Support for Women with ADHD in Washington, DC
ADHD remains misunderstood and underdiagnosed—especially in women. While rates of ADHD diagnosis are rising thanks to clearer diagnostic criteria, a reduction in stigma, and increased understanding of neurodivergence, many women are not diagnosed until adulthood.
Why ADHD in Women Is Often Diagnosed Late
ADHD in women is frequently missed because symptoms tend to be more internalized. For example. the hyperactive symptoms ascribed to ADHD are not outwardly apparent, rather, the excitable “behavior” manifests as anxiety, or perseverating. Women are also more likely to have symptoms of inattention rather than hyperactivity, and these symptoms are often misunderstood or mischaracterized in childhood. For example, perceiving a girl struggling with impulse control or inattention as “chatty” or “ditsy.”
The Burden of Masking
Many girls and women learn to “mask” their symptoms, working extra hard to meet expectations. They may appear high-achieving or conscientious, but underneath are struggling with feelings of anxiety, burnout, and self-criticism. Because these challenges are often mistaken for mood disorders or personality traits, proper ADHD diagnosis may not happen until adulthood, if it happens at all.
Common Signs of ADHD in Women
Recognizing ADHD in women means looking beyond symptoms that we often associate with ADHD. Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in women are:
Difficulty with time management and organization
Chronic forgetfulness and distraction or daydreaming
Emotional dysregulation and mood swings
Overthinking, rumination, or anxiety
Perfectionism
Rejection sensitivity
Struggles with focus, especially on non-stimulating tasks
Low self-esteem and harsh inner self-talk
Frequent feelings of overwhelm or burnout
Crying easily
Hyperfocus
Without a proper understanding of their symptoms, many women internalize their symptoms, developing negative self-concept, mask to fit in, and do not get the care and support they deserve.
Navigating ADHD in Adulthood
Whether you were diagnosed in childhood, or are navigating a diagnosis as an adult, it’s important to understand that ADHD does not just impact academic or work performances. Symptoms of ADHD can impact your sense of self, your relationships, and your identity.
Navigating ADHD as a Parent
Parenting with ADHD and other forms of neurodivergence can be especially challenging. As these conditions are highly heritable, parenting with ADHD often involves parenting a child with some form of neurodivergence as well. Typical challenges for parents include:
Struggling with the organization and logistical demands of parenting
Feeling easily touched out or feeling overstimulated by noise
Difficulty keeping kids on a schedule or in a routine
Forgetting important dates or appointments
Emotional dysregulation in the face of tantrums
Struggling with time blindness and getting your children to school on time.
Therapy for Women with ADHD in Washington, D.C. and Online
By understanding the unique needs of neurodivergent women, we provide the tools and resources needed to help you manage your triggers, improve your executive functioning, and help you feel more confident and joyful in your day-to-day life. We also offer diagnostic assessment and clarification, and love working with women who are curious about their own neurodivergence.
Women with ADHD face unique challenges including a high risk of missed diagnosis. Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can also influence ADHD symptoms, making it crucial for women to seek specialized treatment from affirming providers who understand the diagnosis and know how to help.
When therapy for ADHD fails, it’s not because there is something wrong with you. Rather, a therapist who does not operate with a deep understanding of neurodivergence, may not know how to best adjust treatment and interventions to meet your needs. Our team is well-versed in holistic approaches to help neurodivergent clients better understand themselves and their environments. We operate from a strengths-based, affirming, approach and can help you better understand your own neurodivergence and manage your symptoms.
Contact Us
Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive services and how we can support you on your journey to better mental health and well-being. Schedule a consultation now and take the first step towards understanding and effectively managing your ADHD with therapy for ADHD in Washington, D.C.