Female ADHD Symptoms

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

They also have a tendency to develop unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive alcohol consumption and drug abuse, which can mask ADHD symptoms and delay the diagnosis. Other conditions that coexist, like anxiety and depression are also common among these people.

Attention!

Women with inattention ADHD might find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork or jobs. They might miss appointments or leave things unattended around the house. They have a difficult time organizing their personal finances, record-keeping and household chores. They also tend to forget names and dates, and also suffer from memory problems. They also have trouble staying still for long durations and are unable to concentrate or follow directions.

While hyperactivity and impulse control are more common in males and females, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also seen for women and girls. Up to 80% of ADHD sufferers are considered inattentive. You must have five symptoms of inattention that persist for longer than six months to qualify for a diagnoses.

Inattentive ADHD symptoms are often difficult to spot because they don't perceive them as a sign of a disorder or have different expectations of how girls should behave. This is why teachers and parents are less likely to recommend ADHD assessments for girls than they are for boys.

A woman's ADHD symptoms may also change as time passes due to hormonal fluctuations. For example women's symptoms could become more severe during her menstrual cycle, while she's pregnant, or when she enters menopause.

These signs can have a profound impact on women's self-esteem and life satisfaction. These symptoms can cause feelings of guilt and low self-esteem and make it hard to manage relationships, work or home tasks. Women who are not treated for ADHD might also suffer from depression and anxiety. They could also engage in sexual behaviors that increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and other health issues. They might also be unable to accept rejection from others, regardless of whether it's real or not. They might avoid social situations or isolate themselves because of it.

Hyperactivity/Impulsivity

Hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first symptoms of ADHD for both genders. They may be more likely to be procrastinators or misplace items, have trouble concentrating on tasks and easily become overwhelmed in a busy environment. They may also have trouble getting sleep or relaxing and are more prone to mood swings and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to issues at home, school and in relationships.

Women and girls are often left out of the diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more prevalent for both genders. Teachers and healthcare providers do not recommend ADHD assessments as often for female students as they do male students. This can result in an incorrect assessment and a delayed response to treatment.

Along with the tendency to hide their issues This could result in adults suffering from ADHD have a more severe impact from the condition than is generally reported. They may not even mention that they are having trouble concentrating at work or feel overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making decisions at the grocery shop or struggle to relax or sleep.

This could have a negative impact on their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root problem, they could develop unhealthy coping strategies, which may include alcohol use or poor eating habits. This can make the problem worse over time and prevent the woman from seeking help that could change her life dramatically.

It is also possible ADHD-related behavior is more socially acceptable for boys and men and women, they are repressed or concealed by women and girls who are worried about being rejected. For instance, a child who suffers from ADHD may exhibit an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being criticized for not fitting in with the social norms of her neighborhood or school.


These factors can ultimately create an environment of confusion and frustration for women with ADHD. It is essential for family members, friends and educators to recognize these struggles for women and girls, as they can be a sign of an undiagnosed disorder that requires treatment by a combination of therapy and medication.

Emotional Difficulties

Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult in controlling their emotions than men. Their moods are more likely fluctuate as a result of hormonal fluctuations throughout the day, which may cause symptoms like anger and feelings of feeling inadequate. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These emotional difficulties may be detrimental to career and relationships.

Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a struggle for parents and children alike however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women often feel shamed or embarrassed by their ADHD, and this can hinder them from seeking assistance. Women may attempt to hide their symptoms using methods of coping such as excessive drinking or drug use which can make the situation more difficult. Masking can make it difficult for employers and teachers and women themselves, to detect ADHD symptoms. It can delay the diagnosis.

It's easier for a woman with ADHD to hide the signs of ADHD in her youth and adolescence than when she becomes an adult. The pressures of life, combined with social pressures to be successful at work and in relationships, can increase ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women suffering from ADHD feeling like failures, low self-esteem, and ongoing stress. For some, an diagnosis of ADHD can be a lightbulb moment, helping them to understand the root of their challenges and helping them accept themselves more fully.

Many women suffering from ADHD have difficulty finding support at work or school. They may feel embarrassed telling a supervisor or professor, and they may worry that the support they require will be seen as a sign of weakness or incompetence. However, the majority of instructors and supervisors are willing to make small adjustments to enable people with ADHD to perform their jobs.

In addition to locating female friends who are supportive, women with ADHD can benefit from joining online support groups for adults with ADHD. These groups provide a an opportunity to share stories and discuss women's ADHD challenges.

Co-Occurring Conditions

As women and girls grow up, they can develop coping mechanisms that mask their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult for others to detect. A girl might dress and act like her peers to avoid being bullied or criticized by peers. She might try to make up for her impulsive, disorganized behavior by working harder at school or at work or using productivity apps to complete her tasks. These and other coping strategies can disguise the existence of ADHD in females and delay her adult diagnosis.

Most often, girls and women who have ADHD are diagnosed with other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, before they receive an official diagnosis for the disorder. These other conditions can obscure the presence of ADHD, as well as make it difficult to treat and recover.

Women and girls with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from low self-esteem and other mood disorders. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as being too emotional or temperamental, which contributes to their feelings of discontent.

ADHD symptoms can also cause women to have difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely to miss birthdays or misunderstand minor details, which can lead to conflict and confusion. They also may be struggling to manage household chores, personal finances, and other obligations of the day. These challenges can cause them to feel overwhelmed and exhausted and can lead to an internal chaos of self-esteem and beliefs.

adult adhd symptoms in clinical settings can also affect the rate at which girls and women are recommended to an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers to read vignettes about children suffering from ADHD symptoms and evaluated their likelihood to recommend or seek help for the child depicted. They found that the participants were more likely to recommend services to boys than girls.

ADHD like other disorders is a condition that can be severe and deteriorate at various times. For instance, symptoms can be more apparent during a woman’s menstrual period or during pregnancy or the menopausal phase. These changes can cause problems with social functioning, relationships and academic performance, and also cause feelings of frustration and disappointment.