ADHD in Women: The Quiet Struggle and the Power of Getting Tested

For many women, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) doesn’t look like the stereotype of a fidgety child bouncing in their seat. Instead, it can quietly impact focus, organization, emotional regulation, and self-esteem for years before it’s recognized.

Because symptoms in women often present more subtly and can be masked by coping strategies, ADHD is frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed.

If you’ve struggled with organization, impulsivity, restlessness, or burnout, it may be time to consider ADHD testing at our ADHD Testing Center at Body & Mind Consulting in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

The struggle of living with undiagnosed ADHD

According to a 2025 study published in Scientific Reports, as many as 92% of women who were diagnosed later in life with ADHD said that the delayed diagnosis had a significant impact on their lives. For many women, finally having a diagnosis brought clarity (and relief!), but it also highlighted just how deeply ADHD had shaped their experiences.

In the same study, 96% of women who said they were diagnosed late in life reported it had affected their sense of self, while 81% said it influenced their career paths and relationships with friends and family. Romantic relationships weren’t immune either. About 77% of women experienced challenges in their romantic relationships because of ADHD.

The bottom line is that if you suspect you have undiagnosed ADHD, you’re far from alone.

Why ADHD in women often goes unnoticed

Hormonal fluctuations, social expectations, and the tendency to internalize struggles can all make ADHD harder to spot in women.

In addition, the type of ADHD that you have can make your symptoms manifest in different ways. ADHD has three subtypes:

• Predominantly hyperactive
• Predominantly inattentive
• Combined

Instead of outward hyperactivity, your symptoms may show up as chronic disorganization, difficulty following through on tasks, or feeling mentally “scattered” even when you’re working hard. This can lead to frustration, self-doubt, and burnout.

What does ADHD in women look like?

While ADHD symptoms can vary, you might notice:

• Trouble starting or completing projects
• Feeling easily overwhelmed by daily responsibilities
• Forgetfulness, even for important dates or deadlines
• Emotional sensitivity or mood swings
• Difficulty focusing in conversations or meetings

If these patterns sound familiar, it’s important to know you’re not “lazy” or “unmotivated.” ADHD is a real neurodevelopmental condition, and the right support can make a life-changing difference.

The power of getting tested

An ADHD evaluation is the first step toward understanding how your brain works.

Getting tested gives you confidence

Getting tested and finally having an answer can give you relief, and a renewed sense of control over your life. It can validate your experiences, replace years of self-doubt with self-understanding, and give you the confidence to seek the right tools, strategies, and support to thrive.

Getting tested opens the doors to tools and strategies

Once you’ve confirmed that ADHD is the source of your struggles, you can explore the right treatments for you.

Building new routines, discovering time-management strategies, and working with a supportive coach or therapist can help you shift from struggling quietly to thriving with confidence.

Do you need ADHD testing?

If you’ve been struggling in silence, you don’t have to anymore. Take our free ADHD screener to see if you’d benefit from ADHD testing.

You can also call at 615-310-1491 or request an appointment online today.