ADHD in Women Checklist
Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for education purposes only and does not replace the advice provided by an experienced healthcare professional. You should consult a medical or therapist who has experience with ADHD in girls and women to receive individualized guidance for accurate assessment and diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.
ADHD symptoms can vary through a woman's life due to hormonal changes. The symptoms can also become more severe during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopausal changes.
1. You're easily distracted
Women suffering from ADHD typically have a difficult concentration and staying their attention on tasks or activities. They might lose things or forget details, or be easily distracted by the things or people around them. It's also normal for women suffering from ADHD to have more difficulty managing their emotions and juggling multiple tasks.
They could overcompensate by trying harder, putting others' demands ahead of their own. They might be unable to maintain a consistent routine or rely on productivity tools and apps to help compensate for their lack of focus. It's possible that those with ADHD have a more cyclical pattern to their symptoms, which could be triggered during hormonal changes like 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. It can be difficult for them to receive the treatment they require. Additionally adhd symptoms in women adults don't even realize they suffer from ADHD until their child is diagnosed and they see their own struggles being reflected in their child's behavior. This can result in feelings of guilt and shame. It is crucial for women to recognize their ADHD symptoms to receive the appropriate treatment.
2. You're easily distracted
You are prone to acting on impulses frequently without thinking about the consequences. You have a hard time controlling your emotions, and are particularly sensitive to rejection. You're easily frustrated or offended and might be angry at your friends when they don't agree with you. You can also be prone to information overload, go into the rabbit hole of research and forget that others are trying talk to you.
Girls and women are more likely to have the quiet, or inattention, kind of ADHD. They are less likely to suffer from hyperactive or impulsive symptoms however they could have both types of symptoms mixed together. They are more likely than men and boys to be underdiagnosed because their symptoms appear differently and they tend camouflage them.
The most common stereotype of ADHD is a hyperactive, boy who bounces off the walls. This has resulted in many girls and women being viewed as a burden or ignored by doctors. This bias towards gender can continue throughout your life even if ADHD awareness has risen. Teachers rarely suggest ADHD assessments for female students and mental health professionals also do not refer them as often as they would for male students.
Even when you're officially diagnosed with ADHD symptoms can vary based on your hormones. For instance, your symptoms may improve during the time of your menstrual cycle, pregnancy and perimenopausal periods which is when your body produces more estrogen. However, they could also become worse as you enter menopause, when your body starts to make less estrogen and the brain's function changes. If your symptoms are getting more severe, it's crucial to monitor your symptoms and discuss them with your doctor. They can assist you in determining the best approach to treat your symptoms. This could be treatment, medication or a combination.
3. You're having trouble managing your emotions
Women who suffer from ADHD are often unable to control their emotions. They also tend to get overwhelmed very quickly. 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 at greater risk for impulsive behaviors such as substance abuse. They are also more likely to experience sensitization to rejection and may have a history of sexual abuse.
Women may be better at masking their symptoms than men, which can cause underdiagnosis and delay in treatment. It is also more common for girls and women to be diagnosed with the inattentive form of ADHD, which tends to be overlooked by doctors.
This form of ADHD is characterized by chronic forgetfulness, difficulties in staying focused on tasks, and issues with planning and organization. The signs include not returning library books or making appointments, and also being absent from important birthdays or other events. They are easily distracted, find it difficult to work in noisy environments, and are susceptible to misplacing and losing items. They may also have issues keeping their place in conversations, or interrupting others when talking to themselves out loud.
Inattention and forgetfulness are the most commonly reported symptoms of ADHD however, other signs can also indicate the condition. These include trouble following the schedule, making impulsive mistakes, or failing to finish projects, handwriting that is sloppy as well as difficulty in 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 increase your mood and focus so make sure you take a 30-minute walk, swim, cycle or run every day.
4. You're having a hard time Concentrating
Women with ADHD may have trouble being organized and find it difficult to finish tasks. They may lose items, forget appointments or become easily distracted while working or studying. ADHD symptoms are often the cause of tensions in relationships with family members or romantic partners. They might feel misunderstood or even victimized by their family, friends or colleagues. This can result in feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.
It is crucial to recognize ADHD in adults so that you can seek the appropriate treatment and help. If you notice several of the symptoms on this list of symptoms for women with adhd It's a good idea to speak with your healthcare professional about getting an official diagnosis.
A person suffering from ADHD might experience sensitivity to emotions mood swings and difficulties regulating emotions. She may struggle to focus and find herself nearing the point of a meltdown. Women with ADHD can also have trouble in social situations, since their struggles with controlling their emotions can cause them to overreact or make inappropriate statements.
adhd women uk 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 other people are trying to talk to them. They might info-dump and overwhelm others with their knowledge, making them feel angry or resentful.
The symptoms of ADHD can also become more severe when women experience hormonal changes like menopausal and pregnancy or premenstrual disorders. This can lead to a pattern of self-medication and the tendency to react in a way to rejection or criticism. This is why it's crucial for women to identify and manage their ADHD symptoms as they age. There are a myriad of methods to manage this, such as using a daily planner or post-it notes to track deadlines and reminders, taking notes at meetings, and maintaining an organized and peaceful living space.
5. You have a difficult time following through
Women suffering from ADHD can easily become overwhelmed by the daily demands and obligations. They may skip appointments and forget important information, like how to take medication or follow the doctor's prescriptions. They may struggle with managing their finances or getting along with their colleagues and friends. They may be more susceptible to mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression. This can cause low self-esteem and feelings inadequacy.
Women still have a harder to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD, despite the fact that it can impact all aspects of their lives. This is mostly due to the tendency of women and girls to cover up their ADHD symptoms or interpret them in a different way. They may also be referred to other disorders like depression or anxiety rather than diagnosed with ADHD.
Additionally some of the symptoms that indicate ADHD for boys and men, such as missing deadlines, being distracted, or difficulty with organizing and prioritizing are more likely to be seen by therapists as depression or anxiety in women and girls. This can lead to misdiagnosis and prevent women from receiving the treatment they need.
As women and girls mature, ADHD symptoms can worsen due to hormonal changes like puberty and pregnancy. They can also be exacerbated by stress, sleep disruptions, and certain foods.
If you're struggling with ADHD, it's crucial to seek assistance from a therapist or a counselor who have experience in treating girls and women with the disorder. A good therapist will be able to validate your experience and question the impact that expectations from society have on your outlook. They will also teach you how to advocate for yourself. They can also use different strategies to meet your needs, such a emotion regulation, time-management, and organizing skills.