ADHD in Adults Symptoms Women May Not Be Aware Of

Women with ADHD are often not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed because their symptoms are less obvious than those of males. Many develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms and blame themselves for their own problems.

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

Self-Esteem Issues

Women with ADHD often feel they're not as skilled or capable of achieving the same level as their peers. They may struggle to cope with disappointment and anger because of daily challenges like keeping track of appointments, delivering on deadlines, commitments, or organising their home or at work. This can create a vicious cycle of inner self-criticism, stress, and depression (Foster & Wolpe, 2010).

Women may find it difficult to establish healthy coping strategies. They might turn to harmful or unhealthy behaviors as a way of trying to cope with their issues, especially during adolescence, such as excessive alcohol and substance use. These harmful coping strategies can exacerbate their issues and negatively impact their lives. They can also make it difficult for professionals to detect symptoms and delay an accurate diagnose.

The impulsivity that often comes with ADHD can manifest itself in reckless behavior or outbursts that don't match one's values, leading to feelings of shame. Many women suffering from ADHD struggle with in expressing themselves or controlling their emotions which can make social interactions difficult. This can also make it difficult to form or keep relationships and, over time it can cause feelings of shame and isolation.

Forgetting birthdays, missing meetings, or getting behind on assignments can lead to frustration for family members, particularly when they don't understand the reasons behind these incidents. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have trouble articulating their feelings, so they might accidentally utter things that hurt others or cause trouble at work or school.

People with ADHD often put off tasks and have difficulty to start or complete tasks. This could lead to missed health checks or other important appointments. They may feel overwhelmed and out of control.

It's more common now for professionals to spot adult ADHD symptoms in women and recommend treatment. Additionally, the recognition of the differences between men suffering from ADHD and women has resulted in more effective treatment options that allow women to manage their symptoms, regain self-esteem and confidence.

Relationship Issues

Being diagnosed with ADHD can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Women may have difficulty communicating with their friends and loved ones due to their impulsivity as well as their inability to concentrate on conversations. These symptoms can cause misunderstandings and hurt feelings. The good news is that with proper care and treatments, women can develop friendships that are loving.

One of the most frequent problems in relationships for those who suffer from ADHD is "love bombing." Love bombing is a strategy where one lavishes their partner with love and attention early on in the relationship to induce intense feelings of dependency and to ignore any problematic behavior. This is usually the result of untreated ADHD.

ADHD can also make it difficult for people with ADHD to think ahead which is a major aspect in maintaining a relationship. For instance when a person with neurotypical symptoms asks their ADHD partner to help with the dishes, they may be distracted by three other chores and never get around to finishing them. People with ADHD are also susceptible to switching from hobby to interest and putting money and time into their latest obsession. This can result in financial issues and a messy house.

Mood swings are a problem for people with ADHD in relationships. similar web site can be angry with their partners or experience sudden, broad mood changes from extreme anxiety to extreme joy. Their partners may feel overwhelmed and feel unable to control the situation.

It's important for people with ADHD to develop self-control, which includes slowing down and avoiding triggers that could trigger emotional outbursts. They should also engage in relaxation techniques, like mindfulness meditation and deep breathing. They should also seek out help from a mental health professional or ADHD specialist in order to learn coping skills and develop a treatment program.

It's also crucial for those who suffer from ADHD to understand how their behavior affects others. In intimate relationships, both partners must cultivate empathy and compassion. It is also important to establish the boundaries clearly to avoid resentment. It is also beneficial for those with ADHD to learn about accommodations, such as taking notes, organizing their time, and taking breaks from conversations, to help them cope with their symptoms in the workplace and at school.

Work Problems

Work can be overwhelming for women with ADHD. No matter if you work from home or in a formal office setting dealing with calls, emails and meetings throughout the day can be a challenge. Add to that the anxiety and disorganization, as well as difficulty focusing on tasks or remembering deadlines that are associated with ADHD and it can seem as if your job is unattainable.

There are plenty of ways to assist. Talking with your doctor or mental health professional is a good way. They can evaluate your symptoms, and recommend a diagnostic. They might ask you how ADHD affects your daily routine and suggest ways to manage it. For instance, they could suggest using a planner to track appointments or arranging your workspace. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from a routine of taking medication on a regular basis, and limiting distractions like television or social media.

Women who suffer from ADHD might suffer from symptoms that are exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as menstruation or pregnancy. They are more likely to experience mood fluctuations or feelings of discontent in their lives. This can make them harder to understand by male friends or colleagues.

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

NIMH's Tips on Talking with Your Health Care Provider factsheet will help you prepare for the conversation. It includes a practice script and questions to ask. You can also download the factsheet. NIMH has resources that can assist you in finding an expert in mental health or health professional who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. Then a full evaluation can be performed to determine whether ADHD is causing your problems. If necessary, you could also be referred to a specialist. Find out more about Adult ADHD on the NIMH page.

Social Issues

Women with ADHD are more likely than men to experience mood-related or anxiety-related issues as well as have trouble navigating social situations due to their inability pick up on social cues or interpret body language. These challenges can lead to problems in relationships with loved ones as well as at home and at work. Adult ADHD symptoms can also affect physical health, causing weight problems depression, anxiety, and chronic stress.

Women often have a difficult time getting diagnosed as adults because they are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms. Women might have had treatment for other illnesses prior to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. They might have developed strategies to cope and developed strategies to disguise their ADHD over time and then blame themselves for a lack of ability or a fear that they'll never be able to get their lives together.

It can be a huge relief for women suffering from ADHD when they finally receive a proper diagnosis. They understand that their issues aren't their own fault and that the problems do not originate from an individual weakness or flaw. A diagnosis can also be an incredible source of hope and motivation to change, as the women now know what they must accomplish to realize their maximum potential.


While the challenges associated with a diagnosis of adult ADHD can be overwhelming, there are also many resources available to help women find effective treatments that will alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life. This can include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or specific ADHD medications. Medications used to treat ADHD in adults are typically stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall(r)) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse(r)). If you don't want to take medication that is stimulant-like you can choose other alternatives like atomoxetine(Strattera(r), viloxazine(Qelbree[r]), or clonidine(Kapvay[r[r]).

It is crucial that these women seek the advice of an experienced medical professional to obtain a precise diagnosis. In addition to medications, treatment options can also include lifestyle changes and a mix of other treatments.