LONDON, July 16: In a move aimed at tackling long waiting times, the NHS has greenlit an online test designed to aid in diagnosing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children. This decision comes amidst a growing number of diagnoses for the condition, which predominantly affects boys and men rather than women and girls.

Dr. Janina Maschke, a cognitive psychologist and ADHD coach, highlighted the disparity in diagnosis between genders, noting that ADHD symptoms can manifest differently in women. Often overlooked or misattributed to other conditions like anxiety or depression, symptoms such as sensitivity to noise, emotional volatility, and daydreaming are more commonly associated with girls but can signal ADHD.

According to a report by MailOnline, studies indicate that three times more men are diagnosed with ADHD compared to women, with approximately 75% of women with ADHD going undiagnosed. Dr. Maschke further explained to Newsweek that there are 15 lesser-known symptoms of ADHD in women, including withdrawn behavior, emotional volatility, and difficulties in processing information.

Individuals with ADHD often struggle with managing unexpected stimuli, maintaining focus, and organizing tasks. Women with ADHD may face challenges in social settings and are at a higher risk of developing eating disorders, while men tend to exhibit addictive behaviors.

The approval of the NHS online ADHD test aims to streamline the diagnosis process, potentially reducing the backlog of cases awaiting assessment. This step is expected to provide quicker access to appropriate support and treatment for individuals, particularly addressing the underdiagnosis among women and girls.