ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms

ADHD is an illness that affects women and men. However, the expectations of society and gender roles make it difficult for women to recognize. Women are also more adept in hiding their symptoms, which can result in a misdiagnosis or delay in treatment.

Internalized symptoms, referral biases, lingering stereotypes and comorbidities can all be obstacles to a clear diagnosis. Here are a few of the most frequent untreated adhd females.

1. Problems with Focusing

Women and people who were assigned females at birth are not yet 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.

Inattention ADHD symptoms include not remembering important appointments or things and being easily distracted by social or work events. People with this disorder might also have difficulty to focus on schoolwork or other work. In some instances, women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble falling or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or a medical condition.

People with inattentive ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms and try to compensate for them. People may not understand their behavior, leading to confusion, anger and conflict in relationships. In the workplace, it could lead to problems in the workplace and missed opportunities.

Untreated ADHD can have devastating consequences on females. Women may find it difficult to cope with their difficulties both at home and at the workplace. This could make it difficult to stay afloat while they take on multiple tasks and strive to meet the goals they set for them.

Many women suffering from ADHD struggle to focus and find it difficult to receive emotional support from family members and friends. In the end, they can become isolated or develop self-defeating patterns such as alcohol use.

Women with untreated ADHD may also develop internalizing symptoms like low self-esteem, feelings of guilt, shame or a sense of worthlessness. This can lead them to be more vulnerable to physical and mental stress and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. They are more likely than those who do not have the condition to take self-harm or commit suicide. Women can feel empowered after receiving the diagnosis and can take action to improve her life. To be diagnosed the woman should first consult a licensed health professional for an evaluation and effective treatment.

2. adhd treatment for adults Links to an external site. are difficult to manage in the workplace, especially. Women with no diagnosis of ADHD have trouble managing their schedules and completing work tasks. They might forget important appointments or paperwork, or rely upon productivity apps to keep on track. These apps are useful but they cannot replace the ability to organize your life.

The expectations for gender roles of women can also exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD. Women are expected to care for their homes and families which requires a degree of coordination that ADHD sufferers struggle to maintain. This social pressure can cause feelings of guilt and shame in women who suffer from ADHD who try to meet these demands which can cause them to conceal their symptoms.

Time management issues can cause frustration both in professional and personal relationships. ADHD symptoms can cause you underestimating the time it takes to complete your tasks, which can cause you to be late for meetings or other commitments. You might want to consider using a checklist or a calendar to the track of deadlines if you're often late for meetings or other events. Use frequent breaks to calm your mind and get moving.

You can also practice mindfulness techniques to help you stay on task and reduce distractions. For example, instead of listening to podcasts or music while working, play a news story on your smartphone. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, consider switching to a car with manual transmission. It is also possible to drive with your cell phone turned off to stop distractions with texting and calls.

When you are diagnosed with ADHD, an expert in mental health can suggest treatments and coping strategies. Treatment options include stimulants as well as psychotherapy. The type of therapy that your doctor recommends is based on the specific symptoms you have and the current state of your life. For instance, cognitive behavior therapy can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings, while swapping out negative behaviors for healthier ones. You can also receive family therapy or couples counseling to improve communication between your family members.

3. Depression and anxiety

Females who suffer from ADHD tend to have higher levels of anxiety and depression than their male counterparts. They may have difficulty coping with the symptoms, and this can cause a variety of unhealthy behaviors. In order to deal with their symptoms, they might turn to substances or unhealthy eating habits. These habits can cause symptoms to worsen. Women are more likely to have these issues that are not properly diagnosed. This means that they receive the wrong treatment which may further aggravate their mood and cause other problems.

It's crucial to know that stress, certain physical ailments and illnesses can trigger symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. That's why it's essential to consult a health care practitioner or a mental health professional to get an accurate diagnosis.


Researchers believe that the difference in the frequency of ADHD diagnosis between males and females is due to a combination of social and biological gender roles. Women are expected to take on more household and parenting work than men. This can lead to feelings of low self esteem and untrue beliefs that can worsen ADHD symptoms.

Women may also be less likely than men to speak with a doctor about their symptoms, believing that they can manage them on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD may also be more likely than others to blame their symptoms on other factors, such as lack of sleep or stress. This could contribute to the fact that many women with ADHD are undiagnosed in adulthood.

Research suggests that the COVID-19 epidemic has been especially difficult for young adults. They tend to have higher levels of depression and anxiety than adults in their middle years. The peak in these levels coincided with a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases and occurred during a time of racial justice protests mass shootings, decades of high inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine, recurrent climate catastrophes, and a rise in unemployment. Recent and frequent stress exposure is recognized as a risk factor for depression and anxiety, so this combination of factors may help explain why these levels have been persistently raised.

4. Difficulty Making Friends

Women with untreated ADHD can have trouble finding and maintaining friendships particularly as they get older. Social isolation can cause health issues like high blood pressure or chronic stress. The presence of close family and friends members who can provide support can be helpful but many adults find that they can't form new friends or maintain their current relationships.

The social norms relating to gender and sex can affect whether women suffering from ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they need. In one study, parents or teachers were less likely than men 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 may increase the severity of 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. Girls and women are more likely to suffer punishment for ADHD-related symptoms like disorganization and inattention. In the end, they could be misdiagnosed as having an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder, and their ADHD symptoms might not be properly treated.

Additionally hormonal fluctuations can cause ADHD in females. Estrogen levels decrease at the end of menstrual cycles and during ovulation, which can make the symptoms of women and girls appear worse. This can lead to confusion in adolescents, particularly when it is combined with hormonal changes. It can be difficult to recognize and treat them properly.

While it is true that a number of the same therapies work for women with ADHD like they do for males A mental health professional will still be required to assess each person's unique symptoms and needs. The type of treatment that a person receives depends on the severity of their ADHD symptoms, as in addition to other factors that could be the cause of their issues. For example trauma, a history of trauma or depression. The most common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a process where individuals learn to alter their negative thinking patterns and swap them for healthier ones. Couples counseling can help individuals improve their communication skills and solve relationship problems.