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 ā€˜something 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.

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.

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.

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.

Weā€™ve 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, itā€™s our turn to provide the service that we believe everyone deserves. With us, itā€™s not just about the diagnosis; itā€™s about giving you a clear path forward. We donā€™t 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. Thatā€™s why we offer services that other ADHD clinics donā€™t, 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

Whatā€™s included

Ā£1450

Klarna
Apple Pay

Finance options are available on request.

Key people

Our lead clinicians

Our team is dedicated to helping girls with ADHD. All of our team are experienced in working with women and girls of all ages who suspect they may have ADHD.

Sharron Amri
Nurse Specialist

Sharron Amri

Sharron Amri

Nurse Specialist

Sharron has a rich history as a nurse specialist in mental health, spanning over four decades. She has dedicated herself to the holistic care of individuals facing a wide spectrum of mental health challenges. Her journey in nursing has taken her through many diverse healthcare settings, where she has refined her skills and deepened an understanding of mental health.

Throughout her career, Sharron has worked closely with individuals from various age groups and cultural backgrounds, including those whose symptoms may suggest underlying ADHD yet remain undiagnosed. She is deeply committed to creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment where individuals feel safe to explore their mental health concerns, regardless of whether they have received a formal diagnosis.

Sharron's dedication to mental health nursing is rooted in a continuous pursuit of knowledge and innovation, remaining steadfast in staying updated on the latest advancements in ADHD assessment and treatment. Sharron firmly believes in the importance of recognising and valuing the diversity of human cognition and behaviour, fostering a culture of acceptance and support for individuals across the neurodiversity spectrum.

Beyond direct patient care she is an established senior leader with a reputation for developing high quality, well regarded, and innovative specialist mental health services. A pioneer behind driving change within organisational culture and attitudes around restrictive practices.

Sharron Amri
Andy Sutton
Clinical Lead / NMP

Andy Sutton

Andy Sutton

Clinical Lead / NMP

Nurse specialist, Andy Sutton has extensive experience working in various mental health settings both with young people and adults. This has included both inpatient and community settings. During his nursing career, Andy has developed a keen interest in learning about neurodevelopmental difficulties, and the person specific way these can present in people. Through cumulative experience, Andy has learned that people are able to make significant changes, and improve their quality of life alongside collaborative and supportive intervention. It is this with this belief that Andy feels passionate about delivering care to the highest standard.

Andy understands the potential magnitude of ADHD symptoms, its effect on self confidence, the inability to reach full potential, and negative impact on family/social dynamics. With this in mind, Andy works hard to reassure patients, and normailse some of their stressful and distressing lived experiences.

Andy feels confident when engaging all types of people and aims to ensure that the ADHD assessment process feels safe, informative, and supportive. Andy takes great pride in his clinical work, and aims to ensure that patients feel that their experience with the clinic is worthwhile irrespective of the outcome.

Andy Sutton

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.

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, weā€™ll 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.

Whatā€™s 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.

Or alternatively if you'd like to email us with more information, please use the email address below.

Email:clinics@beyondclinics.co.uk
or

We can call you

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