ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often mistakenly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are less evident. They are also often misdiagnosed as other disorders which may delay the referral.
It is essential to investigate and treat the symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females with ADHD. Transitional periods such as adolescence or pregnancy can also reveal and increase the severity of ADHD in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is a difficult condition to diagnose particularly in women. This is because many symptoms are different in females. For instance, while men tend to have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have trouble being able to concentrate or sit still. Because of this, they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
ADHD is also more often observed in men and boys, so doctors might not be knowledgeable about the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis, as females are not referred to doctors as quickly. Girls can also hide symptoms better than males. This makes them less likely get noticed by parents or teachers. They might resort to coping strategies, such as hiding behind makeup or acting out to disguise their behaviour and feelings.
Symptoms of ADHD are more severe when women experience perimenopausal or menopausal. adhd in young women is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more susceptible to mood swings. It could also be challenging for them to follow routines and keep track of their tasks. This can impact their ability to manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
Waiting times for assessments can be stressful and cause frustration for those who are unable to receive the assistance they require. This is particularly the case for those on the NHS, as there is a limited number of doctors who can perform ADHD assessments and it can take years to secure an appointment.
The first step to get the diagnosis is to visit your GP. You must inform your GP that you think you have ADHD. They will be able to take this seriously and request an appointment. It is also important to explain why you believe you might be suffering from ADHD. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP to help speed up the process. Alternatively, you can consider obtaining an assessment via the private healthcare route.
2. Speak to your doctor
Women with ADHD can be harder to diagnose than men, mainly because the symptoms are not as obvious, especially in adulthood. These strategies can be harmful, since they can try to conceal their issues. These include drinking excessively or smoking cannabis, as well as seeking to build social support through high risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs and other criminal activity are all examples of high-risk 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.
GPs will take any report of ADHD seriously, and should inquire about the symptoms you are experiencing. They will then direct you to the best service for you. This is usually a community mental health clinic or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services can be lengthy In some instances, it can be difficult to get referred because the problem is not taken seriously enough. This could be because the GP doesn't know about adult ADHD or think that the person's challenges are due to other factors (like anxiety, depression or abuse of substances) and not due to their ADHD symptoms.
It is essential to select a therapist with ADHD experience who is willing to work with you in addressing your ADHD challenges. Some therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people with ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms requires a lifetime commitment. Medication can help to reduce certain symptoms, and dietary changes can help. A diet high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can help reduce the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. A diet high in sugars and junk food can exacerbate these symptoms.
It is also advisable to ask your GP to determine if mindfulness-based practices such as meditation could be beneficial for you. They are helpful in helping those with ADHD manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught by a certified instructor. The NHS service locator will help you locate an NHS provider close to you.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD often have less visible symptoms than males. This is probably due to the fact that females don't have as many symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This makes it more difficult for them to get diagnosed. However, this is not to say that they aren't suffering from any signs. They could have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to spot, like inattention ADHD. They may also have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to broken relationships or even breakups particularly with men.
Women with inattention ADHD might be more likely to have difficulties with work and school. They may have trouble following directions in completing deadlines and keeping track of commitments. They may also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or constructive feedback. These challenges can cause burnout, which could have a negative impact on their work performance and their career.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms and signs of adult ADHD in women include difficulty paying attention, forgetting things easily and a lack of organization. They can also be prone to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. Additionally, they can struggle with their emotions and are often not understood by others. For example, mood swings can be perceived as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these issues There are still plenty of options for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best is an online support group specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups are available on the internet and in person. These groups are a great way to receive advice on the diagnosis options for adults and children, as well as how to manage your condition.
There are numerous adult ADHD support groups in the UK. For example the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults suffering from ADHD to talk about their struggles, successes and hopes. You can find the details of the meeting on their website or their Facebook page. You can also contact them with any questions if you'd like to attend an upcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD can face particular challenges that make it harder to manage their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopausal changes. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional issues such as mood swings and anger.
Exercise can reduce these symptoms, release of feel-good hormones and reducing stress. It also helps reduce excess energy and increase focus and improve attention. Therefore, try to include a regular workout routine into your daily.
Do your exercise at home, or, if you'd like to be social, join a group or gym. Exercise can help with some ADHD symptoms however it cannot cure the symptoms. It should be incorporated with other strategies to treat symptoms. The ideal goal is to complete 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every week.