ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often mistakenly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are not as evident. They can also be mistaken for other disorders and this could delay referral.
Signs of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females with ADHD should be explored and treated as needed. Transitional periods such as adolescence and pregnancy can also cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is difficult to diagnose particularly for women. A lot of the symptoms are different for women. For example, while men tend to have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have difficulty in concentrating or staying still. They could be misdiagnosed as having mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
Doctors may not be familiarized with ADHD because it's more prevalent in males and boys. This could lead to delays in diagnosis because females often don't get referred as quickly. Girls are also able to hide their symptoms better than boys. This makes them less likely to get noticed by teachers or parents. They might resort to coping strategies, such as hiding behind makeup or acting out to disguise their behaviour and feelings.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women go through perimenopause or menopause. It is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more susceptible to mood swings. It could also be challenging to keep track of routines and keep track of their tasks. This could affect how they manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has soared thanks to prominent personalities such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, long wait times for assessments are creating stress and frustration for people who haven't been successful in getting the assistance they require. This is particularly the case for those on the NHS, as there is only a handful of doctors who perform ADHD assessments. It can take years to obtain an appointment.
The first step in getting a diagnosis is seeing your GP. You must inform your GP you believe you may have ADHD. They will be able to take this seriously and will request a referral. You must also provide the reasons behind why you think you may 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 may also obtain an evaluation from private healthcare.
2. Speak with your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are often harder to identify than men, partly because the signs aren't as evident, especially in adulthood. These strategies can be harmful as they may try to conceal their problems. Some of these include excessive drinking, smoking cannabis and trying to build social support by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs, and criminal activity are all examples of high-risk activities. Girls with ADHD are also more likely to have more sexually transmitted illnesses and teens, unplanned and early-stage pregnancy.
The GPs will take any reports of ADHD extremely serious and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then direct you to a program that is best suited to you. This 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 referrals because the issue is not taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of adult ADHD or believes that the individual's issues are caused by other factors (such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse) rather than ADHD symptoms.
If you've been recommended to a therapist, you must choose a therapist who understands the issue and is willing to tackle your ADHD issues. Some therapists specialize in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people with ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms is a lifelong process that can last for a lifetime. Medication and dietary changes may aid in reducing your symptoms. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. On the other the other hand, a diet rich in junk food and sugar can exacerbate these symptoms.
It's also worth talking with your GP about whether mindfulness-based practices such as meditation could be beneficial 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 instructor. The NHS service locator can help you find a provider near you.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD typically have less visible symptoms than men. This could be because females don't have as many hyperactive or impulsive symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to be diagnosed. But, that's not to say that they don't have any signs. They could have ADHD symptoms that are difficult to recognize, such as inattention ADHD. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause difficult relationships, especially with males.
Women who have inattentive ADHD are more likely to struggle with school and work. They may have difficulty following directions and keeping track of deadlines and completing commitments. They may also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or constructive feedback. Web Site can lead to burnout, which can have a negative effect on their performance at work and their professional career.
Some of the most common symptoms and signs of ADHD for women are difficulty paying attention, forgetting things easily and having a poor organization. They could also be susceptible to depression and self-doubt. They may also have difficulties expressing their emotions, and are often misunderstood. For instance mood swings can be perceived as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these issues, there are plenty of resources available for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective is an online support group specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups are offered on the internet as well as in person. These groups are a great way to receive advice on diagnosis routes for adults and children, and also how to manage your condition.
If you're seeking an adult ADHD support group, there are several in the UK. For instance, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe and secure environment for adults with ADHD who want to share their challenges, goals and achievements. The information on the meeting on their website or Facebook page. You can reach them with any questions or wish to attend an forthcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, which includes menstrual cycles and menopause. These hormonal changes can cause or exacerbate emotional issues such as mood swings, and irritability.
Exercise can help reduce these symptoms, release of feel-good hormones and reducing stress. In addition, it helps reduce excess energy and improve concentration and focus. Try to incorporate a regular exercise routine in your daily routine.
Try exercising at your home, or, if you prefer a social setting take part in a group class or gym. Exercise can help with certain ADHD symptoms, but it will not eliminate the symptoms. It is best to combine it with other strategies for managing symptoms. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity workout every week.