ADHD is often stereotyped as hyperactive boys unable to sit still, but for many women, it’s a silent struggle that goes undiagnosed for years. Instead of hyperactivity, ADHD in women often manifests as inattentiveness, emotional dysregulation, or perfectionism—symptoms that are easily misinterpreted as laziness or moodiness.

Societal expectations and cultural norms further complicate recognition, as women with ADHD work tirelessly to mask their struggles, often at the cost of burnout and mental exhaustion. From managing family responsibilities to meeting career demands, the toll of undiagnosed ADHD can feel overwhelming.

Learn how ADHD presents differently in women and why awareness and proper diagnosis are crucial for breaking the cycle of shame and self-doubt.

When you have ADHD, it can be challenging to remember to or know how to fuel yourself throughout the day. Reasons like hyperfocus, struggles with time awareness, the ability to be organized, or even ADHD medication itself are just a few reasons why eating is so easily forgotten. And because it is so easy to forget, people with ADHD often struggle with their relationship with food and can even develop disordered eating habits, like the restrict-binge cycle, without even recognizing it.