ADHD in Women Checklist
Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for education purposes only and does not substitute the advice of an expert healthcare professional. Consult adult add women or therapist experienced with ADHD for girls and women to receive personalized guidance, accurate assessment and diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.
ADHD symptoms can change over the course of a woman's life due to hormonal changes. These symptoms can also get worse when menopausal, pregnant or menstrual cycles.
1. You're easily distracted
Women suffering from ADHD tend to have a harder focus and keep their attention focused on their tasks or activities. They might lose items, forget specifics or become easily distracted by objects or people around them. Women who suffer from ADHD often have trouble managing their emotions or balancing multiple tasks.
They might overcompensate by working harder, putting other's requirements over their own. They may be unable to keep a routine or depend 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 can be triggered by 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 much easier for them to get through the cracks and remain undiagnosed. It can be a challenge for them to access the treatment they need. Many women are unaware they suffer from ADHD until they witness the child's behavior. This can result in feelings of guilt and shame. It's important for women to recognize their ADHD symptoms in order to seek the proper treatment.
2. You're easily in a state of mind
You often make decisions based on impulses, without thinking about the consequences. You're unable to regulate your emotions and are especially sensitive to rejection. You can be easily annoyed or upset and may get angry when friends disagree with you. You can also be prone to information overload, go down rabbit holes of research and forget that other people are trying to talk to you.
Women and girls are more likely than men to have the inattentive or quiet type of ADHD. They are less likely to exhibit symptoms of impulsivity or hyperactivity but they can display both. They are more likely than men and boys to be overlooked because their symptoms appear differently and they are more likely to conceal them.
The standard ADHD image is of an overactive boy who bounces off walls, which has contributed to women and girls being misunderstood, overlooked or ignored by doctors. This bias against women can continue throughout your life, even though ADHD awareness is improving. 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. For instance, your symptoms could improve during the time of 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 as your body begins to make less estrogen and the brain's function changes. If your symptoms are getting more intense, it's vital to keep track of them and share that with your doctor. They can help you find the best treatment option for them. This could involve medication, therapy or a combination of both.
3. You Have a Hard Time managing your emotions
Women suffering from ADHD frequently have difficulty regulating their emotions, and are overwhelmed easily. They may also find it difficult to discern social cues or understand non-verbal communication. This can make it difficult to keep relationships. They are more prone to anxiety or depression and are more prone for impulsive behaviors such as substance abuse. They are also more likely to experience sensitization to rejection and have a history or sexual abuse.
Women are more adept at concealing their symptoms than men. This can lead to a delayed diagnosis and treatment. It is also more common for women and girls to be diagnosed with the inattentional type of ADHD, which tends to be ignored by doctors.
This form of ADHD is characterized by chronic forgetfulness, trouble keeping focus on tasks and difficulties with planning and organization. Symptoms include not returning library books, failing to make appointments, or missing important events such as birthdays or holidays. They are easily distracted and find it difficult to concentrate in busy or noisy environments, and are susceptible to misplacing and losing things. They may also have issues getting their turn in conversations, or interrupting others when talking to themselves out loud.
Forgetfulness and impulsivity are the most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD however other signs can also indicate the presence of the disorder. Other signs include difficulty adhering to a routine, making careless mistakes or failing to finish tasks, poor writing and having trouble remembering names and places as well as putting off important events like birthdays or anniversaries. Getting regular exercise can help improve mood and focus and focus, so aim to go for a 30-minute walk, swim, cycle or run each day.
4. You have a hard time focusing.
Women suffering from ADHD may have trouble staying focused and accomplishing tasks. They may lose items and forget appointments, or be easily distracted when working or studying. ADHD symptoms can exacerbate the stress that comes with difficult relationships. This could be with friends or romantic partners. They may feel misunderstood, or even abused, by their partner or family. This can lead to feelings of despair and helplessness.
It's crucial to identify ADHD in adults to seek the appropriate treatment and help. If you see yourself exhibiting several of the symptoms on this checklist of symptoms of adhd in women it's a good idea to talk to your health care professional about obtaining an official diagnosis.
A woman suffering from ADHD might experience emotional sensitivity and mood swings, as well as difficulty managing emotions. She might have trouble focusing and find herself in the midst of a meltdown. Women who suffer from ADHD may also experience difficulties in social situations due to their inability to manage their emotions. They might overreact or make inappropriate remarks.
Hyperfocus and inability to concentrate are a typical symptom of ADHD in women. They may spend many hours researching a topic but not be aware of the people who want to talk to them. They may overload others with their knowledge, making them feel frustrated or disrespected.
The symptoms of ADHD can also become more severe when women experience hormonal changes, such as menopausal, pregnancy, or premenstrual disorders. This could lead to a cyclical pattern of self-medication with substances and an inclination to react too strongly to rejection or criticism. For this reason, it's essential for women to recognize and manage their ADHD symptoms as they get older. There are many ways to achieve this, such as using a daily planner to record deadlines and remind you of important dates, taking notes during meetings, and ensuring a calm, organized home.
5. It is difficult keeping track of your progress
Women with ADHD are often overwhelmed by their responsibilities and tasks. They might forget important information, such as instructions from doctors or the best way to take their medication. They can struggle to manage their finances, or even get along with their colleagues and friends. They might be more susceptible to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. This can result in low self-esteem and feelings inadequateness.
Despite the fact that ADHD symptoms can impact many aspects of life, it's harder for women to get an assessment and treatment than men do. This is because women and girls often misinterpret or camouflage ADHD symptoms. They may be referred to for other conditions like depression or anxiety, rather than being diagnosed with ADHD.
Additionally, many of the same signs that could indicate ADHD in men and boys--such as a lack of deadlines, being in a state of forgetfulness, or having difficulty organizing and prioritizing--are more likely to be interpreted by doctors as depression or anxiety in women and girls. This could cause misdiagnosis and hinder women from receiving the treatment they require.
As women and girls mature, ADHD symptoms can worsen due to hormonal changes, such as puberty and pregnancy. They can also be made worse by stress, sleep disruptions and certain food items.
If adult add in women struggling with ADHD, seek out an therapist and a clinician who has worked with women with the condition. A good therapist will be able to validate your experience, rethink the impact of social expectations on your outlook and help you use self-advocacy to your advantage. They can also employ different methods to address your needs, including emotion regulation, time-management, and organizational skills.