ADHD Adult Female Symptoms

ADHD can affect females and males, but it is more difficult for women to diagnose. This is because women don't exhibit the same levels of hyperactivity and indecisiveness as men, and so they could be overlooked or incorrectly diagnosed.

The first step to manage your symptoms is to get an accurate diagnosis. Stimulant medications are a popular treatment for adults with ADHD however, there are other options.

1. Trouble focusing

Everyone gets distracted at times, women who suffer from ADHD have difficulty putting their focus on tasks and conversations, especially when they're experiencing emotional or sensory overload. These difficulties can be exacerbated during menstrual cycles.

Women who are inattentional ADHD suffer from problems with their working memory. This causes them to be unable to remember everyday things, such as dates or events coming up. They might forget where they left their keys in their car or the name of the lady who offered them a lift home from spin class. They might forget important dates or deadlines.

Other signs of ADHD in females of adulthood include procrastination and difficulty following through on plans. They are more likely to get distracted by shiny objects or social media which makes it difficult to complete their projects and assignments. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed and a lack of performance at work or school.

Because of the way society views gender, a lot of women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed. In turn, they experience guilt and mistakenly attribute their issues as "bad behaviors" or "character issues". They are often viewed like they're an imposter. A diagnosis can be a lightbulb moment giving them a clear external explanation for their issues and allowing them to accept themselves more fully.

Girls and women who suffer from untreated ADHD can suffer from a broad range of negative consequences such as academic issues, behavioral issues, poor relationships with family members as well as co-occurring mental health problems. But a thorough diagnosis and treatment plan can significantly enhance the lives of people suffering from this condition at any stage of life. Treatment options include stimulant therapy and medication. *

2. Difficulty Finishing Projects

Women suffering from ADHD struggle to complete tasks or obligations. They might forget important information, have trouble switching between tasks and duties or have difficulty to meet deadlines. They may also be more prone to make mistakes that aren't their fault, have trouble organizing and managing their time well and underestimate the amount of time it takes to complete their tasks.

The emotional symptoms of ADHD in adults, such as mood swings and irritability can be a major source of frustration for women with the condition. The symptoms can be exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as those that occur during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD can be frustrated and disappointed by their performance at workplace or in their relationships.

Some women who suffer from ADHD have a hard time with daily routines such as chores and grocery shopping extremely challenging. They may have a hard time remembering to take out the trash or to turn off the stove and they can be easily distracted by small objects around them. They may also have difficulty performing repetitive tasks, such as folding laundry or washing dishes. Simple chores or boring ones can become overwhelming which can lead to impulsive behavior like excessive talk or sharing. The impulsivity associated with ADHD can cause women to make unruly decisions and depend on unhealthy coping strategies such as alcohol or drugs.

If you are having difficulty finishing tasks, have memory issues, are constantly procrastinating or are experiencing relationship issues, it is important to seek professional assistance for ADHD. A proper diagnosis can boost the quality of your life and help you achieve success in your personal and professional life. It can assist you in managing your ADHD symptoms, and develop strategies to deal with these. To minimize lapses in focus and attention it is recommended to stick to a regular schedule and use planners or reminder apps, take notes at meetings, and maintain good habits of sleep (avoid screens at least an hour prior to going to bed). Exercise also helps improve focus by increasing the production of brain neurotransmitters.

3. Trouble remembering names

It is possible that trouble remembering names might be accompanied by other ADHD symptoms, like difficulty following directions or completing projects. This is due to the difficulty to organize and prioritize tasks, which affects efficient information retrieval. This symptom also tends to worsen during times of fatigue, stress, or hormonal changes, such as prior to, during, or after menopausal change.

If someone forgets their names or names, it can be more annoying if they forget important details such as appointments and events or personal reminders. These lapses may also be exacerbated by anxiety or depression, which commonly co-occur with ADHD in women.

Due to gender perceptions and internalized symptoms ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women. Inattentive ADHD symptoms are more subtle than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, making them harder to detect and identify. This means that they are under-identified and under-referred for treatment and diagnosis.

Additionally, there is gender-based discrimination since the disorder is often be viewed as a disorder that is affecting boys. Boys with hyperactivity are the ones most often being referred to clinics and analyzed for treatment. Combined with internalized stigma and the fact that women's symptoms often differ from those of men, many professionals fail to recognize or treat ADHD in women.

Fortunately, it's becoming increasingly common for women to receive an ADHD diagnosis in their adulthood. A diagnosis can help improve your relationships, aid you to succeed at work and in school, and provide you with the support you need. If you're looking to get an assessment, speak with an experienced Salience Health provider. We can evaluate your symptoms with tools like Creyos cognitive testing and Brainview Advanced, and connect you with a therapist that's suitable for you.

4. Ailoofs that appear difficult to see

Women suffering from ADHD often have inattentive symptoms and their problems may appear insignificant to other people. They may miss appointments, forget to complete chores around the house, or have trouble taking notes at work. They may also be struggling with impulsivity, or struggle to understand the boundaries of social interaction. This can lead to misinterpretation and misunderstandings in relationships with family and friends and could lead to feelings of loneliness and feeling isolated.

Additionally, women with untreated ADHD often struggle to meet societal expectations for them as women. This can cause feelings of inadequacy and ADHD symptoms as they struggle with the responsibility of caring for children and household chores. Many women suffering from untreated ADHD have low self-esteem and turn to unhealthy coping strategies such as binge eating and marathons on TV.

The challenges of ADHD in women can be caused by gender bias both in the way that girls and women are perceived and assessed by clinicians. There is evidence that suggests that women and girls tend to hide their ADHD symptoms or compensate for them, and may be less likely than boys and men to get referred to a specialist for diagnosis and treatment.

Another challenge is that women with ADHD may be unable to recognize their own symptoms, and they may confuse them with depression or anxiety. This could lead to false diagnoses and improper or delayed treatment.

These changes can increase a woman's frustration with her ADHD symptoms. They can also increase the likelihood to be misinterpreted or dismissed as moody or excessively emotional. These changes can increase a woman's frustration with her ADHD symptoms, and can increase the likelihood of being misinterpreted or dismissed as moody or overly emotional.

5. Impulsivity

While the impulsivity of ADHD affects men and boys differently, women are affected as well. They can also experience trouble managing their emotions and can be more prone to "foot-in-mouth" moments. These impulsive behaviors can have a huge impact on relationships as well as professional life.


The brain part that controls the ability to make decisions and reason is known as the prefrontal cortex. This area is able to prevent individuals from making poor choices since it serves as a check. Those who suffer from ADHD have less functioning prefrontal cortex. This makes it difficult for them to resist urges or avoid doing something dangerous or damaging. It can also lead to an inability to respect themselves. For women, impulsiveness typically manifests as difficulties with social boundaries and self-control in conversation (interrupting, finishing others' sentences, and talking excessively).

Women can also have problems with impulse control when their hormones change. ADHD hyperactivity symptoms in adults fluctuates naturally at different times during the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, childbirth and menopausal. The use of oral contraception and hormone therapy during perimenopausal and menopausal changes the levels of estrogen as well as other hormones that affect the woman's ADHD symptoms.

The method by which ADHD symptoms manifest in girls and women can vary from those of men and boys and is one of the reasons why they are often not diagnosed. Many adults with ADHD are not aware of their health issues. The positive side is that identifying and treating ADHD can make a difference in a person's life at any age. If you're unsure if or not you are suffering from ADHD consult your doctor and see how they can help. Treatment options include medication, cognitive behavior therapy, and couples counseling.