What You’ve Been Told About ADHD in Women May Be Wrong

Sponsored by Supernus Pharmaceuticals.
Intended for U.S. Audiences Only.

When most people picture attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)—a condition characterized by an ongoing pattern of symptoms that fall into one or more categories: inattention, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity—they’re probably not picturing you. Instead, they’re probably thinking of a hyper kid running down the grocery aisle or a college student’s desk that looks the opposite of neat. The problem? That picture isn’t always realistic—especially for women. And that mismatch can delay a diagnosis or lead to a misdiagnosis altogether, while other, quieter symptoms get dismissed or mislabeled. So, let’s set the record straight.

Hyperactivity, impulsivity, can’t-sit-still energy. These are all words typically associated with ADHD. Women, on the other hand, are more likely to experience inattentive symptoms of ADHD—think being disorganized, distracted, overwhelmed, or having trouble initiating tasks. Because these symptoms aren’t as loud as hyperactivity or impulsivity, they often go unnoticed. 

Many women don’t get their answers as kids. Some don’t get it until decades later. In fact, many women with ADHD don’t receive an accurate diagnosis until their late 30s or 40s. Research shows that the ratio of boys to girls diagnosed with ADHD is about 3:1 in childhood, but closer to 1:1 in adulthood. Why does this matter? It suggests girls and women are significantly underdiagnosed in childhood—not that ADHD becomes more common in women as they age. As a result, undiagnosed women often spend years feeling “different,” or “lazy,” blaming themselves for struggles that were never really their fault. That answer, when it finally comes, often brings a lightbulb moment, giving women language for years without an explanation and a greater sense of self-acceptance. 

News flash: Symptoms of ADHD not only vary from person to person but can evolve over time. Specifically for women, ADHD symptoms can fluctuate over the course of their hormone cycles, directly affecting how ADHD presents.

“I’m so messy.” “My brain is scattered.” It’s easy to chalk up disorganization or feeling chronically overwhelmed to just “being the way you are.” Women with ADHD are more likely to be noticed for always being late, experiencing low self-esteem, being unable to manage daily activities or chores, or finding it difficult to make or keep friendships. Once more, for those in the back: None of that is a character flaw. It’s a symptom. Maybe the problem was never you—maybe no one had the full picture yet. 

If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and recognizing the pattern is often the first step toward getting real answers. 

Managing ADHD and finding a treatment approach that fits your needs takes time. Qelbree® (viloxazine extended-release capsules) is a non-stimulant prescription medication used to treat ADHD in adults and children 6 years and older. It is taken once a day, either in the morning or at night, whichever works best for your schedule and aligns with your doctor’s recommendation, and offers 24 hours of medication coverage. Refills may also be convenient: A new prescription may not be needed each month, and a 90-day supply option is available for those looking to plan further ahead. Talk to a healthcare provider to see if Qelbree may be a good fit for you. 

Qelbree is a prescription medicine used to treat ADHD in adults and children 6 years and older. Please click here for full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning, and Medication Guide.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Qelbree may increase suicidal thoughts and actions, in children and adults with ADHD, especially within the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed. Tell your doctor if you or your child have (or if there is a family history of) suicidal thoughts or actions before starting Qelbree. Monitor your or your child’s moods, behaviors, thoughts, and feelings during treatment with Qelbree. Report any new or sudden changes in these symptoms right away.

You should not take Qelbree if you or your child:
Take a medicine for depression called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or have stopped taking an MAOI in the past 14 days. Also, you or your child should avoid alosetron, duloxetine, ramelteon, tasimelteon, tizanidine, and theophylline.

Qelbree can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Your or your child’s doctor will monitor these vital signs.

Qelbree may cause manic episodes in patients with bipolar disorder. Tell your doctor if you or your child show any signs of mania.

Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how Qelbree will affect you or your child. Qelbree may cause you or your child to feel sleepy or tired.

The most common side effects of Qelbree in patients 6 to 17 years are sleepiness, not feeling hungry, feeling tired, nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, and irritability, and in adults, insomnia, headache, sleepiness, tiredness, nausea, decreased appetite, dry mouth, and constipation. These are not all the possible side effects of Qelbree.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see Medication Guide, including Boxed Warning.

Qelbree (viloxazine extended-release capsules) is available in 100 mg, 150 mg, and
200 mg capsule strengths.

Qelbree is a registered trademark of Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
©2026 Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. All rights reserved.

QBE.2026-0292