ADHD in Women Checklist
Medical Disclaimer: This article is solely for educational purposes and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. Please consult a clinical or therapist with experience with ADHD in women and girls to receive personalized advice for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
ADHD symptoms can change throughout women's lives due to hormonal changes. The symptoms can also become more severe during menopausal cycles, pregnancy or menstrual cycles.
1. You're Easily Distracted
Women with ADHD struggle with keeping their attention and staying focused on tasks or other pursuits. They might lose items, forget specifics or become easily distracted by things or people around them. It's also common for women suffering from ADHD to have a more difficult time managing their emotions and keeping track of many tasks.
They may overcompensate by working harder, putting other's needs over their own. They may also have difficulty to keep a routine or depend on productivity tools and apps to make up for their lack of concentration. It is also possible for women who suffer from ADHD to have more of a cyclical pattern in their symptoms, which can be caused by hormonal changes for instance, 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 remain undiagnosed. This makes it more challenging for them to access the treatment they need. Many women don't realize they have ADHD until they observe 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 to seek the proper treatment.
2. adhd in adult women treatment in a state of mind
You tend to make decisions based on impulses, without thinking about the consequences. You struggle to control your emotions, and are particularly sensitive to rejection. You are easily annoyed or upset and may be angry when your friends disagree with you. You're also prone to information-dumping, falling down research rabbit holes, and forgetting that others are trying to connect with 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 however, they may exhibit both. They are more likely to be undiagnosed than boys and men because their symptoms are different and they tend to conceal them.
The most well-known ADHD image is of a hyperactive boy bouncing off the walls, which has led to a lot of girls and women being misunderstood, overlooked or omitted by healthcare professionals. This bias against women can be present throughout your life, even though ADHD awareness has increased. Teachers don't recommend ADHD assessments for girls nearly as often as they do for males and they're not referred to mental health professionals too.
Even if you're diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms can fluctuate with your hormones. For instance, your symptoms may improve during the time of your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopausal periods, when your body makes more estrogen. They can also worsen as you enter the menopause when your body begins to produce less estrogen, and your brain functions change. It is important to monitor your symptoms and tell your doctor if they are becoming more severe. They can assist you in finding the most effective treatment option to manage these symptoms. This could include therapy, medication or a combination of both.
3. You're having a difficult time managing your emotions
Women who suffer from ADHD frequently have difficulty regulating their emotions and can become overwhelmed easily. They may also have trouble reading social cues and picking up on non-verbal communication, which could make it challenging to keep up with relationships. They are more vulnerable to depression or anxiety and are at greater risk for impulsive behavior such as substance abuse. In addition, they are more likely to have an history of abuse or sexual trauma and have sensitivity to rejection.
Women may be more adept at concealing their symptoms than men. This could lead to a delayed diagnosis and treatment. Women and girls are more likely to be diagnosed with the inattentive form of ADHD. This is often overlooked by doctors.
This form of ADHD is characterized by chronic forgetfulness, trouble staying focused on tasks, and issues with planning and organization. Symptoms include forgetting to return library books, not making appointments, or missing important events like birthdays or holidays. They are easily distracted and find it hard to work in noisy or busy environments. They are also prone to misplacing and losing things. They may also have trouble keeping their place in conversations, interrupting others or speaking out loud.
Forgetfulness and impulsivity are the most commonly reported symptoms of ADHD however, other signs could also indicate the presence of the presence of the disorder. Other signs include difficulty adhering to an established routine, making impulsive mistakes, or failing to complete tasks, poor writing, having trouble remembering names and locations, procrastinating and forgetting details like birthdays or anniversary celebrations. Regular exercise can boost mood and concentration. Try to get 30 minutes of exercise per day, such as walking, jogging or swim, or even cycling.
4. You're having a hard time Concentrating
Women suffering from ADHD may have trouble staying focused and accomplishing tasks. They may lose things and forget appointments or get distracted when studying or working. ADHD symptoms can intensify the frustrations of relationships that are strained with family members or romantic partners. They might feel misunderstood or even abused by their family, friends or colleagues. This can lead to feelings of helplessness and despair.
It is crucial to recognize ADHD in adults to get the right treatment and help. If you have any of the symptoms listed on this checklist for women with adhd, speak to your doctor to obtain an official diagnosis.
A woman suffering from ADHD might experience emotional sensitivity, mood swings and difficulty controlling emotions. She may have difficulty focusing or be on the verge a meltdown. Women with ADHD can also have trouble in social situations, since their difficulties regulating their emotions might lead them to overreact or make inappropriate remarks.
Hyperfocus and a lack of concentrate are a typical symptom of ADHD in women. They may spend a lot time researching a subject but fail to notice that other people are trying to talk to them. They may overwhelm others with their knowledge, leaving them feeling dissatisfied or even resentful.
The symptoms of ADHD can also be worsened during hormonal changes, such as menopausal and pregnancy or premenstrual disorders. This could lead to a pattern of self-medication and an increased tendency to react to criticism or rejection. This is why it's essential for women to recognize and manage their ADHD symptoms as they get older. There are a myriad of ways to achieve this, such as using a daily planner or post-it notes to keep track of deadlines and reminders, taking notes during meetings and maintaining a calm and organized living space.
5. You have a difficult time following through
Women with ADHD can easily become overwhelmed by daily tasks and commitments. They might forget important information, such as instructions from doctors or the best way to take their medication. They may struggle to manage their finances or get along with their colleagues and friends. They could be more prone to mood disorders like anxiety and depression. This can result in feelings of self-worth and inadequateness.
Women still have a harder to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD regardless of the fact that it can impact many aspects of their lives. This is because women and girls often misinterpret or camouflage ADHD symptoms. They may be referred to as other conditions like depression or anxiety instead of being diagnosed with ADHD.
A lot of the symptoms that are linked to ADHD in both genders, such as inattention, forgetfulness, and missing deadlines, can be incorrectly identified by the doctors of women and girls as anxiety or depression. This can lead women to be misdiagnosed and not receive the treatment they need.
As girls and women become older, their ADHD symptoms can become more severe as hormonal changes occur, such as puberty and postpartum, pregnancy and menopausal. They can also be exacerbated by stress, sleep issues and certain foods.
If you're struggling with ADHD it's essential to seek out a clinician and therapist who have experience treating girls and women suffering from the disorder. A good therapist will confirm your experience and question the impact that societal expectations influence your perspective. They will also teach you how to advocate for yourself. They may also employ various ways to address your needs, including emotion regulation, time-management and the ability to organize.