ADHD in Women Checklist
Medical Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is intended for educational purposes and not to replace the advice provided by a qualified healthcare provider. You should consult a medical or therapist who has experience with ADHD in women and girls to receive individualized guidance for accurate assessment and diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.
ADHD symptoms can change over the life of a woman due to hormonal fluctuations. The symptoms can also become more severe during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause.
1. You're easily distracted
Women suffering from ADHD typically have a difficult time concentrating and keeping their focus on their tasks or activities. They might lose items, forget details or get easily distracted by people or objects around them. Women with ADHD often have difficulty controlling their emotions and balancing multiple tasks.
They might overcompensate by working harder, putting others' demands over 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 lack of focus. It's possible that those with ADHD have an underlying pattern of cyclicality to their symptoms, which could be triggered by 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.
It is much easier for them to get caught in the mud and not be recognized. It can be a challenge for them to access the treatment they need. Many women are unaware they suffer from ADHD until they see the child's behavior. This can result in feelings of shame and guilt. high functioning adhd in women is why it's crucial for women to be aware of their ADHD symptoms in order to seek treatment.
2. You're Easily Impulsive
You often react to impulses without considering the consequences. You struggle to control your emotions, and you're particularly sensitive to rejection. You're likely to be easily annoyed or upset and may lash out when your friends disagree with your opinions. You're also prone to information dumps, falling down research rabbit holes, and forgetting that others are trying to talk to you.
Women and girls are more likely to be diagnosed with the quiet, or inattention kind of ADHD. They are less likely to show symptoms of impulsivity or hyperactivity, but may display both. They are more likely than boys and men to be underdiagnosed because their symptoms manifest differently and they can be difficult to detect.
The classic stereotype of ADHD is that of a hyperactive boy who bounces off the walls. This has led to a lot of women and girls being misunderstood or ignored by doctors. This bias against women can be present throughout your life, even though ADHD awareness has increased. Teachers don't usually recommend ADHD evaluations for female students, and mental health professionals also aren't as likely to refer them as they do for male students.
Even when you're formally diagnosed with ADHD symptoms, they can change with your hormones. For instance, your symptoms might get better during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopausal periods which is 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 your brain's functions change. If your symptoms are getting more severe, it's crucial to track the symptoms and report them to your doctor. They can assist you in determining the best method to manage your symptoms. This might include medication, therapy, or a combination of both.
3. high functioning adhd in women 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 be unable to recognize social cues and understand non-verbal communication. This makes it difficult to maintain relationships. They are more vulnerable to depression or anxiety and are at greater risk for impulsive behavior such as alcohol or drug abuse. Additionally they are more likely to have an history of abuse or sexual trauma and experience rejection sensitivity.
Women may be more adept at hiding their symptoms than men, which could result in underdiagnosis and delayed treatment. It's also more common for girls and women to be diagnosed with the inattentional type of ADHD, which tends to be overlooked by doctors.
This type of ADHD is characterized by persistent forgetfulness and difficulties focusing on tasks, in addition to issues with planning and organization. The symptoms include failing to return library books, not scheduling appointments, or ignoring important events such as birthdays or holidays. They are easily distracted, and find it difficult to work in noisy environments, and are susceptible to misplacing and losing items. They may also have trouble taking their time, interrupting other people in conversation or speaking out loudly.
ADHD is characterised by impulsivity and forgetfulness, but there are other signs that could be present. These include trouble following a schedule, making careless mistakes or failing to complete projects, handwriting that is sloppy difficulties in remembering names and locations and putting off important dates like birthdays or anniversaries and speaking without thinking before speaking. Regular exercise can improve mood and concentration. Try to do 30 minutes of exercise each day, such as running, jogging, swim or cycle.
4. You have a difficult time Concentrating
Women with ADHD are often unable to stay focused and accomplishing tasks. They might lose things and forget appointments or get distracted when studying or working. ADHD symptoms often exacerbate the frustrations of relationships that are strained whether with family or romantic partners. They may feel unloved, or even abused by their family, partner or colleagues. This can cause feelings of helplessness and despair.
It is crucial to recognize ADHD among adults to receive the right treatment and assistance. If you have any of the symptoms on this adhd women checklist talk to your healthcare professional to get an official diagnosis.
A woman suffering from ADHD might be prone to emotional sensitivity, mood changes and difficulties controlling her emotions. She may have difficulty focusing or be on the close to having a meltdown. women and adhd with ADHD might also have issues in social situations due to their inability control their emotions. They might overreact, or make inappropriate comments.
Women with ADHD typically experience hyperfocus and an inability to concentrate. They could spend a significant amount of time studying a topic, but not be aware that others are trying to talk to them. They may overwhelm others with information, making them feel angry or dissatisfied.
The symptoms of ADHD can also become more severe in women during hormonal changes, such as menopausal or pregnancy, or premenstrual disorders. This can result in a pattern of self-medication and the tendency to react in a way to criticism or rejection. This is why it's essential for women to recognize and manage their ADHD symptoms as they age. There are many ways to do this, including using a daily planner or post-it notes to track deadlines and reminders, taking notes at meetings and keeping a calm and organized living space.
5. You Have a Hard Time Following Through
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed by daily tasks and obligations. They may skip appointments and forget important information, like how to take their medication or follow the instructions of a doctor. They can struggle to manage their finances, or even get 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.
Despite the fact that ADHD symptoms can affect a variety of aspects of life, it's difficult for women to receive an diagnosis and treatment than men. This is due to the tendency for women and girls to cover up their ADHD symptoms or make them appear to be a misinterpretation. They could also be referred for other conditions such as anxiety or depression rather than diagnosed with ADHD.
Many of the symptoms that are a sign of ADHD in boys and men like difficulties in prioritizing, forgetfulness and a tendency to miss deadlines, are often mistakenly interpreted by doctors treating girls and women as depression or anxiety. This could lead women to be misdiagnosed and unable to receive the treatment they require.
As women and girls grow up, their ADHD symptoms can get worse due to hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy, postpartum 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 therapist or a counselor who have experience treating girls and women suffering from the disorder. A good therapist will validate your experience and ask questions about the impact that social expectations influence your perspective. They will also teach you how to advocate for yourself. They may also employ various methods to address your needs, such a emotional regulation, time management, and organizing skills.