Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women

Dr. Frank says that the symptoms of ADHD in adult women are more difficult to spot than men, as women develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms. Fortunately lifestyle changes and medications can enhance their quality of life and functioning.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have six symptoms from the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive subtypes lasting more than six months. These symptoms include:

1. Inattention

ADHD symptoms for women can include having trouble in keeping track of time and appointments, snagging items or being easily distracted. Women can also struggle with forgetfulness and procrastination and also working or studying in a setting that is noisy or busy. They may have issues with interpersonal skills, such as interrupting others and uttering remarks that later become regrettable.

Women who suffer from ADHD are better at masking symptoms than boys and males. They can develop healthy coping strategies that include relying on the daily schedule and using reminders on their phones to remind them of important events. These coping strategies may not last long and are not sufficient to handle the demands of everyday life. In addition the symptoms of these disorders can be exacerbated by co-existing disorders like anxiety and depression.

Many people suffering from ADHD have impulsivity or hyperactivity symptoms too. Adults may experience more subtle symptoms that affect only certain areas of their life, such as social interactions or work. Those with a hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may experience frequent fidgeting, talkativeness or trouble sitting still during conversations. They might also have difficulty to relax or settle down. They may also struggle to make and maintain friendships.

People who suffer from mild or moderate ADHD do not experience major problems in their jobs or relationships, however they have trouble staying organized and have a hard to keep track of their commitments. They may face issues with finances, schoolwork, or household chores and often experience a sense of being overwhelmed by their responsibilities. People with severe symptoms are significantly disrupted in their daily lives. They might have difficulty keeping a job or maintaining relationships.

2. Hyperactivity

Women suffering from ADHD frequently struggle to organize their home, work and personal belongings. They may also lose track important items like glasses, wallets, and keys. They may also become easily distracted and lose their temper. Inability to follow instructions and complete tasks negatively impacts their schoolwork, work and relationships.

Women hide their symptoms by using their emotions to justify their behavior. This makes it difficult to recognize and treat. For example women might experience low self-esteem or anxiety as the reason for her forgetfulness and inattention. It is also possible to blame relationship issues or somatic complaints--like headaches and nausea--on the stress of life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g., perimenopause or menopausal).

Untreated ADHD can lead to serious problems. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD may be more likely to engage in adolescent sex because of their impulsivity, difficulties with boundaries between people and lack of organization. Self-medicating with alcohol and drugs may be more common. Inattention can cause delays in appointments and procedures with doctors. They may have inconsistent and disordered eating patterns or a higher BMI, as well as unhealthy coping habits like nail-biting, skin picking, compulsive shopping, and excessive exercise.

A thorough assessment by a health care professional or mental health professional is the best method to determine ADHD. In addition, to examine the patient's emotional and physical health, the professional might seek feedback from family members and friends. They might recommend lab tests or a diagnosis interview. Having a diagnosis can be a life-changing experience for many adults who discover they have been struggling with an illness of the mind throughout their lives.

3. Impulsivity

Women who suffer from ADHD tend to have more trouble controlling their impulses than men, and this can result in self-injury or alcohol or drug addiction, or other mental health issues. It can also cause issues with relationships, since the inability to control or be impulsive can lead to misunderstandings and conflict with family, colleagues, and friends.

It is characterized by the tendency to speak loud, buy something on impulse, and act without considering the consequences. Be aware that acting impulsively does not necessarily mean you're a bad person. Certain people require more time to think before acting. It's important to talk to your doctor and be tested for ADHD If you notice that your symptoms are becoming more severe.

Women suffering from ADHD often have difficulty controlling their emotions. This can result in depression or other mental health issues. Depression symptoms can be difficult to recognize in women as they can appear similar to other health problems, like chronic headaches and insomnia. Some women suffering from ADHD are hesitant to seek help due to the fact that they believe their symptoms are a result of low self-esteem.

It is important to understand that sex is a distinct concept from gender and that your internal sense of identity isn't dependent on the biological characteristics that determine whether you are a woman, man or a nonbinary. However, many people suffering from ADHD have trouble identifying with their gender, and this can trigger feelings of desperation and shame. These feelings can be further exacerbated by the stress of living with untreated ADHD, which may also lead to the absence of professional or personal support.

4. Distractions

As girls with ADHD develop into women, they might struggle with adult tasks and interactions. This can cause problems at school or at work, and strained relationships with family and friends as well as romantic partners. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty managing their finances or home, and could be at risk of neglecting health-related concerns like regular checkups and exercises. They may also have difficulty dealing with negative emotions such as depression and anxiety.

Signs of ADHD in women who are adults can include misplacing things or forgetting appointments, getting easily distracted by movement or noise and having trouble interacting with others, or getting overwhelmed by tasks. They may also be more likely to suffer from mood-related symptoms such as low self-esteem, low self-confidence or somatic complaints such as headaches or abdominal pain.


It is crucial that women are aware of their symptoms and receive a diagnosis. It's also helpful to speak to a mental healthcare professional about your difficulties and develop coping mechanisms for ADHD. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can, for example, help to change negative thinking patterns and increase coping skills. Participating in a women's group could also provide valuable information on living with ADHD, and coping techniques for everyday life.

It is also important to note that women who suffer from ADHD may experience different symptoms than males, and they are different during transitional periods like puberty and childbirth, pregnancy, or hormone treatments during menopause. This is partly due to hormonal fluctuations and also the fact that females have a larger hippocampus, which plays an important role in memory and learning. Women also have the ability to mask their ADHD symptoms better than men. This can make it difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis. Despite these obstacles, it is still possible to live a fulfilling life with ADHD.

5. Anxiety

It can be difficult for women with ADHD admitting they have anxiety issues, but getting the correct diagnosis and treatment can make an enormous difference in their lives. It will also help them comprehend their behavior and how it impacts other people.

Anxiety may be a significant symptom of ADHD in adults women and it may look like:

Distraction, like daydreaming or appearing distracted. Making mistakes that are not made. Avoiding boring or difficult tasks. Finding it difficult to concentrate in the classroom or at work. Not remembering or being ADHD in adults symptoms women for appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed by the number of people around you or feeling pressured at work or home. Not able to relax or go to sleep. Being easily disturbed or sensitive to rejection and criticism.

Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from a mood disorder that is co-existing, like depression. They may also find it difficult to make friends. They could also experience issues with intimate relationships that result in a higher rate of intimate partner violence and a higher risk of substance abuse.

Girls and women may struggle to get a proper ADHD diagnose because their symptoms differ from those of boys and men. Health professionals must be aware of these differences to make an accurate diagnosis. This includes identifying specific features, like a more distinct symptom profile, difficulty with social relationships, a tendency to develop strategies to deal with inadequacies and performance issues and the coexistence of depression and anxiety. It is also essential to think about the impact of hormone levels in women on her symptom manifestation.