ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women are often undiagnosed for ADHD because the symptoms are less apparent in females. They can also be mistaken for other disorders and this could delay referral.
Signs of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females with ADHD should be explored and treated in the appropriate way. Transitional periods such as pregnancy or adolescence can reveal and increase the severity of ADHD in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is difficult to identify particularly for women. This is due to the fact that many symptoms are different in females. For example, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, most women have difficulty in concentrating or staying still. As a result, they can be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems like depression or anxiety.
Doctors may not be familiarized with ADHD, as it is more common in men and boys. This could lead to delays in diagnosis as females often don't get referred as swiftly. Girls also conceal their symptoms better than males. This means they are less likely to be noticed by parents or teachers. They may use coping techniques like hiding behind make-up or putting on a show to conceal their feelings and behaviors.
The symptoms of ADHD can worsen when women are going through menopausal changes or perimenopause. This is due to hormonal fluctuations that can make them more prone to mood swings. They might also find it harder to stay on top of things and follow routines. This can impact how they manage their work, home and other responsibilities.
Waiting times for assessments can cause stress and frustration for those who are unable to receive the help they need. This is especially true for those who are on the NHS since there are only a few doctors who can perform ADHD assessments. It can take years to make an appointment.
The first step to getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. It is important to inform your GP that you think you be suffering from ADHD. They will consider this a serious matter and request a referral. You must also provide the reasons behind why you think you may have ADHD. You can download the letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. You can also try to receive an evaluation through private healthcare.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult to diagnose due to the fact that their symptoms, especially when they reach adulthood might not be as evident. They may develop compensatory strategies to cover up their problems which can be very damaging. Some of these include excessive drinking, smoking cannabis and trying to build social support by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. Gangs, prostitution and criminal activity are all examples of high-risk activities. Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be involved in criminal activities, gangs, and promiscuity. incidences of sexually transmitted infections and teens, early and unplanned pregnancies.
Doctors will take any complaint of ADHD seriously and will ask you about your symptoms. They will then recommend a treatment that is most suitable for you. It is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services can be long and in some cases it can be difficult to get referred because of the lack of seriousness how the issue is addressed. This could be due to the fact that the GP does not know about adult ADHD or think that the person's challenges are caused by other factors (like anxiety, depression or substance misuse) 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 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 lifelong commitment. Treatment can ease some of your symptoms, and diet changes can also make a difference. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help to reduce the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. On the other hand, a diet high in sugar and junk foods can worsen the symptoms.
It's also worth talking with your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation might be beneficial for you because they can be very effective in helping people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods from a qualified instructor. The NHS service locator can help you find a provider near you.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD might have less obvious symptoms than men. This is likely due to the fact that females do not have as many symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. However, this isn't to say that they don't have any symptoms. In reality, they may be afflicted with inattention ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to detect. In addition, they can have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause ruptures or broken relationships particularly with males.
Women who have inattentive ADHD may be more likely to have difficulties with school and work. They can have trouble following instructions and keeping track of deadlines and meeting commitments. They might be unable to accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback from their workplace. These issues can cause burnout, which can have a negative effect on their performance at work and their career.
Women who suffer from adult ADHD frequently have difficulty paying attention, forgetting easily and aren't organized. They can also be prone to self-doubt, depression, and anxiety. They may also struggle with their emotions and are often thought of as a victim by other people. For example, mood changes can be misinterpreted as sudden eruption of anger or frustration.
Despite these challenges, there are still many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective options is a support program that is specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are available on the internet and in person. They are great ways to get advice on diagnosis routes for adults and children, as well as how to manage your condition.
There are many adult ADHD support groups throughout the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example, meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe and secure environment for adults with ADHD who want to discuss their challenges, goals and accomplishments. The details of the meeting can be found on their Facebook page or website. add in women test can also contact them with any questions or if you'd like the opportunity to attend a future event.
4. Exercise
Women who suffer from ADHD may face unique issues that make it more difficult to manage their symptoms, like menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause. These hormonal changes may cause or exacerbate emotional issues such as mood swings, and anger.
Exercise can help reduce these symptoms, by releasing feel good hormones and decreasing stress. It also helps reduce excess energy and improve focus and attention. Try to include an exercise routine that you regularly do in your daily routine.
You can exercise at home or, if your goal is to socialize take part in a group or join a gym. Be aware that although exercise can alleviate some of the symptoms of ADHD however, it will not cure them all by itself - it should be paired with other strategies for managing symptoms. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity workout each week.