Signs of ADHD in adult women

Why is ADHD often missed in women?

ADHD is recognised less often in women than men, partly because women more often have inattentive symptoms, which are harder to notice (NHS.uk).

ADHD is still pictured as a restless, disruptive boy. A girl who daydreams or quietly falls behind may not stand out at school, so her difficulties go unnoticed (Queen Mary University of London, February 2026).

The independent ADHD Taskforce, set up by NHS England, found that women and girls are much less likely to have a diagnosis (2025).

What are the common signs of ADHD in adult women?

ADHD symptoms fall into two groups. You may have signs from one group or both.

Everyone has some of these at times. With ADHD, they've usually been there since childhood, often before the age of 12, and they affect your work, studies or relationships (NHS.uk).

Do some of these sound familiar? The 2-minute self-check on our adult ADHD assessment page can help you decide whether an assessment is worth considering. It's a guide, not a diagnosis.

Could it be anxiety or depression instead?

It can be both. People with ADHD are more likely to have anxiety and depression, and these can make ADHD symptoms worse (NHS.uk).

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London say that when ADHD is missed early, women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression or anxiety first. A specialist assessment looks at your whole history, so it can help separate the two.

If you're struggling, you can call Samaritans free on 116 123, any time.

What can I do myself, and what's free on the NHS?

• Self-check: a short checklist, such as our 2-minute self-check or the ADHD UK self-screening tool, can help you put your experiences into words.
• Your NHS GP: book an appointment and explain how your symptoms affect your daily life. Your NHS GP can refer you to an NHS ADHD specialist.
• Right to Choose: in England, you can ask your NHS GP to refer you to an NHS-funded ADHD provider you choose, which may have a shorter wait.

NHS waits for an ADHD assessment can be several months or years (NHS.uk).

When should I see a doctor about ADHD?

See a doctor if:

• these signs affect your work, studies or relationships
• you've had them since childhood, not only recently
• you've tried strategies to stay organised and still struggle
• you've been treated for anxiety or depression and still feel something is missing

Getting assessed for ADHD at SABA

At SABA, you can book an adult ADHD assessment with Dr Harsha Gopisetty, a consultant psychiatrist, without a GP referral.

• A 30-minute initial assessment (£300) checks whether a full evaluation is right for you.
• Questionnaires and pre-assessment testing, including a QbTest if indicated (£400).
• A 60 to 90 minute face-to-face diagnostic consultation (£400), with your outcome explained.

The full pathway is £1,100, paid stage by stage. If you have private medical insurance or a health plan through work, check whether it covers an ADHD assessment. Get assessed for ADHD in Bishop's Stortford.

When should I get urgent help?

Call 999 or go to A&E if your life is at risk, or you don't feel you can keep yourself safe. For urgent mental health help that isn't an emergency, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option (NHS.uk).

How SABA can help

• Who you'll see: Dr Harsha Gopisetty, consultant psychiatrist and ADHD and Mental Health Lead
• Price: £300 initial assessment; £1,100 for the full pathway, paid stage by stage
• No GP referral needed. Call reception for the earliest date
• Where: Chapel House, Thremhall Park, Bishop's Stortford CM22 7WE, with free parking