Late Diagnosed ADHD in Women: You Are Not Imagining It

If you have spent years feeling scatterbrained, overwhelmed, or like you are constantly playing catch up despite being intelligent and hardworking, you are not alone. Many BIPOC women are now being diagnosed with ADHD well into adulthood. And it is not because the symptoms just began. It is because they were overlooked for a long time.

Historically, ADHD was studied and diagnosed in young white boys who showed hyperactivity and impulsivity (Hinshaw et al., 2021). But ADHD often presents differently in girls and women, especially women of color. Symptoms like inattention, forgetfulness, and emotional sensitivity are often mistaken for anxiety, carelessness, or simply being overly emotional.

On top of that, racial bias continues to shape how symptoms are perceived. Black and brown women are more likely to be dismissed, misdiagnosed, or ignored completely (Robinson et al., 2022). This often leads to years of feeling inadequate, misunderstood, and exhausted. Many high achievers learn to mask their challenges behind perfectionism and people pleasing.

Receiving a diagnosis later in life can bring both grief and relief. Grief for the time spent not knowing why everything felt harder. Relief for finally having a name for your experience. The good news is that it is never too late to find support and learn how to work with your brain rather than fight against it.

At Balens Therapy, we understand the unique experiences of BIPOC women. We offer culturally sensitive care that helps you process your diagnosis, build self compassion, and develop real-life strategies that actually fit your needs. Whether you are newly diagnosed or still wondering if ADHD could be part of your story, we are here to support you every step of the way.

You are not imagining it. And you do not have to figure it out alone. Book a free consultation with Balens Therapy today.

Works Cited

Hinshaw, Stephen P., and Katherine Ellison. ADHD: What Everyone Needs to Know. Oxford University Press, 2021.

Robinson, Amanda L., et al. “Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Diagnosis and Treatment of ADHD.” Journal of Attention Disorders, vol. 26, no. 1, 2022, pp. 48–60. doi:10.1177/1087054720956180.