Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women

Signs of ADHD in women who are adults are more difficult to spot than in men, as women often have coping mechanisms that mask their symptoms, according to Dr. Frank. Fortunately, support for lifestyle and medication can help them improve their functioning and quality of life.

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. Attention

The symptoms of ADHD in women of all ages typically are characterized by difficulty in keeping track of time, missed appointments, misplacing objects or being easily distracted. Women may also have issues with procrastination and forgetfulness and also working or studying in an environment that is noisy or busy. They may have issues with interpersonal skills, which can include interrupting others and blurting out statements that they later regret.

Unlike boys and men who suffer from ADHD tend to be better in hiding their symptoms. They can develop healthy coping strategies that include having a regular schedule or using phone reminders for important events. However, these strategies for coping aren't sustainable in the long run and are not enough to manage the complexity of daily life. In addition, their symptoms could be exacerbated by co-occurring disorders like depression and anxiety.

Many people suffering from ADHD display impulsivity or hyperactivity symptoms as well. In adults, these symptoms are less obvious and could only affect certain areas of their lives, like work or social interactions. Those with a hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may experience frequent fidgeting, talkativeness or trouble sitting still during conversations. They might also have trouble relaxing or finding a way to calm down, as well as trouble making and maintaining friendships.

People who suffer from moderate to mild ADHD may not have major issues at work or in their relationships, but they have trouble keeping track of their time and following through on commitments. They may face issues with finances, schoolwork or household chores. They often experience feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities they have to fulfill. In severe cases, the condition can cause disruptions to a person's daily life. They might also have difficulties maintaining relationships or holding their job.

2. Hyperactivity

Women with ADHD often struggle to organize their work, home, and personal items. They also tend to lose track of important things like their glasses, wallets, and keys. They also are prone to lose their temper and getting distracted by their thoughts and activities. Inability to follow directions and complete tasks negatively impacts their academic performance, as well as their relationships.

Women hide their symptoms by with their emotions in order to justify their behavior. This makes it difficult to recognize and treat. For instance, she may blame her inattention or forgetfulness on her low self-esteem and anxiety. She could also blame relationship issues or somatic complaints (such as headaches and nausea) on the stress of everyday life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g. menopausal, perimenopausal).

If not treated, ADHD can lead to serious problems. For instance, women and girls who suffer from ADHD could be at greater risk of adolescent sexual activity because of their impulsivity and issues with boundaries within the group and planning. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs may be more common. Inattention can cause delays in appointments and procedures with doctors. They might have erratic and disordered eating patterns or a higher BMI, and unhealthy coping strategies, such as nail-biting, skin picking, obsessive shopping and a lot of exercise.

A thorough evaluation by a health care provider or mental health professional is the best method of diagnosing ADHD. In addition to looking at the patient's physical and emotional health, the professional might seek feedback from family members and friends. They may suggest tests in the lab or an interview. Having a diagnosis can be a life-changing event for many adults who realize they've been struggling with mental health issues for years.

3. Impulsivity

Women who suffer from ADHD tend to have more difficulty controlling their impulses than males, and this could result in self-injury, alcohol or substance addiction, or other mental health issues. It can also cause difficulties in relationships, as forgetfulness and impulsive behavior can cause confusion or conflicts with family members, friends, and co-workers.

Impulsivity is characterized by the tendency to speak loud, purchase something in a hurry, and make a decision without thinking about the consequences. It's important to keep in mind that acting in a rash manner isn't always an indication of bad character, and some people require more time than others to think through their thoughts before they act. It's important to talk to your doctor and get checked for ADHD If you notice that the symptoms are becoming more severe.

It's also common for women with ADHD to struggle with managing their emotions, which can lead to depression, as well as other mental health issues. Symptoms of depression are difficult to spot for women because they may resemble other health problems like insomnia or a persistent headache. Some women suffering from ADHD are reluctant to seek help because they believe that their symptoms are a result of low self-esteem.

It is crucial to recognize that sex is an entirely different concept than gender and that your internal sense if identity is not dependent on the biological characteristics that determine if you are a man, woman or non-binary. Many people with ADHD struggle to identify with their gender. This can lead them to feel ashamed and despair. additional hints can be exacerbated by the anxiety of living with untreated ADHD, which may also lead to the absence of professional or personal support.

4. Distractions

As girls with ADHD grow into women, they could be unable to handle adult tasks and interactions. This could cause issues at work or in school as well as strained relationships with family members, friends and romantic partners. Women who suffer from ADHD are also prone to having difficulty managing their finances or home. They may also be at risk of neglecting health issues, such as regular checkups and exercise. They may also be struggling with coping with negative emotions like anxiety and depression.

Symptoms of ADHD in women of all ages may include misplacing items or forgetting appointments, getting easily distracted by movement or noise, having difficulty working with others, or being overwhelmed by tasks. They could also be more likely to experience mood-related symptoms such as low self-esteem, low self confidence, or physical complaints like headaches or abdominal pain.

It is crucial for women to be aware of the signs of ADHD and seek a diagnosis. It's also helpful to speak with a mental healthcare professional about your issues and develop coping mechanisms for ADHD. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help, for instance, to change negative thinking patterns and enhance coping skills. Joining a women's group can also provide valuable information on living with ADHD and coping strategies for everyday life.

It's also worth noting that women with ADHD can experience different symptoms than men, and these are different during transitional periods like puberty or pregnancy, childbirth or hormone treatments during menopause. This is due in part to hormone fluctuations, and also the fact that women have a larger hippocampal area that plays a crucial role in memory and education. Women may also hide their ADHD symptoms better than males. This makes it harder to obtain an accurate diagnosis. It is possible to lead an enjoyable and joyful life with ADHD despite these obstacles.

5. Anxiety

It can be difficult for women with ADHD to admit they have anxiety issues, but obtaining the right diagnosis and treatment could make a a huge difference in their lives. It can also help them understand their behavior and how it affects others.

Anxiety can be a major indicator of ADHD in adults women and can manifest as:

Distractions, such as daydreaming or appearing to be distracted. Making additional hints . Avoiding boring or difficult tasks. Trouble focusing at the classroom or at work. Being late or forgetting things for appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed by the number of people around you or under pressure at home or work. Having trouble relaxing or falling asleep. Being easily disturbed, or being overly sensitive to criticism.


Women with ADHD may be more likely to develop co-occurring mood disorder, such as depression, and they may have a harder time establishing friendships. They might also have issues with intimate relationships, which can result in a higher rate of intimate partner violence and a higher percentage of substance abuse.

It can be challenging for girls and women to obtain a precise ADHD diagnosis because symptoms in women and girls differ from those in men and boys. Health care professionals must be aware of these differences to provide a correct diagnosis. This means identifying certain traits that are more distinct, like a clear symptom-profile, difficulty in social interactions and a tendency to employ ways to cope with the signs of performance issues or underachievement and the relationship between depression and anxiety. It is important to also take into consideration the impact that a woman's hormonal levels influence her symptoms.