Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women

Symptoms of ADHD in women who are adults can be more difficult to identify than in men because women tend to develop strategies to cope with their symptoms, according to Dr. Frank. Fortunately, lifestyle support and medication can assist them to 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

ADHD symptoms for women can include having trouble keeping track of time as well as a tendency to miss appointments, lose items or being easily distracted. Women can also struggle with procrastination or forgetfulness and working or studying in a setting which is noisy or bustling. Women often struggle with interpersonal skills. They may interrupt others or make statements that they regret later.

Women with ADHD are better at hiding symptoms than boys and males. They might develop healthy coping strategies, such as having a regular schedule or making phone calls to remind them of important occasions. However, these strategies can be unsustainable over the long run and do not suffice to cope with the demands of daily life. In addition, their symptoms could be complicated by comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression.

Many people who suffer from ADHD also exhibit hyperactivity and impulsivity. For adults, these signs are more subtle and only affect a few 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 may also find it difficult to relax or settle down. They may also struggle to establish and keep friendships.

People who suffer from mild to moderate ADHD may not have any significant problems at work or in their relationships, however they have trouble keeping track of their time and following through on commitments. They may face issues with schoolwork, finances or household chores and often experience a sense of being overwhelmed by the demands of their lives. Those who suffer from severe symptoms are severely disrupted in their daily lives and might have difficulty finding work or maintaining relationships.

2. Hyperactivity

Women suffering from ADHD have trouble organizing their work, home and personal belongings. They may also lose track important things such as their keys, wallets and eyeglasses. They may also become easily distracted and lose their temper. Inability to follow directions and complete tasks affects their academic performance, as well as their relationships.

Women cover up their symptoms by with their emotions in order to justify their behavior. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat. For instance, she may blame her forgetfulness or inattention on anxiety and low self-esteem. It is also possible to blame relationship issues or other complaints, such as nausea and headaches, on the stress of life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g. menopausal symptoms, perimenopausal symptoms or menopause).

When untreated, ADHD can lead to serious problems. For what are ADHD symptoms in adults , girls and women who suffer from ADHD might be at higher likelihood of engaging in sexual activities as adolescents because of their impulsivity and difficulties with boundaries between people and planning. They might be more likely to use drugs and alcohol to self-medicate. Inattention could lead to delays in appointments with doctors and procedures. They may have disordered eating habits or a high BMI. They might also be prone to unhealthy strategies for coping such as excessive shopping, nail-biting and skin picking.

A thorough evaluation by a health care provider or mental health professional is the most effective way to diagnose ADHD. In addition, to examine the patient's physical and emotional health, the professional might solicit feedback from close family members and friends. They might recommend lab tests or a diagnosis interview. A diagnosis can be a life-changing experience for many adults who realize they've been struggling with mental health issues throughout their lives.

3. Impulsivity

Women suffering from ADHD have a harder time controlling their impulses. This can lead to other problems like self-injury and drinking or using drugs. It can also lead to issues with relationships, since the inability to control or be impulsive can lead to miscommunications and conflicts with family, friends, and coworkers.

The term "impulsivity" refers to a tendency to speak out loud, purchase something on impulse, or act without thinking about the consequences. Remember that acting impulsively does not necessarily mean you're a bad person. Some people need more time to think before acting. It's still important to speak to your doctor and get checked for ADHD if you notice that your symptoms are becoming more severe.

It's also common for females with ADHD to struggle with controlling their emotions, and this can cause depression and other mental health issues. Depression symptoms can be difficult to identify in women because they may resemble other health problems, like insomnia and chronic headaches. Some women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time deciding whether to seek help due to the fact that they believe their symptoms are indicative of low self-esteem or a flaw in their personality.

It is important to recognize that gender and sexuality are two different concepts and that the biological characteristics that determine whether you are either a woman, man or a nonbinary individual don't affect your internal sense of identity. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to identify with their assigned gender. This can lead people to feel embarrassed and a sense of despair. The anxiety of untreated ADHD can make these feelings worse, and may also result in losing support from family or colleagues.

4. Distractions

As girls with ADHD become women, they might be unable to handle adult obligations and interactions. This can cause problems at work or school and conflicting relationships with family and friends as well as romantic partners. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have issues managing finances or a home, and they may be at risk for neglecting health-related issues like regular checkups and exercises. They may also struggle to deal with negative emotions like depression and anxiety.

The signs of ADHD in women who are adults may include misplacing items or forgetting appointments, getting easily distracted by noise or movement or having difficulty interacting with others, or becoming overwhelmed by tasks. There are also mood-related issues like lower self-esteem or a lack of confidence in themselves.

It is important to recognize the signs and receive an assessment. It's also helpful to talk to an expert in mental health about their difficulties and develop coping strategies for ADHD. For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapy can help change negative thought patterns and improve coping skills. In addition, joining a women's support group can provide valuable information about living with ADHD and strategies for coping with daily life.


It's also worth noting that women who suffer from ADHD have different symptoms than men, and these may differ during transitional times such as puberty, 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 the development of memory and learning. Women are also better in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, and this can make it harder to get a proper diagnosis. Despite these issues it is still possible to lead a full and fulfilling life with ADHD.

5. Anxiety

Although it can be difficult for women with ADHD to admit they suffer from anxiety issues, obtaining an assessment and finding the appropriate treatment can make their lives so much better. It can also help them better understand their behavior, and how it impacts others.

Anxiety is a major symptom for women suffering from ADHD. It may look like this:

Distraction, like daydreaming or appearing to be distracted. Making mistakes that aren't made. Avoiding tasks that require concentration or could be boring. Focusing problems at school or at work. Forgetting or being late to meetings and appointments. Feeling overwhelmed in crowds or under pressure at work or home. Having difficulty relaxing or falling to sleep. Being easily agitated or overly sensitive to rejection and criticism.

Women who suffer from ADHD may be more likely to develop co-occurring disorder of mood, like depression, and they may be more difficult to establish friendships. They may also have problems with intimate relationships that lead to a higher incidence of intimate partner violence and a higher rate of alcohol abuse.

Girls and women may have difficulty getting a correct ADHD diagnose because their symptoms differ from those of boys and men. In order to accurately diagnose ADHD, health care providers need to be aware of the differences. This means identifying certain traits that are more distinct, like a clear symptom-profile, difficulty with social interactions, a tendency for coping strategies to mask the signs of performance issues or underachievement and the coexistence between depression and anxiety. It is also crucial to consider the impact of hormone levels in women on her symptom manifestation.