ADHD has long been stereotyped as a condition affecting hyperactive young boys, but the reality is far more complex. Many women with ADHD go undiagnosed for years, often being mislabeled as anxious, sensitive, or simply "disorganised." The reason? ADHD symptoms in women often present differently than in men, making them harder to recognise.
Why Is ADHD in Women Overlooked?
Different Symptom Presentation
While boys with ADHD are more likely to display hyperactivity and impulsivity, girls often experience more inattentive symptoms, such as daydreaming, forgetfulness, and difficulty staying organised. These traits are often mistaken for personality quirks rather than signs of a neurodevelopmental disorder.Masking and Coping Strategies
Many women unconsciously develop coping mechanisms to hide their struggles. They may overcompensate by becoming perfectionists, people-pleasers, or highly structured, leading others to believe they are simply "high-strung" rather than struggling with executive dysfunction.Misdiagnosis as Anxiety or Depression
Women with ADHD are frequently diagnosed with anxiety or depression instead, as they often experience chronic overwhelm, emotional dysregulation, and low self-esteem due to untreated symptoms.
The Impact of Late Diagnosis
A late ADHD diagnosis can liberate years of frustration, self-blame, and struggles with work, relationships, and self-worth. Many women express a sense of relief when they finally receive an ADHD diagnosis, realising that their challenges were never due to laziness or lack of effort or discipline.
How Mindfulness, NLP, and Somatic Therapy Can Help
Mindfulness helps women with ADHD slow down, improve focus, and manage emotional reactivity.
Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) offers practical tools for restructuring negative self-talk, improving organisation, and managing overwhelm.
Somatic Therapy helps regulate the nervous system, reducing the stress, overwhelm and anxiety that often accompany ADHD.
If You Suspect You Have ADHD
If you resonate with these experiences, seeking an ADHD-informed therapist can be life-changing. Proper support and strategies can make daily life more manageable and fulfilling. Book your 15 min consultation here.
To find out more, visit our page on ADHD.