ADHD in Women: Symptoms, Misdiagnosis & How to Get Tested
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in women is frequently overlooked and misdiagnosed, leading many to struggle for years without an accurate diagnosis. Unlike the hyperactive ADHD stereotype, many women have inattentive-type ADHD or experience symptoms such as chronic overwhelm, emotional dysregulation, and executive dysfunction. This often results in misdiagnoses like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or even borderline personality disorder (BPD) instead of ADHD.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women: How It Differs from Men
ADHD in women frequently looks different from the more well-known presentations seen in men. Instead of obvious hyperactivity, women with ADHD often exhibit:
Inattentiveness and distractibility – Difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, and struggles with organization are common.
Overwhelm and emotional dysregulation – Many women experience heightened emotions, sensitivity to stress, and frequent feelings of being overwhelmed.
Mental Exhaustion - Many women with ADHD feel like they’re constantly playing catch-up in life. They may struggle with balancing responsibilities, keeping track of deadlines, and managing daily tasks—leading to burnout and exhaustion.
Time Blindness & Poor Time Management - Women with ADHD often struggle with losing track of time, running late, or underestimating how long tasks will take. This can lead to feelings of frustration, guilt, and imposter syndrome, especially in work or parenting roles.
Masking behaviors – Women are often more socially conditioned to hide their struggles, leading them to develop coping mechanisms that make their ADHD less obvious to others.
Internalized struggles – Rather than external hyperactivity, women with ADHD may experience an internal restlessness, racing thoughts, or chronic anxiety.
Perfectionism and overcompensation – In an attempt to manage their difficulties, many women develop perfectionistic tendencies, leading to burnout and self-doubt.
Because of these differences, many women are misdiagnosed with other conditions. While other mental health conditions can co-occur with ADHD, the misdiagnosis often means women don’t receive the appropriate support and treatment for their actual underlying ADHD.
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) in Women with ADHD: Understanding Emotional Sensitivity
One of the lesser-known but profoundly impactful aspects of ADHD is Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)—a condition where individuals experience extreme emotional distress in response to perceived rejection or criticism. Women with ADHD are particularly prone to RSD, which can manifest as:
Intense emotional pain when they feel ignored, criticized, or unappreciated.
Fear of failure and avoidance of new challenges due to the possibility of rejection.
People-pleasing behaviors in an effort to avoid disapproval from others.
Sudden mood shifts and withdrawal when experiencing perceived rejection.
Because RSD is not widely understood, it is often mistaken for mood disorders or severe anxiety, further contributing to the misdiagnosis of ADHD in women.
Why ADHD in Women Is Often Misdiagnosed
ADHD in women is frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed, leading many to struggle for years without proper treatment. Unlike the stereotypical hyperactive ADHD often associated with young boys, women with ADHD are more likely to present with inattentive symptoms, such as difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, and chronic overwhelm. These symptoms are less obvious and can be mistakenly attributed to personality traits or other mental health conditions.
How Often Are Women Misdiagnosed?
Studies show that women are diagnosed with ADHD years later than men, with many receiving a correct diagnosis only in adulthood—often after their own child is diagnosed and they recognize the same patterns in themselves. Research suggests that women are three times more likely than men to be misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety before their ADHD is correctly identified.
Common Misdiagnoses in Women with ADHD
🔹 Depression – Women with ADHD often experience emotional dysregulation and low self-esteem, leading professionals to diagnose depression instead of recognizing the underlying ADHD.
🔹 Anxiety Disorders – Chronic stress from forgetfulness, disorganization, and time blindness can look like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), when in reality, it stems from unmanaged ADHD.
🔹 Bipolar Disorder – Mood swings in ADHD, especially emotional sensitivity and rejection-sensitive dysphoria (RSD), can be mistaken for bipolar disorder, leading to incorrect treatment plans.
🔹 Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – Women with ADHD may struggle with impulsivity, intense emotions, and relationship difficulties, which can resemble BPD, but the underlying cause is executive dysfunction, not a personality disorder.
🔹 Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Many women with ADHD develop rigid routines or perfectionistic tendencies to compensate for executive function struggles, which can be confused with OCD.
Misdiagnosis can delay proper treatment for ADHD, leaving women without the support they need. A comprehensive ADHD evaluation with a licensed Psychologist is essential to differentiate ADHD from these overlapping conditions and ensure an accurate diagnosis.
ADHD Testing for Women: Why Comprehensive Psychological Evaluations Matter
Given the high rate of misdiagnosis and the unique way ADHD presents in women, a comprehensive psychological evaluation is essential for an accurate diagnosis. Unlike quick screenings or self-report questionnaires, a full ADHD assessment conducted by a licensed Psychologist involves:
A detailed clinical interview that explores developmental history, symptom presentation across different areas of life, and any co-occurring conditions.
Objective psychological testing that assesses cognitive and neuropsychological functioning including domains such as attention, executive functioning, impulse control, and working memory.
Review of mental health history to differentiate ADHD from other conditions like anxiety or depression.
A thorough ADHD assessment helps ensure that women receive the correct diagnosis, leading to targeted strategies for managing symptoms and improving daily functioning.
How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis for Women: Testing and Support
If you suspect you may have ADHD but have been overlooked or misdiagnosed, a professional psychological evaluation is the first step toward clarity and support. At Zephyr Care, we specialize in comprehensive ADHD testing tailored to women, recognizing the unique ways ADHD manifests in adulthood. Our evaluations help distinguish ADHD from co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression, ensuring you receive the most accurate diagnosis and effective treatment recommendations.
Online ADHD Testing for Women: Virtual Evaluations in PSYPACT States
We provide virtual ADHD assessments for adults in PSYPACT states, making it easier for women across the U.S. to access high-quality psychological testing from a licensed Psychologist. Our testing isn’t just online screening questionnaires. You will have the opportunity to meet with a licensed Psychologist and complete comprehensive, interactive testing. Current PSYPACT states include:
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. *We can also see a limited number of people from California and Massachusetts per year.
If you’re struggling with focus, emotional regulation, or feeling misunderstood, getting an accurate diagnosis can be life-changing. Contact Zephyr Care today to schedule an ADHD evaluation and take the first step toward better understanding yourself and your unique brain.
Author: Heather Joppich, PhD
Dr. Joppich is a Licensed Psychologist and owner of Zephyr Care Mental Health. She specializes in neurodiversity-affirming assessments for autism, ADHD, and mental health concerns.
