ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls often go undiagnosed for ADHD because the symptoms are less obvious for females. They are also often misdiagnosed as other conditions and delay the referral.
It is important to explore and treat the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders among females with ADHD. Periods of transition such as pregnancy and adolescence may reveal and worsen ADHD symptoms in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is difficult to identify particularly in women. This is due to the fact that many of the symptoms are different for females. While men are more active and impulsive, women typically have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. Because of this, they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
Doctors may not be familiarized with ADHD, as it is more prevalent in males and boys. This could lead to delays in diagnosis, as females aren't referred to doctors as quickly. Girls also tend to conceal their symptoms better than men which makes them less likely to be noticed by teachers or parents. They might use coping strategies, such as concealing their appearance with makeup or acting out, to hide their behavior and emotions.
The symptoms of ADHD are more severe when women experience perimenopausal or menopausal. It is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more susceptible to mood swings. They may be unable to keep track of their activities and follow routines. This can affect their ability to manage their home, work and other obligations.
While awareness of ADHD has increased due to prominent personalities such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, the long wait times for tests are creating stress and frustration for those who haven't been able to access the help they need. This is especially the case for those on the NHS, as there is a small number of doctors who can perform ADHD assessments. It can take years to get an appointment.
The first step towards receiving a diagnosis is to visit your GP. It is essential to tell your GP that you believe you might have ADHD because they will need to be attentive and request an appointment. It is also important to explain the reasons behind why you think you may be suffering from ADHD. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP, which can help speed up the process. Alternatively, you can try to get an assessment through private healthcare.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are often harder to diagnose than men, in part because the symptoms are not as evident, especially as an adult. These strategies can be harmful, as they may try to cover up their problems. Some of these include excessive drinking smoking cannabis, or trying to build social support by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. prostitution, gangs and other criminal activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be involved in criminal activities, gangs, and promiscuity. rates of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.
Doctors will take any complaint of ADHD seriously, and should ask you about your symptoms. They will then refer you to a service that is most suitable for you. It is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services can be long In some instances, it can be difficult to get referred because the problem is not taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of the existence of adult ADHD or believes that the person's issues are due to other causes (such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse) instead of ADHD symptoms.
After you've been referred to a therapist to a therapist, it's important to select a therapist who is knowledgeable about the issue and is willing to work with your ADHD problems. Some therapists specialize in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is particularly beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. The use of medication can reduce some of your symptoms and diet modifications can help. A diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can reduce the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. On the other hand, a diet high in sugar and junk food can increase these symptoms.
It is also worth speaking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation could be beneficial to you because they can be extremely effective in helping people suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods with a certified instructor. The NHS service locator can help you find the nearest provider.
3. Find adhd in adult women who suffer from ADHD typically find their symptoms less obvious than those with ADHD. This could be due to the fact that females don't have as many hyperactive, impulsive symptoms as their male counterparts. This can make it harder for them to be diagnosed. However, this is not to say that they don't have any signs. They could have ADHD symptoms that are harder to recognize, such as inattention ADHD. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in tensions in relationships, especially with men.
Women with inattention ADHD are more likely to have difficulties with work and school. They may have difficulty adhering to instructions, keeping track of deadlines and keeping promises. They may be unable to accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback at work. These challenges can lead to burnout which could have a negative impact on their performance at work and their career.
The most frequent symptoms and signs of ADHD in women include difficulty paying attention, easily forgetting things and a lack of organization. They could also be susceptible to depression and self-doubt. In addition, they may struggle with their emotions and are often misunderstood by others. For example mood swings can be seen as an expression of anger or frustration.
Despite these issues, there are many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective is an online support group specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups can be found online and in person. These groups are a great way to get advice about diagnostic methods for both children and adults and also how to manage your condition.
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 and secure environment for adults with ADHD who wish to talk about their challenges, goals and successes. The information about the meeting can be found on their Facebook page or website. You can reach them if you have any questions or want to attend an upcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional symptoms, such as mood swings and irritability.
Exercise can reduce the symptoms of these conditions by releasing positive hormones and reducing stress. It can also help manage excess energy, and improve focus and attention. Therefore, you should try to include a regular workout routine into your day.
Exercise at home or, if you'd like to socialize, join a group or gym. Exercise can help with some ADHD symptoms but it can't cure them. It is best to combine it with other strategies for managing symptoms. The goal should be 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.