ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms

ADHD is a condition that affects women and men. However, social expectations & gender roles make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women are also able to mask their symptoms better, which could result in them being misdiagnosed or delayed in treatment.

Internalized symptoms, referral bias, lingering stereotypes and comorbidities are all obstacles to a correct diagnosis. Here are some female adult symptoms that are not treated for adhd.

1. Trouble focusing

Women and those who were deemed female 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.

The signs of inattention ADHD are a lack of organization or on task, forgetting important dates or items, and being easily distracted by work or social occasions. Women suffering from this disorder might also have difficulty to concentrate on schoolwork or other tasks. In some cases, people with ADHD may have trouble getting or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or a medical issue.

People who have inattention ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and try to cover them up. People may interpret their behavior incorrectly, leading to confusion, frustration and conflict within relationships. In the workplace, it can result in lost opportunities and career challenges.

Untreated ADHD can have devastating consequences on female adults. Women may have difficulty to cope with their difficulties both at home and in the workplace. This could make it difficult to keep afloat as they manage their tasks and strive to meet the goals they have set for themselves.

In addition to having trouble in focusing, many women with ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their families and friends. They may feel isolated or develop unhealthy habits that can be self-defeating, such as drinking.

Women with untreated ADHD can also experience internalizing symptoms, such as low self-esteem and feelings of guilt, shame or worthlessness. This makes them more vulnerable to stress, physical illnesses and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. In turn, they are more likely to suicide or self-injury as compared to those without the condition. A diagnosis can make a woman feel more empowered to take steps to alter her life to the best of her abilities. However, obtaining a diagnosis is a prerequisite for seeing a qualified healthcare professional to conduct a thorough examination and effective treatment.

2. Problems with Time Management

ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage in the workplace, especially. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD often have a harder working through work assignments and coordinating their daily schedule. They may lose important appointments or paperwork or rely on productivity apps to stay on top of things. These apps are helpful but they are not a substitute for good organizational skills.

Gender role expectations can also amplify the impact of ADHD symptoms for women. Women are expected to care for their families and their homes which requires a degree of coordination that ADHD sufferers have to work hard to maintain. This pressure from society can trigger feelings of self-reflection and shame in women who suffer from ADHD who are trying to meet these demands which can cause them to conceal their symptoms.

Time management issues can lead to frustration both in professional and personal relationships. ADHD symptoms can cause you underestimating the time needed to complete a task, causing you to be late for meetings or other commitments. Consider using a checklist or a planner to the track of deadlines if you're frequently late for events. Take breaks frequently to move around and relax your mind. Also, employ a timer when you work.

You can also employ mindfulness techniques to remain focused and cut down on distractions. For instance, instead listening to podcasts or music while working, you can listen to an article on your smartphone. If you have trouble being able to concentrate while driving, consider switching to a car with manual transmission. You can also consider driving with your cell phone turned off to prevent distractions with texting and calls.

A mental health professional can help you find the best treatment and coping strategy for ADHD. Treatment options include medications, like stimulants, and psychotherapy. Your doctor will suggest an approach depending on your symptoms and the current situation in your life. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you come to accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing your negative behaviors for healthier ones. Read the Full Guide can also receive couples counseling or family therapy to improve communication between your family members.

3. Anxiety Disorders and Depression

Females suffering from ADHD have higher levels of depression and anxiety than men. They may be struggling to deal with the symptoms, which can cause a variety of unhealthy behaviours. As a way to cope with their symptoms, they could use substances or develop unhealthy eating habits. These habits can cause symptoms to worsen. Women are also more likely to get these problems misdiagnosed. They could receive the wrong treatment that could worsen their mood or cause other problems.

It's important to remember that a myriad of factors can cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD such as stress and certain physical conditions and illnesses. It is important to speak with an expert in mental health or health care professional to get an accurate diagnosis.


Researchers believe that the differences in ADHD diagnoses between women and men is due to a combination socially and biologically imposed roles. Women are usually expected to take on a larger share of household and parenting duties than their male counterparts. This can lead to feelings of low self esteem and dysfunctional beliefs, which can lead to an increase in ADHD symptoms.

Women may also be less likely than men to tell doctors about their symptoms, believing that they are able to manage them on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD might also be more likely to blame their symptoms on other factors like a lack of sleep or excessive stress. This could be a contributing factor to the fact that many women with ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood.

Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic timeframe has been particularly difficult for young adults, who tend to suffer from more constant high rates of anxiety and depression than middle-aged adults. These highs coincided with COVID-19-related cases and occurred at a time when protests against racial discrimination were taking place and mass shootings, years of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine and other countries, frequent catastrophes and increasing unemployment. Stress exposure, both chronic and recent, is known to increase anxiety and depression. This combination of factors may explain why these levels are persistently high.

4. Trouble Making Friends

Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can have trouble making and keeping friends particularly as they age. Social isolation can be associated with a range of health issues, such as high blood pressure and chronic stress. The presence of close family and friends members who offer support can be helpful however, many adults discover that they simply can't make new friendships or maintain current relationships.

The social norms surrounding gender and sex may impact the likelihood that women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they need. In one study, teachers or parents were less likely than boys to recommend 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.

These societal expectations for women and girls could be a contributing factor 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 means that women and girls are more prone to being penalized for showing symptoms of ADHD such as disorganization and inattention. Consequently, they might be misdiagnosed as having anxiety or a mood disorder or a mood disorder, and their ADHD symptoms may not be appropriately treated.

In addition, hormonal fluctuations can amplify ADHD in females. Estrogen levels are lower towards the end of their menstrual cycle and during ovulation, which can make the symptoms of women and girls get worse. When combined with hormonal changes during adolescence, this can cause confusion about their symptoms, making it difficult for them to receive the correct diagnosis and treatment.

While many of the same treatments are available to women with ADHD, a mental healthcare professional will still have to evaluate each person's individual needs and symptoms. The type of therapy a person receives will be based on their ADHD symptoms as well as other factors that may contribute to their problems, such as an experience of depression or trauma. The most common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy, in which people learn to change their negative thoughts and swap them out for healthier ones, and couples counseling, which can help individuals improve their communication and solve issues in their relationships.