ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms

ADHD affects both men as well as women, however, societal expectations and gender roles can make it difficult for them to recognize the signs. Women are also better in hiding their symptoms, which can cause misdiagnosis and delay in treatment.

Remaining stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptoms and comorbidities can all create obstacles to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are a few of most frequent untreated adhd females.

1. Problems with Focusing

Women and those who were deemed female at birth are often not diagnosed 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.

Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include having trouble staying organized or on task, forgetting important appointments or things, and being easily distracted by work or social occasions. It can be difficult for women with this disorder to sit and concentrate on assignments or other tasks at school or work. Women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep because of depression, anxiety or medical issues.

People with inattention ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms. Their behavior could be misinterpreted by others, resulting in conflicts, frustrations and miscommunication in their relationships. It could result in difficulties in their careers and a lack of opportunities in the workplace.

how to get treated for adhd in adults can have devastating effects on females. Women may find it difficult to manage their issues both at home and in the workplace. This makes it difficult for them to keep afloat as they manage their obligations and try to reach the goals that they set for themselves.

In addition to having trouble in focusing, many women with ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their family and friends. In the end they may feel isolated or develop unhealthy patterns of self-defeating behaviors, such as alcohol abuse.

Women with untreated ADHD may also experience internalizing symptoms, like low self-esteem and feelings guilt, shame or deprivation. This can make them more susceptible to physical and mental stress and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. This means they are more likely to turn to self-injury or suicide than those who do not suffer from the condition. Being diagnosed can help women feel more confident in taking steps to transform her life for the better. However, obtaining diagnosed is a prerequisite for seeing an expert in healthcare for a thorough evaluation and efficient treatment.

2. Time Management Problems

ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, particularly in the workplace. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD frequently have a hard working through work assignments and coordinating their schedule. They may miss appointments, misplace important paperwork, or depend on productivity apps to help them keep track of their tasks. These apps can be helpful but they are not able to substitute for the need for strong organization skills.

The gender role expectations of women can also increase the symptoms of ADHD. Society expects women to take care of their homes and families and require an amount of coordination that people with ADHD struggle to maintain. This social pressure can cause feelings of shame and self-blame among women with ADHD who try to meet these demands and cause them to hide their symptoms.

Time management issues can cause frustration in relationships, both personal and professional. ADHD symptoms can cause you underestimating the time needed to complete your tasks, which can cause you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If you're frequently late for events, consider using a planner or checklist to keep track of deadlines. Take frequent breaks to relax your mind and move around.

You can also apply mindfulness techniques to remain focused and avoid distractions. Watching news stories on your phone instead of music or podcasts is an excellent alternative to listening to music while working. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, consider switching to a manual transmission vehicle. You may also want to look into driving without a cellphone to avoid being distracted by texting or making calls.

A mental health professional can assist you to determine the best treatment and coping strategies for ADHD. Treatment options include stimulants as well as psychotherapy. Your doctor will suggest an approach based on your symptoms and the present situation in your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you to learn to accept your thoughts and feelings, while swapping out negative behaviors for healthier ones. You can also seek out family or couples therapy to improve communication within your relationships.

3. Anxiety and Depression

Females who suffer from ADHD tend to have higher levels of depression and anxiety than their male counterparts. They may be struggling to deal with the symptoms, which can result in a range of unhealthy behaviors. For first line treatment for adhd in adults , they may resort to using substances or develop unhealthy eating habits to deal with their symptoms. These behaviors can exacerbate symptoms. In addition women are more likely to be misdiagnosed for these problems. They may receive the wrong treatment that could increase their mood or trigger other problems.

It's important that you know that stress, physical conditions, and illnesses can cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. evidence based treatment for adhd in adults is why it's crucial to see a medical provider or a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Researchers suspect that this difference in the frequency of ADHD diagnosis for males and women is due to a combination of biological and socially constructed gender roles. Women are expected to take on more household chores and parenting than men. This can result in feelings of low self esteem and distorted beliefs, which can lead to an increase in ADHD symptoms.

Furthermore, women may be less likely to admit their symptoms to a medical professional because they think they should be able to handle the symptoms on their own. Women with ADHD may also be more likely than other people to blame their symptoms on other factors, for example, sleep deprivation or stress. This can result in many women with ADHD not being diagnosed until adulthood.

Research suggests that the COVID-19 period has been particularly challenging for young adults, who are more likely to suffer from more constant high levels of depression and anxiety than adults of middle age. The peak in these levels coincided with the peaks in the number of COVID-19 cases and were triggered by a period of racial justice protests, mass shootings, decades of high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine and recurring climate catastrophes and the rise in unemployment. Chronic and recent stress exposure is known to be an important risk cause for depression and anxiety and this combination of factors could explain why these levels have been consistently elevated.

4. Difficulty Making Friends

Women with untreated ADHD may have trouble forming and maintaining friendships, particularly when they reach adulthood. Social isolation can cause health issues such as high blood pressure or chronic stress. Having close friends and family members who provide support can be beneficial however, many adults discover that they are unable to make new friendships or maintain current relationships.


The social norms relating to gender and sexuality can have an affect whether women suffering from ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they need. In one study, teachers or parents were less likely than boys to refer girls to treatment 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 could cause them to develop 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 girls and women more likely to be penalized for showing symptoms of ADHD like inattention and disorganization. It is possible that they are misdiagnosed with mood disorders or anxiety, and their ADHD symptoms may not be properly treated.

Additionally, hormonal fluctuations can further amplify ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels decrease at the end of their menstrual cycle as well as during ovulation. This can cause girls' and women's symptoms get worse. This can cause confusion in adolescents, especially when they are combined with hormonal changes. It is difficult to diagnose and treat them properly.

While it is true that a number of the same treatment options are effective for women suffering from ADHD like they do for men A mental health professional will have to take a look at each individual's particular needs and symptoms. The type of therapy that a patient receives will be based on their ADHD symptoms as well as other factors that could be contributing to their problems, such as a history of depression or trauma. The most popular treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a process where individuals learn to change their negative thought patterns and switch them to healthier ones. Couples counseling can also help individuals improve their communication skills and solve issues in their relationships.