By Cristina Cerda

A late ADHD diagnosis in women is unfortunately not uncommon. I was diagnosed only 2 years ago. For context, I am currently 25 years old. Growing up, I always knew I was different, but I could never pinpoint what it was that made me so different. When I would leave for class, one of my roommates who I used to live with would tell me, “I knew you would be back. You always forget something.”

I found myself constantly trying to prove to everyone that I was smart. I would get pulled for reading tests, and I was always so confused because I could read anything you gave me. But ask me to summarize what I just read? I could not tell you. I could feel it on the tip of my tongue, but I just couldn’t find the words. I found myself constantly working harder than my peers. It got to the point where I had come to terms that was just who I was. This was the way it was going to be. I could go on and on about my experiences, but these are just a few.

When I received my diagnosis, it felt like I had put on glasses and could finally see clearly. Everything I had felt and struggled with finally made sense. It made me mad at the world for a bit that no one I had interacted with up until this point had any suspicion. I felt defeated.

ADHD has this stigma around it that it is a male dominant diagnosis, which is not true. It is often thought about this way because males are able to show disruptive symptoms more so than women because of societal norms. Women are told they are more empathetic, good with people, organized, and obedient so we tend not to show the hyperactive side externally. Women are under diagnosed because we tend to present with the inattentive side of ADHD, which is less recognizable compared to the hyperactive side.

It is important to consider cultural influences as well with beliefs in mental health and behaviors. In my family, I was questioned if I really had this disorder and was told everyone shows these symptoms. People of color are less likely to get a diagnosis, which could be due to these cultural influences.

Because of impulsive behaviors that are seen with ADHD, women that go undiagnosed in childhood are more at risk for sexual assault, low self-esteem, and substance abuse. It is for these reasons that we need to be more aware of the signs for ADHD and how they may present in women. Below are common signs in women with ADHD: