Why is ADHD diagnosed late in women?

The late diagnosis of ADHD in women is due to several factors. Historically, ADHD has been considered a childhood problem, and many women did not exhibit the typical symptoms in childhood like boys, who tend to be more hyperactive and disruptive. Girls, on the other hand, learned to compensate and blend in, even though they faced problems with disorganization and forgetfulness. As they grow older, they become overwhelmed by responsibilities such as work and family, and the support system they maintained collapses.

Women often arrive at medical consultations with prior diagnoses of anxiety or depression, as they have learned to mask their ADHD symptoms. Hormonal changes during life stages such as menarche, pregnancy, and perimenopause can also significantly modulate their symptoms, exacerbating their condition. Often, these women have not yet received an ADHD diagnosis, preventing them from receiving appropriate treatment that addresses the underlying problem.