COREY STRONG

Why so many women go undiagnosed and how to finally get answers

This week on The Corey Podcast, I sat down with clinical psychologist Dr. Katie Penry for a powerful conversation about something millions of women live with silently: undiagnosed ADHD. This episode breaks down why so many women are misdiagnosed or overlooked, what ADHD really looks like in adulthood, and how to advocate for the care you deserve.

If you are searching for real information about ADHD symptoms in adult women, how ADHD shows up differently in girls, or why your doctor may have missed the signs, this episode is for you.

Why ADHD in Women Is Misdiagnosed

The diagnostic criteria were built around boys, not girls…

Dr. Penry explained that the original ADHD research focused almost entirely on boys. Because of this, girls who did not show the same hyperactive behaviors never fit the criteria. Many girls do not experience noticeable symptoms until after puberty, yet the diagnostic rule still requires symptoms before age twelve.

This creates a huge barrier for women seeking help. Instead of being recognized as ADHD, their struggles often get labeled as:

• anxiety
• mood issues
• poor discipline
• hormonal imbalance
• emotional sensitivity

The result is years of confusion, shame, and feeling misunderstood.

Common ADHD Symptoms in Adult Women:

How ADHD actually shows up in everyday life

One of the most important parts of this episode is how Dr. Penry outlines the real signs of ADHD specifically in women. These symptoms often go unnoticed for decades.

Many adult women with ADHD experience:

• chronic overwhelm
• emotional exhaustion
• forgetfulness
• difficulty staying organized
• trouble starting or completing tasks
• perfectionism to compensate for chaos
• people pleasing
• sensitivity to noise and overstimulation
• constantly feeling behind
• burnout from masking symptoms

If these feel familiar, you are not alone and this episode will help you understand why.

The Emotional Impact of Undiagnosed ADHD:

Why so many women feel tired, misunderstood, and overwhelmed

Dr. Penry shared how undiagnosed ADHD leads many women to overwork, overcommit, and carry guilt that never belonged to them in the first place. When you do not have a name for what you experience, you internalize it as a personal failure. This episode gives language to that hurt and offers real clarity.

How to Talk to Your Doctor About ADHD:

Advocate for yourself and choose a doctor who listens

A major takeaway from our conversation is this: you are allowed to interview your doctors. You are allowed to ask questions. You are allowed to expect respect, understanding, and safety in your care.

Dr. Penry encourages women to:

• ask if their doctor is experienced in diagnosing ADHD in adult women
• talk openly about symptoms and challenges
• request a proper screening
• seek a second opinion if they feel dismissed

Healthcare is not one size fits all. You deserve a provider who sees the full picture.

Who Should Listen to This Episode

This episode will help you if:

• you suspect you may have ADHD
• you always feel overwhelmed or misunderstood
• you are researching ADHD symptoms in women
• you have been misdiagnosed or dismissed
• you have a daughter who may be struggling
• you love someone with ADHD and want to understand them better

This is a validating, insightful conversation that has already helped many listeners feel seen for the first time.

Listen to the Full Conversation with Dr. Katie Penry

You can listen to the full episode of The Corey Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or anywhere you get your podcasts. If you are searching for clarity, answers, or even just the comfort of being understood, this episode is the place to start.

This conversation reminds you that nothing is wrong with you, your brain is simply wired differently, and you deserve care that truly supports you.

How to Contact Dr. Katie Penry
If you want to learn more about Dr. Katie Penry’s work or connect with her directly, you can visit her website at www.penrypsychology.com . You can also follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/drkatiepenry/ for more education, insight, and support around ADHD in women.