A Flawed Woman or a Misunderstood Mind?
ADHD in Rachel Watson from The Girl on the Train reveals how easily the disorder can be misunderstood. Rachel Watson stumbles through The Girl on the Train like many of us stumble through life. She drinks too much, forgets essential details, and makes decisions that seem irrational to everyone around her. Most readers see her as unreliable, a woman whose alcoholism has destroyed her judgment and memory. But what if we’re missing something crucial? What if Rachel’s behaviour reflects a condition that millions of women live with undiagnosed: ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder doesn’t look the same in women as it does in the hyperactive boys we typically imagine. Instead, in women, it hides behind forgetfulness, emotional overwhelm, and impulsive choices. It masquerades as anxiety or depression. It gets blamed on being “too sensitive”, “scattered” or “inattentive”. Unfortunately, these symptoms in women are often overlooked and misdiagnosed.
Nevertheless, the story of ADHD in Rachel Watson offers a window into how the condition can shape a woman’s life when it goes unrecognised. For example, Rachel wakes up with no memory after a night of heavy drinking. She impulsively goes to Megan and Scott’s house, pretending to be an old friend. She lies to the police and Scott, despite having no real connection with the investigation. Additionally, Rachel struggles throughout the novel with feelings of worthlessness, loneliness and depression. Ultimately, these may point to a neurological difference that society rarely acknowledges in adult women.
Before you go any further, you could read a short review of the novel in The Guardian. Or, listen to the full audio of the book if you haven’t yet read it.
ADHD in Women
ADHD is prevalent in 5.6% of women and girls, but many don’t receive a diagnosis until their thirties, forties, or beyond. The NHS is less likely to underdiagnose women due to their inattentive symptoms as opposed to the hyperactive ones, which are often associated with boys. The stereotype of ADHD, a disruptive boy bouncing off classroom walls, doesn’t match how the condition typically presents in females. Women with ADHD often develop coping strategies that mask their symptoms. They daydream instead of disrupting. They internalise their struggles instead of acting out. Women tend to blame themselves for their difficulties rather than seeking help.
There are two main reasons why it is a challenge to identify women. Firstly, inattentive ADHD is difficult to recognise. Symptoms can manifest as a lack of concentration, organisation, and memory. Secondly, women can internalise their feelings in an attempt to adhere to social norms and expectations. As a result, women learn to compensate for many of their challenges and seem to be in control of things (ADHD in Women by Berkshire NHS).
Furthermore, hormonal fluctuations exacerbate symptoms. Indeed, many women notice their ADHD symptoms intensify during their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. Additionally, this hormonal component adds another layer of complexity to diagnosis and treatment.
ADHD in Rachel Watson
ADHD in Rachel Watson is reflected in many recognisable behavioural patterns. She struggles to focus on conversations. A clear example is when she tries to piece together past conversations with Tom or Scott, but can’t remember exactly what was said or whether she misunderstood: “I try to remember what he said, but I was drunk, and it’s all muddled”. She loses chunks of time, as evidenced by the night Megan disappears. Rachel wakes up injured, with no memory of what happened, and fears she may have been involved: “There is blood on my hands. I don’t remember what I did”.
Her impulsivity and poor risk assessment further suggest ADHD in Rachel Watson. She acts without considering the consequences, and her behaviour becomes increasingly unpredictable. She obsesses over Megan and repeatedly inserts herself into dangerous or inappropriate situations: “There’s something wrong with me. I don’t know what it is. I don’t know who I am”.
Moreover, throughout the novel, her behaviour becomes more erratic during stressful periods, a pattern familiar to women with ADHD symptoms. ADHD in Rachel Watson, when viewed through these patterns, invites a more compassionate reading of her character. Consequently, it also allows women to recognise symptoms they might have dismissed as personal failings. Unfortunately, when society tells us that scattered, emotional women are just “dramatic” or “irresponsible”, we internalise that shame instead of seeking support.
Rachel Watson: Memory Lapses
ADHD in Rachel Watson is reflected through her relationship with memory, which drives much of the novel’s tension. She wakes up with gaps in her recollection and often wakes up with a sense of wrongness and shame. She’s uncertain whether she’s recalling a real conversation or reconstructing it from assumptions, especially when trying to remember what Scott said about Megan’s disappearance. This uncertainty creates confusion about the timeline of events. The narrative initially attributes these lapses to her drinking, but the pattern runs deeper than alcohol-induced blackouts. ADHD significantly impacts working memory, the brain’s ability to hold and manipulate information in the moment. People with ADHD might walk into a room and forget why they came. They lose track of conversations mid-sentence and can struggle to remember multi-step instructions or keep track of important dates (Think ADHD).
