Women with ADHD often present differently than men, which can lead to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis. ADHD symptoms in women tend to be more subdued and masked, making them easy to miss. Signs of ADHD in women are also harder to perceive since many women with the diagnosis can manage them and become quite successful regardless. In this post, I go over therapy for an attention deficit in women, how it can help you manage symptoms, and how women can take advantage of the strengths and potential that come with the diagnosis.
Of course, it is important to note that no two people are alike, and any generalization about “female” or “male” symptoms will not hold for everyone. This post explores certain tendencies and patterns, but many women with ADHD also present with more traditional symptoms. If you would like more information about ADHD signs and symptoms in women and how therapy can help, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me or schedule a consultation anytime. Please also note my post about girls with ADHD.
Women with ADHD Overview
The following is an overview of the challenges and strengths of women with ADHD.
Common ADHD Symptoms in Women
- Inattentive Symptoms Dominate: Women are more likely to have inattentive-type rather than hyperactive/impulsive type.
- Masking and Coping Mechanisms: Many women learn to mask their symptoms, making recognizing them harder.
- Emotional Dysregulation: Increased sensitivity to rejection (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria) and heightened emotional responses are common ADHD symptoms in women.
- Chronic Overwhelm: Women with ADHD often report feeling constantly overwhelmed by daily tasks and responsibilities, not because of a lack of ability but because of the attention deficit.
- Procrastination and Perfectionism: These traits can co-exist in women with ADHD, leading to cycles of productivity bursts followed by burnout.
- Hormonal Influence: ADHD Symptoms in women can fluctuate with hormonal changes (e.g., menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause).
Common Challenges for Women with ADHD
- Relationships: Difficulty managing emotions can strain personal and romantic relationships.
- Academics/Work: Time management, organization, and focus challenges may hinder academic or career success.
- Self-Esteem: Years of unmet expectations or perceived underachievement may impact self-worth.
- Mental Health Comorbidities: Higher rates of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders are seen in women with ADHD.
Why ADHD in Women Is Often Overlooked
- Adult female ADHD symptoms are less likely to involve overt hyperactivity or other obvious signs.
- Social expectations often pressure women to be organized, nurturing, and responsible, leading them to mask their struggles.
- Adult female ADHD symptoms can overlap with other conditions like depression and anxiety, leading to misdiagnosis.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Women with ADHD
- Diagnosis often happens later in life for women, sometimes when their children are diagnosed.
- Treatment includes a combination of medication (e.g., stimulants, non-stimulants), therapy (e.g., CBT for ADHD, coaching), and lifestyle adjustments (e.g., time management tools and routines).
Strengths of Women with ADHD
- Creativity and unique problem-solving abilities.
- High levels of empathy and emotional intelligence.
- Ability to hyperfocus on areas of interest.
- Inner strength and resilience that has been used to overcome challenges even before diagnosis.
- Often have higher IQ scores, on average, than nondiagnosed people
ADHD Symptoms in Women
Many ADHD symptoms in women often present differently than in men, which can lead to misdiagnosis or being overlooked. Women are more likely to have inattentive type, and their symptoms are often internalized rather than outwardly visible. Here is more detail:
1. Attention Deficit in Women Symptoms
- Easily Distracted: Difficulty staying focused on tasks, conversations, or lectures.
- Forgetfulness: Frequently forgetting appointments, deadlines, or daily tasks.
- Poor Organization: Struggling to prioritize or manage time effectively.
- Losing Things: Misplacing keys, phones, wallets, or other everyday items.
- Procrastination: Difficulty starting or completing tasks, especially those that require sustained attention.
- Daydreaming: Tendency to zone out, even during important conversations.
- Difficulty Following Instructions: Struggling to follow multi-step tasks or instructions.
2. Hyperactive and Impulsive ADHD Symptoms in Women
- Restlessness: Feeling internally restless, even if it’s not outwardly visible.
- Talking Excessively: Talking a lot or interrupting others in conversations.
- Impulsive Decisions: Making quick decisions without thinking about consequences.
- Interrupting Others: Speaking out of turn or finishing other people’s sentences.
- Difficulty Relaxing: Finding it hard to sit still or wind down, even during leisure time.
3. Emotional Dysregulation ADHD Symptoms in Women
- Mood Swings: Intense emotional reactions to minor triggers.
- Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD): Extreme emotional pain in response to perceived criticism or rejection.
- Low Frustration Tolerance: Becoming easily irritated or overwhelmed.
- Overwhelm and Burnout: Struggling to balance responsibilities, leading to exhaustion.
4. Social and Relationship Challenges for Women with ADHD
- Difficulty Maintaining Friendships: Forgetting to respond to messages or feeling overwhelmed by social interactions.
- Feeling Misunderstood: Struggling to explain behaviors or emotions to others.
