15/10/2025
๐งกADHD Awareness Month ๐ง
Female ADHD diagnosis rates are rocketing ๐
Girls and women were not considered to develop ADHD until 30 years ago
It's been around in neurology since the 1700s but was viewed as a disorder affecting only boys ๐
1994 was the first research study on female ADHD
There's still a huge gap in research, information, support, and treatment
An estimated 50-75% of ADHD females are still undiagnosed
It takes significantly longer for females to get a diagnosis/referrals
The signs are often harder to spot ๐ง
Female ADHD often presents differently, being mistaken for other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety
Hormones also contribute significantly, so many women are not diagnosed until peri menopause or following the diagnosis of a child
Women are generally better at 'masking' ADHD as it tends to manifest more internally in the mind ๐ง than outwardly through physical symptoms
Female ADHDers are often hyperverbal rather than hyperactive. Excessive talking is a reflection of the brain
This was the ๐ sign for me. I've already ran for GB but I could also talk for Britain too ๐
The best description I've found of the female ADHD brain is:
'Like 5 highly caffeinated squirrels zooming around up there, and it never ever stops.' ๐ฟ
My personal experience is like having 5 radio stations ๐ป blasting in my brain and they never go off air
It's constantly noisy, difficult to concentrate or take in new information ๐
ADHD impacts each person differently, and there's a spectrum.
However, 'everyone is a bit ADHD' is inaccurate ๐
So whilst some traits may be present, others may not be, and ADHD is a lifelong chronic battle
There are also 3 types of ADHD
-Predominantly inattentive
-Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive
-Combined (the most common)
Key traits ๐ to look for includeย difficulty with focusing, poor organization, forgetfulness, emotional sensitivity, restlessness, and acting without thinking.
We are discovering more every day about Female ADHD and there is help & tools available
If anyone wants to message me with questions, I'll happily signpost to resources or share from my experience