Indeed, ADHD in Rachel Watson may help to explain her memory issues that go beyond the effects of alcohol alone. She forgets where she puts personal things, especially her phone. She loses track of time on the train and struggles to piece together sequences of events even when sober. These difficulties reflect the challenges many women with ADHD face in managing attention, memory, and mental organisation. The shame Rachel feels about her forgetfulness resonates with anyone who has been labelled “spacey” or “unreliable”. She tries to compensate by writing things down and asking others to fill in gaps. However, these strategies only work if you remember to use them consistently, another challenge for the ADHD brain.
Impulsivity and Self-Destructive Behaviour
ADHD in Rachel Watson may be seen in her impulsive behaviour, which often seems misguided to an outsider. She contacts her ex-husband despite restraining orders, puts herself in unsafe situations, and says things she immediately regrets. These actions drive the plot forward but also reveal something important about how her mind works. Impulsivity in ADHD isn’t just about being spontaneous or carefree. It’s about acting before your brain has fully processed potential consequences. The ADHD brain seeks stimulation and novelty, sometimes leading to choices that seem irrational to others but feel necessary in the moment.
Similarly, women with ADHD often describe feeling driven by internal restlessness. They might text an ex at 2 AM, quit jobs impulsively, or make major purchases without planning. These actions typically lead to regret and shame, creating cycles of self-criticism that worsen over time. Rachel’s drinking complicates the picture, but many people with undiagnosed ADHD turn to substances for relief. Rehabs UK states that people with ADHD are almost three times more likely to be at risk of substance abuse. Alcohol temporarily quiets racing thoughts and reduces social anxiety, providing a brief escape from the constant mental chatter that characterises ADHD.
Meanwhile, ADHD in Rachel Watson is further shown through her impulsive involvement in the investigation; this reflects a common trait of hyperfocus on topics that capture her focus. When something captures the ADHD brain’s attention, it can become all-consuming. Rachel’s obsession with solving the mystery might stem from her brain’s need for stimulation and her difficulty shifting attention away from compelling topics.
Indeed, I see echoes of this in the classroom with my ADHD students; the way intense interests can dominate their focus, the difficulty some have in managing emotional responses, and the impulsivity that often leads to acting before considering consequences.
Rachel’s Emotions and Low Self-Esteem
ADHD in Rachel Watson is reflected in her emotional life, which often resembles a rollercoaster. Firstly, minor setbacks devastate her. For example, when Rachel tries to warn Anna about Tom’s lies, Anna dismisses her and tells her to leave. This dismissal crushes Rachel emotionally, spiralling her into self-hatred and despair: “What was I thinking? That I could fix things? That anyone would believe me?” Secondly, minor victories lift her to unrealistic heights. The reader sees this when Rachel manages to hold a brief, calm conversation with Scott, where he doesn’t push her away; she feels momentarily essential and validated, as though she’s playing a key role in solving Megan’s case. Ultimately, she swings between hope and despair without much middle ground.
Indeed, ADHD affects emotional regulation in profound ways. People with ADHD feel everything more intensely; they struggle to bounce back from disappointment or criticism. They may cry easily or experience anger that feels disproportionate to the situation. Rachel’s harsh self-talk reflects years of being told she’s “too much” or “not enough”. She calls herself pathetic and worthless, and she assumes others see her as a failure. Furthermore, the rejection sensitivity common in ADHD makes criticism particularly painful. Rachel’s desperate attempts to maintain connections with people who have hurt her make sense when viewed through this lens.
Unfortunately, many women with ADHD develop depression and anxiety as secondary conditions. When your brain works differently but nobody explains why, you naturally conclude something is wrong with you as a person. According to ADHD Science & Strategies, ADHD rarely exists on its own. Consequently, when it’s not diagnosed or adequately treated, its impact can be much worse. The website suggests many people with ADHD also struggle with other mental health conditions, especially depression and anxiety.
Rachel Watson: Relatable and Real
Despite her flaws, Rachel’s ADHD resonates with many women who recognise their struggles reflected in her character. Her desperate attempts to function normally, her shame about her difficulties, and her longing to be understood feel familiar to anyone who has lived with undiagnosed ADHD.
