For many women, ADHD can go unrecognised for years. Difficulties with attention, organisation, time management and emotional regulation may be misunderstood or attributed to other causes, particularly when someone has learned to mask or manage their symptoms.
This issue was explored in Female First’s recent article, “Why women are still waiting so long for an ADHD diagnosis.” The feature included expert contributions from Alex Leigh, Managing Director, and Rebecca Wilson, Clinical Director at ADHD Certify.
Alex commented on the experience many women describe when reflecting on their school years:
“Most were told at school they were disorganised, anxious or ‘not applying themselves.’ ADHD in women has been hiding in plain sight for a generation, and the demand we’re seeing tells us how many people have been let down by that.”
Rebecca added that a diagnosis should be understood as the beginning of a person’s clinical care, rather than its conclusion:
“Accurate diagnosis is only the starting point. The substantive clinical work is the structured post-diagnostic support and, where clinically indicated, medication management delivered under appropriate specialist oversight.”
ADHD can affect people in different ways, and similar symptoms may also arise for other reasons. A comprehensive assessment considers an individual’s history, current experiences and the effect those difficulties have on day-to-day life.
Read the full Female First feature: Why women are still waiting so long for an ADHD diagnosis.
