Calls to end missed ADHD diagnoses in women and girls in Scotland after study finds under-recognition

# What the story says A recent study and accompanying commentary highlight that ADHD in girls and women in Scotland has been historically under-recognised, underdiagnosed and undertreated. Researchers and clinicians say the condition has been overlooked in clinical practice and research, producing gaps in identification and long-term care.

# The evidence cited

# Why females may be missed The study and expert comments point to two related problems. First, research tools and clinical measures have often been developed around male presentations of ADHD. Second, there is debate over whether girls mask symptoms more, but Minnis emphasised that diagnostic instruments may not have been designed to detect how ADHD commonly appears in females. The combination of those factors can delay recognition and treatment.

# Human impact: a late diagnosis

# Service and policy responses Scotland has warned that a decade of health and social care integration has left mental health services fragmented and called for an independent inquiry into patient safety. Professor Minnis described the problem as compounded by decades of underfunding.

Psychiatrists' four-tier national pathway for neurodevelopmental conditions, which includes ADHD, to broaden access to support whether or not someone has a formal diagnosis. It also pointed to a recently announced £7.6 million Children and Young People's Neurodevelopment Support Fund aimed at strengthening local neurodevelopmental support for children and families.

# What this means for readers in Scotland

• Girls and women who have struggled with attention, impulsivity or related difficulties may have been missed by conventional diagnostic routes.
• Adults who receive a late diagnosis may face barriers to NHS support depending on local policy and service interpretation.
• Policy steps are under way, but professional warnings about fragmented services and statements about long-term underfunding indicate change will require sustained investment and service reform.

# Practical next steps for people seeking help If symptoms are a concern, people should check local NHS pathways for neurodevelopmental assessment, contact voluntary groups such as the Scottish ADHD Coalition for guidance, and consider discussing referral pathways with a GP. Where local NHS services are limited, private assessment routes exist but may not guarantee NHS follow-up support.