adhd in adults signs in Women

Adult women with ADHD face unique problems. If not treated, the symptoms can cause havoc in relationships and work life.

The gender bias and the tendency for women and girls to conceal their symptoms can contribute to underdiagnosis. However, increased awareness means that more adults are getting the help they need. ADHD symptoms in women are different from those experienced by men and are often aggravated by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.

Inattentive Type Symptoms

Women with inattentive ADHD might have difficulty staying focused and completing tasks, usually making careless mistakes or misunderstand instructions. They may be unable to keep track of their obligations like paying bills, making calls, or sending birthday cards. They also have trouble remembering appointments and may often miss meetings or show up late for 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 aren't treated for their symptoms suffer emotional distress, and that can lead to poor relationships and co-occurring illnesses like anxiety or depression.

The challenges of living with ADHD that isn't properly addressed can be overwhelming. For certain people, it can lead to self-blame and unhealthy coping habits like excessive drinking and substance abuse. Some people turn to unhealthy habits, such as eating more or dieting. For some young girls and teens, the frustration of not being capable of meeting social expectations can result in self-injury that is not suicide-related, and could look like burning, cutting or scratching.

It's not a surprise that women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. This can make it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. These women may also have low self-esteem, which makes it difficult to recognize that the problem is a mental illness and not the result of their own fault.

Girls with inattentive ADHD might also have difficulty in interpreting social cues. This could cause them to appear uninterested and oblivious. They may not be able to catch jokes, miss interpret body language, and be criticized as being rude or obnoxious. They may also be struggling in controlling their impulses, so they might disrupt others or utter insulting phrases.

To increase their concentration, it is essential for women with inattentive type ADHD to get enough rest each night and avoid nicotine, caffeine and stimulants. Regular exercise can boost neurotransmitters, which can help in focusing.

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 lead to an unorganized home and difficulties paying bills on time. They may also forget appointments or the names of friends and family members. They often get bored or distracted easily and struggle to wait for their turn in conversation. They are less likely than boys and men 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. Because these symptoms are more prevalent in males and females, health care professionals may not look for them in women or girls or ignore them, putting them down to gender stereotypes or mood issues. ADHD rating scales tend to be skewed towards male behavior, making these symptoms more difficult to measure and identify in women.

There are many ways to deal with ADHD in women who are adults. This includes taking medication. Finding a therapist or clinician who is skilled in treating ADHD among girls and women is crucial. The kind of treatment suggested will depend on the symptoms and lifestyle. It could include cognitive behavioral therapies to confirm your experience and help overcome negative thoughts, family psychoeducation or support group work.

Some people can lessen their symptoms by following an established schedule of sleep, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet. 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 decrease. During this period you must be on top of things and keep track of your symptoms and your treatment plan. You can also ask to have your doctor modify the dosage or type of medication you are taking if needed. Talk to your therapist or counselor about the difficulties you encounter in managing your symptoms and how they impact your work at home, at work, and in relationships. They may also suggest strategies to improve your communication with your partner and other people in your life.

Mixed Type symptoms

Women with mixed type ADHD typically have difficulties in work and school, but do not have the hyperactive or impulsive signs of the other subtypes. They might forget important documents, pay bills or forget to schedule appointments. The symptoms of this type of the disorder could include disrupting others, blurting out answers and speaking without thinking. Women who suffer from this type of the disorder may also have difficulties maintaining relationships and friendships and may find it difficult to be self-sufficient.

In a lot of instances, family members or friends are only able to notice the inattentive symptom of ADHD. As a result, girls and young women with this disorder are underdiagnosed. This is caused by gender bias and the tendency for people with ADHD symptoms to conceal their symptoms.

The symptoms of this kind of ADHD are caused by hormonal changes that occur during puberty, as well as during menopausal and prenatal. In these times estrogen levels decrease and progesterone increases. This combination makes ADHD symptoms more apparent and can cause them to worsen. The symptoms can also vary from day to day, depending on the levels of estrogen and progesterone. This could cause misdiagnosis or improper or inadequate treatment.

In addition to medications psychotherapy can be utilized to manage symptoms of the combined type. This includes cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders, which assists people overcome negative thoughts and behaviors, and psychoeducational counseling. Both are accessible on the internet and in local mental clinics.

Regular physical exercise, like swimming, walking or running can help increase focus and attention. It also helps release brain-boosting neurotransmitters and reduce anxiety or stress which are common among those suffering from ADHD. Regular breaks, setting up routines throughout the day and employing strategies for organizing are some other methods to manage ADHD. Support groups can be very useful in gaining knowledge about changes in lifestyle and strategies for coping. For those who are suffering from the condition, a professional ADHD coach is an excellent option for individualized, individual guidance. Certain people suffering from this condition also benefit from cognitive behavioral or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can help the person become aware of their behavior and how it impacts others. They can also develop communication skills.

Adult Type Symptoms

Women suffering from ADHD may have symptoms that are different than those of males. Diagnosing and treating the condition in women is complicated by gender role expectations, which makes it difficult for parents or teachers to recognize when girls are having issues with her attention or hyperactivity. It is also hidden by mental health issues or depression, making it harder to identify. The symptoms can also change in response to hormone levels. For instance during menstrual cycles or pregnancy and menopausal.

Attention-deficit symptoms are the most frequent for women suffering from ADHD. You tend to forget things, have trouble recalling details, and are distracted by other people or your thoughts. Your inattention ADHD symptoms can affect your school, work, marriages and other relationships. Your family and friends might be aware that you are having difficulty following instructions and keeping track of appointments, or paying bills. Your teacher or boss might notice that you are struggling to stay focused in meetings or completing tasks in a timely manner.

If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You are restless and always at a loss for time, interrupt others, talk too much or use a lot of nonsense words without being aware of what you're saying. You are unable to wait for your turn or maintain eye contact. You're impatient and frequently exhibit mood swings that can be difficult for your closest friends and family to tolerate.

It can be difficult to manage your emotions, particularly during times of stress and trauma. You may react more strongly to criticism or even start fights even if the situation isn't serious. You might find it easier to deal with these emotions by engaging in self-destructive behaviours, like drug and alcohol drinking or unhealthy eating habits.

The right treatment can help women with ADHD improve their lives. You might consider working with a life coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You may also seek advice from an experienced counselor who has expertise in treating women suffering from this disorder. You might want to talk to a psychiatrist who can help you better understand how your genes or brain activity could influence your ADHD symptoms.