ADHD in Girls
We know that ADHD commonly affects girls. However, ADHD has historically been underdiagnosed in girls, and often presents differently in girls compared to boys.
Girls with ADHD often exhibit symptoms that are less overt or less stereotypical than boys.
While some girls may show hyperactivity and impulsivity, many others display inattentive symptoms. This might include difficulty focusing, staying organised, or completing tasks. These symptoms are easier to overlook, or explain away as āsomething elseā.
Typical symptoms in girls - such as inattentiveness and daydreaming- can be less overt and disruptive, making them less noticeable in a classroom setting. On top of this, girls with ADHD may be better at masking their symptoms in social situations, which can make it challenging for them to get a proper diagnosis. They might work harder to fit in or appear attentive in class, making their struggles less visible.
Typical symptoms in girls - such as inattentiveness and daydreaming- can be less overt and disruptive, making them less noticeable in a classroom setting. On top of this, girls with ADHD may be better at masking their symptoms in social situations, which can make it challenging for them to get a proper diagnosis. They might work harder to fit in or appear attentive in class, making their struggles less visible.
Symptoms of ADHD in Girls
ADHD can present differently in girls compared to boys, which can sometimes make it more challenging to recognise.
Here are some common symptoms and behaviours seen in girls with ADHD. It's important to note that not all girls with ADHD will display all of these symptoms, and the severity can vary.
Inattention
Girls with ADHD may struggle with paying attention, focusing on tasks, and organising their thoughts. They may have difficulty completing schoolwork or chores because they become easily distracted and forgetful.
Hyperactivity
While hyperactivity is a core symptom of ADHD, it may manifest differently in girls. Girls may not display the same level of physical restlessness or fidgeting seen in boys. Instead, girls may exhibit internal restlessness, or excessive talking.
Impulsivity
Girls with ADHD can be impulsive, but this may manifest as impulsive decision-making, such as taking risks or making hasty choices in friendships, relationships, or other aspects of their lives.
Emotional dysregulation
Many girls with ADHD struggle with emotional regulation. They may have intense mood swings, emotional outbursts, and difficulty managing their emotions, which can affect their relationships with peers and family.
Daydreaming
Girls with ADHD may frequently daydream, get lost in their thoughts, or appear "spacey." They might seem forgetful or absent-minded.
Poor organisation and time management
Difficulty with organisation, time management, and completing tasks is common in girls with ADHD. They may frequently misplace items, have messy rooms or backpacks, and struggle to follow a routine.
Low self-esteem
Many girls with ADHD experience low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy because they often face challenges in academic and social settings. They may blame themselves for their difficulties.
Perfectionism
Some girls with ADHD may develop perfectionistic tendencies as a coping mechanism. They may set high standards for themselves but struggle to meet them, which can lead to anxiety and frustration.
Social difficulties
Girls with ADHD may have trouble forming and maintaining friendships. They might interrupt others in conversations, have difficulty listening, or struggle with social cues.
Underachievement in school
While some girls with ADHD may excel in certain areas, they often underachieve in school due to their difficulties with attention, organisation, and completing assignments.
How ADHD can affect girlsā lives
Girls with ADHD are more likely to internalise their difficulties, leading to issues like anxiety and depression.
This internalisation can complicate the diagnosis process, as healthcare professionals may focus on the secondary symptoms (anxiety, depression) rather than the underlying ADHD.
Girls with ADHD often have comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can be interconnected, and it's important to address both the primary ADHD symptoms and any co-occurring conditions.
Parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals play a vital role in supporting girls with ADHD. Creating a supportive and understanding environment is crucial to help them succeed academically and socially.
Girls with ADHD often have comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can be interconnected, and it's important to address both the primary ADHD symptoms and any co-occurring conditions.
Parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals play a vital role in supporting girls with ADHD. Creating a supportive and understanding environment is crucial to help them succeed academically and socially.
Diagnosing & treating
ADHD in girls
Girls with ADHD are often diagnosed later than boys, and they may go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with other conditions like anxiety or depression.
It's essential to consider ADHD as a possibility in girls who exhibit symptoms, even if they present differently. Early intervention and support can significantly improve the well-being and success of girls with ADHD.
At Beyond, we understand how ADHD can affect girlsā lives. Our multidisciplinary team of professional ADHD psychiatrists, nurse specialists, and support staff are experienced in working with girls with ADHD and helping them to live happier, healthier lives.
