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In a poignant reflection on her personal journey, Kat Frize, who received her ADHD diagnosis at the age of 37, sheds light on the urgent need for greater awareness and understanding of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, particularly among women and girls. As International Women’s Day approaches, Frize’s story underscores the widespread issue of underdiagnosis in females, a challenge that experts are keen to address.
A Long Road to Diagnosis
At 39, Frize has faced numerous hurdles in her life, often attributed to undiagnosed ADHD. She recalls battling profound fatigue, navigating rocky relationships, and enduring frequent injuries that landed her in hospital. It wasn’t until the arrival of her daughter, who has since been diagnosed with ADHD and autism, that Frize felt compelled to explore her own symptoms. Faced with the prospect of a lengthy wait for an NHS assessment, she opted for private healthcare, an opportunity not available to everyone.
After a two-year wait, she finally began receiving appropriate treatment, describing the initial experience with medication as “life-changing.” On that day, her mind transformed, offering clarity and peace she had never known.
The Underdiagnosis Dilemma
Frize’s story is emblematic of a larger trend; research indicates that women and girls are significantly underdiagnosed with ADHD. The typical childhood ratio of boys to girls diagnosed with the condition is approximately 3:1, but this ratio evens out to nearly 1:1 in adulthood. A recent study presented to the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology highlighted that women tend to receive their diagnoses around five years later than men, even though symptoms present at similar ages.
Dr Chris Abbott, chief medical officer at Care ADHD, explained that girls often do not conform to traditional perceptions of ADHD. Instead of being visibly hyperactive or disruptive, they may struggle with attention, organisation, and time management, which can manifest as daydreaming or forgetfulness. These subtler symptoms often go unnoticed, influenced by societal expectations that encourage girls to conform and suppress their challenges.
Many women develop coping mechanisms, such as over-preparing or trying to blend in, a phenomenon known as “masking.” While this may create an illusion of success, it can lead to chronic stress and mental health issues, further complicating their lives.
A Call for Change
Reflecting on her own missed diagnosis, Frize expressed frustration over the lack of awareness that could have led to earlier identification of her condition. She noted the numerous occasions when her struggles could have been recognised during medical assessments for fatigue or repeated injuries.
Upon finally receiving her diagnosis, she experienced a profound sense of loss as she contemplated the challenges she had faced. “It wasn’t that I was the problem; it was just that my brain worked differently,” she explained, emphasising the need for environments that nurture rather than hinder women’s potential.
The current NHS landscape shows a troubling picture, with over half a million individuals reportedly waiting for ADHD assessments. Frize, now the chief operating officer at Care ADHD, advocates for increased awareness, improved access to services, and enhanced research in this area. Her own diagnosis and treatment have enabled her to be a more engaged mother, highlighting the transformative power of proper support.
The Road Ahead
In response to the pressing need for improved ADHD care, NHS representatives acknowledge the existing gaps in diagnosis and treatment, particularly for women and girls. The NHS is actively working to implement recommendations from an independent ADHD taskforce aimed at revamping local services and reducing waiting times.
Moreover, a government spokesperson has assured that no individual with ADHD should feel unsupported in their care journey. An independent review is underway to evaluate the delivery of ADHD and related services, with a significant investment of £9.5 million allocated for the 2025-26 period to expand neurodiversity initiatives in schools.
Why it Matters
Kat Frize’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of recognising and addressing ADHD among women and girls. As society strives for inclusivity, it is essential to dismantle the barriers that prevent timely diagnosis and treatment. Raising awareness and fostering understanding will not only empower those affected but also pave the way for a future where everyone can thrive—free from the shadows of undiagnosed conditions.
