Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Women: Recognising Patterns, Supporting Wellbeing and Finding Your Path Forward

Why this matters
ADHD often looks different across individuals, especially between genders and age groups. Women and AFAB (assigned female at birth) individuals are frequently under-identified, as presentations may be less outwardly hyperactive and more internally focused — showing up as emotional overwhelm, burnout, or constant mental load.

Increasing awareness of these differences supports earlier identification, access to appropriate interventions, and greater self-understanding. A thorough and affirming assessment can help clarify how ADHD shows up for you and what supports can make daily life feel more manageable and fulfilling.

How ADHD may present differently in women and AFAB individuals
ADHD can exist alongside other neurodevelopmental or health conditions such as:

• High mental load and “invisible hyperactivity” — racing thoughts, restlessness, difficulty switching off
• Strong ability to mask or compensate (e.g., over-organisation, perfectionism, people-pleasing)
• Chronic overwhelm or exhaustion from trying to keep up with expectations
• Sensitivity to rejection, criticism, or perceived failure (sometimes called rejection-sensitive dysphoria)
• Difficulties regulating attention — periods of hyperfocus alternating with distraction
• Emotional intensity, mood swings, or stress intolerance
• Co-occurring anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem related to chronic self-criticism
• Challenges with working memory, planning, and time perception

Common co-occurring conditions and considerations
ADHD often overlaps with other neurodevelopmental or emotional conditions, such as:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Anxiety disorders (including social anxiety, OCD traits)
• Depression and mood dysregulation
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) or menstrual-cycle-linked mood changes
• Eating disorders or disordered eating patterns
• Sleep difficulties (insomnia, delayed sleep phase)
• Chronic pain, fatigue, or hypermobility syndromes
• Trauma-related stress responses
• Learning differences or processing difficulties

When multiple conditions overlap, each deserves recognition. This helps avoid diagnostic overshadowing — where one diagnosis masks another — ensuring that all areas of need are understood and supported.

Communicating your experience to GPs, schools, and professionals
Describing what you’re noticing in your life or your child’s life can feel overwhelming — especially if those experiences have been misunderstood in the past. These ideas can help you be heard and supported:

Write short examples of daily challenges. For example:
“I often start tasks but can’t finish them.”
“I forget things even when I care about them.”
“I work better under last-minute pressure.”
“I feel constantly behind, no matter how hard I try.”

Note both strengths and challenges:
Creativity, empathy, spontaneity, focus on passions, sensitivity to noise or criticism, or periods of burnout.

Include teacher, employer, or partner observations as they often provide useful external perspectives.

Track energy, focus, sleep, and emotional regulation patterns over time; bring these to your GP or psychologist.

Accessing therapeutic support
You don’t need a diagnosis to begin therapy. Support can be helpful at any stage — whether you’re exploring ADHD, adjusting to a diagnosis, or developing strategies for focus, regulation, and self-compassion.

You can ask your GP for a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) to access Medicare rebates for eligible psychology sessions.

Our practice provides online therapy Australia-wide, combining evidence-based approaches (CBT, EMDR, ACT) with neuro-affirming frameworks that value your individuality, autonomy, and lived experience.

Assessments
A comprehensive ADHD assessment can clarify how attention, executive functioning, and emotional regulation influence your learning, relationships, and wellbeing.

We follow best-practice Australian guidelines for ADHD assessment, ensuring the process is collaborative, thorough, and neuro-affirming.

Our practice uses validated tools, multi-informant reports, and clinical interviews to build a full picture — integrating cognitive, emotional, and behavioural insights to inform meaningful recommendations and next steps.

We engage in ongoing professional development and consultation in ADHD assessment and remain connected to professional networks specialising in neurodevelopmental practice across Australia.

Our aim is to make each step clear, transparent, and supportive — from initial enquiry to feedback and recommendations.

Practical daily strategies you may find supportive (in the meantime)

• Use external supports: planners, reminders, visual lists, or calendars.
• Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps with visible progress points.
• Work with your rhythm: Identify your natural focus periods and schedule demanding tasks then.
• Schedule rest and sensory breaks to prevent burnout.
• Practise self-compassion: notice when perfectionism or self-criticism takes over and replace it with realistic encouragement.
  
• Engage in movement and mindfulness to support focus and regulation.

These strategies are not about “fixing” yourself — they’re about creating systems that work with your brain, not against it.

Where to find further trusted information

• ADHD Australia – Education, resources, and advocacy (adhdaustralia.org.au)
• Raising Children Network – ADHD information for families (raisingchildren.net.au)
• Australian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA) – National guidelines and clinical resources (aadpa.com.au)
• ADHD Foundation – Support, community, and resources (adhdfoundation.org.au)
  

Ready to explore the next step?
If you recognise any of the patterns above, and would like to start therapy and/or assessment with someone who understands neurodiversity, co-occurring complexities, and tailored support — we’re here for you.

Contact us today for an obligation-free discussion and quote. Whether you’re seeking therapy, an assessment, or simply advice about the path ahead, we’ll help you map it out and walk alongside you every step of the way.

Email: info@nvpsychology.com.au

This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for personalised psychological or medical advice, assessment, or treatment. If you are in crisis or feel unsafe, please call Triple Zero (000) in Australia. You can also contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for 24/7 confidential support. For further resources and support options, please see our referral directory listed on our 'Contact' page.