8 Signs of ADHD in Women
Studies show that women are underdiagnosed with ADHD. For many girls and women, ADHD is dismissed as anxiety or low self-esteem, which prevents diagnosis and helpful treatment.
Women and girls being misdiagnosed or not diagnosed with ADHD are in part because the condition is traditionally thought to mostly affect men, but also because there is a tendency for women to generally display symptoms that are less obvious or socially disruptive than men.
Many women also learn, from a very young age, to hide or “push through” their difficulties in order to meet expectations at school, work, and home. This masking can make ADHD harder to recognize on the outside, even while it feels overwhelming on the inside.
Here is a list of 8 symptoms of ADHD that many women who are diagnosed with ADHD often have.
1. Disorganization
Executive functioning impairment can make it difficult for women with ADHD to prioritize what to do first, how to start it, and when to do it. Because of this, women with ADHD tend to struggle with high levels of disorganization in many areas of their lives. As a result, messiness and clutter are common. Some women can maintain organization at work, but at the expense of an organized home. For others, disorganization is widespread, which increases the challenges and difficulties of ADHD.
This ongoing struggle to “stay on top of everything” can contribute to chronic stress, feelings of failure, and a sense of never being fully caught up, even when they are working very hard.
2. Forgetfulness
Forgetfulness is a common symptom of women with ADHD. With ADHD, sustained attention, alertness, and focus are impaired, causing difficulty with working memory. This can cause routinely forgetting where you've put something, not attending an important appointment, or not remembering to take out the garbage.
Over time, this can affect self-esteem and relationships, as women may worry that others see them as careless, unreliable, or “not trying hard enough,” when in reality these are core features of ADHD.
3. Chronic Lateness
Many women with ADHD struggle with time management. Time management issues may arise because you get stuck on a task, lose track of time, or simply get distracted. Being on time It also includes being able to think ahead and plan, skills which are also impaired in ADHD. Additionally, women with ADHD may run late because they tend to over-commit themselves and take on too many projects, activities, and responsibilities.
This “time blindness” can lead to a pattern of racing, rushing, and apologizing, which often leaves women feeling ashamed or like they are constantly letting others down, even when they are genuinely doing their best.
4. Sensitivity to Rejection
Females with ADHD often have Rejective Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD). RSD is extreme emotional sensitivity and pain triggered by the perception that you have been rejected or criticized. It may also be triggered by a sense of falling short or failing to meet your high standards or others' expectations. This can cause someone with ADHD to become easily embarrassed, get very angry, or have an emotional outburst when it feels like someone has hurt or rejected them.
Read here: 8 signs of Autism in Women
5. Perfectionism
Perfectionism can be an overcompensation for the fear of not doing things well enough. Many women with ADHD have been told throughout their lifetimes to “stop being lazy” or “just make yourself do it”. This can make a person feel their lack of follow-through or procrastination is a character flaw when in reality it is a symptom of ADHD. Because of this, many people with ADHD, especially women, endeavor to complete things “perfectly” to try to overcome that ingrained view of themselves. Of course, things are never perfect, and seeking this ideal leads to further procrastination, stress, and disappointment.
6. Emotional Dysregulation
Many women with ADHD experience emotions very intensely. Small setbacks can feel huge, and it may be hard to “bounce back” after criticism, conflict, or stress. This isn’t because they are overly dramatic or weak; it reflects genuine challenges with regulating emotions, shifting gears, and calming the nervous system once it is activated.
Emotional dysregulation can show up as sudden frustration, tearfulness, irritability, or shutting down — especially when a woman already feels overwhelmed or behind.
7. Mental Hyperactivity and Overthinking
While ADHD is often associated with physical hyperactivity in boys and men, many women experience a quieter, internal form of hyperactivity. Their mind may feel like it is constantly “on,” jumping between thoughts, worries, ideas, and what-if scenarios.
This mental restlessness can make it hard to relax, fall asleep, or enjoy downtime, and is frequently mistaken for generalized anxiety rather than recognized as a core ADHD experience.
8. Masking and Overcompensation
A lot of women with ADHD become experts at hiding their struggles. They might over-prepare for meetings, triple-check emails, work late into the night, or put on a calm, competent front in public while feeling overwhelmed inside.
These masking and overcompensation strategies can help them “pass” as organized or high-functioning, but often come with a cost: burnout, exhaustion, and the feeling that they are living a double life that no one truly sees.
ADHD, Women, and Misdiagnosis
Because so many of these signs are internalized — overthinking, perfectionism, emotional sensitivity, and chronic guilt — they are frequently misdiagnosed as anxiety or depression alone. While those conditions can certainly co-occur with ADHD, focusing only on mood without exploring attention, organization, and lifelong patterns can delay a correct diagnosis and effective treatment.
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There is Hope For You
Getting an official ADHD diagnosis and treatment isn't just about managing symptoms; it's about gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, unlocking your potential, and finding acceptance and support within a community that shares your experiences. It's a powerful first step towards building a life that feels manageable, fulfilling, and uniquely yours.
Here at the Thriving Wellness Center, we specialize in ADHD Evaluations and ADHD Treatment. We have locations in New York and New Jersey and perform thorough and professional ADHD testing and therapy in-person and online.
If you are newly diagnosed with ADHD or interested in getting a diagnosis in New York, New Jersey, or virtually please contact us to see how we can help you improve your life.
