You’ve been staring at your computer screen for twenty minutes, but the words on the page might as well be written in a foreign language. Your brain feels foggy, scattered, and exhausted. Sound familiar?

If you’re a woman experiencing these symptoms, you might wonder whether you’re dealing with ADHD, burnout, or something else entirely. The challenge is that these conditions share remarkably similar symptoms, making it difficult to distinguish between them—and unfortunately, this confusion often leads to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.

Understanding the differences between ADHD and burnout is crucial for getting the right support and treatment. More importantly, recognizing why women are disproportionately misdiagnosed can help you advocate for yourself and seek appropriate care. 

Learn more about integrative women’s healthcare.

Understanding ADHD in Women

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) affects how the brain processes information and regulates attention. For decades, ADHD research focused primarily on hyperactive boys, creating a narrow understanding that left many women undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

Women with ADHD often present differently than men. Instead of the classic hyperactive behavior, women tend to exhibit (1):

Inattentive symptoms:

  • Difficulty focusing on tasks or conversations
  • Frequent daydreaming or “zoning out”
  • Trouble organizing tasks and managing time
  • Forgetfulness in daily activities
  • Difficulty following through on instructions

Internal hyperactivity:

  • Racing thoughts
  • Mental restlessness
  • Talking excessively or interrupting others
  • Feeling internally “driven by a motor”

Emotional dysregulation:

  • Intense emotional reactions
  • Difficulty managing stress
  • Low self-esteem and self-criticism
  • Rejection sensitivity

These symptoms are often present from childhood but may become more noticeable during times of increased responsibility, such as college, career advancement, or parenthood.

Listen: Why Am I Always Exhausted? Healing from Burnout & Brain Fog with Devi Brown

Recognizing Burnout and Its Impact

Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged exposure to emotionally demanding situations (2). While often associated with work stress, burnout can result from any area of life where you feel overwhelmed and under-resourced.

Key symptoms of burnout include:

Physical exhaustion:

  • Chronic fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
  • Frequent illness due to compromised immune system
  • Headaches, muscle tension, or sleep disturbances

Emotional depletion:

  • Feeling drained and empty
  • Cynicism or detachment from work or relationships
  • Increased irritability or mood swings
  • Loss of motivation and enthusiasm

Cognitive symptoms:

  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Memory problems
  • Reduced creativity and problem-solving ability
  • Feeling mentally “foggy”

Unlike ADHD, burnout typically develops gradually and is directly linked to specific stressors or life circumstances. The symptoms often improve with adequate rest, stress reduction, and lifestyle changes.

Related: 5 Powerful Adaptogens to Calm Your Inflamed Brain

Key Differences Between ADHD and Burnout

While ADHD and burnout share overlapping symptoms, several key differences can help distinguish between them:

Onset and Duration

ADHD symptoms are typically present from childhood, even if they weren’t recognized or diagnosed. These symptoms are consistent across different environments and situations. 

Burnout, however, develops over time in response to chronic stress and may improve when stressors are removed or managed effectively.

Response to Rest and Recovery

People with burnout often find that their symptoms improve with adequate rest, vacation time, or stress reduction. 

ADHD symptoms persist regardless of rest or changes in environment. If you’ve taken time off work and still struggle with focus and organization, this might suggest ADHD rather than burnout.

Treatment Response

ADHD typically responds well to specific medications, behavioral strategies, and accommodations designed for neurodivergent individuals. 

Burnout recovery focuses more on stress management, lifestyle changes, and addressing underlying causes of exhaustion.

Read: These 6 Everyday Activities Worsen ADHD Symptoms

Why Women Are Frequently Misdiagnosed

The misdiagnosis of ADHD in women stems from several interconnected factors that reflect both historical biases in medical research and societal expectations of women.

  • Early ADHD research predominantly studied white, hyperactive boys, leading to the misconception that ADHD was primarily a childhood disorder affecting boys—leaving countless women undiagnosed well into adulthood.
  • Women often develop sophisticated coping mechanisms that mask their ADHD symptoms. They may become people-pleasers, perfectionists, or over-achievers to compensate for internal struggles (3).
  • Traditional gender expectations encourage girls to be quiet, compliant, and accommodating. Girls with ADHD may internalize their hyperactivity, presenting as anxious, dreamy, or withdrawn rather than disruptive (1). 
  • Hormonal fluctuations can complicate diagnosis, as symptoms may not be consistent when evaluated at a single point in time. Hormonal changes can exacerbate ADHD symptoms (4).
  • Women with ADHD are often misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or eating disorders (5). While these conditions can co-occur with ADHD, treating only the secondary condition without addressing the underlying ADHD often leads to incomplete recovery and continued struggles.

Read: The Surprising Link Between PCOS & ADHD in Women

When Both Conditions Coexist

It’s important to recognize that ADHD and burnout can occur simultaneously. Women with undiagnosed ADHD may be particularly susceptible to burnout because they’re working harder to manage daily tasks and meet expectations without appropriate support or accommodations.

Having ADHD can make you more vulnerable to burnout because (6):

  • Executive function challenges make stress management more difficult
  • Emotional dysregulation can intensify responses to stressors
  • The effort required to mask symptoms is exhausting
  • Rejection sensitivity can make workplace or relationship stress more intense

If you suspect you have both conditions, it’s essential to work with an integrative & holistic team of healthcare providers who understand this complexity and can develop a comprehensive treatment approach.

Seeking Appropriate Evaluation and Support

If you’re experiencing symptoms that could indicate ADHD, burnout, or both, seeking professional evaluation is crucial for getting appropriate support.

Finding the Right Holistic Healthcare Provider

Look for healthcare providers who:

  • Have specific experience diagnosing ADHD in women
  • Understand how ADHD presents differently across genders
  • Take a comprehensive (or holistic) approach to assessment
  • Consider co-occurring conditions and hormonal factors
  • Respect your experiences and concerns

Preparing for Your Evaluation

To make the most of your evaluation:

  • Document your symptoms across different settings and timeframes
  • Gather information about your childhood behavior and school performance
  • Consider input from family members or close friends
  • Be honest about masking behaviors or coping strategies you’ve developed
  • Discuss how symptoms impact your daily life and relationships

Treatment Approaches

Treatment for ADHD may include:

  • Medication to help regulate neurotransmitters
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to develop coping strategies
  • Organizational skills training and time management techniques
  • Accommodations at work or school
  • Support groups and peer connections

Burnout recovery typically involves (7):

  • Stress reduction and boundary setting
  • Lifestyle modifications including sleep, nutrition, and exercise
  • Mindfulness and relaxation techniques
  • Addressing underlying causes of chronic stress
  • Professional counseling or therapy

Moving Forward with Holistic Medicine

Whether you’re dealing with ADHD, burnout, or both, remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Your struggles are real and valid, regardless of the underlying cause.

Understanding the differences between these conditions empowers you to advocate for appropriate care and treatment. If you suspect ADHD, don’t let past experiences of being dismissed or misdiagnosed discourage you from seeking evaluation. With the right support and treatment, many women find significant improvement in their symptoms and overall quality of life.

Your brain works differently, and that’s not something to fix but rather to understand and support. With proper identification and treatment, you can develop strategies that work with your unique neurological makeup rather than against it, leading to improved focus, reduced stress, and a greater sense of well-being.