Episode 7
Was It ADHD All Along? Misdiagnosis, Masking, and Late Diagnosis in Women
Many women with ADHD are first diagnosed (or misdiagnosed) with anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. In this episode, we explore late ADHD diagnosis, masking, emotional intensity, and how reclaiming your neurodivergent identity can transform shame into self-understanding.
In this conversation, Jessica speaks with occupational therapist Josie Jarvis about the long and often confusing journey many neurodivergent women take before discovering ADHD as the underlying explanation for their experiences.
Josie shares how she was initially diagnosed with mood disorders and spent years navigating treatments that never fully addressed the root of her challenges. Her story reflects a common pattern for women with ADHD — especially those who are high-achieving, emotionally intense, and skilled at masking their differences.
Together, they explore:
• Why ADHD in women is so often missed or misdiagnosed
• The emotional cost of masking and performing competence
• How shame keeps many women from seeking the support they need
• Why diagnosis is not a limitation but a gateway to self-understanding
• The powerful role creativity, identity, and community can play in healing
Josie also brings a unique perspective as an occupational therapist, emphasizing that the real goal is not fitting into rigid systems but designing a life that works with your nervous system and your natural strengths.
This conversation is an invitation to rethink what ADHD really means — and to see differently wired minds not as broken, but as essential voices for innovation, creativity, and change.
Learn more about Josie's "Rewilding the Mythic Self" and other programs at https://josephinepatricia.com
Josie's Substack and podcast are at https://josiejarvisot.substack.com/podcast
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ADHD Alchemy Podcast is where bright, sensitive women finally stop masking and start thriving—with clarity, confidence, and shameless potential.
We’re sharing real stories that help us turn friction into flow, liability into leverage, and resistance into rhythm. If your brain feels like a thousand tabs are open and five radio stations are playing at once, you’re in the right place!
I’m Jessica Covington and I’ve always had a slightly different way of doing things, including ADHD. In my work, we leverage the body-mind connection to harness the beautiful potential you’ve always known is there but haven’t been able to use. My guests and I are here to help you quiet the shame, trust yourself again, and create a life that feels calm, focused, and fully yours.
These are the stories of women like us: the ones who think differently; who’ve tried every damn system, planner, and app but nothing sticks; who’ve spent years and all their energy trying to seem "normal"; and who are finally ready to see ADHD without shame, guilt, or apology.
Stick with us here to remember you are NOT a failure, you’re not alone in the chaos, and you are certainly not deficient or disordered.
Apply to be a guest and share your own story here.
Join the conversation – it’s in our own little space away from algorithms, and it’s free!
Co-work with us in Focus Labs – Tuesdays at 1pm eastern. Free and open to any Fancy Brain (but we need your registration to attend).
Grab your copy of “Distracted to Done”
Help yourself to the “Move Your Body - Move Your Mind Map”
Learn more about ADHD Alchemy Coaching (private and group pathways are open now)
On the socials (sporadically!):
Music credit goes to my son, TAZZFANTO, who composed and produced this song just for us.
This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes; always check with your healthcare provider before making changes to diet, exercise and mental health care. This episode may contain affiliate links and mentions; we are grateful for your support.
