Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is under-diagnosed in girls, leading to difficulty in adult life, according to campaigners.
October is ADHD Awareness Month, dedicated to shedding a light on the condition that comes in three types: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or combined.
Though ADHD is thought of as a common condition, mostly seen in children, there are an increasing number of adults struggling due to a delayed diagnosis.
According to ADHD Action, 3% of children and 5% of adults in the UK have ADHD, however, only a small fraction of these adults have received a formal diagnosis.
Most people diagnosed with ADHD are aged 6–12 years old, with the majority being boys.
ADHD presents differently in women and girls, and many struggle to get a diagnosis or support.
Rather than being disruptive or fighting, young girls are often quieter or exhibit hyperactivity by being chatty or interrupting.
The ADHD Centre notes that ‘society can be less forgiving’ of women who struggle with day to day tasks.
According to the private clinic, ADHD in women is more likely to be left undiagnosed, adding that they have added pressure to cope when compared to men.
Sandy Costall, a university lecturer, was diagnosed with Severe Combined-Type ADHD a week before her 50th birthday and spoke to Mersey News Live.
“ADHD is often missed in girls and women because we are quite excellent at ‘masking’ its symptoms and the behaviours.
“But suppressing aspects of our behaviour takes a toll on our mental and physical wellbeing.”
Sandy also described feeling misunderstood by male doctors.
“In my 30s I tried to explain to a male GP how I was feeling and he told me I was neurotic and it must be hormones.
“I felt like an utter failure but now research indicates that ADHD symptoms are associated with neuroticism when not treated properly.
“Girls present differently to boys and looking back at old reports from school I saw the patterns in my behaviour.
“I was daydreaming too much, chatty in class, blurting out answers and submitting work late – symptoms are much subtler in girls.”
Sandy told MNL that her late diagnosis doesn’t make her feel like she’s missed opportunities, but that her ADHD massively affects her self-esteem.
‘DOn’t suffer in silence’
She adds: “As an adult you know your own brain and body and you should keep investigating, even if that means seeing a private doctor.
“Getting my diagnosis [and taking medication] has been such a positive in my life, don’t suffer in silence.”
Lucy Jones, a student from the Wirral, described feeling like her ADHD diagnosis was bittersweet.
“I was so happy to understand why I struggled more than my friends, or why I’m forgetful and clumsy a lot of the time.
“I finally feel heard after so many years, however, it does make me angry and wonder what could’ve been.
“Would things have been easier if I had been given support when I was younger?
“I guess I shouldn’t think like that, but I urge anyone exhibiting symptoms of ADHD to persevere with the doctors or even your parents, until you’re heard.”
The ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity is based in Liverpool City Centre and offers support for conditions such as ADHD and ADD.
The charity is responsible for the iconic umbrellas above Church Alley, part of the Umbrella Project, designed to raise awareness of the conditions that under the ‘umbrella’ term of neurodiversity – ADHD, autism, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, dyslexia and dyscalculia.
The umbrellas can be seen in front of the Bluecoat until October 14.
They also have a wide range of educational resources available online and further information about ADHD can be found here.
