Annie Lennox’s late diagnosis sheds light on hidden ADHD in women

Scottish singer Annie Lennox has revealed she was diagnosed with ADHD at 70, highlighting the often overlooked signs of the condition in adult women and the need for improved diagnostic support.

You are never too old to discover important truths about yourself, as demonstrated by the Scottish singer Annie Lennox, who recently revealed she was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) at the age of 70. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, Lennox described how the diagnosis helped make sense of her lifelong traits such as high sensitivity and keen observation, which she came to understand as aspects of being neurodivergent. This revelation sheds light on a growing recognition of undiagnosed ADHD, particularly among adult women who often exhibit different symptoms from those traditionally associated with the condition.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by difficulties with concentration, impulse control, and activity levels. Historically, much of the research and diagnostic criteria have centred on young males, leading to a significant gender bias. Women with ADHD tend to present with subtler, less hyperactive symptoms and often struggle with emotional regulation, shyness, and sensitivity to noise. These differences have contributed to many women going undiagnosed until adulthood or later in life, sometimes after decades of unexplained challenges in personal and professional spheres. Annie Lennox is part of this wave of women seeking answers to their lifelong experiences.

The delayed diagnosis of ADHD in women is not without consequences. Research indicates that individuals with untreated ADHD are at higher risk of developing secondary mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, with some studies linking delayed diagnosis to premature mortality. Clinical psychologist Dr Jenna Vyas-Lee from London’s KOVE mental health practice points out that women with ADHD may experience “internal hyperactivity” rather than the overt physical restlessness typically seen in children, manifesting as a continuous need for stimulation, whether through snacking, social media, or other outlets. She describes this as the brain being understimulated or “hungry,” explaining why some people with ADHD might be misjudged as having addictive behaviours.

Moreover, ADHD can profoundly affect multiple areas of life. Data shows individuals with ADHD often face educational difficulties, employment instability, and challenges in maintaining relationships. One study examining women diagnosed with ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in childhood found persistent impairments in educational achievement and increased vulnerabilities to violence and financial insecurity persisting into adulthood. Other research highlights the socially taxing coping strategies women with ADHD tend to employ, such as masking their symptoms, which unfortunately can lead to underestimated support needs and increased psychological distress.

Despite the longstanding nature of the condition, ADHD remains poorly understood and underdiagnosed, particularly in women. Diagnostic tools and clinical guidelines, largely based on male populations, do not always capture the female ADHD phenotype. As a result, many women receive alternative or incorrect diagnoses, delaying appropriate intervention. Experts stress the necessity of accounting for gender-specific presentations in diagnostic assessments, to improve accuracy and support for affected individuals.

Currently, there is a significant backlog in NHS ADHD services, with over half a million people in England waiting for assessment, some for years. In response, some patients are exploring private diagnostic options under the Right to Choose scheme, which permits referrals to private providers meeting NHS standards. Thorough assessments are recommended to ensure reliability, avoiding cursory evaluations that can miss nuances.

Following diagnosis, individuals have a range of choices including medication and lifestyle adaptations to manage symptoms. Even for those not formally diagnosed, small changes—like structured routines, sensory management, and mindfulness—can ease daily challenges.

Annie Lennox’s public disclosure highlights the importance of recognising ADHD beyond childhood and male-centric frameworks. It encourages broader awareness that ADHD can manifest differently across the lifespan and between genders, and underscores the ongoing need to improve diagnostic pathways and support systems for adults, especially women, who have lived with the condition undetected for years.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score:
8

Notes:
The narrative about Annie Lennox’s ADHD diagnosis at age 70 is recent, with reports emerging in early October 2025. The earliest known publication date is October 3, 2025, in an article by AS.com. ([as.com](https://as.com/tikitakas/famosos/annie-lennox-eurythmics-explica-como-convive-con-su-trastorno-diagnosticado-a-los-70-anos-es-un-superpoder-n/?utm_source=openai)) The Daily Mail article was published on October 4, 2025. No evidence of recycled or republished content was found. The narrative is based on Lennox’s personal disclosure, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were identified. The content appears original and timely.

Quotes check

Score:
9

Notes:
The direct quotes attributed to Annie Lennox in the Daily Mail article are consistent with those reported in the AS.com article from October 3, 2025. No earlier usage of these quotes was found, suggesting they are original to Lennox’s recent disclosure. The consistency of the quotes across reputable sources supports their authenticity.

Source reliability

Score:
6

Notes:
The Daily Mail is a widely recognised UK tabloid known for sensationalist reporting. While it has a large readership, its journalistic standards are often questioned. The AS.com article is from a Spanish news outlet, which may limit its accessibility and verification for English-speaking audiences. The reliance on these sources introduces some uncertainty regarding the narrative’s reliability.

Plausability check

Score:
7

Notes:
Annie Lennox’s disclosure of an ADHD diagnosis at age 70 is plausible, as late diagnoses in women are increasingly recognised. The narrative aligns with current discussions on undiagnosed ADHD in adult women. However, the Daily Mail’s sensationalist tone and lack of corroboration from other reputable outlets raise questions about the narrative’s credibility. The absence of supporting details from other reputable sources and the tabloid’s dramatic language suggest the need for further verification.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM

Summary:
The narrative about Annie Lennox’s ADHD diagnosis at age 70 is recent and appears original. However, the reliance on sources with questionable reliability and the lack of corroboration from other reputable outlets raise concerns about its credibility. Further verification from more reliable sources is recommended to confirm the accuracy of the claims.