ADHD and the “Lost Generation” of Women

• ADHD is more than difficulty paying attention. It can show up differently in boys and girls.
• Boys often display symptoms earlier, around age seven, with more visible hyperactivity and difficulty controlling their movements or focus.
• Girls may not show symptoms until around age 12. Their ADHD may look more like daydreaming, disorganization, and turning struggles inward.
• These changes can coincide with puberty, making difficulties harder to recognize.
• Without a diagnosis or support, girls may blame themselves and develop significant anxiety—for example, worrying about tests, losing things, or forgetting important tasks.
• The speaker describes women from generations when ADHD research focused mainly on boys as the “lost generation.” Many were treated for anxiety without the underlying ADHD being recognized.

Key takeaway: Unrecognized ADHD in girls can be mistaken for anxiety. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding how symptoms may present differently.