ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls often go not being diagnosed with ADHD because the symptoms are less evident for females. They can also be mistaken for other disorders and this can delay the diagnosis.
It is essential to investigate and address the symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders among women suffering from ADHD. Transitional periods such as pregnancy or adolescence may reveal and increase the severity of ADHD in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be difficult to diagnose in adulthood, particularly for women. This is due to the fact that many of the symptoms are different for females. For instance, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, a lot of women have difficulty in concentrating or staying still. They might be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression.
Doctors may not be well-versed with ADHD because it is more prevalent in men and boys. This could lead to delays in diagnosis, as females aren't seen by doctors as quickly. Girls can also hide their symptoms better than men which makes them less likely to be recognized by teachers or parents. They might resort to strategies to cope, like 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 menopausal. This is due to hormonal fluctuations that can make them more susceptible to mood swings. They may be unable to keep track of their activities and stick to routines. This could affect their ability to manage their work, home 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, the long wait times for assessments are frustrating and stressful for those who aren't in a position to get the assistance they require. This is particularly true for those who are on the NHS since there are only a handful of doctors who conduct ADHD assessments. It can take years to get an appointment.
The first step to getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. You must inform your GP you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. They will be able to take this seriously and request an appointment. You must also state why you believe you have ADHD. You can download a supportive letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP and aid in speeding up the process. You could also receive an assessment through private healthcare.
2. Speak to your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to recognize, in part because their symptoms, particularly as they age, may not be as obvious. They may develop compensatory strategies to conceal their issues and they can be extremely damaging. A few of these include excessive drinking, smoking cannabis and trying to create social connections by engaging in risky activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs, and criminal activities are just a few examples of high-risk activities. Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to experience a higher rate of sexually transmitted diseases and teens, unplanned and early pregnancies.
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.
related internet page for these services are lengthy and, in some instances it can be difficult to refer someone due to the lack of seriousness which the problem is treated. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of adult ADHD or believes the person's issues are due to other causes (such as anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs) rather than ADHD symptoms.
After you've been referred to a therapist to a therapist, you must select a therapist who is knowledgeable about the condition, and will work with your ADHD problems. Some therapists are trained cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for people with ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms is a lifelong process that can last for a lifetime. Treatment and dietary changes can help reduce your symptoms. For example, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can make the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less pronounced. On the other the other hand, a diet rich in sugar and junk foods can increase these symptoms.
It's also worth talking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation might be useful for you because they can be very effective in helping people suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques from a qualified teacher. You can locate a teacher near you by using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD often find their symptoms less obvious than males. This could be due to the fact that females do not have as many symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This can make it harder to diagnose them. However, this does not mean they are not suffering from symptoms. They might have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to detect, such as inattentive ADHD. They may also have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to ruptures or broken relationships particularly with males.
Women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to face problems at school and at work. They may have trouble following directions or deadlines, as well as keeping track of commitments. They might also have a hard time accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback from their workplace. These challenges can lead them to burnout that can have a negative impact on their job and career.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms and signs of ADHD among women include difficulties paying attention, a tendency to forget things easily and having a poor organization. They may also be prone depression and self-doubt. They can also have difficulty communicating their feelings, and are often not understood. For instance, mood swings can be misinterpreted as a sudden eruption of anger or frustration.
Despite these issues There are still plenty of options for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best is a support group that is specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups can be found online and in person. They are great ways to get advice on diagnosis routes for adults and children, and also how to manage your condition.
There are many adult ADHD support groups throughout the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults suffering from ADHD to discuss their struggles, successes and goals. The meeting details are available on their Facebook page or on their website. You can contact them with any questions or would like to attend an scheduled event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD can face particular difficulties that make it difficult to manage their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can trigger or intensify emotional symptoms such as mood fluctuation and irritability.
Exercise can ease these symptoms, by release of feel-good hormones and reducing stress. It can also help control excess energy, improve focus and attention. Try to include an exercise routine that you regularly do in your daily routine.
Do your exercise at home, or, if you want to be social join a club or join a gym. Exercise can help with certain ADHD symptoms, but it will not solve the symptoms. It is best to combine it with other strategies for managing symptoms. The goal should be 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.