Why women are missed
Historically ADHD research focused on hyperactive boys. Women and girls more often present with the inattentive type: internal restlessness, daydreaming, disorganisation and emotional overwhelm rather than disruptive behaviour. Many develop sophisticated masking strategies and are labelled "anxious", "scatty" or "a perfectionist" instead.
As a result, women are typically diagnosed later than men, often after a life event such as starting university, having children or a change in hormones exposes the cost of coping.
Signs that are often overlooked
- Feeling constantly overwhelmed by "life admin"
- Chronic disorganisation despite huge effort
- Talking a lot, over-sharing, then ruminating
- Intense emotions and rejection sensitivity
- Exhaustion from masking at work and socially
- Repeated treatment for anxiety or depression with limited effect
- Symptoms that worsen pre-menstrually or perimenopausally
- Difficulty with sleep, eating patterns and self-care
Hormones and ADHD
Oestrogen influences dopamine, the neurotransmitter most involved in ADHD. Many women notice symptoms fluctuate across the menstrual cycle, in pregnancy, postnatally and particularly during perimenopause and menopause. We take this into account when assessing you and when writing your treatment plan, and can liaise with your GP or gynaecologist where helpful.
Our approach
- Assessment by a consultant psychiatrist with a special interest in ADHD in women
- Careful differentiation from anxiety, depression, PMDD, autism and trauma
- Treatment plans that account for cycle-related changes, contraception, pregnancy planning and breastfeeding
- Signposting to peer support and specialist coaching
"For the first time somebody explained why everything got harder in my forties. It wasn't me failing. It was ADHD and perimenopause together." — Patient, aged 44