ADHD Symptoms in Women

Adult women suffering from ADHD have challenges that a lot of do not realize. If left untreated, the symptoms can create havoc on relationships and work life.

The gender bias and the tendency for women and girls to camouflage their symptoms contribute to underdiagnosis. The increased awareness has led to more adults receiving the care they need. ADHD symptoms in women are different from those of men, and can be exacerbated by hormone fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopausal.

Inattention Type Symptoms

Women with inattention ADHD may have trouble keeping on track, completing tasks and making mistakes. They may also misunderstand or make careless errors. They may have trouble keeping track of their obligations such as paying bills returning calls, or even sending birthday cards. They might also forget appointments and often miss work or social events or show up late for meetings.

what are the symptoms of adhd in adults of inattentive type ADHD are less noticeable than hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms in boys and men, so it's possible that women and girls who have these symptoms don't receive a diagnosis until adulthood. People who don't seek treatment for their symptoms can experience emotional distress. This could lead to a breakdown in relationships, or co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and depression.

The difficulties of living with ADHD that isn't treated can be overwhelming. For certain people, it can lead to self-blame and unhealthy coping strategies like excessive drinking and substance abuse. Some people fall into unhealthy habits, such as eating more or dieting. Teenagers and young girls might self-injure themselves to alleviate their frustration at not being able to meet social expectations. This may be done by cutting, burning, or scratching.

It's not surprising that women who have inattentive ADHD are more likely to experience depression and anxiety. This makes it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. They may also suffer from low self-esteem, which makes it hard to recognize that the problem is a mental illness, and not their fault.

Girls with inattentive ADHD can also have difficulty understanding social cues, which can make them appear distant or unobservant to others. They might miss jokes or misread body language, and be accused of being rude or obnoxious. They may also be struggling with impulse control, so they may interrupt others or shout out insulting phrases.

To improve their focus, it's important for women suffering from inattention type ADHD to get enough rest every night and avoid nicotine, caffeine and stimulants. Exercise regularly can help increase neurotransmitters that can aid with concentration.

Symptoms of Hyperactive/Impulsive Type

Women and adolescent girls with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD can find it hard to concentrate or organize. This can result in clutter in the home and problems paying bills on time. They might also forget appointments, or the names of family and friends members. They are often easily distracted or bored and struggle to wait for their turn to speak. They are less likely to show the symptoms of depression that are internalized or anxiety, which tends to be more frequent in men and boys.

It can be harder to identify and diagnose hyperactive/impulsive ADHD in women than in boys or men. Because these symptoms are more prevalent in boys and men healthcare professionals may not look for these symptoms in women and girls or may ignore them, putting them down to gender stereotypes or mood issues. ADHD rating scales are also biased towards male behavior, which makes it difficult to recognize and quantify these symptoms in women.

The good news is that there are ways to manage ADHD as an adult woman and this includes taking medication. The most important thing is to find a clinician and therapist experienced in treating ADHD in girls and women. The type of therapy suggested will depend on the severity of your symptoms and your lifestyle however, it could include cognitive behavioral therapy to help clarify your experience and help you reframe negative patterns of thinking Psychoeducation for the family, or group therapy for support.

Some people can reduce their symptoms by adhering to regular sleeping schedules, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy and balanced diet. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.

When menopausal hormone levels drop, many symptoms of ADHD get worse. During this period you must stay on top of things and keep track of your symptoms and your treatment plan. You can also consult your doctor to modify the type or dosage of your medications as needed. Talk to your therapist or counselor about the difficulties you face in managing your symptoms and how they impact your work as well as at home and in relationships. They may also suggest ways to improve communication with other people and your partner.

Mixed Type Signs and symptoms

Women who have mixed type ADHD often have difficulty in school and work however they do not exhibit the hyperactive or impulsive signs of the other subtypes. They may lose important documents and pay bills, or forget to schedule appointments. Symptoms of this form of the disorder may also include disrupting others, blurting out answers, and speaking without thinking. Women suffering from this form of the disorder also experience difficulty maintaining relationships and friendships and are unable to be a self-sufficient person.

In a lot of cases, family or friends are only able to notice the apathy symptom of ADHD. As a result, young women and girls with this disorder are often not diagnosed. A bias towards gender and the tendency of people with ADHD to conceal their symptoms is another reason for underdiagnosis.

Symptoms of this type of ADHD are caused by hormonal changes that occur during puberty, and during pregnancy and menopause. During these times hormone levels decrease, and progesterone levels rise. This combination makes ADHD symptoms more evident and makes them worse. Furthermore the symptoms can vary day-to-day, depending on the levels of progesterone and estrogen. This can lead to misdiagnosis and improper or insufficient treatment.


Psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medication to treat symptoms of the mixed type. This includes cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders, which assists people to change their negative attitudes and behaviors, as well as psychoeducational counseling. Both are offered through local mental health clinics, as well as online.

Getting regular physical activity, such as swimming, walking or running can help increase focus and attention. It can also release neurotransmitters that boost the brain and reduce feelings of stress or anxiety which are common among those suffering from ADHD. Other methods to manage ADHD include taking regular breaks, establishing daily routines, and using organizational techniques. A support group can be beneficial in developing lifestyle changes and strategies for coping. For those who are suffering from the condition individuals, a professional ADHD coach is a great option for individual, personalized guidance. Certain people with ADHD benefit from a cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy. Therapists can help a person become aware of their behavior and how it impacts other people. They can also improve their communication skills.

Symptoms of Adult Type

Women suffering from ADHD might have symptoms that differ than those of males. The process of diagnosing and treating the condition in women is complicated by gender roles, which can make it difficult for teachers or parents to notice when a girl has a problem with her attention or hyperactivity. It can also be hidden by depression or mental health issues, making it harder to detect. Symptoms can also fluctuate with hormone levels, like those during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal pregnancy.

Women who suffer from ADHD are most likely to experience inattentive symptoms. You are prone to losing things, having trouble remembering details and tend to be distracted by what other people are doing or your thoughts. Your lack of attention ADHD can impact your school, work, marriages, and other relationships. Home Page may have trouble following instructions, paying bills or keeping an eye on appointments. Your family and friends may be aware. Your teacher or boss may be concerned that you aren't finishing tasks on time or have difficulty staying focused in meetings.

If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You're always moving, and you interrupt others, talk too much or make statements that aren't logical without thinking. You can't wait for your turn, or maintain eye contact. You are impatient and often have mood swings, which could be difficult for your close family members and friends to bear.

You might have difficulty controlling your emotions, especially when you're dealing with trauma or stress. You may be more prone to react to criticism or fights, even when the situation isn't a serious one. It could be easier to deal with these feelings by engaging in self-destructive behavior such as drug or alcohol abuse, or unhealthy eating patterns.

Women diagnosed with ADHD are able to improve their lives by getting the proper treatment. Consider working with a life coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You can also seek help from a professional counselor who has had experience working with women suffering from this disorder. You may want to talk to a psychiatrist who will help you better understand how your genetics or brain activity could affect your ADHD symptoms.