Recently, I read an article in National Geographic that made me reflect deeply on mental health. It explored the rise in diagnoses of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adult women since the pandemic—driven in part by platforms like TikTok, where many women began to recognize themselves in shared experiences and decided to seek professional help.
According to the article, ADHD diagnoses in adults—particularly among women—have doubled since 2020. This caught my attention, because historically this condition has been more commonly associated with boys and men.
But what exactly is ADHD?
It is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the brain’s executive functioning, making everyday tasks such as planning, memory, and emotional regulation more difficult.
A 2013 study conducted by researchers from Harvard and the University of Oslo found that ADHD is diagnosed more frequently in boys than in girls. This is largely because girls tend to exhibit more inattentive symptoms and fewer disruptive behaviors, making the condition harder to detect. As a result, many do not receive the appropriate treatment, increasing their risk of developing mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and even engaging in harmful behaviors.
Another reason ADHD often goes undiagnosed in women is that many become highly skilled at masking their symptoms. From a young age, girls are often socialized to be quiet, agreeable, and “well-behaved.” This leads to the suppression of visible symptoms. Instead of externalizing hyperactivity, it is internalized—manifesting as mental restlessness rather than physical activity.
Many women with ADHD achieve academic and professional success, but still face challenges in regulating emotions, managing impulses, or maintaining order across different areas of their lives.
What impacted me the most—although it did not surprise me—is that diagnostic tools have historically been based on studies conducted primarily on boys. The symptoms in girls and women are different, and only recently have tools begun to reflect this reality.
It is essential to talk about these gender biases in mental health—to raise awareness and ensure that women have access to timely diagnosis and treatment.
We must also work to destigmatize these conditions. ADHD is not a limitation—it is simply a different way of processing information and engaging with the world.
Receiving a diagnosis should not be seen as something negative. On the contrary, it allows individuals to better understand how their minds work and to develop strategies that help them build a full and meaningful life.
There are many remarkable public figures who demonstrate that ADHD is not a barrier to success—among them Bill Gates, Jim Carrey, Simone Biles, Michael Phelps, Emma Watson, Walt Disney, Ryan Gosling, Robin Williams, and Greta Gerwig.
I firmly believe that if we want to achieve our goals, the first step is to take care of our mental health and strengthen our emotional intelligence so we can navigate the challenges we face.
That is why I believe it is so important to talk about these topics—to encourage people to seek certified professional support in mental health.
Because it makes you wonder:
How much talent and potential is lost when people go undiagnosed and are forced to struggle without the tools they need—rather than focusing on reaching their full potential?
