ADHD in Women: the Hidden Symptoms
ADHD in Women
When we mention “Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)”, most of us immediately have an image form in our minds. Usually it is of a restless, impulsive and hyperactive boy who is constantly on the go which is not entirely incorrect. This , however, is different to how ADHD presents women. As a result of this, ADHD in women is often under-recognised and underdiagnosed. This can lead to years of struggle without the right support or treatment as I have seen with many of my clients.
At Clarity Mind Therapy, based in Abergavenny, South Wales and offering both in-person and online therapy across the UK, we work with adults who are trying to manage the symptoms of ADHD in their own lives. Recognising the symptoms in women is an important first step towards clarity and support.
Common Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women
ADHD presentations can vary from person to person, but for many women, the following signs are more common:
Inattention and distractibility: Difficulty sustaining focus, frequently losing items, forgetting appointments, or feeling overwhelmed by tasks requiring organisation.
Overwhelm with tasks: Struggling to begin or complete tasks, particularly when they feel mundane or require consistent and sustained effort.
Emotional sensitivity: Heightened reactivity to stress, criticism, or rejection. This is sometimes described as “rejection sensitivity.”
Restlessness: While hyperactivity in boys may be obvious, in women it can appear as an inner sense of restlessness, fidgeting, or difficulty relaxing or “switching off”.
Time management difficulties: Chronic lateness, procrastination, or struggling to estimate how long tasks will take.
Social difficulties: Due to many of the other symptoms, many young girls battle to fit in with their peers. They often find it difficult to keep a consistent social circle and typically experience themselves as problematic as being too different from everyone else.
Masking and coping strategies: Women often work harder to appear “together” on the outside, which can be exhausting and hide underlying challenges. It can also worsen their depressive symptoms form the inevitable emotional burnout due to trying to maintain these strategies.
Why ADHD is Often Missed in Girls
Many young girls with ADHD are overlooked in school because their symptoms don’t always match the stereotype of the “disruptive, hyperactive boy.” Girls may be quieter, more withdrawn, or simply labelled as “daydreamers.” Teachers and parents might interpret their struggles as personality traits (e.g., “she’s just shy”, “she’s troubled” or “she’s disorganised”) rather than recognising the signs of a neurodevelopmental condition.
As a result, girls are less likely to be referred for assessment. Instead, they may go through childhood and adolescence feeling different, anxious, or as though they are not living up to their potential. This delayed recognition can contribute to difficulties later in life, including higher rates of anxiety, depression, and low self-worth.
ADHD in Women vs. Men: Key Differences
Research has shown that ADHD often presents differently in women compared with men:
Hyperactivity: More obvious in boys and men, while women are more likely to experience internalised hyperactivity, such as racing thoughts or inner restlessness.
Inattention: Women often present with inattentive symptoms rather than impulsive or disruptive behaviours, making it less visible to others.
Emotional impact: Women may be more affected by emotional dysregulation, mood swings, and self-esteem issues linked to ADHD.
Masking: Women tend to develop compensatory strategies (such as perfectionism or people-pleasing) to hide their difficulties, whereas men are more likely to have their symptoms recognised externally.
These differences mean that women are more likely to be misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression before ADHD is considered. While those conditions may also be present, without recognising ADHD, the root cause of many struggles remains unaddressed.
Seeking Support
If the symptoms above resonate with you, seeking an ADHD assessment through the NHS or similar services, or therapeutic support may help you gain clarity and practical strategies for managing your challenges. At Clarity Mind Therapy, we offer a safe and non-judgemental space to explore your experiences and develop tools to improve focus, self-esteem, and emotional wellbeing.
Even if you do not want or have a formal diagnosis, therapy can help you:
Build self-compassion and reduce shame.
Learn effective coping strategies.
Improve organisation and time management.
Strengthen relationships affected by ADHD symptoms.
Final Thoughts
ADHD in women often flies under the radar, but recognising the signs can be life-changing. If you are based in Abergavenny, South Wales, or anywhere in the UK through online therapy, Clarity Mind Therapy is here to support you as many of my clients have found.
If you would like to learn more or book an appointment, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
