Female ADHD Symptoms

Females who have ADHD often are not recognized as children because the disorder appears differently in girls than in boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.

They also tend to develop unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive alcohol and substance abuse, which mask ADHD symptoms and delay the diagnosis. These people are also more susceptible to co-existing conditions like anxiety and depression.

Inattention

Women with inattentive ADHD typically have a difficult time to keep up with their studies, work and daily routines. They might miss appointments or leave things around the house unattended. They have a difficult time organizing their personal finances, record-keeping and household chores. It's also common for women to experience trouble with memory and forgetfulness, which makes it difficult for them to remember dates or names. They also have trouble staying still for long periods and are unable to focus or follow directions.

While impulse control and hyperactivity are more prevalent in males and females however, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also prevalent for women and girls. In fact, it is estimated that up to 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are not attentive. To be able to receive a diagnosis, you must show at least five ongoing inattentive symptoms lasting more than six months.

Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms are often difficult for people to recognize because they don't view the symptoms as a problem, or have different expectations of how a girl should behave. Parents and teachers are less likely to suggest ADHD testing for girls than for boys.

Women's ADHD symptoms may also change as time passes due to hormonal fluctuations. Women's symptoms may worsen during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal changes.

These signs can affect the self-esteem of women and their satisfaction with her life. These issues can lead to feelings of self-doubt and shame and make it difficult to manage relationships, work or home chores. Women with untreated ADHD are also susceptible to depression and anxiety. They also are at risk of engaging in sexual behaviors which increase the chance of having a baby sexually transmitted infections, as well as other health issues. They might also be unable to accept rejection from others, regardless of whether it is real or perceived. As a result, they might avoid social situations and become more isolated.

Hyperactivity/Impulsivity

Impulsivity and hyperactivity can be the first signs of ADHD for women and girls. They may procrastinate more, misplace things or have difficulty concentrating. They may also become overwhelmed by the busy environment. They may also have difficulties sleeping or relaxing, and may be more susceptible to mood swings and anxieties. Symptoms like these can cause problems at the classroom, at home, and in their relationships.

Since symptoms of ADHD are more common in males and females however, girls and women may be overlooked for a diagnosis. Teachers and health professionals typically do not recommend ADHD evaluations for female students or colleagues as frequently as they do for male students. This could result in an incorrect assessment and a delayed response to treatment.

Combined with content to hide their issues, this can mean that adults with ADHD suffer more from the condition than is typically reported. They may not be able to admit that they struggle to concentrate at work or feel overwhelmed by household chores. They might have trouble making decisions at the supermarket or find it difficult to relax or sleep.

This can have a negative impact on their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they may develop unhealthy coping strategies that may include substance addiction or poor eating habits. This can cause more problems over time, and may prevent the woman getting the help she needs.

It is also possible that because ADHD-related behaviors are more socially acceptable for males and females, they may be suppressed or concealed by women and girls who fear being rejected. For instance, girls who have ADHD might display an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being judged because they aren't in line with the norms at school or in the community.

Ultimately, these factors can result in a cycle of confusion and frustration for women with ADHD. Families, friends, and educators should be aware of these struggles and be aware that they could be indicators of a disorder that has not been diagnosed. The disorder is treatable by medication and therapy.

Emotional Problems

Women with ADHD typically find it more difficult than men to manage their emotions. The mood of women with ADHD is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day because of hormonal changes. This can cause symptoms like irritability or a feeling of inadequacy. Women with ADHD are also more likely to experience anxiety and depression. These emotional problems could be detrimental to career and relationships.


Having ADHD can be a challenge for both parents and children, but it's especially difficult for women. Women can be shy about ADHD and may not seek help due to this. Women may attempt to cover up their symptoms by using strategies to cope, such as excessive drinking or substance abuse however this could cause more harm. Masking can also make it harder for employers and teachers to detect ADHD symptoms for women, and can contribute to delay in diagnosis.

It is easier for women with ADHD to hide the signs of ADHD in her youth and adolescence than when she becomes an adult. The pressures of life, along with the expectations from society to excel in work and relationships, can cause ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women suffering from ADHD feeling like they are a victim of failure, low self-esteem and constant stress. The diagnosis of ADHD may be a life-changing moment for certain women. It can help them understand the cause of their struggles and allow them to be more accepting of themselves.

adhd symptoms for women with ADHD struggle to receive help at work or school. They may feel embarrassed about confiding in a professor or supervisor and may be concerned that the accommodations they require could be considered an indication of weakness or incompetence. However, most instructors and supervisors are willing to make minor adjustments to help people with ADHD to succeed in their roles.

Women suffering from ADHD who are looking for supportive peers can also benefit by joining online support groups. These groups give members the chance to share stories and discuss women's ADHD issues.

Co-occurring conditions

As girls and women grow older they can develop coping strategies that can mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for others to recognize. For instance, a girl might make an effort to dress and act more like her peers in order to avoid attention from bullying or social rejection. She could also take advantage of impulsive and unorganized behavior by putting in more effort at school or at work, or using productivity apps to get tasks done. These and other coping mechanisms could conceal the presence of ADHD in women and delay the diagnosis until she is an adult.

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often diagnosed with anxiety or depression before they receive an official diagnosis. These other conditions may mask the presence and symptoms of ADHD. They can cause complications in treatment.

Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be afflicted by low self-esteem, and coexisting mood disorders. They are often misunderstood or dismissed as overly emotional or temperamental, which adds to their sense of anger.

ADHD symptoms can also cause women to have difficulties in their relationships. They tend to forget birthdays or misunderstand minor details which can cause conflict and miscommunication. They may also be struggling to keep up with household chores as well as personal finances and daily responsibilities. These issues can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed which can create an unhealthy internal landscape of their beliefs about their worth.

In clinical settings, gender bias affects the number of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents in the classroom to read vignettes that described children with ADHD symptoms, and rate how likely they were to recommend or find services for the child described. They found that the participants were more likely to recommend services for boys than for girls.

ADHD like other disorders that are similar to other conditions, can be different in severity and worsen at various times. For instance, symptoms can be more apparent during a woman's menstrual cycle or during pregnancy or the menopausal phase. These changes can lead to issues with relationships, social functioning and academic performance, and also cause feelings of frustration and disappointment.