Do I Have ADHD? The Truth About ADHD in Women (And Why No One Noticed)

ADHD in women is wildly misunderstood. If you grew up hearing “you’re just emotional” or “you need to focus more,” you might have spent years masking symptoms you didn’t even know you had. Unlike the hyperactive little boys bouncing off classroom walls, many women with ADHD fly under the radar—until adulthood smacks them in the face with chronic overwhelm, burnout, and a never-ending cycle of self-doubt.

So, why does ADHD look different in women? And more importantly—how do you get assessed when doctors still think ADHD is a childhood-only thing? Let’s break it down.

P.S. If you’re wondering, do I actually have ADHD? Stick around—I’ve got a free 'I Think I Have ADHD???' quiz at the end to help you get some clarity!

Why ADHD in Women Goes Undiagnosed

For decades, ADHD research focused on young boys. The result? An outdated stereotype that left countless women undiagnosed, struggling, and feeling like something was “wrong” with them. Here’s why ADHD in women is different:

- Less hyperactivity, more internal chaos – Instead of bouncing off the walls, women with ADHD are more likely to be daydreaming, zoning out, or hyper-focused on literally anything but what they’re supposed to be doing.
- Masking = survival mode – Many women develop coping mechanisms to hide their struggles (like perfectionism or people-pleasing), making it harder to recognise ADHD.
- Mood swings & emotional overload – ADHD in women often comes with emotional dysregulation, making them prone to anxiety, depression, and rejection sensitivity.
- High-functioning, but barely hanging on – Many women push themselves *so hard* to keep up with life, but inside, they’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and mentally drained.
- Hormones make everything worse – ADHD symptoms often intensify with puberty, pregnancy, and menopause (which, fun fact, is why many women don’t get diagnosed until their 30s or 40s!).

ADHD Symptoms in Women vs. Men

Symptom	Women with ADHD	Men with ADHD
Hyperactivity	Internal restlessness, fidgeting, excessive talking	Physical hyperactivity (running, climbing, disruptive behaviours)
Impulsivity	Impulsive spending, oversharing, difficulty setting boundaries	Acting without thinking, interrupting conversations
Inattention	Difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, zoning out in conversations	Easily distracted, struggles with structured tasks
Emotional Regulation	Mood swings, rejection sensitivity, anxiety, depression	Frustration, anger outbursts
Social Struggles	People-pleasing, feeling "too much," difficulty maintaining friendships	More obvious social challenges, conflict-prone

How to Get an ADHD Assessment (Wherever You Are)

If you relate to these symptoms, it’s time to stop wondering and start taking action. Here’s how you can get an ADHD diagnosis based on where you live:

United States

- Visit your primary care doctor or psychiatrist for a referral.
- If insurance is an issue, check out online ADHD specialists like Done and ADHD Online.
- Private assessments are an option for faster diagnosis (but they can be pricey!).

United Kingdom

- The NHS offers ADHD assessments, but wait times can be *ridiculous* (sometimes years!).
- Private clinics like Psychiatry UK offer faster options, though they’re out-of-pocket.
- ADHD charities like ADHD UK provide resources to navigate the process.

Australia

- Start with a GP referral to a psychiatrist (some psychologists can assess, but not prescribe meds).
- Private ADHD clinics and organisations like ADHD WA offer quicker alternatives.
- Online assessments are gaining traction, but always check credibility!

Canada

- ADHD diagnosis starts with a referral from a family doctor (be prepared for wait times!).
- Private assessments are faster, but costs vary by province.
- Some provinces have mental health programs that cover ADHD evaluations—check local options.

Europe & Beyond

- Most countries require a GP referral for an ADHD specialist.
- Private ADHD assessments exist but can be expensive and vary in availability.
- Local ADHD advocacy groups can provide resources and guidance.

What’s Next? Take the Quiz!

If you’ve been wondering whether ADHD could be affecting your life, taking the first step toward understanding yourself is crucial.

Take my 'I Think I Have ADHD???' quiz today and get personalised insights into your symptoms and next steps!

👉Click Here to Take the Quiz!👈

You deserve answers. You deserve support. And most of all—you deserve to *thrive* with ADHD, not just survive.

Medical Disclaimer

This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you suspect you have ADHD, consult a healthcare professional for proper assessment and diagnosis.