Five symptoms to look out for if you’re a woman that could mean you have ADHD

These are the five symptoms of ADHD to look out for as a woman after it’s been reported that most women don’t get diagnosed until their ‘late thirties’.

There is little research about how attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) impacts women, as kids, teens and men are usually the focus.

As it seems quite popular in health-related studies, women tend to become overlooked, leaving the disorder undiagnosed until later in their life - if at all.

Why are women with ADHD sometimes missed?

There are a couple of reasons why ADHD is less commonly spotted in women and girls, and a lot of it is due to how the symptoms present themselves.

ADHD symptoms are less recognisable in women. (Getty stock images)

Girls tend to show less ‘hyperactive’ behaviour than boys do.

But when the symptoms go undiagnosed for so many years into adulthood, it can cause some real challenges for women.

Symptoms in women are often a lot more subtle, making it harder for parents and teachers to spot at an early stage.

Another issue is that symptoms can look very similar to that of other mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression.

There are three types of ADHD, and in women, it is often the inattentive type.

So let’s take a look at some of the most common inattentive symptoms.

People with ADHD often start new tasks constantly. (Getty stock images)

Trouble staying focused

Do you ever find yourself starting new tasks all the time, without finishing the one you started doing just previously?

This could be a sign you suffer from the disorder.

An ADHD brain becomes so concerned with everything it has to do, that concentrating on one thing at a time can become a challenge, as well as prioritising finishing it.

Instead, they feel more productive by starting lots of tasks, but in reality, they hardly ever get completed.

Some women could struggle to concentrate during conversations. (Getty stock images)

‘Zoning out’ while others are speaking

Again, having ADHD comes with a busy brain, so concentrating on what one person is saying without ‘zoning out’ from time-to-time can prove to be a real difficulty.

It’s hard for the brain to switch off from all other things, and be completely engaged in one thing at a time, such as a conversation.

Whirring in the background is everything else you feel is important.

Struggling to stay organised

A lack of organisation can be a result of suffering from ADHD, as people struggle with ‘executive functions’.

These are the skills that allow us to get stuff done, and if they’re lacking, any element of organisation can go out of the window.

This can include things such as keeping track of what you’re doing, or literally walking away from problems instead of facing them.

A lack of dopamine can make these tasks tough. (Getty stock images)

Putting off or avoiding ‘boring’ tasks

If a task is inherently boring to someone with ADHD, dopamine levels are so low already that their brain is unable to actually do the task.

Even if they wanted to, they couldn’t pay attention no matter the situation.

Forgetfulness

Memory problems are often linked to having ADHD, as people have difficulties processing information in their ‘working memory’.

Lower activity in the brain's prefrontal cortex means that it is more challenging to remember task goals, instructions, or rules.

If you suspect you have ADHD, you should speak to your GP who will be able to advise you further.