ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women often go not being diagnosed with ADHD because the symptoms are less apparent in females. They may also be mistaken for other conditions, which can delay the diagnosis.
The signs of anxiety, depression and eating disorders among females with ADHD should be investigated and treated as needed. Transitional periods such as pregnancy or adolescence may reveal and increase the severity of ADHD in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is a difficult condition to diagnose particularly in women. This is due to the fact that many symptoms are different in females. For example, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, a lot of women have difficulty in concentrating or staying still. As a result, they could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
Doctors may not be well-versed with ADHD, as it is more prevalent in males and boys. This can lead to delays in diagnosis because females aren't often referred to as swiftly. Girls are also able to hide their symptoms better than males. This makes them less likely to be noticed by their teachers or parents. They may resort to coping strategies, such as hiding behind makeup or acting out to cover up their actions and emotions.
Symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women go through perimenopause or menopausal. This is due to the fact that they experience hormonal fluctuations that make them more prone to mood swings. They may also have difficulty to stay on top of things and follow routines. This could affect their ability to manage their work, home and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has risen due to prominent personalities such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, waiting for assessments is frustrating and stressful for those who aren't able to access the assistance they require. This is especially true for those who are on the NHS since there are only a handful of doctors who are able to conduct ADHD tests. It can take a long time to get an appointment.
The first step to receiving a diagnosis is to visit your GP. You should tell your GP that you think you have ADHD. They will take this seriously and request a referral. You should also explain the reasons why you think you might have ADHD. You can download the letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to speed up the process. Alternatively, adhd in adult women can try to get an assessment through private healthcare.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to identify, in part because their symptoms, particularly when they reach adulthood, may not be as evident. These strategies can be harmful as they may try to cover up their problems. They may do this by drinking excessively or smoking cannabis, as well as 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 an increased risk of developing sexually transmitted illnesses and teens who are unplanned and have early-stage pregnancy.
GPs take reports of ADHD extremely seriously and will ask about your symptoms. They will then recommend a treatment that is the most appropriate for you. It is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services are lengthy and in some cases, it is difficult to get referred because of the lack of seriousness which the problem is dealt with. This could be due to the fact that the GP is not aware of adult ADHD or believes that the person's difficulties are due to other causes (such as anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs) instead of ADHD symptoms.
It is essential to select a therapist with ADHD experience who is willing to work with you in addressing your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for people suffering from ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms requires a long-term commitment. Treatment and dietary changes can aid in reducing your symptoms. A diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can help reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. A diet rich in sugars and junk food can cause these symptoms to worsen.
It's also worth talking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation might be beneficial to you because they are extremely effective in helping people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught by a qualified teacher. You can find one near you by using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD typically find their symptoms less obvious than men. This is likely due to the fact that females do not have as many symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. add women can make it difficult to diagnose them. However, this does not mean they are not suffering from symptoms. They might have ADHD symptoms that are difficult to spot, like inattentive ADHD. In addition, they can have a hard time managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to broken relationships or even breakups, especially with men.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD might be more likely to struggle at school and work. They may have trouble following directions or deadlines, as well as keeping on top of their commitments. They might also be unable to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These challenges can lead to burnout, which can have a negative effect on their performance at work and career.
Some of the most common symptoms and signs of ADHD in women include difficulty paying attention, a tendency to forget things easily and having a poor organization. They could also be susceptible to depression and self-doubt. They can also have difficulty in expressing their emotions and are often misunderstood. For instance, mood swings can be interpreted as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these challenges, there are still many options for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective is an online support group specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups are offered online and in person. These groups are a great way to get advice about the diagnosis options for both children and adults as well how to manage your illness.
If you're looking for an adult ADHD support group, there are a number in the UK. For instance the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They offer a safe space for adults with ADHD who wish to talk about their challenges, goals, and accomplishments. You can find the meeting details on their website and their Facebook page. Contact them with any questions or would like to attend an scheduled 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 problems such as mood swings and anger.
Exercise can reduce these symptoms, releasing feel good hormones and decreasing stress. Additionally, it can help reduce excess energy and improve concentration and attention. Make sure to incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine.
Do your exercise at home, or, if you'd like to socialize join a club or gym. Be aware that although exercising can help alleviate some of the symptoms of ADHD but it's not going to fix them completely by itself - it is best to combine it with other strategies for managing symptoms. The ideal goal is to do 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.