ADHD Symptoms in Women

Adult women suffering from ADHD face unique problems. Untreated symptoms can cause chaos in the workplace and in relationships.

Underdiagnosis is the result of gender discrimination and the tendency for women and girls to hide their symptoms. But, increasing 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 hormone fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause.

Symptoms of Inattentive Type

Women with inattention ADHD may have trouble staying focused, completing tasks and making mistakes. They may also misunderstand or make careless errors. They may have trouble organizing and may have difficulty to keep track of their obligations, including paying bills and returning phone calls, or sending birthday cards. They may also forget appointments, and frequently miss social or work events or show up late for meetings.

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, and that could lead to bad relationships and co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression.

As a result, the challenges of living with untreated ADHD can seem overwhelming. Some people blame themselves and adopt unproductive strategies to cope, such as excessive drinking and substance abuse. Some turn to unhealthy behaviors such as dieting and overeating. Some young girls and teenagers may self-injure to cope with their frustration over not being able to meet their social expectations. This can be done by cutting or burning.

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 harder to manage their ADHD symptoms. Additionally, these women may have low self-esteem, which can make it difficult to realize that their issues stem from mental health issues rather than being the result of their own responsibility.

Girls with inattentive ADHD can also have difficulty understanding social cues, which can make them appear distant or unobservant to other people. They may miss jokes or misread body language, and be criticized for being rude or inconsiderate. They might also have issues with impulse control, which means they could interrupt others or blurt out hurtful words.

To increase their focus, it's important for women suffering from inattentive type ADHD to get enough sleep each night and stay away from caffeine, nicotine and stimulants. They should also exercise regularly, which helps increase neurotransmitters that aid in concentration and can reduce 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 lead to a messy home and difficulty paying bills on time. They might also forget their appointments or the names and faces of family members and friends. They are often easily distracted or bored and struggle to wait for their turn in a conversation. They are less likely than men and boys to experience internalizing symptoms like 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 recognize them in girls and women or ignore them, putting them down to mood issues or gender stereotypes. ADHD rating scales also tend to be skewed toward male behavior, making these symptoms difficult to determine and recognize in women.

There are a variety of ways to manage ADHD in an adult woman. This includes taking medication. Finding a therapist or a therapist who has experience in treating ADHD for women and girls is crucial. The type of therapy you are recommended for will be based on your specific conditions and lifestyle however, it could include cognitive behavioral therapy that helps you validate your experience and reframe negative patterns of thinking, family psychoeducation, or group therapy for support.

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

Many symptoms of ADHD can worsen during menopause as hormone levels drop. During this period it is important to stay on top of things and keep track of your symptoms and your treatment plan. You may also request that your doctor alter the dosage or the type of medication you're taking as needed. Talk to your therapist or counselor about the challenges you face in managing your symptoms and how they impact your work, at home, and in relationships. They may also suggest strategies to improve communication with your partner and other people in your life.

The symptoms of mixed type

Women with mixed type ADHD often have difficulty in working and at school but they don't have the impulsive or hyperactive symptoms of the other subtypes. They may lose important documents or pay bills, or forget to make appointments. This form of the disorder can also cause people to interrupt others, talk without thinking and speak without thinking. Women with this presentation of the disorder also have difficulties maintaining relationships and friendships and often find it difficult to live an independent life.

In many cases, the inattention symptoms of ADHD are the only ones observed by family or teachers. This can lead to girls and young women not being diagnosed. The gender bias and the tendency of people with ADHD to hide their symptoms are also contributing factors to underdiagnosis.


The symptoms of this type are affected by hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy, puberty and menopause. In these instances estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels increase. This can make ADHD symptoms more noticeable and makes them worse. Furthermore the symptoms are likely to change from day to day, depending on the levels of progesterone and estrogen. This can lead incorrect diagnosis or inadequate treatment.

In addition to medication psychotherapy can be utilized to manage symptoms of the combined type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which helps change negative thoughts and behaviors and psychoeducational counseling. Both are accessible through local mental health clinics, as well as on the internet.

Regular physical activity, such as running, swimming, or walking, can help to improve attention and focus. It also releases neurotransmitters that help boost brain activity and decrease anxiety or stress. Other ways to manage ADHD include taking regular breaks, establishing routines for your day, and employing organizational techniques. A support group can also help in learning lifestyle changes and strategies for coping. For certain people, a professional ADHD coach is a good option for individualized, individual guidance. Some people with this condition also benefit from cognitive behavioral or interpersonal therapy. Therapists can help the person to become aware of how their behavior affects others and assist them in developing communication skills.

Adult Type symptoms

Women with ADHD can exhibit different symptoms than men. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for teachers and parents to identify the condition. The disorder can also be masked by depression or other mental health issues and makes it less evident to those who are around you. The symptoms can also change in accordance with hormone levels, like those that occur during menstrual cycles or during menopausal pregnancy.

Women with ADHD are most likely to suffer from inattention symptoms. You are prone to losing things, having trouble remembering details and tend to get distracted by what your friends are doing or your thoughts. Your inattention ADHD could affect your work, school as well as marriages and other relationships. You may have trouble paying bills, following directions or keeping the track of appointments. Your family and friends might be aware. Your teacher or boss may be aware that you are having trouble staying focused in meetings or completing tasks in time.

If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You're always on the go, disrupt other people, speak too loudly or use a lot of nonsense words without considering what you're saying. adhd signs in adults to wait for your turn or keep eye contact. You might be impatient and experience mood swings that can be difficult for your family and friends to bear.

You may struggle to control your emotions, particularly during times of stress or trauma. You may react strongly to criticism or be more likely to start fights, even if the situation isn't particularly serious. You may find it easier for you to cope with these feelings by engaging in self-destructive actions like drug and alcohol abuse, or unhealthy eating patterns.

The appropriate treatment can help women with ADHD improve their lives. Think about working with a life coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You can also seek professional counseling from a counselor who has worked with women with this disorder. You may want to talk to a psychiatrist who can help you understand how your genes and brain activity could affect your ADHD symptoms.