ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often not properly diagnosed in girls and women because the signs aren't as evident. They can also be misdiagnosed as other conditions, which can delay the diagnosis.
Symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females suffering from ADHD should be explored and treated as needed. The transitional phases of pregnancy and adolescence may cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be difficult to diagnose in adulthood, especially for women. A lot of the symptoms differ for women. While men are more active and impulsive, women often struggle to concentrate or sit still. This means that they can be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
Doctors may not be well-versed with ADHD, as it is more prevalent in men and boys. This could lead to delays in diagnosis since females often don't get referred as quickly. Girls can also hide their symptoms better than men and are less likely to be noticed by teachers or parents. They may resort to coping methods that include hiding behind make-up or putting on a show to conceal their emotions and behavior.
The symptoms of ADHD are more severe in women who are experiencing menopausal or perimenopausal. This is because hormonal fluctuations can cause them to be more prone to mood swings. women and adhd may also find it harder to keep track of their activities and stick to routines. This can impact how they manage their work, home and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has increased due to high profile personalities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, the long wait for assessments is creating stress and frustration for those who haven't been able to access the help they need. This is especially relevant for those on the NHS since there are a small number of doctors that can conduct ADHD assessments. It can take years to obtain an appointment.
The first step to get a diagnosis is seeing your GP. It is important to inform your GP that you think you be suffering from ADHD. They will consider this a serious matter and request an appointment. It is also important to explain the reasons behind why you think you might have ADHD. You can download a letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. You could also obtain an evaluation from private healthcare.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD can be harder to identify than men, mainly because the symptoms are not so obvious, particularly as an adult. adhd in women treatment can be harmful, since they can try to cover up their issues. These include drinking excessively or smoking cannabis, as well as trying to build social support through high-risk activities (e.g. Gangs, prostitution and criminal activities are just a few examples of high-risk actions. Girls who suffer from ADHD can also have increased incidences of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, early and unplanned pregnancies.
The GPs will take any reports of ADHD very serious and will inquire about your symptoms. Then they will recommend the appropriate service for you - this typically a community mental health service or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for the services may be long and in some instances it can be difficult to get diagnosed because the issue isn't taken seriously enough. This could be because the GP doesn't know about adult ADHD, or because they believe that the individual's issues are caused by other factors (like anxiety, depression or substance misuse) and not due to their ADHD symptoms.
After you've been referred to a therapist, it is important to select a therapist who is knowledgeable about the issue and will work with your ADHD issues. Certain therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for people with ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. Medication and dietary changes may help reduce your symptoms. A diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. On the other the other hand, a diet rich in sugar and junk foods can exacerbate these symptoms.
It's also worth talking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation could be beneficial for you because they can be extremely effective in helping people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods with a certified instructor. The NHS service locator will help you locate the nearest provider.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD often have less visible symptoms than those with ADHD. This is probably due to the fact that females do not have as many symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This makes it more difficult for them to get diagnosed. But, that's not to say that they don't have any symptoms. In fact, they may have inattention ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to detect. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause ruptures or broken relationships particularly with males.
Women who are not attentive ADHD are more likely to experience difficulties at school and work. They may have trouble following directions or deadlines, as well as keeping the track of commitments. They might also have difficulty accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback at work. These challenges can cause burnout, which could have a negative impact on their performance at work and their career.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms and signs of adult ADHD among women include difficulties paying attention, a tendency to forget things easily, and poor organisation. They may also be prone self-doubt and depression. They may also have difficulties expressing their emotions, and are often not understood. For example mood swings could be perceived as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these issues, there are still many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective is an online support group specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups can be found on the internet and in person. They are a great way to get guidance on diagnosis routes for both adults and children as well as tips on how to manage your illness.
There are a variety of adult ADHD support groups in the UK. For instance, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe space for adults suffering from ADHD to talk about their challenges, achievements and hopes. You can find the information on the meeting on their website and their Facebook page. You can contact them if you have any questions or would like to attend an scheduled event.
4. Exercise
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes may trigger or exacerbate emotional problems such as mood swings and anger.
Exercise can ease these symptoms, by producing feel-good hormones and reducing stress. Additionally, it can help reduce excess energy and improve focus and attention. Therefore, try to include a regular workout routine into your daily.
Try exercising at your home, or if prefer a more social environment, join a group class or a gym. Be aware that although exercising can help alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD, it won't fix them completely on its own. It is best to combine it with other strategies for managing symptoms. The goal should be 150 minutes of moderate intensity workout per week.