In a poignant revelation, Kat Frize has shared her personal journey of navigating life with undiagnosed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) until the age of 37. As experts highlight the ongoing underdiagnosis of ADHD among women and girls, Frize’s experience sheds light on the pervasive challenges many face in seeking appropriate care and understanding.
A Life Altered by Delayed Diagnosis
Now 39, Frize’s path to diagnosis was fraught with difficulties. She battled extreme fatigue, relationship challenges, and frequent accidents that led to hospital visits. It wasn’t until the birth of her daughter—who was subsequently diagnosed with ADHD and autism—that Frize decided to explore her own symptoms more thoroughly. Faced with the prospect of a lengthy NHS waiting list for an assessment, she made the decision to seek private care, a choice not everyone is fortunate enough to have.
Two years after taking that step, she began to receive treatment that resonated with her needs. The first time she took medication felt like a revelation, as she experienced clarity and a sense of calm for the first time in her life. As International Women’s Day approaches, Frize is determined to raise awareness for others who may be in a similar position and continue to struggle without a diagnosis.
Underdiagnosis: A Gendered Perspective
According to research, the disparity in ADHD diagnoses between boys and girls is stark. In childhood, the ratio is approximately 3:1, favouring boys, but this shifts to nearly 1:1 in adulthood, indicating that many women and girls are overlooked during their formative years. A recent study presented at the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology revealed that women often receive an ADHD diagnosis approximately five years later than men, despite the onset of symptoms occurring at similar ages.
Dr Chris Abbott, chief medical officer at Care ADHD, elaborates on this issue. Girls with ADHD may not display the typically recognised symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsiveness. Instead, they often exhibit challenges in attention, organisation, and time management that can manifest as daydreaming or forgetfulness. Societal expectations further complicate recognition, as girls may learn to mask their symptoms by conforming to behavioural norms.
The Cost of Masking
This phenomenon of “masking” can lead to significant internal struggles. Many girls and, later, women develop coping strategies that may appear successful outwardly but come at a steep emotional price. Chronic stress, anxiety, and low mood often accompany their efforts to conform to societal expectations, which can ultimately hinder their wellbeing.
Reflecting on her own missed opportunities for diagnosis, Frize recalls moments when her ADHD symptoms could have been identified, such as during medical evaluations for her fatigue or repeated hospital visits due to accidents. The moment she received her diagnosis was bittersweet; it prompted her to question how different her life could have been had she been properly diagnosed earlier.
A Call for Action
Recent reports indicate that over half a million individuals are currently awaiting an ADHD assessment through the NHS, highlighting a significant backlog in care. Frize, who now serves as chief operating officer at Care ADHD, is advocating for increased awareness, improved access to services, and further research into ADHD, particularly in women and girls. She emphasises that her diagnosis and subsequent treatment have been transformative, allowing her to be a more attentive mother.
In response to the concerns raised, an NHS spokesperson acknowledged the need for improvement in ADHD care, particularly for women and girls, and affirmed that measures are being taken to reduce waiting times. Meanwhile, a government representative assured that efforts are underway to enhance clinical oversight and support for individuals with ADHD, including a £9.5 million investment for neurodiversity initiatives in schools.
Why it Matters
The experiences shared by Frize underscore a critical issue in mental health care: the systemic underdiagnosis of ADHD among women and girls. This not only affects their immediate quality of life but also has long-term implications for their mental health, relationships, and overall wellbeing. By amplifying these voices and advocating for change, we can foster an environment where individuals receive the understanding and support they need to thrive. It is imperative that we break down the barriers to diagnosis and treatment, ensuring that no woman or girl feels lost in a system that should be working to support them.
