ADHD in Women Checklist
Medical Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace the advice given by a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult I Am Psychiatry or therapist with experience with ADHD in women and girls to receive advice that is tailored to your needs, accurate diagnosis and treatment.
ADHD symptoms can change over the life of a woman due to hormonal fluctuation. Symptoms can also worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopausal changes.
1. You're easily distracted
Women with ADHD tend to have a harder focus and keep their focus on tasks or activities. They may misplace items or forget information, or be easily distracted by other people or objects surrounding them. Women suffering from ADHD often have trouble managing their emotions or balancing multiple tasks.
They could overcompensate by trying harder, putting other's needs ahead of their own. They might also be unable to maintain consistent routines or rely on apps and other productivity tools to compensate for their inattention issues. It's also possible for females with ADHD to have more of a cyclical pattern in their symptoms that can be caused by hormonal changes, like during the menstrual 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.
As a result, it is possible for them to slip under the radar and go undiagnosed. This makes it more challenging for them to receive the treatment they require. Additionally many women don't even realize they have ADHD until their child is diagnosed and they can see their own struggles being reflected in their child's behavior. This can result in feelings of shame and blame. It's important that women recognize their ADHD symptoms to receive the proper 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 are easily upset or angry, and you may get angry when friends don't agree with your views. You're also prone to information dumps or falling down research rabbit holes and forgetting that other people are trying to connect with you.
Girls and women are more likely than males to suffer from the inattentive or quiet type of ADHD. They are less likely to display hyperactive or impulsive signs however, they may exhibit both. They are more likely to be misdiagnosed than boys and men because their symptoms are different and they tend to conceal these symptoms.
The classic stereotype of ADHD is that of a hyperactive boy who bounces off walls. This has resulted in many girls and women being misunderstood or ignoring by doctors. This gender bias can last throughout your life, even although ADHD awareness is growing. Teachers rarely suggest ADHD evaluations for female students, and mental health professionals also do not refer them as often as they would for male students.
Even if you're officially diagnosed with ADHD symptoms can vary based on your hormones. Your symptoms could improve during your menstrual period as well as during pregnancy and perimenopausal periods when your body produces more estrogen. But they might also get worse when you enter menopausal, when your body starts to produce less estrogen and the brain's function changes. If your symptoms are getting more intense, it's vital to monitor them and share that with your doctor. They can help you find the best treatment option to manage them. This could be medication, therapy or a combination.
3. You're having a difficult time Managing Your Emotions
Women suffering from ADHD typically have trouble controlling their emotions, and are overwhelmed easily. They might also have difficulty to discern social cues or understand non-verbal communication. This can make it difficult to keep relationships. They are more susceptible to depression or anxiety and are more prone for impulsive behavior, such as addiction to drugs. They are also more likely to experience sensitive to rejection and have a history or sexual abuse.
Women may be better in masked symptoms than men, which could lead to underdiagnosis and delayed treatment. Women and girls are more likely to be diagnosed as having the inattention type of ADHD. This is often ignored by doctors.
This type of ADHD is marked by chronic forgetfulness and difficulty focusing on tasks, in addition to problems with planning and organization. Some of the signs are not returning library books or making appointments, and also being absent from important birthdays or events. They are easily distracted, have difficulty to work in noisy environments, and are prone of misplacing and losing things. They may also have trouble getting their turn, causing interruptions to other people in conversation or speaking out loudly.
ADHD is characterized by forgetfulness and impulsivity however, there are other symptoms that can be present. Other symptoms include difficulty sticking to a routine, making careless mistakes or failing to finish tasks, poor writing and having trouble remembering names and locations or putting off important dates like birthdays or anniversary celebrations. Regular exercise can boost your mood and concentration. Try to do 30 minutes of exercise every day, including walking, jogging or swim, or even cycling.
4. You're having a hard 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 get easily distracted while doing work or studying. ADHD symptoms are often the cause of frustrations of relationships that are strained with family members or romantic partners. They might feel misunderstood or even being abused by their family, friends or colleagues. This can lead to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.
It is crucial to recognize ADHD among adults in order to receive the right treatment and support. If you have any of the symptoms in this adhd women's checklist talk to your healthcare professional to get an official diagnosis.
A woman with ADHD may suffer from emotional sensitivity, mood changes and difficulties managing emotions. She may have difficulty focusing and find herself on the verge of meltdowns. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have issues in social situations due to their inability manage their emotions. They may react too quickly, or make inappropriate comments.
Hyperfocus and inability to concentrate are a typical symptom of ADHD in women. They may spend a lot of time studying a subject, but are unable to recognize when people are looking to speak to them. They could overwhelm others with information and make people feel discontent or angry.
The symptoms of ADHD for women can get worse during hormonal changes, such as premenstrual disorder, pregnancy or menopause. This can lead to a pattern of self-medication and the tendency to react in a way to rejection or criticism. 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 notes to keep track of deadlines and reminders, making notes at meetings, and maintaining a calm and organized living space.
5. You have a difficult time following through
Women suffering from ADHD can easily become overwhelmed by the daily demands and commitments. They may forget important information like instructions from doctors or the best way to take their medication. They can struggle to manage their finances or be able to get along with coworkers and friends. They may be more susceptible to mood disorders like depression and anxiety, which can lead to a low self-esteem or feeling of inadequate.
Despite the fact that ADHD symptoms can impact many aspects of life, it's still harder for women to get an diagnosis and treatment than men do. This is because women and girls tend to confuse or conceal ADHD symptoms. They could be referred to as other disorders like anxiety or depression instead of being diagnosed with ADHD.
Additionally, many of the same signs that could indicate ADHD in men and boys--such as a failure to meet deadlines, in a state of forgetfulness, or having difficulty prioritizing and organizing--are more likely to be misinterpreted by doctors as anxiety or depression in girls and women. This could lead to misdiagnosis and prevent women from receiving the treatment they need.
As girls and women mature, ADHD symptoms can worsen due to hormonal changes, such as puberty and pregnancy. They can also be exacerbated by stress, sleep issues and certain foods.
If you're struggling with ADHD it's essential to seek out an therapist and a therapist who are experienced in treating women and girls with the disorder. A good therapist will be able to validate your experience, question the impact of societal expectations on your outlook and help you use self-advocacy to your advantage. They can also employ different techniques to address your specific requirements, including emotional regulation, time management and skills for organizing.