ADHD in Women and Girls: Assessment Led Guidance
Specialist CBT therapy for anxiety, OCD, depression and more in West London
ADHD can present differently in women and girls compared with the presentations more commonly described in research conducted primarily with boys and men. Some women and girls describe inattentiveness, difficulty with planning, emotional regulation, overwhelm or fatigue rather than overt hyperactivity. A guide cannot diagnose ADHD or determine whether a pattern of difficulty is clinically significant. An assessment can consider the pattern, its impact, physical health, sleep, stress, medication, other possible explanations and the person's goals. Research has explored why ADHD may be recognised later in women and girls. Possible reasons include presentations that differ from common descriptions, masking or compensating strategies, overlap with anxiety, depression or other difficulties, and individual differences in how distress is described or understood. A guide cannot determine which of these factors, if any, applies to an individual. Physical symptoms, medication, sleep disruption, physical health conditions, grief, relationship difficulties and other factors can all affect attention, concentration and emotional regulation. New, severe or changing physical symptoms should be discussed with an appropriate medical professional rather than automatically attributed to ADHD. CBT may be considered after individual assessment where ADHD is affecting daily life. It can involve exploring the links between attention, planning, routines, self criticism and the short and longer term effect. Any behavioural work should be planned with a suitably qualified clinician after discussion of the rationale, alternatives, safety and pacing. For related information, see neurodivergence affirming CBT at https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/cbt for neurodivergent people/, the ADHD comprehensive guide at https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/guides/adhd comprehensive guide/, ADHD at work at https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/guides/adhd work rights west london/ and ADHD subtypes at https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/guides/adhd subtypes explained/. If there is immediate danger, thoughts of self harm, an inability to stay safe or a sudden marked deterioration, call 999, attend A&E or use urgent local crisis or medical support.
Frequently asked questions
Can a guide diagnose ADHD in women or girls?
No. A guide can describe general patterns. An individual assessment can consider your specific experience, health, safety and context.
Can physical symptoms be assumed to be ADHD related?
No. New, severe or changing physical symptoms should be discussed with an appropriate medical professional rather than automatically attributed to ADHD.
Can CBT help with ADHD in women and girls?
CBT may be considered after individual assessment. Whether it is appropriate, and what it would involve, depends on the person's assessment, health, safety and goals.
When should I seek urgent support?
If there is immediate danger, thoughts of self harm, an inability to stay safe or a sudden marked deterioration, call 999, attend A&E or use urgent local crisis or medical support.