ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women and girls because the signs aren't as evident. They can also be misdiagnosed as other conditions, which can delay the diagnosis.
Symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females suffering from ADHD should be explored and treated as needed. The transitional phases of pregnancy or adolescence may reveal and worsen ADHD in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be hard to identify in adulthood, particularly for women. The symptoms differ for women. For example, while men tend to have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, most women have trouble being able to concentrate or sit still. Because of this, they can be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
ADHD is often observed in men and boys So doctors may not be aware of the condition. This can cause delays in diagnosis because females aren't seen by doctors as often. Girls may also conceal their symptoms better than boys, making them less likely to be recognized by teachers or parents. They might resort to coping strategies, such as concealing their face with makeup or acting out to disguise their feelings and behaviors.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women are going through menopause or perimenopause. This is because they have hormonal fluctuations that can make them more prone to mood swings. They might be unable to keep track of their activities and follow routines. This could affect their ability to manage their home, work and other obligations.
While awareness of ADHD has risen due 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 those who haven't been in a position to get the help they need. This is particularly true for those who are on the NHS since there are a small number of doctors who can conduct ADHD assessments and it can take years to obtain an appointment.
The first step in getting an assessment is to see your GP. It is crucial to inform your GP that you think you might be suffering from ADHD since they will have to take it seriously and ask for a referral. It is also important to explain why you believe you might be suffering from ADHD. You can download a letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. You can also try to obtain an assessment through private healthcare.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women with ADHD are often harder to recognize than men, in part because the signs aren't as evident, especially as an adult. They might develop strategies to cover up their problems, and these can be very damaging. They may do this by drinking excessively or smoking cannabis, as well as seeking to build support for their friends through high risk activities (e.g. Gangs, prostitution and criminal activity are all examples of high-risk activities. Girls with ADHD are also more likely to be involved in an increased risk of developing sexually transmitted diseases, teens who are unplanned and have early-stage pregnancy.
The GPs will take any reports of ADHD extremely serious and will inquire about your symptoms. Then, they will refer you to the best service for your needs. This typically a community mental health service or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.
Waiting times for these services can be lengthy and in some instances it can be difficult to be referrals because the issue isn't taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of the existence of adult ADHD or believes that the person's difficulties are caused by other factors (such as anxiety, depression or abuse of substances) instead of ADHD symptoms.
It is important that you choose a therapist who has ADHD experience who is willing to work with you in addressing your ADHD issues. Some therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people with ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. The use of medication and diet changes can aid in reducing your symptoms. A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help to reduce the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. On the other the other hand, a diet rich in sugar and junk food can worsen the symptoms.
It's also worth talking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based techniques such as meditation might be useful for you because they can be extremely effective in helping people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques from a qualified instructor. You can locate a teacher 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 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 is not to say that they aren't suffering from any signs. They could have ADHD symptoms that are harder to recognize, such as inattention ADHD. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause strained or dissolved relationships, especially with men.
Women who have inattentive ADHD might be more likely to struggle with school and work. They may have difficulty following directions in completing deadlines and keeping track of their commitments. They may also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or constructive feedback. These issues can lead to burnout, which can have a negative effect on their job performance and their professional career.
Women with adult ADHD often have trouble keeping track of their attention, are easily distracted and aren't organized. They may also be prone depression and self-doubt. They may also have trouble in expressing their emotions and are often misinterpreted. For instance, mood swings can be misinterpreted as a sudden rage or anger.
Despite adhd in women treatment challenges there are many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best options is an intervention program specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups are offered online as well as in person. They are an excellent way to receive information on the diagnosis process for adults and children, as well as 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. undiagnosed adhd in women provide a safe and secure environment for adults with ADHD who want to share their challenges, goals and accomplishments. The information about the meeting are available on their Facebook page and website. You can reach them with any questions or wish to attend an scheduled event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD may face challenges in managing their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles and menopause. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional problems like mood swings and irritation.
Exercise can help alleviate these symptoms by releasing feel-good hormones and reduce stress. Plus, it can help to reduce stress and increase concentration and focus. Make sure to incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine.
Try exercising at home, or if you prefer a social setting you can join a class or a gym. Remember that although exercising can help alleviate some of the symptoms of ADHD, it won't cure them all on its own - it is best to combine it with other strategies for managing symptoms. You should aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity workout per week.