As Kate Kelly and Peggy Ramundo note in their book You Mean I’m Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy? “You don’t have to be a Walking Encyclopedia of ADD, but you do need sufficient knowledge to capitalize on your strengths and bypass your weaknesses.” And to get this knowledge, keep on reading and learn the signs of ADHD.
Inattention
Do you find it difficult to select the right focus and maintain it? Do you struggle with shifting between tasks and filtering distractions? These all are ADHD symptoms.
It may sound surprising, but you might have trouble shifting attention even if you become so absorbed in work that everything else is neglected. And it’s another dimension of ADD — the workaholic dimension. Do you usually ignore everything else when focusing on the task at hand? Take this female ADHD test from ADDitude, and once you get a positive result, consult a professional in this field.
Impulsivity
Bear in mind that ADHD symptoms in women can be diverse and not just limited to attention issues. Imagine a child who constantly breaks classroom rules, runs into the street without looking, and insults parents. You might say, “This child is too impulsive.” Now, imagine a woman who always overshares with strangers, leaves work early on a whim, and blurts out private information. In this case, you would think, “She just doesn’t know how to behave in society.”
In reality, both the child and the woman, as many people with ADD, find it difficult to control their impulses. So, if your impulsivity affects your work and personal life, it is an ADHD symptom.
Here is our recommendation to gain more knowledge on this topic and communicate with confidence and clarity: A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD.
Hyperactivity
Although hyperactivity is the last on our list, this is the first symptom people associate with ADD. It’s not just about physical restlessness, and we can prove it. Have you ever met anyone who spoke rapidly, barely pausing? Did it feel like the words had been bottled up and were bursting out? There’s a high chance that such behavior is another manifestation of hyperactivity.
Many with ADD experience can also take up multiple hobbies, second jobs, or even run marathons. Do you find yourself playing with your hair, tapping your fingers, or fidgeting? Here is the ADHD in women checklist from ADDitude to check off ADD from your list of worries.
Identifying ADD is far more complex than dealing with usual illnesses. Since symptoms are behavioral rather than physical, many people assume the behaviors themselves are the problem. It’s okay if you recognize ADD in yourself after reading about others’ experiences or talking to friends. It’s okay to spend some time researching before seeking professional confirmation. However, try using ADD resources for adults, not children. One of them is our summary of Faster Than Normal. By the way, did you know that Leonardo Da Vinci, Henry Ford, Steve Jobs, and Albert Einstein also had ADHD?
Having learned about the disorder and found experienced ADD specialists, seek a diagnosis. Be ready that no single test confirms ADD. Always ask questions to understand why specific tests were used and what their results mean. Being different doesn’t mean being flawed, and your goal is not just to identify deficits but also to recognize strengths and coping strategies. Understanding your ADD is key to managing its impact on daily life.
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