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As International Women’s Day approaches, a powerful narrative unfolds surrounding the experiences of women grappling with undiagnosed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Kat Frize, who received her diagnosis at the age of 37, highlights the systemic issues that have led to many women and girls remaining overlooked and underdiagnosed. Experts echo her concerns, stressing the urgent need for increased awareness and support for this demographic.
A Journey to Diagnosis
At 39, Kat Frize reflects on a life marked by struggles that stemmed from her undiagnosed ADHD. Before receiving her life-altering diagnosis, she faced numerous challenges, including chronic fatigue, difficulties in maintaining relationships, and frequent hospital visits due to accidents. It was the birth of her daughter, who was later diagnosed with both ADHD and autism, that prompted Frize to reconsider her own symptoms. Faced with lengthy NHS waiting lists for assessments, she took the initiative to seek private care—a privilege many do not possess.
Two years post-diagnosis, Frize describes the transformative impact of her treatment. The first day she took medication was a pivotal moment, allowing her mind to become calm for the first time. “It was a moment of great revelation,” she recalls, emphasising how essential proper diagnosis and treatment are for those affected.
The Underdiagnosis Epidemic
Frize’s experience is not unique. Many women and girls with ADHD go undiagnosed well into adulthood. Research indicates a stark contrast in diagnosis rates between genders: while the ratio of boys to girls diagnosed with ADHD in childhood is approximately 3:1, this ratio evens out to nearly 1:1 in adulthood. A recent study presented at the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology revealed that women often receive their diagnoses around five years later than men, despite exhibiting symptoms at a similar age.
Dr Chris Abbott, chief medical officer at Care ADHD, explains that girls with ADHD frequently do not conform to traditional perceptions of the disorder. Rather than displaying overt hyperactivity, they may exhibit subtler signs such as difficulties with attention, organisation, and time management, which can easily be misinterpreted as daydreaming or forgetfulness. Societal expectations further complicate this issue, as many girls learn to suppress their symptoms to fit in, a phenomenon known as “masking.” This coping mechanism may create an illusion of success while resulting in chronic stress and anxiety.
The Need for Change
Reflecting on her own path, Frize acknowledges numerous missed opportunities for diagnosis throughout her life, particularly during medical evaluations for her exhaustion or repeated injuries. The delayed recognition of her ADHD meant a series of challenges that could have been addressed sooner. “It wasn’t that I was the problem; my brain just worked differently,” she states, urging society to recognise the necessity of tailored support for women and girls with ADHD.
Despite the increasing awareness around mental health, Frize criticises narratives claiming that conditions like ADHD are being overdiagnosed, describing these views as “completely inaccurate” and detrimental to those who suffer. The current NHS landscape shows that over half a million individuals are waiting for ADHD assessments, highlighting a pressing need for improvement in service delivery.
A Call to Action
Frize now serves as chief operating officer at Care ADHD and is advocating for greater awareness, accessibility to services, and comprehensive research into ADHD, particularly as it affects women. Her diagnosis has led to significant improvements in her life, allowing her to be a more engaged and present mother.
An NHS spokesperson acknowledged the pressing issue of long waiting times for assessments and indicated that measures are being implemented to enhance ADHD care. Additionally, the government has initiated an independent review to better understand and improve the delivery of ADHD and mental health services.
Why it Matters
The narrative surrounding ADHD diagnosis in women is not just a personal journey; it reflects a broader societal challenge. As awareness increases, it is crucial that we dismantle the misconceptions surrounding ADHD and advocate for equitable access to diagnosis and treatment. Addressing these issues is vital not only for the wellbeing of women like Frize but also for fostering an inclusive environment that recognizes the diverse expressions of ADHD. In doing so, we empower countless individuals to thrive rather than merely survive.
