Unseen Influences: The Quiet Impact of ADHD on Women’s Lives

Photo by Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash

When someone says, “imagine a person with ADHD,” what do you think of? Is it that hyper kid you graduated with? Your child? Maybe even you? Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is often matched with some of the more disruptive symptoms such as hyperactivity and impulsivity. I would argue that, while the disruptive symptoms are frustrating, it’s the more subtle symptoms that can quietly disrupt the lives of many. For women, the reality is typically a misdiagnosis or no diagnosis at all. We’re about to explore the nuanced setbacks many women experience due to hormonal changes, gender stigmas, societal expectations, and good old-fashioned time-blindness (among other neurodiverse shenanigans).

The Overlooked & Underserved

Women are rarely diagnosed in childhood. The symptoms present differently for us. Hyperactivity is frequently internalized. Impulsivity? Chatty-Cathy & Oversharing-Sharon know all about it. Ask me how I know.

How do you know?

I can pinpoint many of the exact moments in when ADHD symptoms started a wellspring. A slow trickle slowly filled into the cracks of every area in my…