ADHD Symptoms in Adult Women

Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD might have difficulties at workplace or in relationships. It is important to recognize the signs and find a treatment that works for you.

Symptoms of ADHD in adults are more likely to be the inattentive type than hyperactivity/impulsive. A proper diagnosis can improve your life, by addressing your symptoms and focusing your attention on what is adhd symptoms in adults is important.

1. Trouble paying attention

Women can be troubled by their inability to pay attention to details, remember appointments and deadlines or underestimate the time it will take to complete tasks. They may also have difficulty keeping track of their obligations at workplace or in relationships, become distracted easily and fail to deliver on their promises. They may also be impulsive, have difficulty controlling their emotions, and may blurt out ideas without considering them.

It is crucial to be aware of and treat symptoms of ADHD in women of adulthood. The inability to focus can lead to problems with relationships and friendships. Women may find it difficult to make new friends, or might struggle in their relationships, with recurring fights, missed opportunities for fun and being neglected. They might also have a harder time balancing the demands of home, work and childcare.

Many people who have ADHD don't meet the diagnostic criteria, and it can be difficult for health care providers or therapists to identify the condition. However, that doesn't mean it's not true or that the person has to work harder to stay on task. Diagnoses are based upon the symptoms and the way they affect daily functioning in multiple areas.

Women are more likely to suffer from inattentive symptoms than those who are hyperactive or impulsive and this could be the reason why they go undiagnosed. Many women who suffer from ADHD are also embarrassed of their symptoms since they don't conform to the stereotypes associated with ADHD. This can make it even more difficult to seek assistance or seek treatment.

Certain women with ADHD are not diagnosed for a long period of time due to the fact that they try to hide their symptoms and manage. They are more likely to be suffering from disorders that are comorbid, like anxiety or depression that can conceal the symptoms of ADHD. They are also more likely to suffer from hormonal fluctuations that may cause symptoms to flare up or disappear, like during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as perimenopausal.

2. Problems with Organization

Disorganization, forgetfulness, impulsivity and emotional dysregulation are all common ADHD symptoms for women. These symptoms can make them unable to keep up with everyday tasks, fulfill their obligations or maintain relationships. They may also have a low self-esteem and suffer from anxiety. Women with undiagnosed ADHD often feel like they're not achieving the expectations of society and have a hard than their peers in terms of academic performance, job performance, and social connections.


These are the reasons why adhd and adults symptoms symptoms in women and girls are often not recognized or diagnosed. It is possible that they are not able to recognize their issues due to ADHD due to stereotypes and social norms regarding men and women's behavior.

Women and girls who suffer from ADHD often conceal their symptoms in order to avoid embarrassment. This may result in being referred to a specialist less often than men and boys who suffer from the same symptoms. This discrepancy may also be due to gender bias in the research that determines diagnosis criteria. Hartung and Widiger discovered in a recent study that girls and women with ADHD symptoms tend to be more likely to go undiagnosed and not being recognized than boys and adults. This could be because clinicians are trained to view hyperactive and impulsive ADHD symptoms as more common to boys and men and can make them more easily identified and referred to assessment.

Adult ADHD symptoms can manifest as irritability and difficulty in calming down. These are common symptoms of ADHD however, in the later years of adulthood they can have a profound impact on the quality of life and well-being. People suffering from ADHD might feel anxious or find it hard to sit still. This is particularly when they're feeling anxious or stressed. They also tend to fidget, and are overly talking. They often interrupt or complete other people's sentences without even realizing they're being rude.

If you think you may be suffering from ADHD and are concerned, you can be directed to a psychiatrist by your GP or psychologist. You can also self-refer. This content was reviewed in October 2024 and updated in November 2022 by Madeline Dykes, clinical psychologist, and members of the Thriving Madly peer support network in Christchurch.

4. Social Skills Problems

Women with ADHD may struggle to communicate effectively or manage their emotions at work. This can lead to issues in relationships with family and friends as well as in achieving professional goals. For instance, they could be unable to recognize and respond to feedback, which could cause frustration and even disappointment. Also, ADHD Symptoms in Adult Women they may struggle to maintain healthy eating and sleep habits, which can cause anxiety. In some cases women suffering from ADHD develop unhealthy coping mechanisms to cope with these issues. They may include substances abuse or eating disorders, or self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) like cutting or burning.

As women grow older, those who suffer from ADHD can find it harder to seek treatment than men due to the fact that they tend to cover up their symptoms. They frequently create strategies for coping to conform to societal expectations, which can make their ADHD symptoms difficult to be recognized by others. These coping mechanisms could be as simple and straightforward as setting reminders and making lists, or they may be more complex, such as being able to manage their emotions or developing mindfulness techniques.

However, these strategies could backfire and make symptoms worse. These strategies can make it hard to get a good night's sleep, adhd symptoms In adult women which is crucial for managing ADHD symptoms. Women with ADHD can also feel overwhelmed by the demands of their daily life, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.

Although it's true that more boys are diagnosed with ADHD than girls, the gap shrinks when they reach the age of adulthood. This is because women often experience a variety of symptoms of adhd in adults women over the course of their lives. This could lead to different diagnoses.

The changes in hormone levels can also affect ADHD symptoms in women. If they have higher levels of estrogen during pregnancy, for example their symptoms could get better. Higher levels of estrogen help regulate brain chemicals that influence attention. If they start to notice a decrease in estrogen levels due to age or perimenopause, their ADHD symptoms may become worse.

Adults suffering from ADHD can receive an accurate diagnosis and get effective treatment. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and neurocognitive psychology, as well as other treatments that can help those with ADHD improve their everyday functioning. Additionally, they can also join support groups for ADHD to discuss their experiences with other people with similar experiences and gain valuable insights from their peers.