Typically, women often mask their ADHD symptoms more effectively than men. They develop elaborate coping strategies and work twice as hard to meet basic expectations. For instance, they over-prepare to hide forgetfulness, or are overly neat to mask disorganisation and become perfectionists to avoid criticism. Similarly, Rachel’s exhaustion from trying to appear normal while battling internal chaos mirrors the experience of countless women who feel like they’re barely keeping their heads above water.
Unfortunately, literature rarely offers realistic portrayals of neurodivergent women. Female characters are often either perfectly functional or completely broken, with little nuance in between. However, Rachel occupies that messy middle ground where most of us live – struggling but surviving, flawed but trying, misunderstood but not malicious. Her story validates women who have been called “dramatic” or “irresponsible” for symptoms beyond their control. When people don’t understand neurodiversity, they often see mental health struggles as bad behaviour instead of real conditions. Ultimately, reading Rachel through an ADHD lens doesn’t excuse her harmful actions, but it provides context for understanding them.
A Disorder Misunderstood
ADHD in Rachel Watson’s story adds depth and offers more than just a psychological thriller. It provides insight into how ADHD can shape a woman’s life when it remains unrecognised and untreated. Her memory lapses, impulsive choices, and emotional struggles reflect patterns familiar to many women living with this condition. By reframing Rachel’s behaviour through the lens of ADHD, we move beyond simple labels of “unreliable narrator” or “troubled woman”. Instead, we begin to see someone whose brain works differently, someone who has developed problematic coping strategies in the absence of proper support and understanding. Moreover, fiction has the power to change how we think about mental health. When characters like Rachel show the messy reality of living with undiagnosed conditions, they help reduce stigma and increase empathy. They remind us that behaviour that seems irrational often makes perfect sense when viewed through the right lens.
Conclusion
Ultimately, ADHD in women deserves recognition and understanding. It’s not about making excuses for poor choices, but about providing context that leads to better treatment and support. Rachel’s story, painful as it is, opens the door for these critical conversations. The next time we encounter someone whose behaviour seems erratic or self-destructive, we might ask what pain they’re managing, what challenges they’re facing, and what support they need.
Similarly, in the classroom, I’ve watched female students with ADHD struggle with unique and overlooked challenges. For example, they can often appear quiet, dreamy or disorganised. Usually, they will miss instructions, lose things, or it may seem they are not trying. Unfortunately, girls’ symptoms are generally more subtle; teachers, including myself, may attribute their symptoms to hormones, anxiety or personality, rather than ADHD.
Struggling With ADHD?
If you find yourself being inattentive, struggling with organisation or experiencing emotional overwhelm, you’re not alone. ADHD in Rachel Watson shows how internal struggles can be easily misunderstood or overlooked. Unlike Rachel, we live in a time when support for mental health is more accessible.
If you’re looking for guidance on ADHD, a good place to you can start is the NHS website or the Understanding ADHD in ADULTS Booklet. You might also find comfort in the real-life stories shared by women on the ADDitude Magazine website.
Did you enjoy reading about ADHD in Rachel Watson? If so, you may be interested in my companion post on another complex character – Eileen, from Ottessa Moshfegh’s novel. The piece Isolation and Depression in the Lonely Protagonist Eileen, explores her psychological state, particularly her deep loneliness and emotional suppression. However, while Eileen is never diagnosed, her behaviour, especially her impulsivity, detachment, and difficulty connecting, can be interpreted as a sign of ADHD traits, especially when viewed through a modern lens.
I’d love to know what you thought about ADHD in Rachel Wason. Did her story strike a chord with you? Were there any moments that lingered in your mind after finishing the book? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments! Stories like Rachel’s are a big part of why I love discussing books with you – they remind us we’re not alone in how we feel. ❤️
Connect to Other Novels About ADHD
After reading about ADHD in Rachel Watson, why not consider reading more literature that explores ADHD? Why are these novels important? These novels are important because they show how ADHD can appear in complex, often misunderstood ways, especially in women. Each protagonist reflects different aspects of the condition, from inattentiveness and impulsivity to emotional overwhelm. While none of the protagonists are formally diagnosed, their behaviours mirror real struggles many women face. These stories challenge stereotypes by presenting ADHD beyond the usual male-focused narrative. They also highlight how trauma, social roles, and masking can complicate recognition. As a result, readers gain a deeper understanding of how ADHD affects identity and daily life. Together, these novels offer visibility, empathy, and space for reflection.
