Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women

While males and females are more frequently diagnosed with ADHD however, girls and women may also be affected. But lingering stereotypes, referral bias, internalized symptoms and comorbidities can make it more difficult for them to get properly evaluated and treated.

Many women come up with strategies to hide their ADHD symptoms and meet societal expectations, but these strategies can be unhealthy and unsustainable. Here are a few of the most commonly reported symptoms of ADHD in women who are adults.

1. Unfocused attention

Women with ADHD are often overwhelmed by the daily tasks. They often struggle to keep track of numerous deadlines, email notifications and meetings. They may also be more likely to overlook important dates or events. They may also have difficulty concentration in noisy or busy environments. This could cause them to miss out on opportunities and lower quality work.

These challenges can lead to frustration for many people with ADHD. They might feel that they are a reflection of their own performance or of themselves. They often have a low self-esteem as well as a negative image of their body. They may also be struggling with keeping relationships stable and developing effective coping mechanisms. In some cases they will use unhealthy coping strategies that include excessive alcohol or drugs. This can make it difficult for others to understand that they're struggling and delay the diagnosis.

Adults suffering from ADHD might be more sensitive to criticism or failure. This can cause them to internalize the issue and make it difficult to seek assistance. They may also have problems with relationships and find it difficult to find meaningful employment. They can also be more prone to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In some cases these symptoms may lead to the development of a mental health condition like non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which may be manifested by burning, cutting, or scratching.

While it's more common for men and boys to be diagnosed with ADHD The symptoms can last into adulthood and can impact many aspects of life. Women should be aware of the signs and seek out an evaluation by a health professional. A correct diagnosis can result in more manageable symptoms and an improved quality of life.

2. Disorganization

Women with ADHD are often overwhelmed as if they are in chaos. They may miss deadlines or have difficulty to manage household chores like paying bills and keeping track of appointments. They might have a chaotic home and finances, and may struggle to maintain stable relationships and work.

Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can heighten frustration and misunderstandings in relationships with partners, friends and colleagues. These problems can lead strained or broken connections and feelings of isolation. Forgetfulness, difficulty in listening, and the tendency to "zone out" or not pay attention, can also cause misunderstandings with loved ones.

Signs of impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and mood swings are more common among women suffering from ADHD than in men and can be disruptive to both personal and professional. Women who are not treated for ADHD might feel overwhelmed by the demands of work, family and social life. They may also be sensitive to harsh judgment and criticism.

The good news is that there are ways to reduce the impact of these symptoms. Treatment options for adults include lifestyle adjustments as well as the use of specific organization tools, and prescription stimulant drugs.

Women who suffer from ADHD may be able to hide their ADHD symptoms better than men, which can lead to an undiagnosed condition that can last until the age of. They are more likely to suffer from comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression that can increase the effects of untreated ADHD. Women can also have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships and a stable job and are susceptible to low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to a person's hormones and chromosomes. Gender refers to the internal perception of self-identity as a man woman, a nonbinary, or any other gender identity. Mental health problems are usually diagnosed based on both.

3. Anxiety

Women who suffer from ADHD are at risk for anxiety and depression. These feelings can be exacerbated due to the inability of keeping the track of appointments and daily tasks that can cause health problems such as missed check-ups, late payments, and even debt. The emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness associated with ADHD can also create relationship issues with partners, coworkers and even friends.

Many women develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms and make it harder for others to notice they struggle to stay focused and organized. These strategies of coping could be healthy, such as creating an annual schedule or setting reminders for phone calls, or they may be unhealthy depending on alcohol or drugs to help them function or cope with their issues. These coping skills can create a cycle of self-doubt and stress for women, making them feel like they are not doing enough or productive, which could increase feelings of depression and anxiety.

Additionally, women with ADHD frequently feel the pressure of not being accepted or meeting societal expectations, which can lead to feelings of self-doubt and anger. They may also encounter issues at work, including difficulties with organizational abilities, adhering to corporate policies, or adhering to a daily 9-to-5 schedule. They may struggle to manage their finances due in part to disorganization or excessive spending. Also, they might have trouble keeping up with work assignments or completing homework.

ADHD is a long-lasting condition that requires constant support, particularly when it affects girls and women. Despite its prevalence yet, it is often undiagnosed, misunderstood, and not treated. The unique symptoms of ADHD in women are a result stereotypes of referral biases, internalized symptomatology and comorbidities as well as hormonal changes.

4. Impulsivity

Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty controlling their emotions or impulses. They might become easily frustrated or excited, lose track of time or be late for events. They might also have trouble reading body language and recognizing social cues. This could cause issues at work or in relationships. For instance, they may be easily entangled in arguments or spend too much time in pursuit of hobbies and interests that aren't important to them. They might also have difficulty maintaining relationships or making new connections due to their struggle to stick to promises and commitments.

Women tend to be better in developing coping mechanisms to aid in reducing their ADHD symptoms, so it's harder for them to get diagnosed than men. For example, they might create routines to help keep track of their time or use apps to remind them of their appointments. They may also alter their behavior to fit in with the norms and expectations of society. They could even conceal their symptoms by using drugs or alcohol to cope and avoid serious health issues in the end.

Many people who suffer from ADHD get over their symptoms, but there are some who do not. About 60% of women suffering from ADHD in childhood will continue to have it throughout their adulthood. This is compared to 30% of men.

If you are unable to achieve relief with medication or lifestyle changes Professional treatment may be beneficial. There are many options available, like career coaching, counseling, and life coaching. You can also take stimulants. Exercise is an effective method to boost your mood and increasing your energy. It releases neurotransmitters that increase the ability to focus and motivate and can also ease anxiety and stress.

5. Reactivity to emotions

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often have issues with emotional reaction. They may struggle with controlling their emotions and communicating them in a proper manner. This can lead to anger for themselves and others. For instance, a woman with ADHD might become enraged when a friend is critical of her, but she might not be able to calm down and talk about the issue in a rational manner. ADHD symptoms in adult women may also struggle to "pause" her reactions by identifying bodily cues that she's getting overexcited or overwhelmed like a flushed skin or a shortness of breath.


This inability to regulate their emotions can cause more stress and misunderstandings in relationships, and it can make people with ADHD more prone to anxiety and depression. It can also cause difficulties in social interactions as it is difficult to read people's moods or pick up social signals.

In certain instances, people with ADHD might appear emotionally distant and disinterested in their friends or loved ones, even though they truly are concerned about them. In some instances they might avoid situations that trigger strong emotions to avoid experiencing them.

Gender bias is a frequent feature of doctors, and the effects of ADHD on women are often omitted due to the nature of their symptoms. Many of them hide their ADHD symptoms when they do appear they are more likely to be seen as anxiety- or mood-related and thus misdiagnosed. It's a good idea to consult an expert in mental health who has worked with women and young girls with ADHD when you're experiencing these symptoms. They can confirm your experiences, teach you strategies such as self-awareness and pacing, as well as provide you with psychoeducation for your family to help you recognize and address any the upcoming ADHD symptoms.