ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women and girls because the symptoms are not as evident. It is possible to mistake them for other conditions, which can delay the diagnosis.
Symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females suffering from ADHD should be explored and treated in the appropriate way. The transitional phases of pregnancy or adolescence can reveal and worsen ADHD in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is a difficult condition to diagnose particularly for women. The symptoms differ for women. For example, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, a lot of women have trouble in concentrating or staying still. They may be misdiagnosed as having other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.
Doctors may not be familiarized with ADHD because it is more common in men and boys. adhd traits in women can lead to delays in diagnosis, as females are not referred to doctors as quickly. Girls may also 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.
Symptoms of ADHD can become more severe as women enter perimenopausal or menopause. This is due to hormonal fluctuations that can cause them to be more prone to mood swings. It may also be difficult for them to follow routines and stay on top of their tasks. This could affect their ability to manage their work, home and other obligations.
While awareness of ADHD has soared thanks to high profile personalities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, the long wait times for assessments are creating stress and frustration for people who haven't been in a position to get the assistance they require. This is especially applicable to those on the NHS as 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 get an assessment is to see your GP. You must inform your GP that you think you have ADHD. They will take this seriously and will request a referral. It is also important to explain the reasons why you think 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. You could also obtain an assessment through private healthcare.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women with ADHD are more difficult to identify due to the fact that their symptoms, particularly when they reach adulthood aren't always evident. They may develop strategies to conceal their issues which can be extremely damaging. Some of these include excessive drinking smoking cannabis, or trying to build social support by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. gangs, promiscuity and criminal activities). Girls with ADHD are also more likely to be involved in criminal activities, gangs, and promiscuity. incidences of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.
The GP will take any reports of ADHD seriously, and should inquire about the symptoms you are experiencing. They will then direct you to a program that is best suited to you. It is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services can be long and in some cases, it is difficult to get referred because of the lack of seriousness with which the problem is dealt with. This could be due to the fact that the GP isn't aware of adult ADHD, or because they believe that the person's problems are caused by something else (like anxiety, depression or abuse of substances) and not due to their ADHD symptoms.
It is essential to choose a therapist with ADHD experience who is willing to collaborate with your ADHD challenges. Certain therapists specialize in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for people with ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms is a continuous process that can last for a lifetime. Medication and dietary changes may aid in reducing your symptoms. For example, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can make the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less noticeable. A diet rich in sugars and junk foods can increase the severity of these symptoms.
It is also worth speaking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based techniques such as meditation could be useful for you, as they can be very effective in helping people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods with a certified teacher. The NHS service locator will help you locate the nearest provider.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD often have less visible symptoms than those with ADHD. This is likely due to the fact that females don't have as many hyperactive, impulsive symptoms as their male counterparts. This makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. But, that's not to say that they aren't suffering from any symptoms. They might have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to spot, like inattentive ADHD. They may also have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in ruptures or broken relationships, especially with men.
Women with inattention ADHD may be more likely to struggle with work and school. They can have trouble adhering to instructions and keeping track of deadlines and keeping promises. They might be unable to accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback from their workplace. These issues can lead to burnout which can have a negative impact on their work performance and their career.
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of adult ADHD for women are difficulty paying attention, easily forgetting things and having a poor organization. They may also be prone depression and self-doubt. In addition, they may have trouble with their emotions and are often not understood by others. For instance mood swings could be interpreted as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these challenges there are many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best is a support group that is specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups are available on the internet and in person. These groups are an excellent way to get advice about the diagnosis options for both children and adults as well how to manage your condition.
There are many adult ADHD support groups across the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example is a weekly meeting at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults suffering from ADHD to discuss their challenges, achievements and aspirations. The details of the meeting are available on their Facebook page and website. You can also reach them with any questions you may have if you'd like to attend a future event.
4. Exercise
Women who suffer from ADHD can face particular difficulties that make it difficult to manage their symptoms, like menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopausal changes. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional symptoms like mood swings and irritability.
Exercise can reduce these symptoms, by releasing feel good hormones and decreasing stress. It also helps reduce excess energy and increase focus and concentration. So, try to include a regular workout routine into your daily.
Exercise at home or, if you'd like to socialize, join a group or join a gym. Remember that although exercising can help alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD however, it will not fix them completely on its own - it is best to combine it with other strategies to manage symptoms. The goal should be 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.