It’s a phenomenon that’s impacting more and more women in midlife. We ask…
There has been an explosion of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) diagnoses that have been shared on social media. The charity ADHD Foundation reports a 400% increase in the number of adults seeking assessment since 2020.
The rise was triggered in part by the anxiety and lack of routine during lockdown, which exacerbated symptoms for many. It’s believed to affect 1.5 million adults in the UK.
The cause of the neurodevelopmental condition isn’t known, although it can run in families. The main symptoms include difficulty concentrating, compulsive behaviour, hyperactivity and poor organisational skills. In the past, it has been linked predominantly to boys, most of whom were disruptive at school, while among adults, three times as many men as women are diagnosed with ADHD.
But Phil Anderton, managing director of ADHD 360 (adhd-360.com), a diagnosis and treatment clinic, says there’s been a huge upsurge in the number of women seeking help. ‘We’re seeing 500 new adults every month; half of those are women – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.’
Missed opportunity
According to Phil, ADHD is no longer viewed as something that applies to naughty boys or children. ‘In the past, attitudes meant that many girls simply slipped through the net, but now they are slowly coming forward. ‘This is thanks not only to an increase in awareness of the symptoms, but also as a result of women seeking a diagnosis for their children,’ says Phil. Another trigger for older women seeking a diagnosis is the menopause. ‘Classically, they’ve had coping mechanisms throughout life – it’s been
hard work, but they’ve managed,’ says Phil. ‘Then add the extra challenges of menopause on top and they’re overwhelmed.’ However, he stresses that diagnosis can come at any age: ‘Our oldest female patient was 76 when she first came to the clinic,’ he says.
The difference a diagnosis can make
For many women, diagnosis can be a life-changer. ‘It gives validation – an understanding why their life has been so hard,’ says Phil. ‘It might explain why they’ve underachieved at work, or had problems with relationships and addictions.’ This helps start the process of change, he explains. ‘With the help of medication, women with ADHD may at last be able to focus to plan and achieve.’ While the NHS does offer ADHD assessments and treatment for adults, the charity ADHD Aware says that it’s ‘a postcode lottery’, with many areas lacking any adult ADHD service and long waiting lists where services do exist. The first port of call should be your GP, who will, if appropriate, refer you to a community menta
