For many women, discovering they have ADHD later in life brings both clarity and challenges. These women often experience a mix of relief, self-discovery, and, at times, regret for the years spent without understanding their unique brain wiring. Here are four common struggles faced by women diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood and how therapy can help you navigate through them:

1. Managing Emotional Dysregulation

Emotional dysregulation, a hallmark of ADHD, often leads to intense emotional responses. Women with ADHD may have been labeled as “too sensitive” or “overly emotional” throughout their lives, resulting in feelings of shame or self-doubt. With a late diagnosis, they may realize that these responses stem from ADHD, not personal flaws. Your therapist can help you process the shame that often comes with having internalized your emotional experience as being “bad” or “too much.” Learning skills like mindfulness and cognitive reframing can be empowering yet daunting, as these techniques require practice and consistency (something ADHD minds naturally struggle with) so having a therapist can help you grow these skills along with a healthy dose of self compassion.

2. Dealing with Overwhelm and Burnout

Late-diagnosed women often cope with years of untreated ADHD by working harder to meet societal and personal expectations. They may have compensated by over-preparing or taking on extra responsibilities, leading to exhaustion and burnout. Post-diagnosis, there’s often an urge to ease up, but habits of overworking and perfectionism are hard to break. Your therapist can help you navigate feeling overwhelmed as well as how to meet the challenge of adjusting your expectations and learning new time-management skills that better align with your ADHD ways to prevent further burn out and distress.

3. Difficulty with Self-Esteem and Self-Perception

For years, women with undiagnosed ADHD may have internalized negative feedback, believing they were lazy, forgetful, or careless. After a diagnosis, reframing these beliefs takes time and self-compassion. Even with a newfound understanding of ADHD, self-esteem issues often persist. Your therapist can help you process feeling "not good enough," as together you can examine the ways ADHD has impacted your life and relationships. Rebuilding self-esteem involves embracing ADHD traits and recognizing their strengths, but this process requires patience and often therapeutic support.

4. Relationship Challenges

Late-diagnosed ADHD women often face challenges in social settings and in their relationships. They may struggle with being present, remembering important details, or following through on commitments. This can lead to feelings of guilt or frustration, especially with friends or family who may not fully understand ADHD. Women may worry about being seen as unreliable or self-centered, which complicates their relationships. A skilled therapist can help you as you learn to set boundaries, communicate openly, and prioritize self-care can improve these dynamics, as this requires time and understanding for everyone involved as your relationships shift to better suit your authentic self.

A late ADHD diagnosis can be life-changing, offering women insights into their true selves. With self-compassion, support, and the right tools, they can learn to navigate these struggles and embrace their unique minds. We are here to help you become your best ADHD so reach out today for a free consultation to get started.

Therapy for Women with Late-Diagnosed ADHD