WHY IT MATTERS

Girls are three times less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than boys, and women in their 30s now represent the largest demographic receiving first-time ADHD diagnoses. This isn't because ADHD suddenly appears in adulthood, it's because our symptoms have been overlooked, dismissed, or misdiagnosed our entire lives.

ADHD doesn’t always look like the stereotype we grew up with (the chaotic little boy struggling in school). It can look very different in adult women.

But many doctors, therapists, and other first-line contacts for mental health support still use outdated diagnostic criteria for ADHD in girls and women, despite recent research revealing age and gender disparities in how this genetic condition presents.

When women reach out for help we’re often told that it’s just anxiety, just depression, just hormones, or (perhaps most damaging) that we’re just not trying hard enough.

Basically, we’re told that it’s ANYTHING BUT ADHD.

Untreated ADHD is linked to lower life expectancy and higher rates of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, accidental injury, and even suicide. But thanks to vulnerable and authentic content creators on social media, word is getting out about what ADHD actually is, the science behind the disorder, and how it affects our everyday lives.

Women are finally understanding their lifelong challenges and how to get help.

By sharing the real-life stories of these women, this documentary aims to challenge stereotypes, break down systemic barriers to diagnosis and treatment, and empower women to seek the support they deserve. 🧠⚡️

We’re aiming to dismantle harmful stereotypes by showing what ADHD actually looks like in women's lives:

• The exhaustion of maintaining a "normal" exterior when your internal world feels like chaos.

• The shame of being called "too much" or "too sensitive" when emotional dysregulation hits.

• The frustration of being labeled "disorganized" or "lazy" while behind the scenes you’re working overtime just to keep up.

• The challenges of “just doing the thing” with an interest-based nervous system.

• The relief of finally understanding that your brain just runs on a different operating system. You’re not “broken”.

Support the Film

We’re almost ready to share this documentary with the world, but we need your help to get it completed! If this story resonates with you, please share this page with a friend, follow us @anythingbutadhd, ask us about partnerships, or offer financial support.

Every contribution, of any size, helps us reach the audiences who need to see it most.

Making an independent film is a massive undertaking, but with your support, we can create something truly meaningful that changes how the world sees ADHD in women.

WATCH THE SNEAK PEEK 🎬

The simple act of connecting with others who truly understand can be the first step toward healing.

Through this film - and this community - we're creating spaces where all ADHDers can stop masking their symptoms, learn more about their brains, connect with each other, and start living more authentic lives.

Because you deserve to be seen and understood, not just by clinical professionals, but by a neurodivergent community that “gets it”.

Here’s what you’ll get:

• 🎬 Exclusive Footage & Scenes: Get first access to sneak peeks, outtakes, and bonus content that won't make it into the final cut.

• 🎬 Behind-the-Scenes Access: See how independent documentary sausage gets made through the creative nitty-gritty of filmmaking.

• 🎬 Expert Interviews: Q&As with other neurodivergent creators, filmmakers, and ADHD experts who are kicking ass in their field.

• 🎬 Community Events & Screenings: Early announcements about virtual and in-person events, special offers, and opportunities to connect with others.

• 🎬 … And More!

About the Filmmaker

Jessi Sorensen is a director and producer based in Northern California with a background in HGTV reality series and multi-media production for commercial impact/awareness campaigns. Her past work includes short documentaries for California Mental Health Services Authority, California Department of Public Health, California Community Colleges, Delta Dental Community Foundation, First 5, and many more.

After her own late-in-life ADHD diagnosis changed everything, she dusted off her BA in Psychology, dove back into the neuroscience rabbit hole, and began creating Anything But ADHD as her first independent film. Through this project, Jessi hopes to help others discover the same clarity, connection, and healing that she found within the neurodivergent community.

Please subscribe to follow along and let's navigate this wild journey together! Drop a comment to introduce yourself, share your story, or just say hello. With your support, we can ensure fewer women have to struggle alone, believing their symptoms must be… anything but ADHD.