ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls often go undiagnosed for ADHD because the symptoms are less obvious in females. They can also be misdiagnosed as other disorders which may delay referral.
The signs of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females suffering from ADHD need to be investigated and addressed as appropriate. Adolescence, pregnancy or adolescence may reveal and exacerbate ADHD in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is a difficult condition to diagnose particularly in women. This is due to the fact that many symptoms are different in females. For example, while men tend to have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, a lot of women have difficulty in concentrating or staying still. This means that they can be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems such as depression or anxiety.
Doctors may not be familiarized with ADHD, as it is more prevalent in males and boys. This can lead to delays in diagnosis as women aren't referred as quickly. Girls also tend to conceal their symptoms better than men, making them less likely to be recognized by teachers or parents. They might resort to strategies to cope, like hiding behind makeup or acting out to disguise their behaviour and emotions.
Symptoms of ADHD are more severe as women enter perimenopausal or menopausal. This is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more susceptible to mood swings. They may also find it harder to stay on top of things and follow routines. This can affect how well they 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, the long wait times for tests are creating stress and frustration for those who aren't able to access the help they need. This is especially true for those on the NHS since there are only a handful of doctors who can perform ADHD tests. It can take years to get an appointment.
The first step towards receiving a diagnosis is to visit your GP. You must inform your GP you believe you may have ADHD. They will consider this a serious matter and ask for an appointment. It is also important to explain why you believe you might be suffering from ADHD. You can download a supportive letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP to assist in the speedy process. You may also receive an evaluation through private healthcare.
2. Speak with your doctor
Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult to diagnose, in part because their symptoms, especially when they reach adulthood, may not be as evident. These strategies can be harmful, because they might try to conceal their problems. They may do this by drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and trying to build social support through high-risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs, and criminal activities are just a few examples of high-risk behaviors. Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be involved in criminal activities, gangs, and promiscuity. rates of sexually transmitted diseases and teenage, early and unplanned pregnancies.
signs and symptoms of adhd in women will take any reports of ADHD very serious and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then recommend a treatment that is the most appropriate for you. This is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
Waiting times for the services may be long, and in some cases it can be difficult to be referrals because the issue isn't taken seriously enough. This could be because the GP isn't aware of adult ADHD or think that the person's challenges are caused by something else (like depression, anxiety or abuse of drugs) and not caused by their ADHD symptoms.
After you've been referred to a therapist, it is important to select a therapist that is aware of the disorder and is willing to work with your ADHD issues. Some therapists are trained cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is particularly beneficial for people with ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms requires a lifetime commitment. Medication can help to reduce some of your symptoms and diet changes can make a difference too. A diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help to reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. A diet rich in sugars and junk food can cause these symptoms to worsen.
It's also worth talking with your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation might be useful for you as they are 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 who suffer from ADHD might have more subtle symptoms than males. This could be because females don't exhibit as many hyperactive or impulsive symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to be diagnosed. This does not mean that they don't have symptoms. 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 result in broken relationships or even breakups, especially with men.
Women who are not attentive ADHD are more likely to experience problems at school and at work. They may have trouble following directions, meeting deadlines, and keeping track of their commitments. They might also have a hard time accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback from their workplace. These challenges can lead to burnout that can have a negative impact on their job and career.
Some of the most prevalent signs and symptoms of adult ADHD in women include difficulty paying attention, forgetting things easily and having a poor organization. They could also be susceptible to depression and self-doubt. In addition, they may struggle with their emotions and are often thought of as a victim by other people. For instance mood swings could be interpreted as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these challenges there are many resources available for adults with ADHD. One of the best is a support group that is specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups are accessible on the internet and in person. These groups are a great place to get advice about diagnostic methods for both children and adults as well how to manage your illness.
If you're looking for an adult ADHD support group, there are many 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 share their challenges, successes and aspirations. The information on the meeting on their website or their Facebook page. You can contact them with any questions or want to attend an scheduled event.
4. Exercise
Women who suffer from ADHD may face unique challenges that make it harder to manage their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes may cause or worsen emotional issues such as mood swings and irritability.
Exercise can reduce the symptoms of these conditions by releasing positive hormones and decreasing stress. It can also help control excess energy, improve focus and attention. Therefore, you should try to incorporate a regular exercise routine into your day.
Exercise at home or, if you'd like to socialize take part in a group or join a gym. Exercise can help with certain ADHD symptoms but it can't cure them. It should be incorporated with other strategies to manage symptoms. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity workout each week.