When she was singing “Sweet Dreams” with the Eurythmics, Annie Lennox could hardly have imagined that, decades later at the age of 70, she would be diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) — proving that we are never too old to learn something new about ourselves.

The iconic 1980s star shared that she received the diagnosis of this neurodevelopmental disorder — which affects concentration, impulse control, and activity levels — during an interview on BBC’s Woman’s Hour last month.

“I passed the diagnostic assessment with flying colors,” she said. “I’m like a magpie — I notice things, I’m very sensitive. And I discovered that, in fact, I’m a bit neurodivergent,” Lennox explained. “It makes sense of so much — how my mind works, and how the minds of other people with ADHD work,” she added.

Annie Lennox Among Thousands of Women Who Discovered ADHD Later in Life

Annie Lennox is one of thousands of women who have learned, later in life, that they had been living with undiagnosed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Over the past decade, there has been a sharp rise in the number of adult women diagnosed with this neurodivergent condition, which can manifest through both mental and physical impulsivity and restlessness.

However, most of the existing data comes from studies focused primarily on men, overlooking the different ways ADHD presents in women. As a result, many women remain undiagnosed or have their symptoms dismissed — including shyness, sensitivity to noise, and emotional instability.

Some studies have linked delayed diagnosis of ADHD to premature mortality. Similarly, experts estimate that up to 80% of adults with ADHD develop a secondary mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety.

The Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

According to clinical psychologist Dr. Jenna Vyas-Lee, Lennox’s openness may encourage others to recognize potential symptoms in themselves. “When a well-known person speaks out, people can see themselves reflected in that story,” she said.

Dr. Vyas-Lee emphasizes, however, that symptoms vary widely between individuals, making ADHD particularly difficult to diagnose. “This problem is even more pronounced among women,” she explained, noting that many older women have gone unnoticed until much later in life.

A key sign of undiagnosed ADHD, she said, is a lifelong struggle with focus or emotional regulation — which can affect relationships, both romantic and professional. “In women, it often manifests more as emotional dysregulation,” she added, noting that this can be present in both those who have never sought psychiatric help and those with multiple diagnoses.

Women may also experience “internal hyperactivity”, which Dr. Vyas-Lee describes as a “constant need for stimulation — like always reaching for a snack at work.” One study, she noted, found that up to 40% of individuals with ADHD who undergo gastric band surgery — a weight loss procedure that increases satiety — do so because of impulsive eating habits linked to the condition.

“There’s a general misunderstanding of what ADHD actually is,” she explained. “Many think it’s about overactivity, when in fact the brain is under-stimulated — and behaves as though it’s hungry.”

This lack of stimulation can lead the brain to seek excitement elsewhere — through gaming, social media, or even sex — leading some people to believe they have a “sex addiction.” Others channel that same “mental hunger” into workaholism or repetitive physical habits like leg shaking.

“If you feel that your life is being significantly affected, it’s worth seeking a diagnostic assessment,” Dr. Vyas-Lee advised. After diagnosis, individuals can explore medication options or lifestyle adjustments to help bring greater balance and calm to daily life.

Annie Lennox’s revelation serves as a reminder that self-awareness has no age limit. ADHD is not just a childhood condition — it affects thousands of adults, particularly women, who go undiagnosed for years. Early recognition of symptoms can lead to better self-understanding, healthier relationships, and a profoundly improved quality of life.