ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women and girls because the symptoms are less obvious. It is possible to mistake them for other disorders and this can delay referral.
Signs of anxiety, depression and eating disorders among females with ADHD should be explored and addressed as appropriate. The transitional phases of adolescence and pregnancy can also cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is difficult to diagnose particularly in women. A lot of the symptoms are different for women. For example, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, most women have trouble in concentrating or staying still. This means that they could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health problems such as depression or anxiety.
Doctors might not be aware with ADHD, as it is more prevalent in males and boys. This can cause delays in diagnosis, since females aren't seen by doctors as often. Girls also conceal their symptoms better than males. add in adult women makes them less likely be noticed by their teachers or parents. They might use coping strategies, such as concealing their appearance with makeup or acting out, to hide their behavior and feelings.
The symptoms of ADHD can worsen when women are experiencing menopausal or perimenopause. This is due to hormonal fluctuations that can cause them to be more prone to mood swings. They might also have difficulty to keep track of things and stick to routines. This could affect how they manage their work, home and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has increased due to high profile personalities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, the long wait times for assessments are causing stress and frustration for people who haven't been able to access the assistance they require. This is especially relevant for those who are who are on the NHS since there are only a few doctors who can conduct ADHD assessments. It can take years to get an appointment.
The first step in receiving a diagnosis is to visit your GP. It is important to inform your GP that you think you be suffering from ADHD. They will consider this a serious matter and request an appointment. You must also state why you believe you have ADHD. You can download a letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. You can also try to get an evaluation from private healthcare.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult to diagnose due to the fact that their symptoms, particularly when they are adults might not be as obvious. They may develop compensatory strategies to conceal their issues and they could be detrimental to their health. Some of these include excessive drinking smoking cannabis, or trying to gain social support by participating 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. rates of sexually transmitted infections and teens, early and unplanned pregnancies.
Doctors will take any complaint of ADHD seriously, and should ask you about your symptoms. They will then recommend a treatment that is best suited to you. This is usually a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services are long and in some cases it can be difficult to be referred because of the lack of seriousness 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 individual's issues are due to something else (like anxiety, depression or abuse of substances) and not due to their ADHD symptoms.
Once you've been referred, it is important to choose a therapist who understands the condition, and is willing to work with your ADHD problems. Some therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is particularly beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms requires a lifetime commitment. The use of medication and diet changes can help to reduce the symptoms. For instance, a diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits can make the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less noticeable. On the other the other hand, a diet rich in sugar and junk food can worsen the symptoms.
It's also worth talking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based practices such as meditation could be beneficial to you as they can be extremely efficient in helping those suffering from 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 could be due to the fact that females don't have as many symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This can make it difficult for them to get diagnosed. But, that's not to suggest that they don't have any signs. They might have ADHD symptoms that are harder to recognize, such as inattention ADHD. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in broken relationships or even breakups particularly with men.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD may be more likely to have difficulties at school and work. They can have trouble following directions, keeping track of deadlines and meeting commitments. They can also have a hard time accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback from their workplace. These challenges can lead to burnout, which can have a negative effect on their job performance and their professional career.
The most frequent symptoms and signs of ADHD in women include difficulty paying attention, forgetting things easily and having a poor organization. They may also be susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. They may also have trouble communicating their feelings, and are often not understood. For instance mood swings could be interpreted as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these difficulties, there are many resources for adults with ADHD. One of the most effective is a support group specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are available online and in person. These groups are a great way to seek advice on diagnostic methods for children and adults, and also how to manage your illness.
If you're looking for an adult ADHD support group, there are a number in the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example is a weekly meeting at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults with ADHD to talk about their challenges, successes and goals. You can find the information on the meeting on their website and their Facebook page. You can also reach them with any questions you may have in the event that you'd like to join the next event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD have particular difficulties that make it difficult to manage their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause. These hormonal changes can cause or exacerbate emotional issues like mood swings and anger.
Exercise can help alleviate the symptoms of these conditions by releasing positive hormones and decreasing stress. It also helps reduce excess energy and improve focus and attention. Therefore, you should try to incorporate a regular fitness routine into your daily.
Exercise at home or, if your goal is to be social take part in a group or gym. Be aware that although exercise can reduce some of the symptoms of ADHD, it won't fix them completely on its own - it is best to combine it with other symptom-management strategies. You should aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.
