ADHD Adult Female Symptoms

ADHD can affect people of all age groups and genders, however it is more difficult for women to be diagnosed. It's because women do not typically exhibit the same levels of high levels of impulsivity or hyperactivity that men do, and therefore are often misdiagnosed or not recognized.

The first step to manage your symptoms is to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Stimulant medication is a common treatment for adults with ADHD, but there are also other options.

1. Difficulty Focusing

Women suffering from ADHD can be distracted by a variety of things, but they're also having difficulty staying focused on tasks and conversations especially when they are suffering from emotional or sensory overload. These issues can become worse during menstrual cycle.

Women with inattention ADHD suffer from problems with their working memory. This makes it difficult to remember everyday things like the dates of appointments or events that are coming up. They may often forget where they left their keys to their car, the name of the woman who drove them to home from spin class or even important deadlines and dates.

Procrastination and the inability to keep up with plans are also signs of ADHD among adult females. They are more likely to be distracted by shiny objects or social media which makes it difficult to complete their projects and assignments. This can cause them to feel overwhelmed and underperforming at school or at work.

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

Untreated ADHD for girls and women can result in a myriad of negative effects, such as academic difficulties, behavioral problems, relationship and family problems, and coexisting mental health conditions. But a thorough diagnosis and treatment plan can dramatically improve life for people with ADHD at all stages of their lives. Treatment options include stimulant drugs and therapy. *

2. Difficulty Finishing Projects

Women suffering from ADHD often struggle to complete tasks and duties. They may forget important information, have trouble switching between tasks and responsibilities and find it difficult to meet deadlines. They may also be more likely to make careless mistakes, struggle with organizing their schedules and underestimate the amount of time they need to finish 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 made worse by hormonal changes, including those that occur during menstrual cycles as well as during pregnancy and menopausal. Women with undiagnosed ADHD can be frustrated and disappointed by their performance at workplace or in their relationships.

Some women with ADHD struggle with keeping up with daily tasks like grocery shopping and household chores. They might have a difficult finding the time to remember to empty the trash or turn off the stove and they can be easily distracted by the smallest objects around them. They may also have difficulty with repetitive tasks such as washing dishes or folding laundry. The monotonous or repetitive chores can become unbearable which can lead to impulsive behavior like excessive talk or sharing. Women who suffer from ADHD may also make unruly choices and employ unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol or drugs.

If you are having difficulty working through tasks, suffer from memory problems, procrastinate chronically or are experiencing relationship issues it is essential to seek professional help for ADHD. Finding the right diagnosis can improve the living quality and set you up for success in both your professional and personal lives. It can assist you in managing your ADHD symptoms and create strategies to deal with these. To minimize lapses in focus and attention it is recommended to stick to a regular schedule and use an app for planning or reminders, take notes at meetings, and maintain good habits of sleep (avoid screens at least an hour prior to the time you go to bed). Exercise can also improve focus as it increases the levels of brain neurotransmitters.

3. Difficulty remembering names

It is possible that a trouble remembering names might be associated with other ADHD symptoms, like difficulty following directions or completing projects. The underlying issue behind the difficulties is a lack of ability to prioritize and organize tasks that affects efficient information retrieval. This symptom tends to worsen when there are periods of fatigue, stress or hormonal changes.

Forgetting names can feel even more frustrating when it's followed by a sense of forgetfulness over bigger items, such as appointments, events, or personal reminders. These lapses may be exacerbated by depression and anxiety which are both common co-occurring conditions with ADHD in women.

ADHD is often not recognized in women because of gender bias and internalized symptoms. Inattentive ADHD symptoms are more subtle than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, making them harder to detect and identify. They are therefore under-diagnosed and under-referred to doctors to receive treatment and diagnosis.

Additionally, gender-based bias exists because the disorder is largely considered to be a male-specific condition, with hyperactive boys being the ones who are most admitted to clinics for assessment and treatment. In addition, due to internalized stigma, women's symptoms are usually different from those of men. Many professionals fail to diagnose or treat ADHD in females.

It's becoming more common for women to be diagnosed with ADHD in their adulthood. A diagnosis can improve relationships, set you up for success at school and work, and provide the support you need to excel in your life. If you're looking to get an assessment, speak with an experienced Salience Health provider. We can assess your symptoms using tools like Creyos Cognitive Testing and Brainview Advanced and connect you to a therapist who is right for you.

4. The difficulty appears in the roof

Women who suffer from ADHD are often prone to inattention and their problems can seem subtle to others. They might forget to complete chores at home, miss appointments or have difficulty taking notes. ADHD in adults symptoms women may also struggle with impulsivity and trouble understanding social boundaries. This could lead to confusion and misinterpretation of relationships with family and friends and can lead to feelings of loneliness and feeling isolated.

Women with untreated ADHD may also have trouble fulfilling the expectations of society for them as women. They may struggle with the responsibility of caring for their children and household chores, and this social pressure can intensify their ADHD symptoms and feelings of inadequateness. Many women suffering from untreated ADHD report low self-esteem and resort to unhealthy strategies for coping such as binge eating and marathons on TV.

The challenges of ADHD for women could be amplified by gender bias in the way that girls and women are viewed as well as how clinicians assess their symptoms. There is evidence that suggests that women and girls tend to cover up or disguise their ADHD symptoms, and can be less likely to receive treatment and diagnosis than boys and men.

Women with ADHD may also have difficulties understanding their symptoms and could confuse them with mood disorders or anxiety disorders. This can lead to a incorrect diagnosis and delayed treatment.


The signs of ADHD can be influenced by hormone changes, and they may be especially evident during the ovulation period, pregnancy, menstruation or menopausal. These changes can make women more annoyed with her ADHD symptoms and increase the chances of being misunderstood, or viewed as a moody or emotional.

5. Impulsivity

Women also experience the impulsivity that is associated with ADHD. They may also struggle with controlling their emotions, and be prone to "foot in mouth" moments. These behavior patterns that are impulsive can have significant impact on relationships and professional life.

The part of the brain that is responsible for the ability to make decisions and reason is known as the prefrontal cortex. This brain area can help people avoid making poor decisions by providing a nudge on behavior. ADHD sufferers have a weaker prefrontal cortex. This makes it harder to resist impulses and stop themselves from doing something reckless. It can also lead to an absence of self-esteem. Women's impulsiveness is often manifested as an inability to maintain social boundaries and self-control in conversation (interrupting others, not finishing their sentences, or talking too often).

Women can also experience problems with control of impulses when hormones fluctuate. Estrogen fluctuates naturally at different times during the menstrual cycle, as well as during childbirth, pregnancy, and menopause. Contraceptives and hormone therapy during menopausal or perimenopausal periods can further alter estrogen levels and other hormones, which could affect women's ADHD.

ADHD symptoms for girls and women can differ from those seen in males and boys, which is why they are often incorrectly diagnosed. Many people with ADHD are not aware of their condition. The good news is that diagnosing and treating ADHD can make a difference in a person's life at any age. Speak to your doctor if there's a doubt whether you're suffering from ADHD. They can offer you guidance. Treatment options include medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and couples counseling.