ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women often go not being diagnosed with ADHD because the symptoms are less evident for females. It is possible to mistake them for other conditions, which could delay the referral.
It is important to explore and treat the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders among females suffering from ADHD. Transitional periods such as pregnancy and adolescence may cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD isn't easy to identify in adulthood, especially for women. The symptoms are different for women. While men are more hyperactive and impulsive, females often have trouble concentrating or sitting still. As a result, they can be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems such as depression or anxiety.
ADHD is often observed in men and boys, so doctors might not be familiar with the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis because females aren't seen by doctors as frequently. Girls are also able to hide their symptoms better than males. This means they are less likely to be noticed by parents or teachers. They may use coping techniques like concealing their face with makeup or acting out to disguise their feelings and behaviour.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women are experiencing menopausal or perimenopausal. This is because hormonal fluctuations can cause them to be more prone to mood swings. They might also have difficulty to keep track of things and adhere to routines. This can impact how they manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has increased due to celebrities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, waiting times for assessments are frustrating and stressful for those who aren't successful in getting the help they need. This is especially true for those who are on the NHS, as there is a limited number of doctors that can perform ADHD assessments and it can take years to get an appointment.
The first step to get an assessment is to see your GP. It is important to mention to your GP that you think you may have ADHD because they'll need to take it seriously and ask for a referral. It is also important to explain the reasons why you think you have ADHD. You can download the letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to speed up the process. You can also try to get an assessment through private healthcare.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women with ADHD are more difficult to identify due to the fact that their symptoms, particularly when they are adults, may not be as evident. They may develop strategies to cover up their problems which could be detrimental to their health. Some of these include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and trying to create social connections by engaging in risky activities (e.g. Gangs, prostitution and criminal activity are all examples of high-risk behaviors. Girls with ADHD are also more likely to be involved in an increased risk of developing sexually transmitted diseases and teens who are unplanned and have early-stage pregnancy.
GPs take reports of ADHD extremely seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. Then, they will refer you to the most appropriate service for you. This typically a community mental health clinic or a specialist Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services are lengthy and in some cases, it is difficult to refer someone because of the lack of seriousness with which the problem is treated. This could be because the GP does not know about adult ADHD, or because they think that the person's challenges are due to something else (like depression, anxiety or abuse of drugs) and not caused by their ADHD symptoms.
It is essential to choose a therapist who has ADHD experience who is able to work alongside your ADHD challenges. Some therapists specialize in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is particularly beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms is a long-term process that can last for a lifetime. The use of medication can reduce certain symptoms, and diet modifications can also make a difference. For example, eating a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables can make your symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less noticeable. On the other hand, a diet high in sugar and junk foods can increase these symptoms.
It's also worth talking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based practices like meditation could be beneficial for you as they can be extremely effective in helping people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques from a qualified teacher. The NHS service locator can help you find a provider near you.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to find their symptoms less obvious than men. This is probably due to the fact that females do not have as many symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This can make it harder to identify them. But, that's not to say that This Webpage don't have any symptoms. In fact, they could have inattention ADHD symptoms that are harder to recognise. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in tensions in relationships, especially with men.
Women with inattention ADHD might be more likely to have difficulties at school and work. They may have trouble following directions, meeting deadlines, and keeping track of their commitments. They might also have difficulty accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback at work. These challenges can lead them to burnout, which can negatively impact their job and career.
Some of the most common symptoms and signs of adult ADHD in women include difficulty paying attention, a tendency to forget things easily and a lack of organization. navigate to these guys may also be susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. Additionally, they can have trouble with their emotions and are frequently not understood by others. For instance, changes in mood can be misinterpreted as sudden outburst anger or frustration.
Despite these difficulties, there are still many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective is a support group specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups are available online and in person. These groups are an excellent way to seek advice on the diagnosis options for both children and adults as well how to manage your illness.
There are a variety of adult ADHD support groups throughout the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They offer a safe place for adults suffering from ADHD to discuss their challenges, successes and hopes. You can find the meeting details on their website and Facebook page. You can also contact them with any questions if you'd like to attend an upcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women who suffer from ADHD can face unique difficulties that make it difficult to manage their symptoms, including menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause. adult adhd in women can trigger or exacerbate emotional symptoms like mood fluctuation and irritability.
Exercise can ease the symptoms by releasing feel good hormones and decreasing stress. In addition, it helps to reduce stress and increase concentration and focus. Therefore, you should try to incorporate a regular fitness routine into your day.
Try exercising at your home, or, if you prefer a social setting you can join a class or gym. Remember that although exercise can reduce certain symptoms of ADHD however, it will not solve them all on its own - it must be combined with other strategies to manage symptoms. Ideally, you should aim to do 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every week.