DON'T LET ADHD HOLD YOU BACK

What is ADHD?

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a brain-based condition that affects focus, organization, time management, and emotional regulation. In women, ADHD often looks like mental overload, chronic overwhelm, and feeling scattered despite working incredibly hard. It’s not a lack of effort—it’s a difference in how the brain is wired. When ADHD goes unrecognized, it can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, and self-doubt. With holistic ADHD treatment, we uncover what’s really going on and help you move from chaos to clarity.

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What are the different types of ADHD?

ADHD doesn’t look the same for everyone, and in women it often shows up in quieter, less obvious ways.

Inattentive ADHD can feel like constant mental fog. You may struggle to stay focused in conversations or meetings, reread the same material repeatedly, or feel overwhelmed when too much information comes at once. Tasks often take far more effort than they should, and it can feel like nothing fully “sticks.”

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Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD in women is usually internal rather than physical. Instead of outward hyperactivity, it often shows up as inner restlessness, racing thoughts, or a sense of always being “on.” Many women experience this as anxiety—talking quickly when excited, feeling unable to slow down, or interrupting without intending to.

Combined Type ADHD includes features of both inattentive and hyperactive traits. You may feel mentally scattered and physically restless at the same time, which can be especially draining when you’re trying to keep everything together.

 

What are the symptoms of ADHD in women?

ADHD in women often hides in plain sight. Rather than being disruptive, symptoms are frequently internal and emotionally taxing. Common signs include:

• Difficulty sustaining focus, even on important tasks

• Chronic disorganization or clutter

• Forgetting deadlines, appointments, or bills

• Restlessness or trouble truly relaxing

• Interrupting or talking over others unintentionally

• Starting projects but struggling to follow through

• Emotional sensitivity, especially around criticism or perceived rejection

 

Many women develop coping strategies like perfectionism and people-pleasing to compensate. On the outside, everything may look “together.” On the inside, it’s exhausting.

 

How is ADHD diagnosed in women?

A proper ADHD diagnosis is never rushed. In my Denver practice, holistic ADHD care begins with a comprehensive and thoughtful evaluation that may include:

• A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation

• Standardized ADHD screening tools

• QbCheck ADHD testing for objective data

• Lab testing to rule out thyroid, nutrient, or hormone imbalances

• Careful assessment of other mental health conditions that can mimic ADHD

 

This ensures we’re identifying the true root of your symptoms—not just labeling the surface experience.

 

What does holistic ADHD treatment look like?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to ADHD. Holistic treatment plans are personalized to your brain, body, and lifestyle, and may include:

• Medication management, when appropriate

• Supplements and nutraceuticals

• Therapy and coaching strategies

• Lab and genetic testing

• Lifestyle and nervous system regulation strategies

• Menstrual cycle-based tracking

This integrative approach treats the whole picture rather than focusing on a single intervention.

 

What is the goal of holistic ADHD treatment?

The goal isn’t just symptom management—it’s sustainable change. Holistic ADHD treatment recognizes that real progress happens when multiple pieces work together. When your mind, body, and environment are aligned, life feels more manageable and fulfilling.

With the right support, the goal is for you to:

• Feel grounded and clear instead of scattered

• Have energy left after work rather than constant depletion

• Let go of perfectionism, guilt, and rejection sensitivity

This approach goes beyond coping and helps you truly thrive.

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Why do so many women get missed or misdiagnosed?

Because they’re high-functioning. If you excel in school or work, providers may assume ADHD can’t be the issue. In reality, many women succeed at the cost of extreme effort, burnout, and masking. ADHD is also often missed in girls because they’re more likely to have the inattentive type or to internalize their hyperactivity as restlessness and emotional overwhelm. These subtler signs are frequently mistaken for anxiety, depression, or just “personality.”

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What is QbCheck and why does it matter?

QbCheck is an FDA-cleared computer-based test that measures focus, impulsivity, and activity. It adds objective data to your evaluation, making your diagnosis more accurate and helping guide the best treatment plan.

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Can ADHD symptoms get worse with age?

Yes. Life transitions like college, motherhood, or menopause often make symptoms more noticeable as responsibilities grow and hormones shift.

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Is ADHD the reason I feel anxious or depressed?

It can be. Many women are treated for anxiety or depression when ADHD is the root cause. Addressing ADHD often eases both.

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Do I have to take medication for ADHD?

Not always. Medication is highly effective, but supplements, therapy and lifestyle strategies can also be powerful tools. Many women benefit from a combination.​

 

Where can I learn more about ADHD in women?

If you’d like to explore further, I recommend these educational resources:

 

Blog posts of interest

• • How ADHD Presents in Females

  • Hormones and ADHD

  • ADHD Rejection Sensitivity

  • Is Perfectionism a Symptom of ADHD

  • What Does High Functioning ADHD Look Like

  • ADHD Masking Explained

  • ADHD Diagnosis Denver

 

Media Hub

• Videos & Podcasts

 

Trusted ADHD Resources

• • ADDitude Magazine

  • CHADD (Children and Adults with ADHD​