Undiagnosed ADHD in Adults & Women: Signs, Risks & Next Steps

Living with undiagnosed ADHD as an adult can feel like running a marathon in fog—you’re constantly exhausted, often overwhelmed, and unsure why life feels harder than it should. At Axis Integrated Mental Health, we help adults in Colorado get the clarity they need to move forward, especially those who’ve been quietly struggling for years without answers.

Recognizing Undiagnosed ADHD in Adults

ADHD isn’t just a childhood condition that people "grow out of." In fact, it persists into adulthood in an estimated 60% of cases (Faraone et al., 2006, American Journal of Psychiatry). Yet many adults go undiagnosed because their symptoms were missed or misunderstood when they were younger. Common signs in adults include:

• Chronic disorganization

• Trouble starting or finishing tasks

• Poor time management and procrastination

• Impulsivity (in spending, talking, or decision-making)

• Difficulty focusing or sustaining attention

• Brainfog

• Feeling restless or emotionally reactive

Many adults blame themselves for being "lazy" or "inconsistent," not realizing their brain simply works differently.

Why Women Are Often Overlooked

ADHD in women is especially underdiagnosed. Research shows that females are more likely to present with inattentive symptoms, which are less disruptive and therefore often overlooked (Quinn & Madhoo, 2014, Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment). Instead, women are more likely to experience:

• Inattentiveness or daydreaming

• Mood swings or anxiety

• Sensory overwhelm

• Difficulty regulating emotions

These symptoms are frequently mistaken for anxiety, burnout, depression, or hormonal changes, leading to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis.

The Hidden Risks of Leaving ADHD Untreated

Without proper diagnosis and support, ADHD can take a serious toll on mental health and daily life. Adults with undiagnosed ADHD are more likely to struggle with:

• Depression, anxiety, or substance use

• Job instability or underachievement

• Relationship conflicts

• Low self-esteem and chronic stress

A national survey published in JAMA Psychiatry found that adults with ADHD had more than twice the odds of experiencing major depression or generalized anxiety disorder compared to those without ADHD (Kessler et al., 2006).

Additionally, a 2021 survey from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that 25% of adults believe they may have ADHD—but many never pursue formal evaluation.

ADHD and Burnout: A Hidden Connection

Even though adults with undiagnosed ADHD lose approximately 22 days of productivity every year, many live in a near-constant state of compensating—masking symptoms, overworking to keep up, and internalizing self-blame. Over time, this relentless effort to "push through" can lead to burnout.

A 2022 study published in BMC Psychiatry found that adults with ADHD experience significantly higher levels of emotional exhaustion and work-related burnout compared to neurotypical individuals (Oscarsson et al., 2022). The inability to manage time, organize tasks, or focus consistently creates a cycle of stress, missed deadlines, and self-criticism. Combine that with the stigma of being perceived as unreliable or disorganized, and burnout becomes nearly inevitable.

Many Axis patients report feeling like they're "on edge all the time," even when nothing specific is going wrong. Once ADHD is identified and treated, their sense of chronic overwhelm often decreases dramatically.

How ADHD Testing Works for Adults

At Axis, our adult ADHD testing includes:

• A detailed clinical interview

• Standardized rating scales and questionnaires

• Computerized cognitive testing (Creyos)

• Collaboration with your current providers, if applicable

This multi-step approach ensures we consider your full history, symptoms, and functioning—not just a checklist.

Getting Diagnosed in Denver, Westminster, or Boulder

You may be wondering how to get tested for adult ADHD as most primary care doctors do not provide this service. Axis Integrated Mental Health offers comprehensive ADHD evaluations at our clinics in Boulder, Denver, and Westminster—or through secure telehealth. We accept most major insurance plans and walk you through each step so you know what to expect.

Our team has deep expertise in diagnosing ADHD across age groups, especially in patients who may also be dealing with depression, burnout, or anxiety.

What Treatment Looks Like After Diagnosis

An accurate diagnosis opens the door to real support. Treatment plans may include:

• ADHD-specific medications

• Therapy 

• Referrals for skills training for time management, emotional regulation, and organization

Treatment is personalized, and it’s never too late to start.

Real Talk with a Colorado ADHD Provider

We recently sat down with one of our new providers at Axis to talk about adult ADHD. Here’s what she shared:

"So many of my adult patients feel like they’ve spent their whole lives wondering why things are harder for them. Once we start to connect the dots, there’s this massive sense of relief—it’s not a personal failure. It’s ADHD. And now we can do something about it."

Local Pathways, Real Relief: Why Axis Is Different

We don’t just hand you a diagnosis; we walk alongside you through what comes next. From collaborative care to advanced testing and therapy under one roof, Axis is a hub for adults navigating ADHD in Colorado.

Whether you’re in Boulder, Denver, or Westminster, we make it easy to get support without starting over.

Ready to Get Clarity?

If this sounds like your experience, you're not alone. Schedule an adult ADHD evaluation at Axis Integrated Mental Health today—and take the first step toward real answers and better support.

Book Your ADHD Testing Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key signs of undiagnosed ADHD in adults?

2. How does ADHD show up differently in women than in men?

3. Can untreated ADHD lead to depression or anxiety?

4. What should I expect from an adult ADHD test at Axis?

5. Do you offer virtual ADHD evaluations in Colorado?