Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women

While men and boys are diagnosed far more often with ADHD however, girls and women are also susceptible to it. But lingering stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptoms and comorbidities can make it more difficult for them to be properly evaluated and treated.

These strategies are often harmful and ineffective. Here are some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in women who are adults.

1. Unfocused attention

Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed by daily tasks. They often have a difficult time to keep track of numerous deadlines, email notifications and meetings. They may also be more prone to forget important appointments or events. They may also be unable to focus. concentration in noisy or busy surroundings. This could cause them to miss opportunities and lower quality work.

These challenges can lead to frustration for many adults suffering from ADHD. They might feel that they reflect of their own performance or of themselves. Many people who suffer from ADHD end up having low self-esteem and a negative view of their body. They may also struggle to maintain relationships and develop effective coping strategies. In some cases they resort to unhealthy strategies for coping like excessive drinking or drug use. This can make it harder for others to see that they're struggling and delay the diagnosis.

Adults with ADHD may be particularly sensitive to criticism or failure. This can lead them to internalize the issue and make it difficult for them to seek assistance. They might also be afflicted by relationship problems and struggle to find work that is meaningful. They are also more susceptible to anxiety, depression and mood fluctuations. In some instances the symptoms may cause a mental disorder that is non-suicidal, like self-harm (NSSI) which can be expressed by cutting, burning or scratching.

ADHD is more common in men and boys, but symptoms can last and affect all aspects of your life. Women should recognize the signs and seek an evaluation by a medical professional. A correct diagnosis can lead to better control of symptoms and a better quality of life.

2. Disorganization

Women with ADHD feel overwhelmed, as if their lives are in chaos. They may miss deadlines or find it difficult to keep track of household chores, such as paying bills and keeping track of appointments. They may have a disorganized home and finances, and could struggle to keep relationships stable and maintain a job.

Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms can lead to more anger and misunderstandings in relationships with partners, friends, and coworkers. These problems can lead to strained or even broken connections and feelings of being isolated. Forgetfulness, difficulty in listening and the tendency to "zone out" or not pay attention, can lead to misunderstandings with loved ones.

Signs of impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and mood swings are more frequent in women with ADHD than men and can be extremely disruptive to both personal and professional. Women with untreated ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the demands of family, work and the social world. They may also be sensitive to criticism and harsh judgment.

There are ways to deal with these symptoms. For many adults, treatment options include lifestyle changes and the use of specialized tools for organization, as well as prescription stimulant medication.

Women who suffer from ADHD might be able hide their ADHD symptoms better than men, which can lead to an undiagnosed condition that can last until the age of. They are more likely to be suffering from comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety that can increase the effects of untreated ADHD. Women can also have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships and a steady job and are susceptible to low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to a person's genetic makeup, chromosomes, hormones, and anatomy; gender refers to the internal perception of self as a man, woman, nonbinary, or other gender identity; and mental health conditions are usually diagnosed based on both.

3. Anxiety

Women with ADHD are more likely to be suffering from depression and anxiety. These symptoms can be worsened when you're unable keep track of your daily tasks and appointments. This could lead to health issues such as missed health checkups or payments that are late, or even debt. ADHD can trigger emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness, which can lead to relationship problems with family, friends and coworkers.

Many women develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms. This could make it difficult for others to notice that they're having difficulty staying organized and focused. These coping strategies may be healthy, such as creating an annual schedule or setting phone reminders, or they could be harmful and rely on alcohol or drugs to help them manage or overcome their challenges. These coping strategies can lead to an unhealthy cycle of self-doubt and stress for women, causing them to feel they are not successful or productive, which could increase feelings of depression and anxiety.

Women with ADHD might also feel like they aren't accepted or aren't meeting social expectations. This can lead to frustration and low self-esteem. They may also experience difficulties at work, such as difficulties with organization skills, adherence to corporate policies, or adhering to a daily 9-to-5 schedule. They may struggle with managing their finances due to impulsive and disorganized spending, or they might be unable to keep up with work-related assignments or completing homework.

ADHD is a long-lasting condition that requires constant support, particularly when it affects girls and women. Despite the prevalence of the disorder however, it's still under-diagnosed, misunderstood and untreated. The unique symptoms of ADHD in women are a result stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptomatology, comorbidities and hormonal fluctuations.

4. Impulsivity

Women with ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions or impulses. They may become easily frustrated or overly exuberant, and they may lose track of time or be late to events. extreme ADHD symptoms adults may also have difficulties reading body language and recognizing social signals. This can cause problems at work or with relationships. They may be prone to arguments or spend too much time in pursuits and hobbies that are not important to them. They might also have trouble maintaining friendships or making new connections because they struggle to follow through on promises and commitments.


Women are better at developing ways to cope with their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for them than men to get diagnosed. They could, for example develop routines to assist them in staying organized, or use apps to remind themselves of their appointments. They could change their behavior to comply with social expectations and norms. They may even try to conceal their symptoms by using drugs or alcohol. This could lead to negative health effects over time.

Certain people with ADHD do not outgrow the symptoms. About 60% of women suffering from ADHD in childhood will have it throughout their adulthood. This compares to 30% of males.

Professional treatment can be beneficial for those who can not find relief from medication or lifestyle changes. There are a myriad of options available, including life coaching, career coaching, and counseling as well as medications such as stimulants. Exercise is a fantastic method to boost your mood and increasing your energy. It releases neurotransmitters, which increase motivation and attention. It can also reduce anxiety and stress.

5. Reactivity to emotional stimuli

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often have trouble with emotional reaction. They may have difficulty regulating their emotions and communicating them in a proper manner. This can lead to anger for themselves and others. A woman with ADHD might become angry when her partner criticizes them, but she might not be able calm down to talk about the issue in a rational way. It is also possible that she struggles to "pause her reaction" by recognizing body signals like flushed skin or a short breath which indicate she is either overstimulated or overwhelmed.

This inability to regulate their emotions can cause more stress and miscommunications in relationships, and can make those with ADHD more susceptible to anxiety and depression. It can also cause problems with social interactions, as it is difficult to discern other people's moods and recognize social signals.

In some cases, ADHD people may appear emotionally detached and uninterested towards their friends or loved one even though they care about them. In other instances, they may withdraw from triggering situations to avoid experiencing emotions that are intense.

Gender bias is common among clinicians, and the effects of ADHD on women can be easily overlooked because of the nature of their symptoms. Many of them camouflage their ADHD symptoms, and when they do appear, they're more likely to be interpreted as anxiety or mood-related, and therefore misdiagnosed. It is advisable to seek out an expert in mental health who has experience working with women and young girls with ADHD if you are experiencing these symptoms. They can help validate your experiences, guide you how to use strategies such as self-awareness and pacing and offer family psychoeducation that can help you learn to recognize and address your ADHD symptoms in the future.