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
Cassandra Mortmain is a curious and imaginative teenager living in a crumbling castle with her eccentric family. As she journals her thoughts and daily life, her inner world reveals traits often associated with ADHD. She shifts quickly between topics, jumps from idea to idea, and regularly loses focus. However, she also shows intense bursts of creativity and hyperfocus, particularly when writing. Cassandra often forgets tasks or overlooks details, especially during emotional moments. Her attention drifts frequently, even during conversations or important events. At times, she struggles to regulate her emotions, reacting with intense joy, sadness, or frustration. Still, she remains highly perceptive and observant of those around her.
Her narration is rich with imagination and wit, but also reveals restlessness and internal chaos. Although never diagnosed, Cassandra’s thought patterns reflect the inattentive presentation of ADHD, especially as it often appears in girls. As the story unfolds, her scattered thinking contrasts with her deep need for clarity and connection, which creates a compelling portrait of a young woman navigating distraction, longing, and the messy beauty of growing up.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Eleanor Oliphant leads a solitary, structured life defined by routine and repetition. At first glance, her story seems more aligned with trauma and social isolation. However, as the novel progresses, her difficulties with focus, emotional regulation, and social interaction suggest overlapping traits with ADHD. Eleanor struggles to read social cues and often reacts impulsively or with blunt honesty. She finds it hard to adapt to change, and when routines break down, she becomes overwhelmed or withdrawn. At times, she zones out, loses track of time, or becomes hyperfocused on specific tasks or thoughts. Her emotional responses often appear disconnected or extreme, especially when dealing with unfamiliar situations.
Although trauma plays a central role in her behaviour, her cognitive patterns may reflect undiagnosed ADHD, particularly in women, where symptoms can be masked by coping strategies or mistaken for personality quirks. Over time, Eleanor’s journey towards connection and healing reveals the complex interplay between mental health, neurodiversity, and self-acceptance. Her story invites empathy, not just for her past, but for her daily struggle to function in a world that rarely understands minds like hers.
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Ayoola is beautiful, impulsive, and deadly. While the novel centres on her role as a serial killer, her behaviour also reflects traits associated with ADHD, particularly the hyperactive-impulsive type. She acts without thinking, often making decisions that endanger others. She quickly loses interest in people, hobbies, and responsibilities. In conversations, she interrupts, dominates, or drifts away entirely. Despite the seriousness of her actions, she rarely seems remorseful or emotionally connected. Instead, she focuses on the present moment, often seeking pleasure, attention, or escape.
Her sister, Korede, frequently picks up the pieces, highlighting Ayoola’s lack of foresight and disregard for consequences. Ayoola’s impulsivity isn’t framed as mere rebellion; it reflects a more profound difficulty with self-control and emotional regulation. Although the novel doesn’t mention ADHD, many of her traits align with it, especially in women, where symptoms are often misunderstood. Her charm masks her chaotic inner world, creating a character who is both magnetic and troubling. This layered portrayal invites readers to consider the blurred lines between mental illness, trauma, and moral accountability.
Continue Your Journey: Personal Development and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
You’re not alone in this. These reads may help you explore, reflect, or take the next small step.
Looking to Enhance Your Reading Experience: Thoughtfully Chosen Accessories for Deep, Emotional Reads
Because reading about complex lives should come with simple comforts, discover accessories that support your experience.
- icon Dalton Cord Recliner Bean Bag, Beige, Large Adult Bean Bag Chair with Filling Included, Comfy Chair, Living Room Furniture, Bedroom Furniture
- Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light, Book Light for Reading in Bed, 3 Colors, 6 Brightness Levels, Bendable Arms, Rechargeable, Long Lasting, Perfect for Reading, Knitting, Camping, Repairing
- Vixar Reading is Always a Good Idea Book Reader Gift Presents Coloured Ceramic Mug Cup Gift 330ml 11oz Work Office Tea Coffee (G Yellow)
These are items I highly recommend. If you purchase after clicking on one of my affiliate links, I will earn a bit of coffee ☕️ money, which I promise to enjoy while reading and researching for my next blog, continuing to support you on your journey. You do not pay a higher price! 😊
Subscribe to My Newsletter
Welcome, and join me and a community of fellow book lovers!
As a thank you, when you sign up, I’ll also send you my personal reading list: a selection of books, poems, plays and short stories that explore mental illness in all aspects of life.