Women have long balanced multiple roles — caregivers, professionals, friends, and activists — often under immense societal pressure. However, in our modern world, there’s a growing concern that the pressures of everyday life, especially for women, might be leading to an over-diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
ADHD is often misunderstood as a condition that primarily affects young boys, but in reality, it also affects many women, though the signs can be more subtle and frequently go undiagnosed.
The pressure of doing it all
Women are expected to juggle multiple responsibilities. From career ambitions to family care, to social obligations and self-care, women often find themselves in a constant state of multi-tasking. Add to that the pressure of trying to meet societal standards of success, beauty, and emotional well-being, and it’s no wonder stress levels can reach a boiling point.
In fact, the human body is incredibly adaptive under stress, with the ability to engage in a heightened state of focus and productivity when needed. But when this stress becomes chronic, it can lead to symptoms that look similar to ADHD. Forgetfulness, difficulty maintaining focus, or feeling overwhelmed by tasks may not necessarily be signs of a neurological disorder but could be the body’s way of reacting to ongoing emotional and physical strain.
Could stress be misinterpreted as ADHD?
As a naturopath, I often see women whose health complaints are rooted in stress. Chronic stress can wreak havoc on the body, leading to hormonal imbalances, disrupted sleep patterns, and cognitive difficulties that resemble ADHD symptoms. The body’s adrenal system works overtime in a stressful environment, and its inability to "turn off" can lead to what feels like mental fog, distraction, and irritability. These symptoms might be misinterpreted as ADHD, even though they could be a result of the body reaching its capacity to handle stress.
Moreover, research shows women may develop coping strategies to manage overwhelming pressures, often masking the underlying issue. Women are also more likely to internalise stress and hide their struggles, which can delay diagnosis and exacerbate symptoms. In some cases, the diagnosis of ADHD may provide a convenient explanation for what is actually a stress adaptation response.
The need for a holistic approach
While ADHD is real and requires proper attention, it’s crucial to consider the broader picture. A naturopathic approach to mental health emphasises the importance of a balanced lifestyle, adequate rest, proper nutrition, and mindfulness practices. Recognising when our bodies are at capacity and learning to adapt through sustainable practices is essential to avoid burnout and misdiagnosis.
Over the past 50 years, travel has become easier and so often women are having children without the support of family or friends nearby to help out (alloparenting). This is a universal human behaviour that has shaped our evolutionary history. It is thought to have contributed to human survival and reproductive success so supporting those around us who do not have close networks is needed.
When we can understand the hormonal changes across a monthly cycle and work with the natural ebbs and flows of oestrogen and progesterone, we can stop expecting ourselves to perform at 110% every day. The peak of a cycle around day 14 (ovulation) is a time to really shine with confidence, ability to build muscle and bone thanks to oestrogen being abundant, yet the few days before the period is due, both oestrogen and progesterone levels are low, impacting energy, concentration and confidence. Giving yourself permission to have early nights, do gentle exercise and pull back socially for this week each month can be extremely beneficial.
Women’s health, in particular, benefits from a holistic view — one that acknowledges the immense pressure we face and allows for compassionate care. On International Women’s Day, it’s important to honour not only the strides women have made in every field but also the mental and emotional toll that comes with it. Our ability to thrive is rooted in self-care, support, and a deeper understanding of the body’s natural limits.
In conclusion, let’s recognise the complexity of the modern-day woman’s experience. The rise in ADHD diagnoses, especially among women, may be less about an increase in the disorder and more about a cultural moment where stress is at its peak and often misunderstood. By addressing the root causes of stress and learning to slow down, we can create a healthier future for ourselves and generations of women to come.
• The advice contained in this column is not intended to be a substitute for direct, personalised advice from a health professional.
