Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women

Dr. Frank says that the symptoms of ADHD in women who are more difficult to spot than in men, because women have coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. Fortunately, lifestyle changes and medication can improve their lives and function.

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. Inattention

ADHD symptoms in women include difficulty keeping track of time and appointments, snagging items, or becoming easily distracted. Women may also have issues with forgetfulness and procrastination and also working or studying in an environment that is noisy or crowded. They may have issues with interpersonal skills, such as interrupting others and blurting out statements they later regret.

As opposed to males and boys, women with ADHD tend to be more adept at masking their symptoms. They might develop healthy coping strategies, such as relying upon an agenda for the day and using phone reminders to remind them of important occasions. However, these strategies aren't sustainable in the long run and may not be sufficient to handle the demands of life. Furthermore, their symptoms could be complicated by comorbid disorders like depression and anxiety.

Many people with ADHD also show the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. Adults may experience milder symptoms that only affect specific areas of their lives like social interactions or at work. Those with a hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may experience frequent fidgeting, talkativeness or trouble sitting still during conversations. They might also have difficulty to relax or settle down. They may also struggle to establish and keep friendships.

People who suffer from mild or moderate ADHD do not have significant issues in their work or relationships, but they struggle to stay well-organized and have a tough time following through on their commitments. They may experience problems with household chores, finances or schoolwork and feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities. In severe cases, the condition can cause disturbances in a person's everyday life. They may also experience difficulties maintaining relationships or keeping a job.

2. Hyperactivity

Women suffering from ADHD struggle with organizing their work, home and personal items. They may also lose track important items like keys, wallets and eyeglasses. They are also susceptible to losing their temper and becoming easily distracted by their thoughts and activities. The difficulty they have in adhering to instructions and completing tasks can affect their schoolwork, work performance, and relationships.

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

If not treated, ADHD can lead to serious issues. Women and girls with ADHD might be more likely to engage in sexual adolescence due to their impulsivity, difficulties with boundaries between people and lack of planning. Self-medicating using alcohol and other drugs may be more common. Inattention could result in delay in doctor's appointments and procedures. They could have irregular and unbalanced eating habits or a higher BMI, and unhealthy coping behaviors, such as nail-biting, skin picking, obsessive shopping and excessive exercise.

The most effective method to determine ADHD is to conduct a thorough assessment by an experienced mental health professional or health care provider. The professional will also inquire of the patient about his or her physical and emotional well-being. They might recommend diagnostic tests or an interview. Having a diagnosis can be a life-changing experience for many adults who discover they've had a mental health condition for years.

3. Impulsivity

Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult in controlling their impulses. This can cause other problems like self-injury and the use of alcohol or drugs. It can also cause relationships problems as an impulsive or forgetful behavior can lead to misunderstandings and conflict with family members, friends, and coworkers.

Signs of impulsivity include scribbling things out, buying something on a whim and then jumping into the purchase without contemplating the consequences. Be aware that acting impulsively does not necessarily mean you're a bad person. Some people need more time to think before they act. It's important to talk to your doctor and be checked for ADHD If you notice that the symptoms are getting worse.

It is also normal for women with ADHD to have difficulty managing their emotions, and this can lead to depression and other mental health issues. Depression symptoms can be hard to identify in women because they can appear similar to other health problems, like insomnia and chronic headaches. Some women with ADHD find it hard to seek help since they believe their symptoms are indicative of self-esteem issues or a personality flaw.


It is crucial to recognize that sex is an entirely different concept from gender, and that your internal sense of identity isn't affected by the genetic characteristics that determine whether you are a man, woman or non-binary. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to identify with their gender. This can lead people to feel embarrassed and desperation. The stress of not being treated for ADHD can make these feelings worse and could cause the loss of support from family or friends.

4. Distractions

As girls with ADHD become women, they may have difficulties juggling adult responsibilities. This can cause problems at work or in school, as well as strained relationships with friends, family and romantic partners. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have trouble managing their finances or at home. They could be prone to neglecting health issues, such as regular checkups and exercise. They may also be struggling to cope with negative feelings like depression and anxiety.

Signs of ADHD in adults women may include misplacing items or forgetting appointments, getting easily distracted by movement or noise and having trouble interacting with others, or being overwhelmed by the demands of tasks. They could also be more likely to suffer from mood-related issues like low self-esteem, low self-confidence or physical complaints like abdominal pain or headaches.

It's important for women to identify the signs of ADHD and receive a diagnosis. It's also helpful to speak with a mental healthcare professional about your issues and develop strategies to cope with ADHD. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy can help change negative thought patterns and improve coping strategies. In addition being a part of a women's supportive group can provide valuable information about living with ADHD and strategies to cope with everyday life.

ADHD adult symptoms is also important to note that women with ADHD have different symptoms than men, and symptoms can vary during transitional periods such as puberty and childbirth, pregnancy, or hormone treatments during menopause. This is due to hormonal fluctuations and also the fact that females have a larger hippocampal area, which plays a role in memory and learning. Women can also mask their ADHD symptoms better than males. This can make it more difficult to get a correct diagnosis. Despite these obstacles it is still possible to live a fulfilling life with ADHD.

5. Anxiety

It can be difficult for women with ADHD to admit they have anxiety issues, but getting the right diagnosis and treatment can make significant changes in their lives. It can also help them know their behavior and how it impacts other people.

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

Difficulty staying focused or on task, daydreaming or appearing to be distracted. Making careless errors. Avoiding difficult or boring tasks. Trouble focusing at the classroom or at work. Not remembering things or being late for meetings and appointments. Feeling overwhelmed by crowds or under pressure at home or at work. Having difficulty relaxing or falling to sleep. Being easily agitated or overly sensitive to criticism and rejection.

Women with ADHD are more likely to have an underlying mood disorder like depression. They might also find it difficult to make friends. They could also experience issues with intimate relationships, which can result in a higher rate of violence between intimate partners and a higher risk of substance abuse.

Women and girls may be unable to obtain a precise ADHD diagnosis due to the fact that their symptoms are different from those of boys and men. To accurately diagnose ADHD, healthcare professionals need to be aware of the differences. This includes identifying certain characteristics such as a distinct symptom-profile, difficulty with social interactions and a tendency to use ways to cope with issues with performance or underachievement, and also the relationship between depression and anxiety. It is also important to consider the impact hormone levels of women affect her symptoms.