Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often associated with hyperactive young boys, but it affects women in unique and often overlooked ways. Because traditional ADHD symptoms are based on studies of men and boys, many women go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, leading to years of struggling with focus, self-esteem, and emotional regulation. Understanding how ADHD manifests in women can be the key to finding effective strategies and support.
How ADHD Presents Differently in Women
Women with ADHD often experience more internalized symptoms, such as:
Chronic overwhelm and anxiety
Excessive daydreaming or mental fog
Difficulty maintaining focus rather than hyperactivity
Emotional sensitivity and intense mood swings
Struggles with organization, time management, and procrastination
Imposter syndrome and low self-esteem
Masking behaviors (overcompensating to appear "put together")
Many women with ADHD are mistakenly diagnosed with anxiety or depression first. This misdiagnosis can delay proper treatment and lead to further frustration and self-doubt.
Common Challenges Women with ADHD Face
Overwhelm in Daily Life: Women often juggle multiple roles—career, caregiving, household management—leading to chronic stress and burnout.
Emotional Dysregulation: Many women with ADHD struggle with rejection sensitivity and heightened emotions, making interpersonal relationships more challenging.
Difficulty with Time Management: Many experience "time blindness," leading to chronic lateness, missed deadlines, and last-minute scrambles.
Masking and Perfectionism: To compensate, women may put excessive effort into appearing organized and "on top of things," which can lead to exhaustion and self-criticism.
Struggles with Self-Esteem: Years of being labeled as "lazy," "scatterbrained," or "too emotional" can erode self-worth and create a deep sense of inadequacy.
Solutions & Coping Strategies
Develop External Supports: Using planners, alarms, and apps can help keep track of tasks and appointments.
Create ADHD-Friendly Routines: Simplifying tasks, breaking them into smaller steps, and using visual reminders can make daily life more manageable.
Practice Self-Compassion: Understanding that ADHD is a neurological difference—not a personal failing—can help shift negative self-talk.
Find the Right Treatment: Medication, coaching, and behavioral strategies can be life-changing. Each person’s needs are different, so working with a professional is essential.
Build a Support Network: Connecting with ADHD support groups or communities can provide validation and encouragement.
How Therapy Can Help
Therapy can be an invaluable resource for women with ADHD.
At Your Story Counselling, we offer tailored therapy to help individuals:
Recognize and understand their ADHD symptoms
Develop coping strategies for emotional regulation and time management
Address self-esteem and imposter syndrome
Work through challenges in relationships and career
Foster self-acceptance and create healthier habits
If you suspect you have ADHD or are struggling with its impact, therapy can help you gain clarity and build a toolkit for success. We offer free 15-minute consultations to help you take the first step toward support. Book a consultation today.
Conclusion
ADHD in women is often misunderstood and underdiagnosed, but with the right knowledge and resources, you can take control of your mental health. Recognizing the challenges and embracing strategies that work for you can help you thrive in every area of life.
Your Story Counselling Services is a multicultural, inclusive, BIPOC clinic that offers online services as well as in-person sessions in Vaughan and Markham.
Judy Lui and her team of clinicians and supervised therapist interns offer trauma-informed, clinical counselling in the form of art, play, and talk therapy. With an emphasis on social equity and justice,
Your Story offers counselling at a range of fee levels. Judy continues to see her clients, manages the clinic as Clinical Director, and mentors master ’s-level therapist interns.
Judy has been featured in the Toronto Star, where she discussed the impact of mental health struggles and the toll of COVID-19 on romantic relationships. She also co-authored a chapter in the first edition of An Intersectional Approach to Sex Therapy Centering the Lives of Indigenous, Racialized, and People of Color. She is a committee member with the Anti-Racism Advocacy Group at the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, where she helps organize community events and panels on racial trauma and advocacy.
Judy is also one of three 2024 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards Micro-Business Finalists and will represent the Central Canadian Region (Ontario & Montreal) for this honour.
If you have additional questions regarding the contents of this article please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to answer you.
Should you have questions or inquiries regarding counselling and the process of counselling, please visit our FAQ page. contact us to ask questions, or learn more about our team of therapists before signing up for a free 15 minute consultation.
Terms and Conditions of Use:
The information provided in this article is intended to be general knowledge and does not constitute as professional advice or treatment. This information is not intended for the use of diagnosis or treatment. Please do not share or distribute this article without the proper referencing or written/verbal consent of Judy Lui. Additional information can be found at www.yourstorycounselling.com or requested via info@yourstorycounselling.com
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