ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls often go not being diagnosed with ADHD because the symptoms are less obvious for females. It is possible to mistake them for other conditions, which can delay referral.
Symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females suffering from ADHD should be investigated and addressed as appropriate. The transitional phases of pregnancy and adolescence can cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is difficult to identify particularly for women. A lot of the symptoms differ for women. While men are more hyperactive and impulsive, women often have trouble concentrating or sitting still. They may be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression.
ADHD is more frequently observed in men and boys So doctors may not be knowledgeable about the condition. This can cause delays in diagnosis, since females aren't referred to doctors as often. Girls can also hide symptoms better than males. This means they are less likely to be noticed by teachers or parents. They may use coping techniques, such as wearing make-up or acting out to hide their feelings and behaviour.
The symptoms of ADHD can worsen when women are experiencing menopausal or perimenopause. This is because they can experience hormonal fluctuations that cause mood swings. It may also be difficult to follow routines and stay on top of their tasks. This could affect their ability to manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has risen due to high profile personalities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, long wait times for tests are creating stress and frustration for those who aren't successful in getting the help they need. This is particularly the case for those on the NHS since there are a limited number of doctors that can carry out ADHD assessments. It can take years to get an appointment.
The first step to getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. It is important to inform your GP that you think you be suffering from ADHD. They will take this seriously and will request an appointment. You should also explain the reasons you believe you may have ADHD. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP to aid in speeding up the process. You may also receive an evaluation from private healthcare.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women with ADHD are more difficult to identify than men, in part because the symptoms are not as obvious, especially in adulthood. These strategies can be harmful, as they may try to cover up their issues. They may do this by drinking excessively or smoking cannabis, as well as seeking to build social support through high-risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs, and criminal activities are just a few examples of high-risk actions. Girls with ADHD are also more likely to be involved in criminal activities, gangs, and promiscuity. rates of sexually transmitted infections and teens, early and unplanned pregnancies.
GPs take reports of ADHD extremely seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then direct you to a program that is most suitable for you. It is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services can be lengthy In some instances, it is difficult to get diagnosed because the issue isn't taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP isn't aware of adult ADHD or they think that the person's challenges are due to other factors (like depression, anxiety, or abuse of substances) and not caused by their ADHD symptoms.
It is important that you choose a therapist with ADHD experience who is able to work alongside your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists are trained cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is particularly helpful for people suffering from ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. Medication can help to reduce some of your symptoms and diet changes can help. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help to reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. On the other hand, a diet high in junk food and sugar can increase these symptoms.
It's also worth talking with your GP about whether mindfulness-based techniques such as meditation could be beneficial to you because they are extremely effective in helping people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods with a certified instructor. You can find one near you using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD typically find their symptoms less obvious than those with ADHD. This is likely because females don't exhibit as many hyperactive or impulsive symptoms. This makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. This does not mean that they don't have symptoms. In fact, they could have inattention ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to detect. In addition, they can have a hard time managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in strained relationships, particularly with males.
adhd in women who have inattentive ADHD are more likely to struggle with school and work. They may have difficulty following instructions in completing deadlines and keeping on top of their commitments. They might also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These issues can lead to burnout that can negatively impact their career and job performance.
The most frequent symptoms and signs of adult ADHD in women include difficulty paying attention, a tendency to forget things easily and a lack of organization. They might also be prone to depression and self-doubt. They may also have difficulties expressing their emotions, and are often misinterpreted. For example mood swings can be interpreted as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these difficulties, there are a lot of resources available to adults with ADHD. One of the most effective is a support group that is specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are available online or in person. They are great ways to get advice on diagnosis routes for both adults and children as well as how to manage your illness.
There are a variety of adult ADHD support groups across the UK. For example the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults with ADHD who want to share their challenges, goals, and achievements. You can find the details of the meeting on their website or Facebook page. You can contact them with any questions or want to attend an upcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulties managing their symptoms, which includes menstrual cycles and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional symptoms like mood swings and irritability.
Exercise can reduce these symptoms, by producing feel-good hormones and decreasing stress. In addition, it helps control excess energy and improve concentration and attention. Try to include regular exercise into your daily routine.
You can exercise at home or, if you want to socialize, join a group or join a gym. Just remember, that while exercise can alleviate some of the symptoms of ADHD however, it will not solve them all on its own. It must be combined with other strategies for managing symptoms. The ideal goal is to complete 150 minutes of moderate-intensity workout every week.