ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often not properly 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 address the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and eating disorders among women suffering from ADHD. The transitional phases of pregnancy and adolescence may unmask and exacerbate ADHD symptoms in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD isn't easy to identify in adulthood, particularly for women. This is because many symptoms are different in females. For instance, while men tend to have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have difficulty being able to concentrate or sit still. Because of this, they can be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
Doctors may not be well-versed with ADHD because it's more common in men and boys. This can lead to delays in diagnosis because females aren't referred to doctors as frequently. Girls are also able to hide their symptoms better than males. This makes them less likely get noticed by their teachers or parents. They may resort to strategies to cope, like hiding behind makeup or acting out, to hide their behavior and emotions.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women are going through menopause or perimenopausal. This is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more susceptible to mood swings. It can also be difficult to follow routines and stay on top of their tasks. This can affect their ability to 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 require. This can be particularly relevant for those on the NHS and have a small number of doctors who can carry out ADHD assessments and it can take years to obtain an appointment.
The first step in getting a diagnosis is to see your GP. It is important to inform your GP that you believe you might be suffering from ADHD because they will need to take this seriously and request a referral. It is also important to explain why you believe you might be suffering from ADHD. You can download the letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to speed up the process. You may also receive an evaluation from private healthcare.
2. Speak with your doctor
Women with ADHD can be harder to diagnose than men, mainly because the signs aren't as evident, especially when they are adults. These strategies can be harmful since they can try to conceal their problems. A few of these include excessive drinking, smoking cannabis, and trying to create social connections by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. crime, gangs, and promiscuity activities). Girls with ADHD may also be more susceptible to increased incidences of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.
GPs will take any report of ADHD seriously, and should ask you about your symptoms. Then, they will recommend the appropriate service for you - this is usually a community mental health service or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services are 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 is unaware of the existence of adult ADHD or believes the person's difficulties are caused by other factors (such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse) instead of ADHD symptoms.
After you've been referred to a therapist, it is important to choose a therapist who understands the disorder and is willing to work with your ADHD issues. add women specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is particularly beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms requires a long-term commitment. The use of medication can reduce some of your symptoms and diet modifications can also make a difference. For instance, a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables can make your symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less apparent. On the other side, a diet that is high in junk food and sugar can exacerbate these symptoms.
It's also worth talking with your GP about whether mindfulness-based techniques such as meditation could be useful for you, as they can be very effective in helping people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods from a qualified teacher. You can find one near you using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to find their symptoms less obvious than males. This is likely 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 suggest that they don't have any symptoms. In fact, they may have inattentive ADHD symptoms which are more difficult to recognize. In addition, they can struggle with managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to difficult relationships, especially with males.
Women who have inattentive ADHD are more likely to struggle with school and work. add adult women can have trouble following instructions and juggling deadlines and keeping promises. They can be unable to accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback from their workplace. These issues can lead to burnout which can have a negative impact on their performance at work and career.
Women who suffer from adult ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused, forgetting easily and are not organized. They may also be susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. Additionally, they can be troubled by their emotions and are often thought of as a victim by other people. For instance, changes in mood can be misinterpreted as sudden rage or anger.
Despite these challenges there are plenty of resources available for adults with ADHD. One of the best is a support group that is specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are accessible on the internet and in person. These groups are a great place to seek advice on diagnostic methods for adults and children, as well how to manage your condition.
There are a variety of adult ADHD support groups across the UK. For instance the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe and secure environment for adults with ADHD who want to discuss their challenges, goals and accomplishments. The information about the meeting are available on their Facebook page or on their website. You can reach them with any questions or would like to attend an forthcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women who suffer from ADHD have unique 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 swings and irritability.
Exercise can ease these symptoms, by producing feel-good hormones and reducing stress. Plus, it can help to reduce stress and increase focus and attention. Make sure to incorporate a regular exercise routine in your daily routine.
Exercise at home or, if you want to be social join a club or gym. Just remember, that while exercise can reduce some of the symptoms of ADHD but it's not going to solve them all on its own. It should be paired with other strategies to manage symptoms. The goal should be 150 minutes of moderate intensity workout per week.