ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women are often not being diagnosed with ADHD since symptoms are more obvious for females. It is possible to mistake them for other disorders and this could delay the referral.
It is crucial to understand and address the symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in women suffering from ADHD. The transitional phases of pregnancy or adolescence may reveal and exacerbate ADHD in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is a difficult condition to diagnose particularly in women. This is because many of the symptoms are different in females. For instance, while males tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, most women have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. As a result, they could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
ADHD is also more often seen in boys and men, so doctors might not be familiar with the condition. This could lead to delays in diagnosis, since females are not referred to doctors as frequently. Girls are also able to hide their symptoms better than males. This makes them less likely to get noticed by teachers or parents. They might resort to coping strategies, such as concealing their face with makeup or acting out to disguise their emotions and behavior.
The symptoms of ADHD are more severe in women who are going through menopausal changes or perimenopausal. This is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more prone to mood swings. It may also be difficult to follow routines and manage their tasks. This could affect how they manage their home, work and other obligations.
While awareness of ADHD has increased due to high profile personalities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, waiting times for assessments are frustrating and stressful for people who haven't been able to access the assistance they require. This is especially relevant for those on the NHS, as there is only a handful of doctors who can perform ADHD assessments and it can take years to get an appointment.
The first step towards receiving a diagnosis is to visit your GP. It is crucial to tell your GP that you think you might be suffering from ADHD because they'll need to take it seriously and request an appointment. You should also explain the reasons you believe you might have ADHD. You can download a letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to speed up the process. You may also get 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 are adults, may not be as evident. These strategies can be harmful, because they might attempt to hide their issues. Some of them include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and trying to create social connections by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. gangs, promiscuity and criminal activities). Girls with ADHD may also be more susceptible to increased rates of sexually transmitted diseases and teenage, early and unplanned pregnancies.
The GPs will take any reports of ADHD extremely seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then refer you to a service that is the most appropriate for you. This is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services can be long and in some cases it can be difficult to be referred due to 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 they believe that the person's problems are caused by other factors (like depression, anxiety or abuse of substances) and not due to their ADHD symptoms.
It is crucial to choose a therapist with ADHD experience who is willing to work alongside your ADHD issues. Some therapists specialise in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people with ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. Treatment and dietary changes can aid in reducing your symptoms. A diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. On the other side, a diet that is high in junk food and sugar can increase 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 efficient in helping those suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a trained teacher. You can locate a teacher near you using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD might exhibit more subtle symptoms than males. This is probably due to the fact that females don't 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 do not have symptoms. In reality, they may have inattentive ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to recognize. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in difficult relationships, especially with men.
Women who are not attentive ADHD are more likely to experience difficulties at work and school. They may have trouble following directions or deadlines, as well as keeping on top of their commitments. They might also have a hard time accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback from their workplace. These challenges can cause burnout, which can have a negative impact on their job performance and career.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms and signs of adult ADHD for women are difficulty paying attention, forgetting things easily, and poor organisation. They are also susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. They may also have trouble in expressing their emotions and are often misunderstood. For adult adhd symptoms women , mood swings can be misinterpreted as sudden outburst anger or frustration.
Despite these challenges, there are still many options for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective options is a support program specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are available on the internet and in person. They are great ways to get guidance on diagnosis routes for children and adults, as well as how to manage your illness.
If you're looking for an adult ADHD support group, there are many in the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example is a weekly meeting at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe and secure environment for adults with ADHD who wish to talk about their challenges, goals and successes. You can find the meeting details on their website and Facebook page. Contact them if you have any questions or wish to attend an forthcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles as well as menopausal changes. These hormonal changes may cause or worsen emotional issues such as mood swings, and irritability.
Exercise can help alleviate these symptoms by releasing happy hormones and reduce stress. It also helps reduce excess energy and increase focus and concentration. Try to include regular exercise into your day.
Exercise at home or, if you'd like to be social, join a group or join a gym. Remember that although exercise can reduce certain symptoms of ADHD, it won't cure them all on its own. It is best to combine it with other symptom-management strategies. You should aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.