ADHD in Women: Signs, Masking, Burnout & Why It’s Often Missed

ADHD in Women: Why Wasn’t This Picked Up Earlier?

Many women arrive at assessment after years of managing, achieving, and appearing “fine”—while privately struggling with overwhelm, emotional exhaustion, and self-criticism.

ADHD in women is often under-recognised because symptoms can be more internalised and masked.

Common ADHD experiences in women

Women may be more likely to describe:

• a busy, restless mind

• difficulty focusing in meetings or conversations

• overwhelm and shutdown

• time-blindness and chronic lateness

• emotional intensity or feeling easily flooded

• perfectionism and overthinking

• chronic fatigue from “holding it all together”

It can look like coping… not chaos

Instead of being seen as hyperactive, you may have been labelled:

• sensitive

• disorganised

• anxious

• forgetful

• “high potential but inconsistent”

Masking and compensating

Many women mask ADHD through:

• over-preparing

• people-pleasing

• overworking

• avoiding asking for help

• managing everything quietly

• pushing through at the cost of burnout

For many global majority women, masking can also be shaped by culture, stigma, and expectations of responsibility and achievement.

Life stages that can make ADHD more visible

Symptoms may feel more intense during:

• university or moving away from home

• demanding jobs or promotions

• parenting and increased mental load

• perimenopause/menopause transitions

Ready to explore this further?

If you’re wondering whether an ADHD assessment might be a good fit, you’re welcome to book a short enquiry call. We’ll talk through what you’re noticing, what you’d like clarity on, and whether an assessment feels like the right next step.