ADHD in Females: Why It Is Often Missed

11 Mar

For many years, ADHD was primarily associated with hyperactive behaviour in boys. As a result, many girls and women with ADHD were overlooked or misunderstood. Increasing awareness has shown that ADHD can present differently in females, which means many individuals are only recognised later in life.

At Lycali, we regularly support girls and women who have spent years feeling overwhelmed, disorganised, or misunderstood before discovering that ADHD may explain their experiences.

Why ADHD Is Often Missed in Girls and Women

ADHD in females is often less outwardly disruptive than the more hyperactive presentations commonly seen in boys. Many girls develop strategies to compensate for their difficulties, meaning their challenges may not always be recognised at school or by others.

Some girls may appear quiet, daydreamy, or anxious rather than hyperactive. Others work extremely hard to keep up with expectations, which can mask underlying difficulties with attention, organisation, and emotional regulation.

Because of this, many females receive a diagnosis much later in adolescence or adulthood.

Common Signs of ADHD in Females

ADHD can present differently in each individual, but some common experiences reported by girls and women include:

• difficulty sustaining attention or completing tasks
• frequently losing items or forgetting important information
• feeling mentally overwhelmed by daily responsibilities
• struggling with organisation or time management
• emotional sensitivity or difficulty regulating emotions
• feeling internally restless even if not outwardly hyperactive
• procrastination or difficulty starting tasks
• experiencing burnout from trying to keep up with expectations

Some girls may also experience challenges with friendships, particularly when managing social expectations or group dynamics.

ADHD and Emotional Wellbeing

Many females with ADHD experience high levels of emotional sensitivity. Difficulties with focus, organisation, or managing responsibilities can sometimes lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, or low self-confidence.

When ADHD is not recognised, individuals may internalise these difficulties, believing they are simply not trying hard enough. Understanding ADHD can help reframe these experiences and provide practical strategies for support.

ADHD in Adulthood

Many women seek assessment later in life after noticing patterns such as:

• ongoing difficulties with organisation or time management
• feeling overwhelmed by work or daily responsibilities
• experiencing repeated burnout
• struggling with emotional regulation
• recognising similarities with ADHD experiences described by others

For some, learning more about ADHD provides clarity and helps them better understand their lifelong experiences.

When Might an Assessment Be Helpful?

An ADHD assessment may be helpful when difficulties with attention, organisation, or emotional regulation are significantly impacting daily life, education, work, or relationships.

A professional assessment can help clarify whether ADHD may be contributing to these experiences and identify strategies that support strengths while addressing challenges.

ADHD Assessments at Lycali

At Lycali, we provide specialist ADHD assessments for children, young people, and adults. Our clinicians take the time to explore an individual’s experiences in depth, recognising that ADHD can present differently across individuals and genders.

Following assessment, we also offer practical support options including psychoeducation, coaching, and therapeutic support to help individuals better understand and work with their neurodivergence.