ADHD Adult Female Symptoms

ADHD can affect people of all genders and ages, but it is more difficult for women to get diagnosed. This is because women rarely exhibit the same levels of inattention or impulsivity as men do, which means they are often misdiagnosed or not recognized.

The first step in managing your symptoms is to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Adults who suffer from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medication, however, there are other options.

1. Problems with Focusing

Women suffering from ADHD are prone to being distracted by a myriad of things, but they're also having difficulties focusing on conversations and tasks especially when they are suffering from emotional or sensory overload. These problems can become more difficult during menstrual cycles.

Women who are inattentional ADHD suffer from problems with their working memory. This causes them to be unable to remember things that are simple like appointments or upcoming events. They might forget where they put their car keys or the name of the lady who offered them a ride home from spin class. They might also forget important dates and deadlines.

Procrastination, as well as the inability to stick with plans are also signs of ADHD among adult females. They are more likely to be distracted by shiny objects or social networks which makes it difficult to finish their projects and assignments. This can result in feeling overwhelmed and a lack of performance at school or at work.

Many women with ADHD aren't diagnosed because of gender stereotypes. They feel guilt and mistakenly attribute their problems as "bad behavior" or "character imperfections". They often feel like they're an imposter. A diagnosis could be an "lightbulb" moment for them, as it gives them an external explanation of their issues and allows them to accept themselves more fully.

Women and girls with untreated ADHD can experience a wide range of negative outcomes, including academic problems and behavioral issues, bad family and relationship problems as well as co-occurring mental health problems. But a proper diagnosis and treatment plan can significantly improve the quality of life for those suffering from ADHD at all stages of life. Treatment options may include stimulant therapy and medication. *

2. Difficulty Finishing Projects

Women suffering from ADHD often have trouble completing tasks and duties. They might forget important information, have trouble switching between tasks and duties or have difficulty to meet deadlines. They may also be more likely to make mistakes, have trouble organizing their schedules and managing their time and underestimate the time it takes them to complete tasks.

ADHD symptoms adults male suffering from ADHD can find the emotional symptoms of ADHD, such as mood swings or irritability particularly frustrating. Hormonal changes can trigger symptoms, including those that are experienced during menopausal cycles, pregnancy, and during menstruation. Women with undiagnosed ADHD may be frustrated and disappointed with their performance at work and 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 recalling to take out the trash or turn off the stove and they are easily distracted by little objects around them. They may also have difficulty performing repetitive tasks, such as folding dishes or washing the laundry. Simple tasks that are boring or repetitive can become intolerable, leading to impulsive behaviors like excessive conversation or oversharing. Women with ADHD might also make unruly choices and use unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol or drugs.

If you're having trouble working through tasks, suffer from memory issues, have a tendency to procrastinate for a long time or have relationship problems it is essential to seek out professional help for ADHD. A proper diagnosis can boost the quality of your life and assist you in achieving success in your professional and personal life. It can help you better manage your ADHD symptoms and develop strategies to deal with them effectively. You can reduce lapses in concentration and attention by adhering to a plan using a planner, or a reminder app, taking notes during meetings, and practicing good sleep hygiene. Exercise also helps increase focus by boosting brain neurotransmitter production.

3. It is difficult to remember names

Difficulty remembering names can be associated with other ADHD symptoms, such as difficulty following directions and trouble finishing projects. The underlying issue behind these issues is a failure to prioritize and organize tasks, which impacts efficient information retrieval. This issue can get worse during times of fatigue, stress or hormonal changes, such as prior to, during, or after menopausal change.

Forgetting names can be more frustrating when it's followed by a feeling of forgetfulness over bigger items like appointments, events, or personal reminders. These lapses could also be exacerbated by anxiety or depression which are frequently associated with ADHD in women.

ADHD is often underdiagnosed in women due to gender biases and internalized symptoms. Inattentive ADHD symptoms are more subtle than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, making them harder to detect and identify. In the end, they are under-identified and under-referred for treatment and diagnosis.


In addition, there is a gender-based bias due to the fact that ADHD is generally seen as a male condition with hyperactive boys being the ones who are most admitted to clinics for assessment and treatment. In addition to internalized stigma and the fact that women's symptoms frequently look different than men's and that many professionals are unable to diagnose or treat ADHD in women.

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

4. Ailoofs that appear difficult to see

Women with ADHD are often prone to inattention, and their struggles can seem subtle to others. They may miss appointments, fail to finish chores around the house or have trouble making notes at work. They might also have problems with impulsivity and have difficulty understanding social boundaries. This could lead to confusion and misinterpretation in relationships with friends and family and could lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection.

Women who are not treated for ADHD may also have trouble being able to meet the expectations set by society as women. This can cause a feeling of inadequacy and ADHD symptoms as they struggle with the burden of caring for children and household chores. Untreated ADHD can lead to lower self-esteem in women. They might resort to unhealthy methods of coping, like binge eating and watching marathons on TV.

The difficulties of ADHD in women can be exacerbated by gender bias, both in the way women and girls are perceived and assessed by healthcare professionals. There is evidence that suggests that girls and women tend to conceal or minimize their ADHD symptoms, and could 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 could lead to a false diagnosis as well as delayed or incorrect treatment.

Symptoms of ADHD can vary with hormone changes, and they may be especially evident during the ovulation period, pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause. These changes can make women more unhappy with her ADHD symptoms and increase the chances of being viewed as a naive, or viewed as moody or emotional.

5. Impulsivity

Women also experience the impulsivity that is a sign of ADHD. They can also experience trouble managing their emotions and can be prone to having "foot-in-mouth" moments. These actions that are impulsive can have a huge impact on relationships as well as professional life.

The part of the brain that controls the ability to make decisions and reason is known as the prefrontal cortex. This area can assist people avoid making a mistake by providing a nudge on their behavior. ADHD patients have a less-functional prefrontal cortex. This can make it difficult to resist impulses and avoid doing something reckless. It can also lead to an absence of self-esteem. In women, impulsiveness often manifests as difficulty with social boundaries and self-control (interrupting the conversation, not finishing other's sentences, and speaking too much).

Women also have issues with impulse control when their hormones change. Estrogen fluctuates at different times during the menstrual cycle as well as during pregnancy, childbirth, and menopausal cycles. The use of oral contraception and hormone therapy during perimenopausal and menopause can further alter the levels of estrogen and other hormones that affect women's ADHD symptoms.

ADHD symptoms for girls and women can differ from those seen in men and boys, which is why they are often not properly diagnosed. This is why many adults with ADHD are unaware of the fact that they suffer from it. The good news is that diagnosing and treating ADHD at any age can improve the quality of life for a person. If you are unsure whether or not you have ADHD discuss it with your doctor to see if they can help. Treatment options include medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and couples counseling.