Specialist Care

ADHD in Girls

We know that ADHD commonly affects girls. However, ADHD has historically been underdiagnosed in girls, and often presents differently in girls compared to boys.

Girls with ADHD often exhibit symptoms that are less overt or less stereotypical than boys.

While some girls may show hyperactivity and impulsivity, many others display inattentive symptoms. This might include difficulty focusing, staying organised, or completing tasks. These symptoms are easier to overlook, or explain away as ā€˜something else’.

Typical symptoms in girls - such as inattentiveness and daydreaming- can be less overt and disruptive, making them less noticeable in a classroom setting. On top of this, girls with ADHD may be better at masking their symptoms in social situations, which can make it challenging for them to get a proper diagnosis. They might work harder to fit in or appear attentive in class, making their struggles less visible.

Symptoms of ADHD in Girls

ADHD can present differently in girls compared to boys, which can sometimes make it more challenging to recognise.

Here are some common symptoms and behaviours seen in girls with ADHD. It's important to note that not all girls with ADHD will display all of these symptoms, and the severity can vary.

Inattention

Girls with ADHD may struggle with paying attention, focusing on tasks, and organising their thoughts. They may have difficulty completing schoolwork or chores because they become easily distracted and forgetful.

Hyperactivity

While hyperactivity is a core symptom of ADHD, it may manifest differently in girls. Girls may not display the same level of physical restlessness or fidgeting seen in boys. Instead, girls may exhibit internal restlessness, or excessive talking.

Impulsivity

Girls with ADHD can be impulsive, but this may manifest as impulsive decision-making, such as taking risks or making hasty choices in friendships, relationships, or other aspects of their lives.

Emotional dysregulation

Many girls with ADHD struggle with emotional regulation. They may have intense mood swings, emotional outbursts, and difficulty managing their emotions, which can affect their relationships with peers and family.

Daydreaming

Girls with ADHD may frequently daydream, get lost in their thoughts, or appear "spacey." They might seem forgetful or absent-minded.

Poor organisation and time management

Difficulty with organisation, time management, and completing tasks is common in girls with ADHD. They may frequently misplace items, have messy rooms or backpacks, and struggle to follow a routine.

Low self-esteem

Many girls with ADHD experience low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy because they often face challenges in academic and social settings. They may blame themselves for their difficulties.

Perfectionism

Some girls with ADHD may develop perfectionistic tendencies as a coping mechanism. They may set high standards for themselves but struggle to meet them, which can lead to anxiety and frustration.

Social difficulties

Girls with ADHD may have trouble forming and maintaining friendships. They might interrupt others in conversations, have difficulty listening, or struggle with social cues.

Underachievement in school

While some girls with ADHD may excel in certain areas, they often underachieve in school due to their difficulties with attention, organisation, and completing assignments.

How ADHD can affect girls’ lives

Girls with ADHD are more likely to internalise their difficulties, leading to issues like anxiety and depression.

This internalisation can complicate the diagnosis process, as healthcare professionals may focus on the secondary symptoms (anxiety, depression) rather than the underlying ADHD.

Girls with ADHD often have comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can be interconnected, and it's important to address both the primary ADHD symptoms and any co-occurring conditions.

Parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals play a vital role in supporting girls with ADHD. Creating a supportive and understanding environment is crucial to help them succeed academically and socially.

Diagnosing & treating ADHD in girls

Girls with ADHD are often diagnosed later than boys, and they may go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with other conditions like anxiety or depression.

It's essential to consider ADHD as a possibility in girls who exhibit symptoms, even if they present differently. Early intervention and support can significantly improve the well-being and success of girls with ADHD.

At Veyra Healthcare, we understand how ADHD can affect girls’ lives. Our multidisciplinary team of professional ADHD psychiatrists, nurse specialists, and support staff are experienced in working with girls with ADHD and helping them to live happier, healthier lives.

Why Veyra Healthcare?

Why we're different

Every decision we make is shaped by lived experience — our founders have been where you are. We built the service we always wished existed.

01

Online or in person — your choice.

Be assessed remotely or face-to-face at our Warrington or Alderley Edge clinics. Our virtual service means anyone can access specialist care from the comfort of their own home, with the same expert clinical team either way.

02

We've walked in your shoes.

Veyra Healthcare was founded by people who have been diagnosed with ADHD themselves. We know the service we wished we'd received — so we built it. It's not just about the diagnosis; it's about giving you a clear path forward.

03

An assessment process second to none.

We found most assessment processes weren't comprehensive or robust enough. That's why we offer tools and tests that other ADHD clinics don't — including QbCheck computerised testing — throughout our entire process.

04

Full support following your diagnosis.

Our psychiatrists advise on adjustments for school, work, or university. A specialist mental health nursing team stays in regular contact, and we manage your prescription — delivering medication to your door before you run out.

Our pricing

ADHD assessment prices

Child & teen assessment

Child ADHD assessment

What's included

Fixed price

Ā£1450

KlarnaApple Pay

Finance options available on request.

Bespoke medication
care pathway

We offer a supportive medication care plan to people where medication therapy is clinically recommended.

If this is the route for you, we will ensure you have a good understanding of medications for ADHD including possible effects and side effects.

We will initiate and titrate medication over the course of the next few months until we agree on the optimum dose of the medication which feels right for you. We will always prescribe medications based on best available evidence and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.

We offer medication reviews monthly to ensure we can monitor your physical and mental health as well as reviewing your response to medication.

We use objective outcome measures to gain a greater understanding of symptom control over time. This helps guide our decisions about what medication and what dose suits you better. Our main focus however is to be guided by your experiences. We will listen to your experiences and deliver a medication care plan to suit your needs.

Once optimised and stabilised on medication we can either request that your GP take over prescribing with a shared care agreement, or you can continue to access prescriptions from Veyra Healthcare. Whichever option you choose, you will receive annual clinical reviews to ensure your medication remains effective and your health is not negatively impacted.

Medication Care Pathway

After your ADHD assessment, if you choose to start medication, we'll guide you through a 6-month titration care plan to find the dose that works best for you.

This package plan includes

  • 6 months of support and monitoring
  • Monthly review appointments with a specialist nurse
  • Prescriptions organised and sent to your door
  • Ongoing access to our clinical team for advice or concerns
  • Medication cost not included

Our Medication Care Plan ensures you have a clear, structured 6-month pathway, with safe titration and regular support from our team to get the best results from your medication.

Flexible Payment Options

Option 1: Pay in full

One payment of £1,100 (covers the whole 6-month plan).

Option 2: Pay in instalments

  • Ā£300 first payment (set-up and onboarding)
  • 4 monthly payments of Ā£225

Get in touch

Accessing our services

There are two ways to access our services. Either call us for a confidential chat, or fill in the enquiry form and we'll call you back.

Give us a call

01625 704 844

Mon–Fri, 9am–5.30pm

Email us

support@veyrahealthcare.com

Or use the form to request a confidential callback.

We can call you

While selecting your county is entirely optional, this helps us understand where our services are most needed, so we can make assessment and treatment more accessible to everyone