- Fear of Criticism: Constantly worrying about being judged.
5. Coping Mechanisms and Masking in Women with ADHD
- Overcompensating: Working excessively hard to hide struggles.
- Perfectionism: An attention deficit in women can lead to setting unrealistically high standards to avoid failure.
- Masking Symptoms: Hiding restlessness or inattentiveness to appear “normal.”
Why ADHD Symptoms in Women Are Often Missed
- ADHD symptoms in women are mistaken for anxiety, depression, or mood disorders.
- Societal expectations lead women to internalize their struggles rather than seek help.
- Women are more likely to be labeled as “emotional” or “disorganized” rather than being evaluated for an attention deficit.
- Most women with ADHD have developed significant resilience, strength, and flexibility, allowing them to overcome their challenges
- Similarly, many women have taken advantage of the benefits of having ADHD
Signs of ADHD in Women
An attention deficit often presents differently in women than in men, leading to frequent underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis. Many women remain undiagnosed until adulthood, often when their children are evaluated for ADHD. Below are the key signs of ADHD in women across different areas of life:
1. Attention Deficit In Women with ADHD
- An attention deficit in women can lead to difficulty focusing on tasks, conversations, or instructions.
- Frequently losing or misplacing items (keys, phone, wallet).
- Forgetfulness in daily activities (e.g., paying bills, attending appointments).
- Procrastination, especially with tasks that require sustained attention.
- An attention deficit in women can lead to zoning out during conversations or meetings.
- Struggling to follow multi-step instructions despite high intelligence.
- Poor time management and missing deadlines.
2. Hyperactivity and Impulsivity in Women with ADHD
- Adult female ADHD symptoms often include feeling internally restless or having racing thoughts.
- Talking excessively or interrupting others during conversations.
- Acting impulsively, such as making sudden decisions without thinking them through.
- Difficulty relaxing or feeling guilty when trying to rest.
- Engaging in risky or thrill-seeking behaviors.
- Fidgeting or an inability to sit still for long periods.
3. Emotional Dysregulation in Women with ADHD
- Intense feelings of frustration or irritability.
- Feeling easily overwhelmed by daily responsibilities.
- Difficulty managing stress or pressure.
4. Executive Dysfunction and ADHD in Women
- Difficulty starting tasks, even ones that seem simple.
- Struggling with prioritizing or organizing tasks.
- Often feeling overwhelmed by to-do lists.
- Poor follow-through on plans or commitments.
- Chronic lateness or underestimating the time needed for tasks.
5. Social and Relationship Signs of ADHD in Women
- Feeling socially anxious or awkward in group settings.
- Overcommitting to social events and then feeling overwhelmed.
- Misunderstandings in communication or appearing distracted during conversations is one of the more common signs of ADHD in women.
- Fear of criticism or rejection from peers.
6. Self-Perception and Mental Health
- Persistent feelings of inadequacy or underachievement.
- Chronic self-criticism and low self-esteem are signs of ADHD in women who are undiagnosed.
- Frequently comparing oneself to others and feeling like they’re “failing at life.”
- Coexisting mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or eating disorders.
- Feeling like they must work harder than others to keep up.
7. Coping Mechanisms and Masking
- Overcompensating by becoming hyper-organized or perfectionistic.
- Relying heavily on reminders, lists, and alarms is a clear sign of ADHD in women.
- Masking symptoms to appear “put together” or “normal.”
- Avoiding tasks or situations where they might fail.
Why Signs of ADHD in Women Often Go Unrecognized
- Signs of ADHD in women are often internalized rather than externalized.
- Symptoms are frequently mistaken for anxiety, depression, or personality traits.
- Women with ADHD often have signs of strength, resilience, high intelligence, and adaptability, which mask their challenges.
Therapy for an Attention Deficit in Women
Individual therapy is a powerful tool for women with ADHD, especially given the unique ways an attention deficit in women can manifest and impact their lives. Below are the most effective therapeutic approaches tailored to address attention deficit in women.
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for ADHD
- Focus: Changing unhelpful thought patterns and developing practical coping strategies.
- How It Helps:
- Builds time management and organizational skills.
- Reduces procrastination and avoidance behaviors that are signs of ADHD in women.
- Improves emotional regulation and impulse control.
- Why It’s Effective for Women: Helps address perfectionism, chronic overwhelm, and self-criticism, which are common among women with ADHD.
2. Coaching for an Attention Deficit in Women
- Focus: Goal setting, time management, and daily structure.
- How It Helps:
- Provides accountability and regular check-ins.
- Develops strategies to break down tasks into manageable steps.
- Helps establish routines and organizational systems.
- Why It’s Effective for Women: Coaches provide individualized support, which is particularly helpful for women balancing work, home, and personal life.
3. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Women with ADHD
- Focus: Accepting challenges and committing to value-driven actions.
- How It Helps:
- Encourages mindfulness and being present in the moment.
- Reduces emotional reactivity and overwhelm.
- Builds resilience against setbacks.
- Why It’s Effective for Women: Helps women let go of guilt and self-blame for past struggles.
4. Dialectical Behavior Therapy for an Attention Deficit in Women
- Focus: Emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills.
- How It Helps:
- Reduces impulsive behaviors.
- Improves communication and conflict resolution.
- Enhances emotional stability.
- Why It’s Effective for Women: Helps address intense emotions and rejection-sensitive dysphoria (RSD).
5. Mindfulness-Based Therapies
- Focus: Increasing self-awareness and focus through mindfulness techniques.
- How It Helps:
- Improves focus and attention span.
- Reduces stress and anxiety.
- Encourages non-judgmental self-awareness.
- Why It’s Effective for Women: Helps women pause and process before reacting impulsively.
6. Group Therapy or Support Groups for Women with ADHD
- Focus: Sharing experiences and learning coping strategies with peers.
- How It Helps:
- It provides a sense of community and reduces feelings of isolation and misunderstanding of adult female ADHD symptoms.
- Encourages accountability and support.
- Helps people realize the advantages of adult female ADHD symptoms.
- Why It’s Effective for Women: Builds connection with others who understand these challenges.
7. Psychoeducation
- Focus: Learning about ADHD and its impact on behavior, emotions, and relationships (the common signs of ADHD in women).
- How It Helps:
- Increases self-awareness and understanding of signs of ADHD in women.
- Provides tools and resources for managing challenges.
- Why It’s Effective for Women: Knowledge reduces shame and promotes self-compassion.
I also use brief solution-focused therapy when a specific challenge needs to be addressed.
Case Example: Therapy for ADHD in Women
Background Information:
- Name: Sarah
- Age: 28
- Occupation: Marketing Specialist
- Adult female ADHD symptoms presenting:
- Chronic procrastination and missed deadlines at work
- Difficulty focusing during meetings and conversations
- Feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks and responsibilities
- Anxiety and low self-esteem from repeated perceived failures
Therapy for ADHD in Women Treatment Plan
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
- Adult Female ADHD Symptoms of Focus:
- Time management and task prioritization skills.
- Challenging negative self-talk (“I’m lazy” or “I’ll never succeed”).
- Developing coping strategies for emotional overwhelm.
- Techniques Used:
- Breaking tasks into smaller steps with clear deadlines.
- Using timers for focused work sessions (e.g., Pomodoro Technique).
- Thought reframing exercises to reduce self-criticism.
2. ADHD Coaching:
- Adult Female ADHD Symptoms of Focus:
- Building daily and weekly routines.
- Setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
- Accountability for completing tasks and following schedules.
- Example Strategy: Using a digital planner with reminders for tasks, appointments, and breaks.
3. Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation:
- Adult Female ADHD Symptoms of Focus:
- Developing self-awareness of emotional triggers.
- Practicing mindfulness meditation for 5-10 minutes daily.
- Using breathing exercises during moments of overwhelm.
- Technique Example: “5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Exercise” for moments of anxiety.
4. Workplace Accommodations:
- Adjustments Made:
- Flexible deadlines for non-urgent tasks.
- Weekly check-ins with her manager for task prioritization.
- Outcome: Improved clarity on expectations and reduced stress at work.
5. Support Network:
- Group Therapy: Attending monthly women’s support group sessions.
- Social Support: Openly communicating with close friends about the diagnosis and asking for support when overwhelmed.
Therapy for ADHD In Women Results After 4-6 Months:
- Focus & Productivity: Improved ability to complete tasks on time with fewer distractions.
- Emotional Regulation: Better at managing emotional reactions to criticism.
- Self-Esteem: Increased confidence in her abilities and reduced feelings of inadequacy.
- Work Performance: Positive feedback from her manager regarding her organization and task management.
- Overall Well-Being: Sarah reports feeling less overwhelmed and more in control of her daily life.
Key Takeaways:
- Holistic Treatment Works Best: A combination of medication, coaching, lifestyle, and support systems effectively addressed Sarah’s needs.
- Emotional Support Is Crucial: Therapy and support groups helped Sarah feel less isolated.
- Practical Tools Make a Difference: Time management strategies and workplace accommodations were essential for her success.
Summary and Our Work
An attention deficit in women may look different than men’s due to societal influences and a woman’s natural inner strengths and resilience. I provide therapy to address ADHD symptoms in women, with a focus on bringing out natural potential and advantages while addressing the barriers the diagnosis presents.
If you have any questions about ADHD in women or how therapy might help please get in touch with me or schedule a consultation anytime.
