ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is often thought of as something that affects boys who can’t sit still in class. But that’s only part of the picture. ADHD in girls and women often looks very different — quieter, less disruptive, and much easier to miss.
In fact, many girls go undiagnosed until adulthood, struggling with low self-esteem, anxiety, or poor performance in school or work, without realising why. Understanding ADHD in girls and women is key to getting the right support and treatment early on.
ADHD symptoms in girls are often more subtle than in boys. Instead of bouncing off the walls, girls may be:
These are often brushed off as personality traits, rather than seen as signs of ADHD.
Women who grew up without a diagnosis might recognise these patterns in themselves:
Many women only realise they have ADHD when their child is diagnosed, or when their coping strategies stop working as adult life becomes more complex.
Girls are more likely to have the inattentive type of ADHD, which is much less obvious than hyperactive symptoms. A girl who’s staring out of the window or chatting to friends too much is rarely flagged up in the same way as a boy who’s disrupting the class.
Girls often develop clever ways to hide their difficulties, like being a perfectionist, working extra hard, or mimicking others. These strategies might help them get by in school, but they can lead to burnout and mental health issues later on.
It’s common for ADHD in girls to be mistaken for anxiety, depression, or even laziness. Unfortunately, this means many girls go untreated and internalise feelings of failure or inadequacy.
ADHD can affect all areas of life, including:
Without understanding what’s going on, girls may blame themselves, feel ‘not good enough’, or struggle to fit in.
Here’s a simple ADHD in girls checklist to help spot the signs:
Remember: not every girl with ADHD will show all of these. But if several sound familiar, it might be worth looking into further.
If you’re wondering whether your daughter — or you — might have ADHD, the first step is to speak to a GP or private ADHD clinic. In the UK, you can get an ADHD assessment through the NHS or privately.
At Private Medical Clinic, we offer ADHD assessments tailored to females, recognising how symptoms may differ from the typical male presentation.
An ADHD test for girls usually includes:
A diagnosis can be a huge relief. It finally puts a name to the struggle and opens the door to proper support and treatment.
As girls with ADHD grow into teens and adults, their challenges may shift:
Learning to manage ADHD — with the right strategies, coaching, or medication — can make a big difference to quality of life.
Look for signs like forgetfulness, disorganisation, daydreaming, emotional sensitivity, and talkativeness. Girls often show more inattentive symptoms than boys.
Girls tend to internalise symptoms — they’re less likely to be disruptive, and more likely to appear shy, anxious, or withdrawn. This makes their ADHD easier to miss.
Yes. Many girls have the inattentive type of ADHD, meaning they struggle with focus but not with physical hyperactivity.
You can consult your GP for an NHS referral or go private for quicker access. A private ADHD test for girls is often more tailored and faster.
The core symptoms are the same, but women often face added challenges with work, parenting, and emotional health. Hormones can also play a role in symptom changes.
Understanding ADHD in girls and women is essential if we want to break the cycle of misdiagnosis and unmet needs. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or woman recognising these signs in yourself, know that help is available.
Getting a proper diagnosis is the first step toward feeling more in control, less overwhelmed, and better supported.
If you’re concerned about ADHD in girls — for yourself or your child — don’t wait. Reach out to a professional, ask questions, and take that next step.
Private Medical Clinic offers comprehensive ADHD assessments in the UK, with a special focus on recognising how ADHD presents in females.
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