ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often mistakenly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are less obvious. It is possible to mistake them for other conditions, which could delay the referral.
Symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females suffering from ADHD need to be investigated and treated as needed. Periods of transition such as pregnancy and adolescence may unmask and exacerbate ADHD symptoms in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be hard to diagnose in adulthood, particularly for women. The symptoms differ for women. While men tend to be more hyperactive and impulsive, females often struggle to concentrate or sit still. They may be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
Doctors may not be familiarized with ADHD because it's more common in men and boys. This can cause delays in diagnosis as females aren't often referred to as frequently. Girls can also hide symptoms better than boys. This makes them less likely to be noticed by their teachers or parents. They might resort to coping strategies that include concealing their face with makeup or putting on a show to conceal their feelings and behaviour.
The symptoms of ADHD can worsen when women are experiencing menopausal or perimenopausal. This is due to the fact that they be affected by hormonal changes that make them more prone to mood swings. They might also find it harder to keep track of their activities and stick to routines. This can affect how well they 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, the 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 relevant for those on the NHS since there are a small number of doctors that can conduct ADHD assessments and it can take years to obtain an appointment.
The first step to getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. It is important to inform your GP that you believe you might be suffering from ADHD because they'll need to take this seriously and ask for an appointment. You must also state the reasons why you think you be suffering from ADHD. You can download a supportive letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP and aid in speeding up the process. Alternately, you can try to get an assessment via the private healthcare route.
2. Speak with your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to recognize due to the fact that their symptoms, especially when they are adults aren't always obvious. These strategies can be harmful, as they may try to conceal their problems. A few of these include excessive drinking, smoking cannabis and trying to gain social support by participating in high-risk activities (e.g. prostitution, gangs and other criminal activities). Girls with ADHD are also more likely to have a higher rate of sexually transmitted diseases, teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.
Doctors take reports of ADHD very serious and will inquire about your symptoms. Then they will recommend the best service for your needs. adhd symptoms women or a specialist Neurodevelopmental Service.
Waiting times for these services can be long and in some instances it is difficult to get referred because the problem is not taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP is not aware of adult ADHD or believes that the individual's issues are due to other causes (such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse) rather than ADHD symptoms.
It is crucial to select a therapist with ADHD experience who is able to work with you in addressing your ADHD challenges. Certain therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is particularly helpful for people with ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms is a long-term process that can last for a lifetime. The use of medication and diet changes can aid in reducing your symptoms. For example, eating an a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can make the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less noticeable. On the other side, a diet that is high in junk food and sugar can worsen the symptoms.
You should also inquire with your GP to determine if mindfulness-based practices such as meditation might be helpful for you. They are beneficial in helping those suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques by a trained teacher. The NHS service locator will help you locate the nearest provider.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD often have less visible symptoms than males. This is probably due to the fact that females don't display 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. In reality, they may have inattention ADHD symptoms that are harder to recognise. In addition, they could have a hard time managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause strained or dissolved relationships particularly with males.
Women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to face difficulties at school and work. They can have trouble following instructions, keeping track of deadlines and meeting commitments. They might also be unable to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These issues can cause burnout, which can have a negative effect on their performance at work and their career.
Women with adult ADHD frequently have difficulty paying attention, forgetting easily, and are not well organized. They might also be prone to depression and self-doubt. signs of adhd in women can also have difficulty expressing their emotions, and are often misunderstood. For instance, mood swings can be misinterpreted as a sudden outburst anger or frustration.
Despite these challenges there are many resources for adults with ADHD. One of the most effective is an online support group specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups are offered online and in person. These groups are an excellent way to receive advice on the diagnosis options for children and adults, as well how to manage your condition.
There are a variety of adult ADHD support groups throughout the UK. For instance the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They offer a safe place for adults suffering from ADHD to discuss their challenges, achievements and hopes. You can find the information on the meeting on their website or their Facebook page. You can reach them with any questions or wish to attend an upcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD have unique difficulties that make it difficult to manage their symptoms, like menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopausal changes. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional problems such as mood swings, and anger.
Exercise can help alleviate these symptoms by releasing happy hormones and decreasing stress. Plus, it can help reduce excess energy and improve focus and attention. Make sure to incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine.
You can exercise at home or, if your goal is to socialize join a club or gym. Exercise can ease some ADHD symptoms, but it will not cure the symptoms. It should be combined with other strategies for managing symptoms. The goal should be 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.