ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms

ADHD is an illness that affects women and men. However, societal expectations and gender roles make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women may also hide their symptoms more effectively, which could lead them to be incorrectly diagnosed or delayed in treatment.

Internalized symptoms, referral biases, lingering stereotypes and comorbidities are all obstacles to a proper diagnosis. Here are a few female adult symptoms that aren't being treated for adhd.

1. Difficulty Focusing

Women and those who were assigned female at birth are still underdiagnosed with ADHD. This is in part because women's symptoms are more often inattentive than those of the hyperactive/impulsive type, which make them less likely to get referred for assessment and treatment.

Inattention ADHD symptoms include forgetting important appointments or things, and being easily distracted by social or work events. People with this disorder might also have difficulty to concentrate on schoolwork or other work. Women with ADHD can have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep because of anxiety, depression, or medical problems.

People who have inattention ADHD often try to hide their symptoms. Their behavior can be misinterpreted by others, resulting in conflicts, frustrations and miscommunication in their relationships. This can result in missed career opportunities and challenges in the workplace.

As a result, the impact of untreated ADHD in females who are adults can be devastating. Women may have a difficult time to deal with their problems at home as well as in the workplace. This makes it difficult for them to stay afloat while they take on multiple obligations and try to reach the goals that they set for themselves.

Many women with ADHD have trouble focusing and also find it difficult to receive emotional support from family members and close friends. As a result they may become lonely or develop unhealthy patterns of self-defeating behaviors like alcohol abuse.

Women with untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms, like low self-esteem, feelings of guilt, shame or deprivation. This makes them more vulnerable to physical and mental stressors and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. This means they are more likely to self-injury or suicide than those who do not suffer from the condition. Women can feel empowered by the diagnosis and can take action to improve her life. However, getting an diagnosis requires that she first see an experienced healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and efficient treatment.

2. Time Management Problems

ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, particularly at work. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD struggle with managing their day-to-day schedule and completing their work. They may miss appointments, lose important paperwork, or use productivity apps to help keep track of their tasks. These apps can be useful, but they cannot replace the need for solid organization skills.

The gender role expectations of women can also exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD. Women are expected to take care of their homes and families which requires an amount of coordination that those with ADHD struggle to maintain. This pressure from society can cause women with ADHD to feel shame and blame themselves for trying to fulfill these expectations.


Time management problems can lead to frustration both in professional and personal relationships. Symptoms of ADHD can cause you to underestimate the long it takes to complete a task, leading you to be late for meetings or other commitments. You might want to consider using a checklist or a planner to keep on track of deadlines when you are often late for meetings or other events. Make frequent breaks to clear your mind and move around.

You can also employ mindfulness techniques to stay focused and avoid distractions. For instance, instead listening to music or podcasts while working, play an article on your phone. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, consider switching to a manual-transmission car. You may also want look into driving without a cellphone to avoid being distracted by texting or making calls.

A mental health professional can help you determine the best treatment and coping strategies for ADHD. Treatment options may include medication, such as stimulants, as well as psychotherapy. Your doctor will recommend a therapy depending on your symptoms and the present situation in your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for instance can help you accept your thoughts and emotions while replacing bad habits with healthier ones. You can also get couples or family therapy to improve communication in your relationships.

3. Depression and Anxiety

Females who suffer from ADHD report higher levels depression and anxiety than males. They may struggle to deal with these issues, leading to a variety of unhealthy behaviours. For instance, they may turn to substance use or develop unhealthy eating habits as a means of dealing with their symptoms. These actions can make symptoms worse. In addition women are more likely to be misdiagnosed with these issues. In the end, they receive the wrong treatment, which can further worsen their mood and trigger other issues.

It's important to remember that a myriad of factors can cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD like stress as well as certain physical conditions and illnesses. It's important to see a medical specialist or mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Researchers believe that the difference in ADHD diagnoses between women and men is due to a mixture of biological and socially constructed roles. Women are expected to do more household and parenting work than men. This pressure can result in feelings of self-doubt and can lead to distorted beliefs that can lead to the emergence of symptoms of ADHD.

In addition, women may be less likely to disclose their symptoms to a medical professional because they think they should be able to handle the symptoms on their own. adhd treatment for young adults with ADHD are also more likely than others to blame their symptoms, such as lack of sleep or stress. This could be a contributing factor to the fact that many women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood.

Research indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic has been especially difficult for young adults. They have higher rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms than adults in their middle age. The highs in these levels coincided with the peaks in COVID-19 case numbers and occurred in a period of protests against racial injustice, mass shootings, decades-high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine and recurring climate catastrophes and a rise in unemployment. Chronic and recent stress exposure is known to be an important risk cause for depression and anxiety This combination of factors may help explain why these levels have been constantly elevated.

4. Difficulty Making Friends

Women who suffer from untreated ADHD are more likely to have difficulty making and maintaining friends particularly as they age. Social isolation can cause health issues such as high blood pressure or chronic stress. Having close friends and family members who can provide support can be beneficial, but many adults find that they simply can't make new friends or maintain their current relationships.

Social norms regarding gender and sex may impact whether or not women with ADHD receive the diagnosis and treatment they need. In one study, parents or teachers were less likely than boys to refer girls to services for ADHD. This is thought to be partly due to the different types of symptoms that manifest in girls and boys: boys and men typically display hyperactive/impulsive-type symptoms, while girls and women typically show primarily inattentive-type symptoms.

The expectations of society for women and girls may contribute to ADHD symptoms. Girls and women are often held to a higher standard than boys and men for the behaviors, attitudes, and traits they exhibit--particularly in relation to their empathy and ability to relate to others. This makes women and girls more likely to be punished for exhibiting ADHD-related symptoms such as disorganization and inattention. Consequently, they might be incorrectly diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder and their ADHD symptoms might not be treated appropriately.

Furthermore, hormone changes can further increase ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels may be lower towards the end and during the ovulation phase of a woman's menstrual period which can cause symptoms more severe for females and girls. Combined with hormonal changes in adolescence, this can result in confusion regarding their symptoms, making it more difficult for them to receive a correct diagnosis and adequate treatment.

Although it is true that a number of the same treatment options work for women with ADHD as they do for men However, a mental health professional will still need to evaluate each individual's specific needs and symptoms. The type of treatment a person receives is based on the severity of their ADHD symptoms as in addition to other factors that may be contributing to their problems. For instance, a history depression or trauma. Some common treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy, in which individuals learn to alter their negative thinking patterns and switch them to healthier ones, as well as couples counseling, which can help individuals improve communication and resolve problems in their relationships.