What Are Common Comorbid Conditions in Girls and Women with ADHD (e.g. Anxiety, Depression)?

PostedSeptember 24, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 29, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

ADHD comorbidities in women are common, as many females with ADHD experience co-occurring conditions that can complicate the diagnosis and treatment. Two of the most frequent co-occurring conditions are anxiety and depression, which often appear alongside ADHD, making it more difficult to identify and address the underlying ADHD symptoms.

Women with ADHD are more likely to develop mood disorders due to the challenges of managing ADHD symptoms, such as inattention, disorganisation, and emotional dysregulation. These difficulties can lead to feelings of frustration, low self-esteem, and increased stress, which may contribute to anxiety and depression. It is crucial to understand these ADHD comorbidities in women, as untreated anxiety or depression can further exacerbate ADHD symptoms, creating a cycle of emotional and psychological distress.

Common Symptoms

Anxiety

Many women with ADHD experience anxiety as a result of their struggles with focus, organisation, and time management. This anxiety often presents as worry, restlessness, or fear of failing, which can overlap with the symptoms of ADHD, making the diagnosis more challenging.

Depression

Depression is another common comorbidity for women with ADHD. Feelings of inadequacy, being overwhelmed, and frustration with ongoing struggles can lead to low mood, fatigue, and a lack of motivation, further affecting daily functioning.

Recognising the ADHD comorbidities in women is essential for a comprehensive treatment plan. Proper diagnosis and management of both ADHD and its associated conditions can lead to better outcomes for women facing these challenges.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Girls and women with ADHD.

Harriet Winslow, BSc

Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.