ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of

Women who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed since their symptoms are more subtle than those of males. Many develop strategies to mask their symptoms, and blame themselves for their problems.

Symptoms include trouble keeping track of things, a high level of distraction and memory issues. These symptoms can be controlled with medication.

Self-Esteem Issues

Women who suffer from ADHD might feel that they aren't as skilled or worthy of success as their peers. ADHD symptoms in adult men may have a hard time coping with frustration or disappointment caused by daily struggles to keep track of appointments, follow commitments and deadlines, and get organized at work or home. This can create an endless cycle of internal self-criticism, stress, and depression (Foster and Wolpe, 2010).

Women may be struggling to develop healthy strategies to cope. As a way to manage their symptoms women may resort to harmful or unhealthy behaviors particularly during adolescence. These unhealthy coping mechanisms can further exacerbate their problems and negatively impact their lives. Additionally, they could make it more difficult for medical professionals to identify their symptoms and delay a proper diagnosis.

The impulsivity that's often associated with ADHD can manifest itself in reckless behaviors or rants that don't match one's values, which can lead to feelings of shame. Many women with ADHD have trouble communicating their feelings or managing their emotions which can make social interactions difficult. This can also make it difficult to establish or keep relationships and, over time it can cause feelings of shame and loneliness.

When loved ones don't know why things happen like not being able to remember birthdays, ignoring appointments, or falling behind on assignments and assignments, they may be frustrated. Women who suffer from ADHD can also have difficulty communicating their feelings, and they might accidentally utter things that hurt others or cause trouble at school or at work.

Additionally, those with ADHD are often prone to putting off tasks and find it difficult to begin or finish tasks. This could lead to being late for health checks or other important appointments. They might feel overwhelmed and out-of-control.

Fortunately, it's now more common for professionals to recognize the signs of adult ADHD in women and refer them to treatment. Additionally, advances in understanding the differentiators between women and men suffering from ADHD have led to more effective treatments that allow women to manage their symptoms and gain 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 problems can cause misunderstandings and hurt feelings. The good news is that with the right treatment and care women can build affectionate relationships.

One of the most frequent issues in relationships for people with ADHD is "love bombing." Love bombing is a strategy where people shower their partners with affection and love early on in the relationship to trigger strong feelings of dependency and to overlook concerning behaviors. This behavior is often caused by untreated ADHD.

ADHD can also cause people to be in a position to not plan ahead. This is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship. If a neurotypical spouse wants an ADHD partner to do dishes, the person may be distracted by other chores and not complete the task. Similar to this, people with ADHD tend to switch from one hobby to the next, investing time and money into their latest passion. This can cause financial issues and a messy house.

Mood swings are a problem for people with ADHD in relationships. They might lash out at their loved ones in anger or have abrupt, broad mood swings from a burst of anxiety to extreme happiness. Their partners may feel overwhelmed and feel unable to control the situation.

It is essential for those suffering from ADHD to develop self-control, such as calming down and avoiding triggers that might trigger emotional outbursts. They should also practice relaxation techniques, like mindfulness meditation and deep breathing. They should also seek out help from a mental healthcare professional or ADHD specialist to develop coping strategies and devise a treatment plan.

It's important that people who suffer from ADHD be aware of how their behavior impact other people. In intimate relationships, both partners must develop empathy and compassion. They should also set clear boundaries to avoid feelings of resentment. It is also beneficial for those with ADHD to be aware of accommodations, such as taking notes, organizing their time, and taking breaks from conversations, to help them deal with their symptoms in the workplace and school.

Work Issues

It can be a challenge to work for women suffering from ADHD. Working from home or at an office can be a challenge. It is possible to deal with emails, phone calls and meetings throughout the day. When you add to that the restlessness, disorganization, and difficulty with focusing on tasks and juggling deadlines triggered by ADHD it can be like your job is unattainable.

There are a variety of ways to help. Talking to your doctor or mental health professional is one method. They will evaluate your symptoms and suggest an assessment. They may ask you to describe how your ADHD affects your life, and suggest strategies to manage them. For instance, they may suggest using a calendar to keep track of your appointments or organizing your workspace. Some people with ADHD benefit from a routine, taking medication regularly, and limiting distractions like television or social media.

Women with ADHD might have symptoms that are made worse by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. They are also more likely to have mood swings and feelings of general dissatisfaction with their lives and makes them more likely to be dismissed by male partners or colleagues.

The good news is that a combination of self-care and treatment could help you overcome this challenge. Your doctor may recommend methods to improve your symptoms, including medication like stimulants or non-stimulants. They may also suggest an organization that helps women with ADHD.


The NIMH's Tips to Talk with Your Health Care Provider fact sheet will help you prepare for this conversation. It includes a practice script and questions to ask. You can download the fact sheet. NIMH has resources that can assist you in finding an expert in mental health or health professional who is skilled in treating ADHD among adults. A thorough evaluation can be carried out to determine if ADHD is the cause of your issues. If needed, you can be referred to a specialist. Find out more about Adult ADHD on the NIMH page.

Social Issues

Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely than men to experience comorbid anxiety or mood-related conditions, and they may also struggle to navigate social situations due to their inability to discern social signals or read body language. These challenges can cause difficulties in romantic relationships as well as at work and at home. Adult ADHD symptoms can affect physical health, causing weight problems as well as depression, anxiety and chronic stress.

Women often have a difficult time getting diagnosed as adults, since they are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms. These women may have received treatment for other illnesses prior to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. Through the years, they might have developed coping strategies and learned to hide their ADHD. This can lead to a feeling of self-blame or that their lives will never be in order.

When you finally get a correct diagnosis, it can be an enormous relief for women who suffer from ADHD to know that they're not the cause for their problems and that the problems do not stem from an insecurities or personal weakness. A diagnosis can be a wonderful source of motivation and hope for women with ADHD, because they now know what they can do to achieve their goals.

There are numerous sources that can assist women find treatments to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. These include cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychotherapy therapy and specialized 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)). Click On this website who prefer not to take stimulants can opt for non-stimulant options like atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) or viloxazine (Qelbree(r)), or clonidine (Kapvay(r)).

For the most effective treatment, it's essential that these women see a trusted healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis of their condition. Treatment options include medications or lifestyle changes and the combination of other treatments.