At Beyond, we understand how ADHD can affect girlsā lives. Our multidisciplinary team of professional ADHD psychiatrists, nurse specialists, and support staff are experienced in working with girls with ADHD and helping them to live happier, healthier lives.
Why Beyond?
Why we're different
You can access our services online or in person.
You can choose to be assessed remotely, or in person at our clinic at our premises in Warrington. Our virtual service means that anyone can access care at a time that suits them, from the comfort of their own homes. Plus, you will receive the same exceptional standard of care as you would if you visited us at one of our clinics, including access to the same expert clinical team.
Weāve walked in your shoes.
Beyond was founded by a team of people who have been diagnosed with ADHD. We know exactly the kind of service and support we wish we had received. So now, itās our turn to provide the service that we believe everyone deserves. With us, itās not just about the diagnosis; itās about giving you a clear path forward. We donāt just diagnose your ADHD, we understand it.
Our assessment process is second to none.
Through our own individual experiences, we found that the assessment process offered by the majority was lacking: it wasn't comprehensive or robust enough, and we didn't feel enough time was spent on each person. Thatās why we offer services that other ADHD clinics donāt, throughout our entire process.
Full support following diagnosis.
Our psychiatrists are keen to advise on adjustments for school, work, or university to help their patients to excel whatever their stage of life. As well as regular contact from a specialist mental health nursing team, we also take away the monthly stress of locating your medication by managing your prescription and delivering it to your door before you run out.
Our pricing
ADHD assessment prices
Child ADHD assessment
Whatās included
- QbCheck
- DIVA 5 assessment
- Assessment with CAMHS consultant psychiatrist
- Post-diagnosis support
Ā£1450
Finance options are available on request.
Bespoke medication
care pathway
We offer a supportive medication care plan to people where medication therapy is clinically recommended.
If this is the route for you, we will ensure you have a good understanding of medications for ADHD including possible effects and side effects.
We will initiate and titrate medication over the course of the next few months until we agree on the optimum dose of the medication which feels right for you. We will always prescribe medications based on best available evidence and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.
We offer medication reviews monthly to ensure we can monitor your physical and mental health as well as reviewing your response to medication.
We use objective outcome measures to gain a greater understanding of symptom control over time. This helps guide our decisions about what medication and what dose suits you better. Our main focus however is to be guided by your experiences. We will listen to your experiences and deliver a medication care plan to suit your needs.
Once optimised and stabilised on medication we can either request that your GP take over prescribing with a shared care agreement, or you can continue to access prescriptions from Beyond. Whichever option you choose, you will receive annual clinical reviews to ensure your medication remains effective and your health is not negatively impacted.
We will initiate and titrate medication over the course of the next few months until we agree on the optimum dose of the medication which feels right for you. We will always prescribe medications based on best available evidence and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.
We offer medication reviews monthly to ensure we can monitor your physical and mental health as well as reviewing your response to medication.
We use objective outcome measures to gain a greater understanding of symptom control over time. This helps guide our decisions about what medication and what dose suits you better. Our main focus however is to be guided by your experiences. We will listen to your experiences and deliver a medication care plan to suit your needs.
Once optimised and stabilised on medication we can either request that your GP take over prescribing with a shared care agreement, or you can continue to access prescriptions from Beyond. Whichever option you choose, you will receive annual clinical reviews to ensure your medication remains effective and your health is not negatively impacted.
Medication care pathway
Once you have completed our assessment process, if you receive a diagnosis of ADHD you can then choose to access our medication care plan, weāll provide ongoing reviews and tritation, with monthly clinical review appointments. You can also access extra appointments if needed for any concerns or links to our clinical team if needed.
At this time we can't prescribe medication to patients who have been diagnosed via another service or clinic.
Whatās included
- Monthly prescriptions and hassle free medication delivered to your door
- Alternative treatments
Ā£199/mover 6 months-or-Ā£1100one-off
Excludes the cost of medication
Accessing our services
There are two ways to access our services. Either call us for a confidential chat on the telephone number below, or fill in the enquiry form with your details and you'll receive a confidential call back from our team.
Call us
If you would like a confidential chat with one of our expert team, our phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am ā 5.30pm.
- Telephone:0161 457 0944
Or alternatively if you'd like to email us with more information, please use the email address below.
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