ADHD in Adult Women: Potential Symptoms and the Process of Diagnosis 

Navigating adult ADHD, especially for women, comes with its own set of unique challenges. For years, women’s experiences with ADHD were overlooked, leaving many undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. If you find yourself wondering about the symptoms that women with ADHD face, you’re not alone. 

From difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness to emotional dysregulation and challenges in relationships, the spectrum of symptoms is vast. In this blog, we’ll shed light on the distinct ways ADHD manifests in women and provide insights into what the process of adult ADHD diagnosis may look like in Ontario, Canada. 

Did you know that ADHD symptoms can show up differently in women than men or children? For a long time, women were overlooked in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. So, you may be wondering what symptoms women with ADHD might experience. 

ADHD Symptoms in Women

Some of the most common symptoms that women with ADHD may experience:

• Difficulty Concentrating: Oftentimes women will struggle to focus on tasks, especially those that are repetitive. They may also find it hard to focus.
• Forgetfulness: This is very common among women. This includes forgetting appointments, deadlines, or important tasks.
• Disorganization: Struggle with organizing tasks, time, and belongings. This could show up as messy living or working spaces and can create challenges to stick to routines. 
• Impulsivity: This may lead to impulsive decisions in relationships, career choices, or other aspects of life.
• Hyperfocus: This can show up as becoming so hyper focused on a task to the point that everything else around is excluded.
• Procrastination: This one is pretty common. It can look like putting off starting tasks until the last minute due to difficulty with organization and time management. 
• Restlessness: This is an inability to relax or sit still and it can make you feel like you’re constantly on the go because you have trouble unwinding and relaxing. 
• Emotional Dysregulation: You could experience mood swings, irritability, or emotional sensitivity or have difficulty managing stress. 
• Low Self-Esteem: This can show up as persistent difficulty with organization, time management, and impulsivity which can lead to low self-esteem and self-worth. 
• Difficulty with Relationships: Due to forgetfulness, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation it can be challenging to maintain relationships. This can be struggling with communication and maintaining focus during conversations. 
• Chronic Lateness: Time management and estimating the time needed to complete a task can be difficult and lead to chronic lateness.

An important note: not all women with ADHD will experience all of these symptoms, and the severity of the symptoms can vary widely. Symptoms may overlap with other mental health conditions as well so it’s very important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. 

Assessment & Diagnosis of ADHD for Adults in Ontario

In Ontario, Canada (where we are!) Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is generally a complex process. 

Here is what the process may look like (in Ontario, Canada): 

1. Initial Screening: The first step is undergoing an initial screening for ADHD. This could involve self-assessment questionnaires and discussions with your family doctor or mental health professional. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, medical history, and any difficulties you’re experiencing in your daily life. 
2. Referral to a Specialist: If ADHD is suspected by your doctor, based upon the screening, they can refer you to a specialist for a comprehensive assessment (specialist examples: psychiatrist, psychologist, or a specialized ADHD clinic).
3. Comprehensive Assessment: The comprehensive assessment usually involves several components, such as:
   Interviews: You’ll likely have one or more interviews with the specialist to discuss your symptoms, personal history, and how ADHD affects your daily life.
   Observations: The specialist may gather information from people who know you well, such as family members, partners, or close friends, to gain insight into your behavior and symptoms.|
   Psychological Testing: You may undergo psychological testing to assess attention, memory, and other cognitive functions. These tests help to rule out other possible explanations for your symptoms and provide a comprehensive understanding of your strengths and challenges.
4. Reviewing Medical History: The specialist will review your medical history to rule out other conditions or factors that could be contributing to your symptoms.
5. Diagnostic Criteria: To receive a formal diagnosis of ADHD, you must meet the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) which includes symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that persist for at least six months and significantly impair functioning in multiple areas of life.
6. Discussion of Treatment Options: If you receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the specialist will discuss treatment options with you. Treatment for adult ADHD may include medication, supplements, psychotherapy, coaching, and lifestyle changes.
7. Follow-Up and Monitoring: Following diagnosis and initiation of treatment, you’ll likely have follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress, adjust treatment as needed, and address any concerns or challenges you may encounter.

Struggling with ADHD Symptoms? Support is Available at Attuned Therapy + Wellness

It’s important to remember that the process can vary depending on the healthcare provider and clinic you visit. Accessing mental health services in Ontario will likely involve wait times, so it’s important to seek support as early as possible if you suspect you have ADHD.

Overall, women with ADHD are more likely to go underdiagnosed or get a misdiagnosis, which understandably can lead to frustration and feelings of powerlessness. It’s crucial to recognize that ADHD is a medical condition affecting the brain’s functioning, not a reflection of personality or character flaws. Seeking treatment for ADHD opens the door to understanding and honing in on your unique strengths. 

At Attuned Therapy + Wellness, we can help you navigate your symptoms of ADHD. While we do not diagnose or prescribe medications, our team of psychotherapists provide comprehensive therapy to support clients with ADHD build executive functioning skills and coping mechanisms. You can book a free 15-minute consultation with one of our therapists HERE.