Why We Why We ADHD In Women Checklist (And You Should Also!)
ADHD in Women Checklist
Medical Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice provided by a qualified healthcare provider. You should consult a physician or therapist who has experience with ADHD in girls and women to receive individualized advice, accurate diagnosis and treatment.
ADHD symptoms can change throughout women's lives due to hormonal changes. Symptoms may also worsen during menopausal cycles, pregnancy or menstrual cycles.
1. You're easily distracted
Women with ADHD struggle with staying focused and focusing on tasks or other pursuits. They may misplace items and forget details, or become easily distracted by other people or objects around them. It's also typical for women with ADHD to have more difficulty managing their emotions and keeping track of many tasks.
They may overcompensate by working harder, putting others' requirements ahead of their own. They might also have difficulty to keep a routine or depend on productivity tools and apps to compensate for their lack of concentration. It's also possible for women with ADHD to have a more cyclical pattern of their symptoms that can be triggered 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.
In the end, it can be easier for them to slip under the radar and not be detected. It can be difficult for them to get the treatment they need. In addition many women don't even realize they have ADHD until their child is diagnosed and they see their own struggles manifested in their child's behavior. This can cause a feeling of guilt and shame. It is essential that women acknowledge their ADHD symptoms in order to receive the proper treatment.
2. You're easily impulsive
You act on impulses often without considering the consequences. You have trouble managing your emotions, and are particularly sensitive to rejection. You are easily upset or angry, and you may get angry when friends disagree with your opinions. You're also prone to information-dumping and falling down rabbit holes, and forgetting that others are trying to connect with you.
Women and girls are more likely than men to have the quiet or inattentive type of ADHD. They are less likely to suffer from symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsivity however, they could have both kinds of symptoms mixed together. They are more likely than males and females to be overlooked 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 walls. This has led to many women and girls being misunderstood or ignored by doctors. This bias against women can be present throughout your life, even though ADHD awareness has improved. Teachers aren't recommending ADHD assessments for girls nearly as often as they do for males and they're not referred to mental health professionals as well.
Even when 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. They can also become worse as you enter the menopause when your body begins to produce less estrogen, and your brain functions change. It is crucial to keep track of your symptoms and tell your doctor if they're becoming more intense. They can help you find the most effective treatment option to treat the symptoms. This could involve treatment, medication or a combination.
3. You're having trouble managing your emotions
Women who suffer from ADHD often have trouble regulating their emotions and can become overwhelmed easily. They may also have trouble understanding social cues and picking up on non-verbal signals, which can make it challenging to keep up with relationships. They are more susceptible to anxiety or depression and are at greater risk for impulsive behavior such as alcohol or drug abuse. They are also more likely to experience sensitive to rejection and may have a history of sexual abuse.
Women are more adept at hiding their symptoms than men, which can lead to underdiagnosis and delayed treatment. Girls and women 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 constant forgetfulness and difficulty in focusing on tasks, in addition to problems with planning and organization. It is characterized by forgetting to return library books, failing to make appointments, or ignoring important events like birthdays or holidays. They are easily distracted and find it difficult to work in noisy or busy environments, and are susceptible to misplacing and losing things. They may also have difficulty waiting their turn in conversations, causing interruptions to others or speaking out loud.
Forgetfulness and impulsivity are the most frequently 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 tasks, poor handwriting as well as difficulty in remembering names and places, procrastinating, forgetting details like birthdays and anniversary dates, and speaking without thinking about it first. Regular exercise can boost your mood and concentration. Try to get 30 minutes of exercise each day, including running, jogging, swim or cycle.
4. You are having a difficult time focusing
Women suffering from ADHD are often unable to stay well-organized and completing tasks. They might lose things, forget appointments or become easily distracted while doing work or studying. ADHD symptoms are often the cause of tensions in relationships with family members or romantic partners. They may feel misunderstood or even abused by their family or partner. This can cause feelings of despair and helplessness.
high functioning adhd in women is essential to be aware of ADHD among adults to receive the appropriate treatment and support. If you see yourself exhibiting certain symptoms on this checklist of symptoms of adhd in women It's a good idea to speak with your health care professional about obtaining an official diagnosis.
A person suffering from ADHD may experience emotional sensitivity mood swings and difficulties regulating emotions. They may experience difficulty focusing or be on the close to having a meltdown. Women with ADHD may also experience difficulties in social situations due to their inability manage their emotions. They could react in a way that is too extreme or make inappropriate comments.
Hyperfocus and inability to focus are common symptoms of ADHD in women. They could spend a significant amount of time studying a subject, but fail to notice that others are trying to talk to them. They may overload others with their knowledge, making them feel dissatisfied or even resentful.
The symptoms of ADHD in women might also worsen during hormonal changes like premenstrual syndrome, pregnancy, or menopausal symptoms. This could lead to an increase in self-medication and an increased tendency to react to rejection or criticism. It is crucial for women to recognize and manage their ADHD as they age. There are a variety of ways to achieve this, such as using a daily planner to track deadlines and remind you of important dates, making notes during meetings, and maintaining an orderly, well-organized home.
5. You're having a hard time Following Through
Women with ADHD are often overwhelmed by their daily obligations and responsibilities. They may skip appointments and forget important information, like how to take medication or doctor's instructions. They can struggle to manage their finances, or even get along with coworkers and friends. They might be more prone 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 affect many aspects of our lives, it's difficult for women to receive an assessment and treatment than men. This is because of the tendency for women and girls to hide their ADHD symptoms or misinterpret them. They might also be referred for other disorders like anxiety or depression rather than diagnosed with ADHD.
Furthermore there are many symptoms that can signal ADHD for boys and men, such as a failure to meet deadlines, forgetful, or trouble with organizing and prioritizing--are more likely to be interpreted by therapists as anxiety or depression in women and girls. This could cause women to be misdiagnosed, and thus not receive the treatment they require.
As women and girls get older they develop ADHD symptoms can become more severe during hormonal changes, like puberty, postpartum, pregnancy and menopausal. They can also be exacerbated by stress, sleep disruptions and certain foods.
If you're struggling with ADHD look for an experienced therapist or a professional who has experience treating women with the condition. A good therapist will validate your experience and question the impact that societal expectations influence your perspective. They can also teach you how to advocate for yourself. They can also employ different strategies to meet your needs, including control of emotions, time management, and organizational skills.