ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often mistakenly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are less obvious. They may also be mistaken for other disorders and this can delay the referral.
Signs of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females with ADHD should be investigated and addressed as appropriate. Adolescence, pregnancy or adolescence may reveal and worsen ADHD in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD isn't easy to identify in adulthood, especially for women. This is because many of the symptoms differ in females. For example, while men tend to have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, most women have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. As a result, they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
ADHD is more frequently observed in males and females and doctors may not be aware of the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis since women aren't referred as quickly. Girls can also hide their symptoms better than males, making them less likely to be noticed by teachers or parents. They might resort to strategies to cope, like hiding behind makeup or acting out to cover up their actions and emotions.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women are going through menopausal changes or perimenopausal. This is because they have hormonal fluctuations that can cause them to be more susceptible to mood swings. They might be unable to keep track of things and follow routines. This can affect their ability to manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has risen due to high profile personalities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, long wait for assessments is frustrating and stressful for people who haven't been in a position to get the assistance they require. This is especially true for those who are on the NHS and have a small number of doctors who can conduct ADHD tests and it could take years to obtain an appointment.
The first step to get a diagnosis is seeing your GP. It is essential to inform your GP that you believe you might have ADHD since they will have to be attentive and ask for an appointment. You must also state why you believe you be suffering from ADHD. You can download a supportive letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP, which can aid in speeding up the process. You can also consider obtaining an assessment through private healthcare.
2. Speak to your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are often harder to diagnose than men, mainly because the symptoms are not so obvious, particularly when they are adults. They may develop compensatory strategies to cover up their problems, and these could be detrimental to their health. Some of these include excessive drinking smoking cannabis, or trying to create social connections by engaging in risky activities (e.g. prostitution, gangs and other criminal activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD can also have increased rates of sexually transmitted diseases and teens, early and unplanned pregnancies.
Doctors take reports of ADHD extremely seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. Then, they will recommend the appropriate service for you. This is usually a community mental health service or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services are long and, in some instances 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 does not know about adult ADHD, or because they believe that the person's problems are due to other factors (like depression, anxiety, or abuse of substances) and not caused by their 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 problems. Certain therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is particularly beneficial for people with ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms is a long-term process that can last for a lifetime. Medication can help to reduce some of your symptoms and dietary changes can help. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms. A diet high in sugars and junk food may exacerbate these symptoms.
It's also worth talking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based techniques such as meditation could be beneficial for you as they can be extremely effective in helping people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. adhd in women adults can be taught by a trained teacher. The NHS service locator can help you find the nearest provider.
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 hyperactive, impulsive symptoms as their male counterparts. This makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. However, this isn't to suggest that they don't have any signs. They might have ADHD symptoms that are difficult to spot, like inattentive ADHD. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause strained or dissolved relationships, especially with men.
Women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to face problems at school and at work. They may have difficulty following directions, keeping track of deadlines and keeping promises. They might also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These challenges can lead them to burnout, which could negatively impact their job and career.
Women with adult ADHD frequently have difficulty keeping track of their attention, are easily distracted, and are not well organized. They may also be prone depression and self-doubt. In addition, they may have trouble with their emotions and are frequently not understood by others. For adhd in women adult , mood swings can be seen as an expression of anger or frustration.
Despite these difficulties there are many options for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best is an online support group specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are available on the internet and in person. They are an excellent way to receive information on the diagnosis process 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. For example, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults with ADHD to share their struggles, successes and hopes. The information about the meeting can be found on their Facebook page or on their website. 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 who suffer from ADHD have unique challenges that make it harder to manage their symptoms, including menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause. These hormonal changes may cause or worsen emotional issues such as mood swings, and irritation.
Exercise can reduce these symptoms, by releasing feel good hormones and reducing the stress. Plus, it can help reduce excess energy and improve concentration and attention. Therefore, you should try to incorporate a regular fitness routine into your daily.
Try exercising at home, or if you prefer a more social environment, join a group class or gym. Just remember, that while exercising can help alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD however, it will not cure them all on its own - it must be combined with other symptom-management strategies. You should aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.