ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often not properly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are not as evident. They may also be mistaken for other conditions, which can delay the diagnosis.
It is important to explore and manage the symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders among females with ADHD. Periods of transition such as pregnancy and adolescence can reveal and worsen ADHD symptoms in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is a difficult condition to diagnose particularly in women. The symptoms are different for women. For instance, while men tend to have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have trouble in concentrating or staying still. They may be misdiagnosed as having mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
ADHD is more frequently observed in males and females and doctors may not be familiar with the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis as females often don't get referred as quickly. Girls can also hide symptoms better than boys. This makes them less likely to be noticed by their teachers or parents. They might resort to coping strategies, such as concealing their appearance with makeup or acting out to disguise their behaviour and emotions.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women are going through menopausal changes or perimenopausal. This is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more prone to mood swings. It could also be challenging for them to follow routines and manage their tasks. This can impact how they manage their home, work and other obligations.
Assessments that are delayed for a long time can cause stress and anger for those who are unable to receive the assistance they need. This is particularly true for those on the NHS as there are only a few doctors who can conduct ADHD assessments. It can take years to make an appointment.
The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is seeing your GP. It is crucial to mention to your GP that you think you might have ADHD because they will need to take this seriously and request a referral. You should also explain why you believe you be suffering from ADHD. You can download the letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to speed up the process. Alternately, you can try to get an assessment via the private healthcare route.
2. Speak with your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to identify than men, in part because the signs aren't as evident, especially when they are adults. These strategies can be harmful because they might try to cover up their issues. Some of these include excessive drinking, smoking cannabis and trying to build social support by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. gangs, promiscuity and 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.
GPs will take any report of ADHD seriously, and should ask you about your symptoms. Then they will refer you to the appropriate service for you. This usually is a mental health service or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services can be lengthy In some instances, it can be difficult to get diagnosed because the issue is not taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP doesn't know about adult ADHD, or because they believe that the person's problems are due to other factors (like depression, anxiety, or abuse of drugs) and not caused by their ADHD symptoms.
It is essential to select a therapist with ADHD experience who is willing to work alongside your ADHD issues. Some therapists specialize in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for people with ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms requires a lifetime commitment. Treatment can ease some of your symptoms and diet modifications can make a difference too. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. A diet rich in sugars and junk food may exacerbate these symptoms.
It is also advisable to ask your GP whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation might be helpful for you. They are beneficial in helping those suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a certified instructor. The NHS service locator can help you locate an NHS provider close to you.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD might have more subtle symptoms than males. This is likely due to the fact that females don't have as many symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This can make it harder to diagnose them. However, this isn't to say that they don't have any signs. They may even have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to spot, like inattention ADHD. In addition, they could have a hard time managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in strained relationships, particularly with males.
Women with inattention ADHD are more likely to face difficulties at work and school. They can have trouble following instructions, keeping track of deadlines and meeting commitments. They might be unable to accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback from their workplace. signs of adhd in women can lead to burnout which can have a negative effect on their performance at work and career.
Women with adult ADHD frequently have difficulty keeping track of their attention, are easily distracted and are not organized. They may also be prone self-doubt and depression. In addition, they may have trouble with their emotions and are frequently thought of as a victim by other people. For example, mood changes can be misinterpreted as sudden eruption of anger or frustration.
Despite these difficulties There are still plenty of resources available for adults with ADHD. One of the most effective is an online support group specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are offered on the internet and in person. They are great ways to get advice on diagnosis routes for both adults and children and also how to manage your condition.
If you're seeking an adult ADHD support group, there are many in the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example is a weekly meeting at The Hideout St Judes. They offer a safe place for adults with ADHD to discuss their challenges, achievements and aspirations. The information about the meeting can be found on their Facebook page or website. You can also contact them with any questions if you'd like to attend the next event.
4. Exercise
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulties managing their symptoms, including menstrual cycles and menopause. These hormonal changes can cause or exacerbate emotional issues such as mood swings, and irritation.
Exercise can ease these symptoms, producing feel-good hormones and reducing the stress. In addition, it helps reduce excess energy and improve concentration and attention. Therefore, try to incorporate a regular exercise routine into your day.
Try exercising at your home, or if prefer a social setting you can join a class or a gym. Exercise can alleviate some ADHD symptoms however it cannot eliminate them. It should be incorporated with other strategies to treat symptoms. You should aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity workout per week.