ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often mistakenly diagnosed in girls and women because the signs aren't as obvious. They can also be misdiagnosed as other conditions and delay the referral.
It is essential to investigate and manage the symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females suffering from ADHD. Transitional periods such as pregnancy and adolescence may cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is a difficult condition to diagnose particularly in women. This is because a lot symptoms are different in females. While men tend to be more hyperactive and impulsive, women typically have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. This means that they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
Doctors may not be well-versed with ADHD because it's more prevalent in men and boys. This can cause delays in diagnosis because females aren't seen by doctors as often. Girls also tend to conceal their symptoms better than boys which makes them less likely to be noticed by teachers or parents. They may use coping techniques like wearing make-up or acting out to disguise their emotions and behavior.
The symptoms of ADHD are more severe in women who are experiencing menopausal or perimenopause. This is due to the fact that they experience hormonal fluctuations that cause them to be more susceptible to mood swings. They may be unable to keep track of their activities and follow routines. This can affect how well they manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
Assessments that are delayed for a long time can cause stress and anger to those who aren't able to receive the assistance they need. This is especially true for those who are on the NHS and have a limited number of doctors who conduct ADHD assessments and it can take years to get an appointment.
The first step in obtaining an assessment is to see your GP. It is important to mention to your GP that you believe you might have ADHD since they will have to take it seriously and ask for a referral. You should also explain the reasons behind why you think you might have ADHD. You can download a supportive letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP, which can help speed up the process. You can also attempt to obtain an assessment via the private healthcare route.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women with ADHD can be harder to recognize than men, partly because the signs aren't as evident, especially as an adult. These strategies can be harmful, because they might try to cover up their problems. Some of these include drinking excessively smoking cannabis, or trying to build social support by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. crime, gangs, and promiscuity activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be involved in criminal activities, gangs, and promiscuity. rates of sexually transmitted infections and teens, early and unplanned pregnancies.
The GP will take any reports of ADHD seriously and will ask you about your symptoms. They will then recommend a treatment that is most suitable for you. This is usually a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
Waiting times for the services may be long and in some instances it can be difficult to get referred because the problem is not taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of the existence of adult ADHD or believes the person's issues are due to other causes (such as depression, anxiety or addiction to drugs) instead of ADHD symptoms.
It is essential to choose a therapist who has ADHD experience who is willing to work alongside your ADHD difficulties. Certain therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms is a continuous process. Treatment can ease some of your symptoms and diet changes can make a difference too. A diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help reduce the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. A diet high in sugars and junk food can increase the severity of these symptoms.
It's also worth talking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based techniques such as meditation could be useful for you as they can be extremely effective in helping people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques by a trained instructor. You can locate a teacher near you by using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD often find their symptoms less obvious than men. This could be due to the fact that females don't display as many impulsive and hyperactive symptoms. This makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. However, this does not mean they don't have symptoms. They could have ADHD symptoms that are difficult to spot, like inattention ADHD. They may also have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause strained relationships, particularly with males.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD might be more likely to struggle with work and school. They may have difficulty following directions and keeping track of deadlines and meeting commitments. They can also have difficulty accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback from their workplace. These challenges can lead them to burnout which could negatively impact their job and career.
Some of the most common symptoms and signs of ADHD among women include difficulties paying attention, a tendency to forget things easily and having a poor organization. adult adhd in women could also be susceptible to depression and self-doubt. They may also have difficulties in expressing their emotions and are often misunderstood. For example, mood changes can be misinterpreted as sudden eruption of anger or frustration.
Despite these difficulties, there are still many options for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best options is a support program that is specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups can be found online or in person. They are great ways to get information on the diagnosis process for both adults and children as well as tips on how to manage your condition.
If you're looking for an adult ADHD support group, there are a number in 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 share their challenges, achievements and goals. You can find the details of the meeting on their website or Facebook page. adult adhd in women can also contact them with any questions you may have if you'd like to attend a future event.
4. Exercise
Women who suffer from ADHD may face particular challenges that make it harder to manage their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional symptoms like mood fluctuation and irritability.
Exercise can help alleviate the symptoms of these conditions by releasing positive hormones and reduce stress. It can also help manage excess energy, and increase focus and improve attention. Try to incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine.
Exercise at home or, if you want to be social take part in a group or gym. Remember that although exercise can alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD but it's not going to cure them all on its own. It must be combined with other strategies for managing symptoms. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to complete 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every week.