Continuing with my journey looking into ADHD in women, I finally took the ADHD test for women and am sharing my results and next steps.
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has long been associated with hyperactive young boys, leading many women to go undiagnosed for years—even decades. However, research has proven that ADHD in women presents differently, often showing up as chronic overwhelm, anxiety, forgetfulness, and emotional dysregulation rather than the typical “hyperactive” symptoms.
If you’ve ever wondered, Do I have ADHD? or searched for a female ADHD test, you’re not alone. Many women don’t realize they have ADHD until adulthood, often after years of struggling with focus, organization, and mental exhaustion. I wrote about my recent ADHD in women journey a couple of weeks ago, and now I’m following up with my update after I have sat down with a therapist and did the female ADHD test.
In this post, we’ll dive into:
- How ADHD presents differently in women
- Signs that you may have ADHD as an adult woman
- Where to find an ADHD test for women and what to do next
RELATED: ADHD in Women: My Personal Journey & The Symptoms I Didn’t Recognize Until Adulthood
Why ADHD in Women is Often Overlooked
ADHD in women is underdiagnosed and misunderstood. Why? Because women often develop coping mechanisms that mask their symptoms. Instead of being seen as “hyperactive” or “disruptive,” many women with ADHD are labeled as:
- Forgetful or scattered (constantly misplacing things, missing deadlines, struggling to keep up with responsibilities)
- Overly emotional or sensitive (difficulty regulating emotions, easily overwhelmed, prone to mood swings)
- Daydreamers or procrastinators (drifting off mid-conversation, struggling to complete tasks, leaving projects unfinished)
Instead of recognizing these as signs of ADHD, many women blame themselves and feel like they’re just “not trying hard enough.” This is why taking a female ADHD test can be life-changing—it provides clarity, validation, and a path forward.
RELATED: What’s in My Mental Health Toolbox?
Signs You May Have ADHD as a Woman
If you’re wondering whether ADHD could be playing a role in your life, here are some common ADHD symptoms in women:
Emotional & Mental Overload:
- Feeling constantly overwhelmed, even by small tasks
- Difficulty regulating emotions (quick to anger, frequent mood swings, crying easily)
- Racing thoughts or difficulty turning your brain off
Struggles with Focus & Productivity:
- Procrastinating until the last minute (but working great under pressure)
- Feeling scatterbrained or forgetful (misplacing things, zoning out mid-task)
- Constantly starting new projects but struggling to finish them
Disorganization & Time Management Issues:
- Having trouble sticking to schedules and routines
- Running late no matter how hard you try to be on time
- Feeling mentally exhausted from keeping track of everything
Social & Relationship Struggles:
- Forgetting important dates and details (birthdays, anniversaries, plans)
- Talking too much or interrupting others without realizing it
- Feeling like you struggle with friendships because of forgetfulness or inconsistency
If any of these sound familiar, it might be worth taking an ADHD test for women to gain more insight.
REALTED: 5 Things I Remind Myself Daily As an ADHD Mom
My ADHD Journey Next Steps: Having The ADHD Test For Women
About two weeks about I was evaluated for ADHD in women. I sat down with my therapist and we went through a lot of questions to determine if I was truly experiencing ADHD that had been undiagnosed since childhood or if it was something else. The ADHD is women test is simply filled with “yes” or “no” answers and I found myself wanting to explain my answers to each one, even though it wasn’t needed. I also struggled a little bit to give a very clear “yes” or “no” for some of the questions.
RELATED: The Mental Weight on an ADHD Mom
So what was the outcome of my ADHD test for women? It turns out that I don’t have ADHD, but that my anxiety is a little bit more than just high functioning anxiety. I didn’t realize, but there is a difference between having anxiety and having anxiety disorder. Now I know what I need to work on to better improve my mental health.
Where to Find a Female ADHD Test
If you suspect you may have ADHD, the first step is to take an ADHD screening test designed for women. Here are a few options:
REALTED: Foods to Avoid When Choosing an ADHD Diet for Children
1. Online ADHD Tests for Women
Many websites offer free or low-cost ADHD self-assessments that can help you determine if you have symptoms of ADHD. While these tests are not a medical diagnosis, they can give you a clearer picture of your symptoms and whether you should seek further evaluation.
- ADDA (Attention Deficit Disorder Association) – Offers screening tools and resources for adult ADHD.
- Psychology Today – Provides a self-test for ADHD symptoms.
- ADDitude Magazine – Features a female-focused ADHD quiz.
2. Talk to a Healthcare Professional
If your self-test results suggest ADHD, the next step is to talk to a doctor, psychologist, or psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD in women. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation to confirm the diagnosis.
3. Join ADHD Support Groups for Women
Many women find support and validation in ADHD communities where they can share experiences and learn from others who have gone through the same journey.
Check out:
Facebook groups for ADHD women
The ADHD Women Podcast & Community
Instagram & TikTok creators who focus on ADHD awareness
What to Do If You’re Diagnosed with ADHD
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis as a woman can be both freeing and overwhelming. Here’s what to do next:
- Learn About ADHD in Women: Understanding how ADHD affects you is key to finding the best coping strategies.
- Consider Treatment Options: ADHD treatment varies, including therapy, coaching, medication, and lifestyle adjustments.
- Build an ADHD-Friendly Routine: Small changes like time-blocking, using reminders, and simplifying daily tasks can make life easier.
- Practice Self-Compassion: ADHD is not a personal failure—it’s a difference in brain function. Be kind to yourself.
- Final Thoughts: Taking an ADHD Test for Women is the First Step to Clarity
If you’ve spent years wondering why things feel harder than they should, why you’re always overwhelmed, forgetful, or struggling to focus—you’re not alone. ADHD in women is real, valid, and manageable.
Taking a female ADHD test can be the first step toward understanding yourself better, finding support, and making your daily life easier.
đź’ˇ Curious if ADHD could be impacting your life? Take an ADHD test for women today and start your journey toward clarity.
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XOXO,
Allison
