ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women and girls because the symptoms are less evident. It is possible to mistake them for other conditions and this can delay referral.
It is essential to investigate and treat the symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders among females suffering from ADHD. Adolescence, pregnancy or adolescence can reveal and worsen ADHD in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is difficult to diagnose, especially in women. Many of the symptoms differ for women. While men are more active and impulsive, women typically have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. Because of this, they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
ADHD is also more often seen in boys and men, so doctors might not be familiar with the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis because females are not referred to doctors as frequently. Girls also tend to conceal their symptoms better than boys and are less likely to be noticed by teachers or parents. They may resort to coping strategies, such as concealing their appearance with makeup or acting out to hide their behavior and emotions.
Symptoms of ADHD can get worse when women experience perimenopausal or menopause. This is due to the fact that they have hormonal fluctuations that can cause them to be more susceptible to mood swings. It could also be challenging to keep track of routines and stay on top of their tasks. This can impact their ability to manage their home, work and other obligations.
Waiting times for assessments can be stressful and cause frustration to those who aren't able to get the help they require. This is particularly true for those who are on the NHS, as there is a small number of doctors that can conduct ADHD assessments. It can take years to obtain an appointment.
The first step towards getting a diagnosis is to see your GP. It is crucial to inform your GP that you believe you might have ADHD because they will need to take this seriously and request an appointment. You should also explain the reasons behind why you think you may have ADHD. You can download an official letter from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. Alternatively, you can consider obtaining an assessment through the private healthcare route.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women with ADHD are often harder to identify than men, mainly because the signs aren't as obvious, especially in adulthood. They may develop compensatory strategies to hide their problems, and these could be detrimental to their health. A few of these include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and trying to build social support by engaging in risky activities (e.g. Gangs, prostitution and criminal activities are just a few examples of high-risk activities. Girls who suffer from ADHD can also have increased incidences of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.
The GP will take any reports of ADHD seriously, and should inquire about your symptoms. They will then recommend the appropriate service for you - this typically a community mental health clinic or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
Waiting times for these services can be long In some instances, it can be difficult to be referred because the problem is not taken seriously enough. This could be because the GP does not know about adult ADHD, or because they believe that the person's problems are due to other factors (like anxiety, depression or substance misuse) and not by their ADHD symptoms.
After you've been referred to a therapist to a therapist, you must choose a therapist who understands the condition, and will work with your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists are trained cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms requires a lifetime commitment. Treatment can ease some of your symptoms, and dietary changes can make a difference too. For instance, an a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can make your symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less apparent. A diet that is high in sugars and junk foods can exacerbate these symptoms.
It's also worth talking with your GP about whether mindfulness-based practices such as meditation might be beneficial for you, as they are extremely efficient in helping those suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods from a qualified instructor. You can find a teacher near you by using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD may have less apparent symptoms than men. This is likely due to the fact that females do not have as many symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This can make it difficult for them to be diagnosed. This does not mean that they don't have symptoms. They may even have ADHD symptoms that are difficult to detect, such as inattentive ADHD. In adhd in adults women , they can have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause difficult relationships, especially with males.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD might be more likely to struggle with school and work. They can have trouble following directions and keeping track of deadlines and completing commitments. They may also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These issues can lead to burnout, which can negatively impact their career and job performance.
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of adult ADHD among women include difficulties paying attention, forgetting things easily, and poor organisation. They may also be prone self-doubt and depression. They can also have difficulty communicating their feelings, and are often misinterpreted. For example mood swings could be perceived as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these challenges there are many resources for adults with ADHD. One of the most effective options is an intervention program specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups can be found online and in person. They are a great way to get advice on diagnosis routes for children and adults, and also how to manage your illness.
There are a variety of adult ADHD support groups across the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe space for adults suffering from ADHD to talk about their challenges, successes and aspirations. The information about the meeting can be found on their Facebook page and website. You can contact them if you have any questions or would like to attend an scheduled event.
4. Exercise
Women who suffer from ADHD have unique challenges that make it harder to manage their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopausal changes. These hormonal changes may cause or exacerbate emotional issues such as mood swings and anger.
Exercise can ease the symptoms by releasing feel good hormones and reducing stress. It can also help to reduce excess energy and improve focus and attention. Try to include a regular exercise routine in your daily routine.
Exercise at home or, if you'd like to be social join a club or gym. Just remember, that while exercising can help alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD, it won't cure them all on its own - it must be combined with other strategies for managing symptoms. The ideal goal is to complete 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every week.