Understanding ADHD in Young Women: Why Routines Matter More Than You Think

For many young women, ADHD does not look like the stereotypes we grew up with or how it is presented in the DSM. Instead of hyperactivity, ADHD often shows up as overwhelm, anxiety, perfectionism, emotional exhaustion, or chronic disorganization. Research increasingly shows that ADHD in women is uniquely shaped by internalized symptoms, masking behaviors, and hormonal influences (Bogdańska-Chomczyk et al., 2025).

Because women are more likely to be misdiagnosed or diagnosed later in life, routines become regulation tools not productivity hacks. They support mood, executive functioning, daily demands, and long-term well-being.

ADHD Looks Different in Young Women

1. Women often display more inattentive and internalized symptoms

Multiple reviews show that women with ADHD experience more inattention, emotional dysregulation, anxiety, and depressive symptoms compared to men (Bogdańska-Chomczyk et al., 2025). These internalizing symptoms often drive the difficulties young women face in school, platonic and romantic relationships and work.

2. Masking is common and exhausting

Qualitative research shows women often describe “hiding” their ADHD symptoms, working harder to appear organized, calm. They often absorb emotional responsibilities in relationships (Holthe et al., 2017). Masking increases burnout and delays diagnosis, often appearing as anxiety and depression.

3. Comorbidities are more common

Women with ADHD experience higher rates of anxiety, low self-esteem, and emotional regulation challenges (Bogdańska-Chomczyk et al., 2025). This means routines must consider mental health, not just task management.

4. Hormonal changes influence symptoms

Hormonal fluctuations across the menstrual cycle impact attention, mood, and executive functioning (Bogdańska-Chomczyk et al., 2025). Routines may need to shift week to week depending on symptom intensity. Therefore tracking the cycle is vital.

Why Routines Are Especially Important for Young Women With ADHD

Evidence from a women-specific ADHD intervention found that structured, occupationally-focused routines significantly reduced stress and ADHD symptoms (Gutman et al., 2019). Women reported improved functioning across daily roles.

In short:

Routines help women manage not only ADHD symptoms but the emotional and social load they carry.

Understanding ADHD in young women requires acknowledging gender-specific challenges. In the next article, we’ll look at the research on what kinds of routines actually work for women with ADHD.

References (Article 1)

Bogdańska-Chomczyk, A., et al. (2025). ADHD in women: Clinical presentation, comorbidities, and treatment considerations.

Gutman, S. A., et al. (2019). A tailored intervention for women with ADHD: Effects on stress and functional outcomes.

Holthe, M. E., et al. (2017). The strives, struggles, and successes of women living with ADHD: A qualitative study.