ADHD Symptoms in Women

Adult women with ADHD have challenges that a lot of do not realize. Untreated, symptoms can wreak havoc in relationships and work life.

The gender bias and the tendency for women and girls to hide their symptoms cause underdiagnosis. The increase in awareness has led to more adults getting the help they require. ADHD symptoms in women are different from those experienced by men and can be aggravated by hormone fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause.

Inattention Type Signs

Women with inattention ADHD may have trouble staying focused, completing tasks and making mistakes. They might also be unable to comprehend or make a mistake. They may be unable to keep track of their obligations like paying bills, returning calls, or even sending birthday cards. They also have trouble remembering appointments and can often skip meetings or arrive late to work or social events.

The symptoms 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. Many people who don't get treated for their symptoms experience emotional distress, which could lead to bad relationships and co-occurring illnesses like anxiety or depression.

The challenges of living with ADHD that isn't treated can be overwhelming. For some, it leads to self-blame and unhealthy coping habits like excessive drinking and substance abuse. Some people turn to unhealthy behaviors, such as eating more or dieting. For some girls and teens, the frustration of not being capable of meeting social expectations can lead to non-suicidal self-injury, which may look like cutting, burning or scratching.

Because of these difficulties it's no surprise that women with inattentive type ADHD are prone to anxiety and depression and anxiety, which makes it more difficult to manage their ADHD symptoms. They may also suffer from low self-esteem, which makes it difficult to acknowledge that the issue is a mental illness and not their fault.

Girls with inattention ADHD can also have difficulty understanding social cues, which can make them appear distant or unobservant to others. They may miss jokes or misunderstand body language and be accused of being rude or offensive. They may also be struggling with impulse control, so they may disrupt others or utter insulting phrases.

To help improve their focus, it's important for women with inattention type ADHD to get enough rest each night and avoid nicotine, caffeine and stimulants. They should also exercise regularly, which helps increase neurotransmitters that aid in concentration and can decrease mood swings.

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 a messy house and to having difficulty paying bills on time. They might also forget appointments or the names of family and friends members. They are easily distracted or bored, and they can't wait to be heard. They are less likely than males and females to show internalizing symptoms such as depression or anxiety.

It can be harder to identify and diagnose hyperactive/impulsive ADHD in women than in boys or men. These symptoms are more common among boys and men. Health professionals may not be attentive to these symptoms in women or girls or disregard these symptoms, and blame them on mood disorders or stereotypes. ADHD rating scales tend to be skewed towards male behavior, making these symptoms difficult to measure and identify in women.

There are a variety of ways to manage ADHD in women who are adults. This includes taking medication. Finding a therapist or clinician who has experience in treating ADHD among girls and women is essential. The type of therapy recommended will depend on your conditions and lifestyle and may include cognitive behavioral therapy to help you clarify your experience and help you reframe negative thinking patterns as well as family psychoeducation or support group work.

For some, a regular sleep routine, regular exercise, and a balanced diet can ease symptoms. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.

Many symptoms of ADHD are exacerbated during menopausal changes when hormone levels fall. During this time you must stay on top of things and keep the track of your symptoms and your treatment plan. You may also request to have your doctor modify the dosage or type of medication you're taking if needed. Talk to your therapist about the challenges you face in managing your symptoms, and how they affect you at work, home and in your relationships. They may also suggest ways to improve communication with other people and your partner.

The symptoms of mixed type

Women with mixed type ADHD have issues at school and at work, but they do not exhibit the impulsive or hyperactive behavior of the other subtypes. They might miss appointments or documents, fail to pay bills and have trouble finishing tasks at home. The symptoms of this type of the disorder can include interrupting others, blurting out answers, and speaking without thinking. Women suffering from this form of the disorder also experience difficulty maintaining friendships and relationships, and find it difficult to be independent.

In many cases, the inattentive symptoms of ADHD are the only symptoms recognized by family members or friends. This leads to girls and young women not being diagnosed. The underdiagnosis is also due to gender bias and the tendency of people with ADHD symptoms to hide them.

Symptoms of this type of ADHD are caused by hormonal changes that occur during puberty, and during menopausal and pregnancy. During these times, estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels rise. This makes ADHD symptoms more apparent and can cause them to worsen. Additionally the symptoms can fluctuate from day to day, based on the levels of progesterone and estrogen. This can lead to misdiagnosis and improper or insufficient treatment.

In addition to medication psychotherapy can also be utilized to manage symptoms of the combined type. This includes cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders, which assists people change their negative thoughts and behaviors, and psychoeducational counseling. Both are offered through local mental health clinics as well as online.

Regular physical activity such as walking, running or swimming can improve focus and concentration. It can also release neurotransmitters to boost brain function and reduce stress or anxiety. Other strategies to manage ADHD include taking breaks on a regular basis, establishing routines for the day, and using strategies for organization. A support group may be helpful for developing lifestyle changes and strategies for coping. A professional ADHD coach can provide customized, individual guidance for some. Some people with this condition also benefit from cognitive or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can assist the patient to become aware of their behavior and how it affects others. They can also improve their communication skills.

The signs of an adult type

Women with ADHD might have symptoms that differ from those of men. Diagnosing and treating the condition for women can be complicated due to gender role expectations, which can make it difficult for parents or teachers to determine if a girl has a problem with her attention or hyperactivity. The disorder may also be masked by depression or other mental health problems, which makes it less evident to others who are around you. The symptoms can also fluctuate according to hormone levels. For instance when you are pregnant or going through menstruation and menopausal.

Attention-deficit symptoms are the most common for women suffering from ADHD. You are more likely to forget things, have difficulty recalling details, and are distracted by other people or your thoughts. Your inattention ADHD could affect your work, school as well as marriages and other relationships. Your family and friends may be aware that you are having difficulty following instructions or keeping track of appointments or paying bills. adhd adult symptoms or teacher may observe that you are having trouble getting tasks completed on time or have difficulty staying focused during meetings.

If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You are restless, always moving around and disturb others, talk too much or make comments that are illogical without thinking. You're unable to wait for your turn, or maintain eye contact. You might be impatient and have mood swings that can be difficult for your family and friends to accept.

You might have difficulty controlling your emotions, particularly in times of trauma or stress. You might react too strongly to criticism or be more prone to engage in fights, even if the situation isn't that serious. It may be easier to manage these emotions by engaging in self-destructive behavior such as alcohol and drug drinking or unhealthy eating habits.

The best treatment can help women with ADHD improve their lives. Consider working with a life coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You could also seek assistance from a professional counselor who has expertise in treating women suffering from this disorder. You may want to talk with a psychiatrist who can help you better understand the way your genes or brain activity can impact your ADHD symptoms.