Why ADHD in Women Often Goes Undiagnosed - And What to Do About It

Why ADHD in Women Often Goes Undiagnosed – And What to Do About It

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Why ADHD in Women Often Goes Undiagnosed – And What to Do About It

When most people think of ADHD, they picture a fidgety young boy bouncing around a classroom. But ADHD looks very different in women and girls, and this is one of the reasons so many women remain undiagnosed until adulthood  –  sometimes well into their 30s, 40s, or even later.

The Hidden Face of ADHD in Women

Women with ADHD often experience more inattentive symptoms: daydreaming, disorganisation, forgetfulness, or emotional overwhelm. Instead of being disruptive, many girls learn to mask their struggles by working harder, becoming people-pleasers, or hiding their disorganisation.

As Dr. Kathleen Nadeau, a pioneer in ADHD research in women, puts it: “Girls are taught to internalise, boys are allowed to externalise.” This cultural conditioning means girls may be praised for being “quiet” while silently struggling with focus, anxiety, or low self-esteem.

Common Misdiagnoses

Because women with ADHD often present differently, they are frequently misdiagnosed with:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Borderline personality disorder
  • Bipolar disorder

While these conditions may overlap, ADHD is often the missing piece. Without recognising it, women can go years without effective support.

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The Cost of Late Diagnosis

Undiagnosed ADHD in women can contribute to:

  • Burnout at work
  • Relationship strain
  • Parenting struggles
  • Chronic guilt or shame
  • Higher risk of depression or low self-worth

Steps Women Can Take

  • Track your symptoms — journal when focus, time blindness, or emotional flooding show up.
  • Seek assessment — ask for a referral or consider private options if waitlists are long.
  • Find community — connect with other women who understand ADHD’s unique impact.
  • Consider multi-modal support — medication, coaching, therapy, lifestyle tools.

✨ The good news? More clinicians are now aware of how ADHD manifests in women, and more women are getting the diagnoses – and the help – they deserve.

If you’ve ever wondered whether ADHD might explain your lifelong struggles with overwhelm, forgetfulness, or self-doubt – you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Join the Rebuild Your Life Coaching Group – a supportive community where women explore ADHD, relationships, and self-empowerment together.

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