Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Female

Many women with ADHD do not receive an diagnosis until they reach adulthood. This is due lingering stereotypes and referral biases that cover up behaviors, comorbidities, as well as hormonal changes.

Symptoms of ADHD in adults female may be harder to detect than those in men and boys because women's symptoms are more likely to be inattentive rather than hyperactive/impulsive. This could lead to a delayed diagnosis or an incorrect diagnosis.

1. Read More On this page and lack of Focus

Many people suffering from ADHD struggle with focusing or staying focused. This can cause problems at school or at work and can result in being late for important meetings or failing to do homework or chores. It can also cause emotional problems, such as mood swings or a lack of self-esteem.

The signs of inattentive-type ADHD are usually less obvious, which can make them difficult to diagnose and recognize. It is possible that you appear to be not paying attention to what others are talking about (you might be unable to focus or display a the "thousand-yard stare"). You might find it hard to finish tasks that require concentration, such as making reports or writing paperwork.

Regular physical activity can help increase your ability to concentrate and remain organized. Try taking an everyday walk, joining an exercise class for a group or even cycling or swimming. Limiting caffeine can also help reduce the negative effects that certain ADHD medications can cause.

2. Difficulty Making Decisions

Women suffering from ADHD often have difficulty making decisions and follow through with the actions that result from them. They may also have trouble staying calm and avoiding impulsive behaviors that can cause problems at work and with relationships.

The inattentive subtype of ADHD has nine symptoms that must last for at least six months to be diagnosed, while the hyperactive/impulsive and mixed subtypes each have their own set of symptoms. For instance, some women with ADHD may have difficulty being still or being able to focus on tasks that require complete attention. Additionally, they might be prone to losing things or forgetting important dates.

Women are often misdiagnosed and underdiagnosed since the signs of ADHD are less evident. However, a diagnosis of adult ADHD could be a life-changing experience for women who finally receive the help they need. Therapists can offer advice and help to manage the disorder. They might suggest a combination treatment like psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes such as establishing a routine sleep schedule and practicing good sleeping hygiene.

3. Time Management Problems

As children with ADHD become adults, they may struggle to manage their lives and relationships without assistance. They can be difficult to detect and, in particular, if their symptoms are primarily inattentive.

They are prone to forget important dates, such as birthdays or appointments. They lose track of their routines and schedules making it difficult to leave on time for work or school. They might even lose or misplace their wallets, keys, or glasses.

The symptoms of ADHD aren't always easy to identify, and they can be exacerbated by stress, mental health issues, or physical illness. It's crucial to discuss any issues you might be experiencing with your physician. They might suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to help you reframe your negative thoughts and behaviors and develop healthier strategies for coping. Verywell Health notes that sex refers to biology, while gender is a person's internal sense of self--whether they're assigned gender male or female from birth, are intersex, or don't fit into the gender binary.

4. Difficulty staying organized

Symptoms of inattention can affect your school and work life such as forgetfulness and difficulty following through on tasks. It can also result in lost items or missing important events, and difficulties with your relationships.

Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms can include difficulty sitting still (fidgeting, tapping your foot, or talking excessively) and restlessness (being unable to enjoy quiet activities). Additionally, they may manifest as a failure to sit and wait your turn during conversations or at work. Impulsivity can lead to reckless decisions, risk-taking or a tendency for interruptions.

Women may feel pressured to perform flawlessly to balance work and family, being punctual and organised, and a range of other expectations. This can lead to anxiety and stress that may exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD, causing them to go undiagnosed or under-treated. Additionally, symptoms can get worse during menopausal changes. This can lead to feelings of self-doubt and difficulties in relationships.

5. Trouble Concentrating

Girls and women with ADHD are often challenged to be focused. This can lead to problems at work or school and cause difficulties in forming relationships. It can also be difficult to keep up with everyday tasks such as dressing up or remembering to take medications and health checks.

Women who suffer from ADHD have coping strategies to hide their symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to realize that they are having trouble staying focus or forgetting important details. These coping mechanisms can include healthy habits, such as setting reminders on their smartphones or adhering to the same routine. These coping mechanisms could also include unhealthy habits such as excessive alcohol or substance use.

The symptoms of ADHD are not always the same and it's crucial for people with ADHD to discuss their concerns with a doctor. According to the CDC, there are three levels of severity that are mild (fewer than six symptoms that cause minimal impairment in social or work situations), moderate and severe.

6. Multitasking can be difficult.

Women who suffer from ADHD are often under pressure to fulfill social expectations, such as taking care of children, maintaining a harmonious relationship, and running a home. This can be challenging when their ADHD symptoms prevent them from being organized punctual, efficient and on time.


Inattention and forgetfulness can lead to frustrations and misunderstandings between partners, family members, and friends. They can also hinder the way you study or work and result in underachieving.

This can lead to anxiety and low self-esteem which can cause coexisting conditions like depression. Undiagnosed ADHD can also impact relationships and cause a lack of satisfaction at home and at work. The right help can make a difference. You can overcome these challenges by employing strategies to cope like a daily routine or reminders. You can ask your school or employer about accommodations that may make it easier to manage your symptoms. You can also network with other women who have ADHD and learn how to manage it by joining an women's ADHD group.

7. Difficulty Managing Attention

The inability to pay close attention to specifics is one of the main symptoms of ADHD. This can manifest in many ways, from not reading the fine print on a contract to making frequent mistakes at work or school.

Women with inattentive ADHD may struggle to follow the routine or keep track of their responsibilities at home or at work, which can lead to issues like missing appointments or forgetting to pay bills. They also have difficulty staying at a distance or not interrupting others.

Additionally, women who suffer from inattentive ADHD may be more likely to experience depression or anxiety and have trouble maintaining healthy, fulfilling relationships. They are more likely to start sexual activity at a younger and risky age.

Women with hyperactive/impulsive ADHD are less likely to develop these symptoms, so it is harder for them to be diagnosed. Yet, women can face similar problems and should seek an evaluation from a health specialist.

8. Difficulty staying calm

ADHD symptoms can cause feelings of anger and frustration. People who aren't aware of the disorder may not understand the emotions. Women should recognize these symptoms and seek assistance before they become grave emotional issues.

If you're always forgetting appointments or being late to meetings at work, it can lead to conflict with your co-workers or employer. This could also cause misunderstandings between friends and family. You could make mistakes and make comments that hurt the feelings of others even if you didn't mean to.

There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and mixed. You must exhibit six or more symptoms for at least six months to be diagnosed. Women are less likely to have the hyperactive/impulsive or mixed symptoms than men, but these can still occur in some cases. In addition to the inattentive subtype, women may experience a combination of other symptoms.

9. Difficulty Making Friends

Women who have ADHD may have difficulty forming and keep friendships. Their impulsivity and forgetfulness can lead to misunderstandings with family members and friends. A person with emotional dysregulation can also struggle with controlling their moods. This condition can cause them to feel rejected, misunderstood, or anxious, and this can have a negative impact on their self-esteem.

People who suffer from ADHD are often unable to recognize social cues such as rolled-eyes and stifled grunts. This can lead people to believe that their peers aren't interested in hanging out or that they are dissing them.

Women may also have difficulty with interpersonal problems because they are more likely to suffer from depression, which can worsen their ADHD symptoms. This can make it difficult for others to recognize the fact that someone is suffering from ADHD, and may delay the diagnosis. However, many people with ADHD discover that once diagnosed their quality of life improves.