitivity.
Women may be more adept at hiding their symptoms than men. This can result in a delayed diagnosis and treatment. Women and girls are more likely to be diagnosed as having the inattention-deficiency form of ADHD. This is often overlooked by doctors.
This type of ADHD is marked by chronic forgetfulness and difficulties focusing on tasks, and also issues with planning and organization. Symptoms include failing to return library books, failing to make appointments, or missing important events such as birthdays or holidays. They are easily distracted, find it difficult to work in noisy environments, and are more likely to misplace and losing things. They may also have difficulty taking their time, interrupting others in conversation, or even speaking out loud.
Impulsivity and forgetfulness are among the most commonly reported signs of ADHD however other signs may also be indicative of the presence of the disorder. This includes difficulty adhering to 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 dates, and speaking without thinking before speaking. Regular exercise can boost your mood and improve focus so make sure you go for a 30-minute walk, swim, cycle or run each day.
4. You have a hard time focusing.
Women with ADHD are often unable to stay organized and completing tasks. They may lose things, forget appointments, or get distracted when working or studying. ADHD symptoms can increase the tensions that arise from strained relationships. This may be with friends or romantic partners. They may feel unloved, or even abused by their family, partner or colleagues. This can lead to feelings of helplessness and despair.
It is crucial to be aware of ADHD among adults to receive the proper treatment and support. If you have any of the symptoms listed on this adhd women checklist talk to your healthcare provider to get an official diagnosis.
A person suffering from ADHD might experience emotional sensitivity mood swings and difficulties controlling emotions. She may struggle to focus and may be on the verge of meltdowns. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty in social situations due to their inability to control their emotions. They may react too quickly or make inappropriate comments.
Hyperfocus and the inability to focus are common symptoms of ADHD in women. They could spend long hours looking up a topic, but fail to notice when people want to talk to them. They may overwhelm others with their knowledge, leaving them feeling frustrated or disrespected.
The symptoms of ADHD can also become more severe when women experience hormonal changes such as menopause or pregnancy, or premenstrual disorders. This can lead to a cyclical pattern of self-medication with substances and a tendency to react excessively to criticism or rejection. It is crucial for women to recognize and manage their ADHD as they age. There are many methods to manage this, such as 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're having a hard time Following Through
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed by their daily obligations and responsibilities. They might forget important information, such as instructions from doctors or the best way to take their medication. They may have trouble managing their finances or getting along with their colleagues and friends. They might be more prone to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, which can lead to feelings of self-doubt or of inadequate.
Women have a difficult to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD, despite the fact that it can impact all aspects of their lives. This is due to the fact that women and girls often confuse or conceal ADHD symptoms. They might also be referred for other conditions like anxiety or depression rather than diagnosed with ADHD.
Additionally some of the symptoms that can signal ADHD for boys and men, such as a failure to meet deadlines, forgetful, or trouble with organizing and prioritizing--are more likely to be misinterpreted by therapists as depression or anxiety in women and girls. This could result in misdiagnosis and stop women from receiving the treatment they require.
As girls and women get older they develop ADHD symptoms can get worse as hormonal changes occur, like puberty, postpartum, pregnancy and menopausal. They can also be exacerbated by stress, sleep disruptions and certain foods.
If you're struggling with ADHD it is essential to seek help from a clinician and therapist who are experienced in treating girls and women suffering from the disorder. A qualified therapist can confirm your experience, question the impact of societal expectations on your attitude, and teach you to practice self-advocacy. They may also employ various strategies to meet your needs, like emotion regulation, time-management and organizational skills.