ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women and girls because the symptoms are not as obvious. They can also be misdiagnosed as other conditions, which can delay referral.
Signs of depression, anxiety and eating disorders among females with ADHD need to be investigated and treated in the appropriate way. Adolescence, pregnancy or adolescence may reveal and exacerbate ADHD in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be difficult to identify in adulthood, especially for women. A lot of the symptoms differ for women. For example, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, most women have difficulty being able to concentrate or sit still. As a result, they could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health problems like anxiety or depression.
Doctors might not be aware with ADHD because it's more prevalent in males and boys. This can cause delays in diagnosis, as females aren't seen by doctors as frequently. Girls also tend to conceal their symptoms better than males, making them less likely to be observed by parents or teachers. They might resort to coping strategies that include wearing make-up or putting on a show to conceal their feelings and behaviors.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women are experiencing menopausal or perimenopausal. This is due to the fact that they be affected by hormonal changes that make them more prone to mood swings. They may also find it harder to keep track of their activities and stick to routines. This can affect how well they manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has increased due to prominent personalities such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, waiting times for assessments are causing stress and frustration for those who haven't been able to access the assistance they require. This can be particularly relevant for those on the NHS since there are a limited number of doctors who can perform ADHD tests and it could 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 have ADHD. They will be able to take this seriously and ask for a referral. You should also explain why you believe you have ADHD. You can download the letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. You can also consider obtaining an assessment through private healthcare.
2. Speak to your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are often harder to diagnose than men, mainly because the symptoms are not so obvious, particularly as an adult. They may develop strategies to conceal their issues and they could be detrimental to their health. This includes drinking heavily, smoking cannabis, and seeking to build social support by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs, and criminal activity are all examples of high-risk actions. Girls who suffer from ADHD may also be more susceptible to increased rates of sexually transmitted infections and teens, early and unplanned pregnancies.
The GPs will take any reports of ADHD very seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. Then, they will direct you to the best service for you - this usually is a mental health clinic or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
adhd in women signs for these services can be lengthy, and in some cases it can be difficult to get referred because the problem isn't taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP doesn't know about adult ADHD or believe that the person's problems are due to other factors (like anxiety, depression or substance misuse) and not caused by their ADHD symptoms.
It is crucial to choose a therapist with ADHD experience who is able to collaborate with your ADHD challenges. Some therapists specialise in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for people with ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms is a continuous process that can last for a lifetime. Medication can help to reduce certain symptoms, and diet changes can help. A diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms. A diet rich in sugars and junk food can cause these symptoms to worsen.
It is also worth speaking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based practices like meditation could be beneficial for you because they can be very efficient in helping those suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught by a qualified instructor. You can find one near you by using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD typically have less visible 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 difficult for them to be diagnosed. This does not mean that they don't have symptoms. In fact, they could be afflicted with inattention ADHD symptoms that are harder to recognize. Additionally, they may have a hard time managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in tensions in relationships, especially with men.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD are more likely to struggle with work and school. They may have trouble adhering to instructions in completing deadlines and keeping track of their commitments. They may also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or constructive feedback. These challenges can lead to burnout, which can have a negative impact on their work performance and career.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms and signs of adult ADHD for women are difficulty paying attention, forgetting things easily and having a poor organization. They may also be susceptible to self-doubt, depression, and anxiety. They may also have trouble with their emotions and are frequently not understood by others. For instance, mood swings could be interpreted as a sudden eruption of anger or frustration.
Despite these difficulties, there are a lot of resources available to adults with ADHD. One of the best options is a support program that is specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups are offered online and in person. They are a great way to get guidance on diagnosis routes for children and adults, as well as tips on how to manage your illness.
If you're looking for an adult ADHD support group, there are several in the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example is a weekly meeting at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe space for adults suffering from ADHD to talk about their challenges, successes and hopes. You can find the details of the meeting on their website or their Facebook page. 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 cause or worsen emotional symptoms like mood fluctuations and irritability.
Exercise can ease the symptoms by releasing feel good hormones and decreasing stress. It can also help to control excess energy, increase focus and concentration. Therefore, try to incorporate a regular exercise routine into your day.
Exercise at home or, if you want to socialize join a club or join a gym. Exercise can help with certain ADHD symptoms, but it will not eliminate the symptoms. It should be combined with other strategies to manage symptoms. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to complete 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every week.