ADHD Symptoms in Women: What Most People Miss
ADHD in women is one of the most misunderstood — and most underdiagnosed — mental health conditions today.
Why?
Because for decades, ADHD was studied in hyperactive school-aged boys, not quiet, overwhelmed, overcompensating girls.
So let’s unmask what ADHD can really look like — especially in women and AFAB people — and why you’re not imagining it.
👀 Common Symptoms of ADHD in Women
You might not be bouncing off the walls or getting in trouble at work — but that doesn’t mean your ADHD isn’t real.
Here’s how it often shows up in women:
Mental overwhelm from juggling everything (and forgetting everything)
Time blindness — always rushing, always late, always exhausted
Low self-worth masked by perfectionism
Difficulty starting tasks even if they matter deeply to you
Chronic burnout from masking, masking, masking
Emotional dysregulation — mood swings, anxiety, or feeling “too sensitive”
A thousand open tabs in your brain at once
Difficulty remembering what was said 10 minutes ago
And one of the biggest symptoms? Guilt.
For not doing more. Being more. Remembering more.
🔍 Why It’s Missed So Often
Women are often:
Better at masking
More likely to be labelled “anxious,” “moody,” or “lazy”
Expected to be the organisers, carers, and emotional regulators
Instead of getting assessed, we internalise it.
ADHD in women often hides under:
Depression
Anxiety
Trauma responses
High-functioning burnout
🌀 Inattentive ADHD: The “Quiet” Struggle
Many women have Predominantly Inattentive ADHD — meaning their symptoms don’t include hyperactivity.
Instead, they experience:
Trouble focusing
Mental fog
Forgetfulness
Drifting during conversations
Daydreaming, zoning out
Missing details or deadlines
And because they’re not disruptive, they’re often not noticed.
🩺 What to Do If You Relate to This
✅ 1. Start tracking your symptoms
Notice when and where your brain struggles — memory, focus, overstimulation, emotional responses.
Try:
A symptom tracker
A routine log
Daily energy check-ins
(You can use this printable bundle for reflection + tracking)
✅ 2. Talk to your GP or a private clinician
Ask specifically about ADHD in women and mention inattentive symptoms.
Prepare notes like:
How long it’s been happening
What you’ve tried
How it affects your daily life
✅ 3. Unlearn the shame
You are not broken. You’ve just been working with the wrong instruction manual.
💬 Final Thought
If this list felt like a punch to the gut — you’re not alone.
ADHD in women looks different.
And now that we know better, we can support better.
Focus, gently. 🌿
