ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of

Women who suffer from ADHD are often left undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as their symptoms are more subtle than those of boys. Many develop strategies to hide their symptoms and blame themselves for their problems.

Symptoms include trouble staying organized, high distractibility and memory problems. These symptoms can be controlled by taking medication.

Self-Esteem Issues

Women with ADHD may feel that they aren't as skilled or worthy of success as their peers. They may have a difficult to deal with frustration or disappointment caused by the daily struggle to keep the track of appointments, adhere commitments and deadlines, and get organized at work or home. This can result in a vicious cycle of internal self-criticism and stress, as well as depression (Foster & Wolpe, 2010).

Women may have difficulty developing healthy coping strategies. They may find themselves turning to harmful or unhealthy behaviors to try to manage their symptoms particularly during adolescence for example, excessive drinking and substance use. These unhealthy coping strategies can worsen their issues and negatively affect their lives. They can also make it difficult for professionals to detect signs and delay a proper diagnose.

The impulsivity that is often associated with ADHD can manifest as reckless behaviors or rants that don't align with the values of one's life, resulting in feelings of shame. Many women suffering from ADHD also have trouble regulating emotions or expressing themselves effectively and this can make it difficult for them to interact in social situations. This can make it difficult to establish or maintain relationships and, as time passes, this can contribute to feelings of shame and isolation.

Missing birthdays, forgetting meetings, or falling late on assignments can cause anger with loved ones, particularly if they aren't sure the reasons behind these incidents. Women with ADHD may also have trouble communicating their feelings, and they might accidentally utter things that cause harm to others or cause trouble at work or school.

Finally, people with ADHD are more likely to procrastination and finding it difficult to begin or finish tasks. This can result in being late for health checks or other important appointments that can make them feel overwhelmed and a bit out of control.

Fortunately, it's now more normal for professionals to recognize the symptoms of adult ADHD in women and refer them for treatment. Additionally, the understanding of the differentiators between men with ADHD and women has resulted in more effective treatment options for women that help them manage their symptoms, and regain confidence and self-esteem.

Relationship Issues

A person with ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women may have trouble communicating with their friends and loved ones due to their impulsivity as well as their inability to concentrate on conversations. These issues can cause confusion and hurt feelings. The good news is that with proper treatment and care women can form loving and supportive relationships.

One of the most prevalent problems in relationships for those with ADHD is "love bombing." Love bombing is a strategy where one lavishes their partner with affection and attention at the beginning of a relationship to create intense feelings of dependency and to overlook concerning behaviors. Oftentimes, this behavior is a result of untreated ADHD.

ADHD can also make people unable to plan ahead. This is essential for maintaining a healthy relationship. For example, if a neurotypical person asks their ADHD partner to help them with dishes, they could be distracted by three other chores and never get to finishing them. People with ADHD are also susceptible to switching from hobby to hobby and investing money and time into their latest passion. This can result in financial issues and a messy house.


Mood swings are another frequent issue for couples who suffer from ADHD. They may be averse to lashing at their partner in anger or experience abrupt, broad mood swings that range from a sudden burst of anxiety to extreme happiness. The result is that their partners are feeling overwhelmed and unable to control the situation.

People with ADHD need to be able to control their emotions and self-control, which includes calming down and avoiding triggers that can cause emotional outbursts. They should also use techniques for relaxation, like meditation and deep breathing. They should also seek help from a mental health professional or ADHD specialist to improve their coping skills and devise a treatment plan.

It's also crucial for those who suffer from ADHD to be aware of how their behavior affects others. Particularly in intimate relationships, it's important for both partners to cultivate compassion and understanding. They should also establish clear boundaries to avoid resentment. It's also helpful for those who suffer from ADHD to learn about accommodations like notetaking, organizing, and taking breaks from conversations, to help them deal with their symptoms in the workplace and school.

Work Problems

Work can be overwhelming for women who suffer from ADHD. Working at home or in an office can be difficult. It is possible to manage emails, phone calls, and meetings all day long. Add to that the anxiety disorganization, disarray, and difficulty with focusing on tasks and remembering deadlines associated with ADHD it can be like your job is impossible.

There are a myriad of ways to help. symptoms of ADHD in an adult is to talk with your health medical professional or a mental health specialist. They will be able to assess your symptoms and recommend a diagnosis. They may ask you what aspects of ADHD affects your daily routine and suggest ways to manage it. For example, they might suggest using a calendar to keep track of appointments or organizing your workspace. Some people with ADHD benefit from a routine, taking medication regularly, and limiting distracting activities like TV or social media.

Women who suffer from ADHD might experience symptoms that are worsened by hormonal changes like menstruation or pregnancy. They are also more likely to have mood fluctuation and general discontent with their lives and could make them more susceptible to being overlooked by male friends or colleagues.

The good news is a combination of treatment and self-care can aid you in overcoming this issue. Your doctor can prescribe medications including stimulants and non-stimulants that could help ease your symptoms. They could also refer to a group of women who suffer from ADHD.

The NIMH's Tips to Talk with Your Health Care Provider fact sheet can help you prepare for this conversation. This fact sheet provides an exercise script and questions you can ask. You can also download the factsheet. NIMH also offers resources to help you locate a health care provider or mental health professional who is experienced with treating ADHD in adults. Then, a thorough evaluation can be done to see if ADHD is the root cause of your troubles. You can also request a referral to an expert, if required. Find out symptoms of ADHD in adults about Adult ADHD on the NIMH page.

Social Issues

Women who suffer from ADHD may experience mood disorders or anxiety in addition to ADHD. They might be unable to navigate social situations because they are unable to read body language or recognize social cues. These issues can cause problems in relationships with loved ones as well as at work and at home. Additionally, the signs of adult ADHD can affect physical health, leading to weight problems and anxiety, stress, and depression.

Due to their tendency to be more adept at concealing their ADHD symptoms, women typically have a difficult time being diagnosed and being treated as adult. They might have had treatment for other conditions prior to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. They may have developed strategies for coping and developed strategies to hide their attention deficit disorder over time and then blame themselves for their lack of abilities or the fear that they'll never be able to get their lives in order.

It can be a tremendous relief for women with ADHD when they finally get a diagnosis that is accurate. They can see that their problems are not their fault and that the issues do not originate from an individual weakness or flaw. A diagnosis can be a wonderful source of inspiration and hope for women with ADHD, since they know what to do to reach their potential.

While the challenges associated with the diagnosis of adult ADHD can be considerable but there are plenty of resources available to help women find effective treatments that will alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life. These can include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy therapy, or specific ADHD medication. Medications used to treat ADHD in adults are typically stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall(r)) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse(r)). Those who do not wish to take stimulants may choose to use non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) or viloxazine (Qelbree(r)) or Clonidine (Kapvay(r)).

It is crucial that women seek the advice of an experienced medical professional to get an accurate diagnosis. In addition, to medication treatment options, treatments can include lifestyle changes and a combination of other treatments.