ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women often go not being diagnosed with ADHD since symptoms are more obvious for females. It is possible to mistake them for other conditions, which could delay the diagnosis.
Signs of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females with ADHD should be explored and treated as needed. Transitional periods such as adolescence and pregnancy can also cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be difficult to identify in adulthood, particularly for women. The symptoms differ for women. While men are more hyperactive and impulsive, women typically have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. As a result, they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems like anxiety or depression.
ADHD is more frequently observed in men and boys So doctors may not be knowledgeable about the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis because females aren't referred to doctors as quickly. Girls can also hide their symptoms better than boys, making them less likely to be noticed by teachers or parents. They might use strategies to cope, like hiding behind makeup or acting out to cover up their actions and emotions.
The symptoms of ADHD can get worse when women experience perimenopausal or menopausal. This is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more susceptible to mood swings. They may also find it harder to keep track of things and adhere to routines. This could affect their ability to manage their work, home and other obligations.
While awareness of ADHD has increased due to celebrities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, waiting times for tests are creating stress and frustration for those who aren't able to access the assistance they require. This is especially true for those who are on the NHS and have a limited number of doctors who conduct ADHD tests and it could take years to obtain an appointment.
The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is seeing your GP. It is important to mention to your GP that you believe you may have ADHD because they'll need to be attentive and request a referral. It is also important to explain why you believe 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. Alternatively, you can try to get an assessment through private healthcare.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to identify, in part because their symptoms, particularly when they are adults aren't always evident. These strategies can be harmful, because they might try to conceal their problems. This includes drinking heavily, smoking cannabis, and seeking to build social support by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. gangs, promiscuity and criminal activities). Girls with ADHD are also more likely to be involved in a higher rate of sexually transmitted illnesses and teens, unplanned and early-stage pregnancy.
Doctors will take any complaint of ADHD seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. Then they will recommend the appropriate service for you. This is usually a community mental health service or a specialist Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for the services may be long and in some instances it can be difficult to get referred because the problem isn't treated with enough seriousness. This could be due to the fact that the GP does not know about adult ADHD, or because they believe that the person's problems are due to other factors (like depression, anxiety or abuse of substances) and not by their ADHD symptoms.
It is essential to choose a therapist with ADHD experience who is willing to collaborate with your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists are trained cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is particularly beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms is a lifelong process. Treatment and dietary changes can aid in reducing your symptoms. For example, eating a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables can make the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less noticeable. A diet high in sugars and junk foods can increase the severity of these symptoms.
It is also advisable to ask your GP to determine if mindfulness-based practices like meditation might be beneficial to you. They are helpful in helping those with ADHD manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques by a trained instructor. You can find a teacher near you using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD may have less obvious symptoms than men. This could be due to the fact that females don't display as many hyperactive or impulsive symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to get diagnosed. However, this is not to suggest that they don't have any symptoms. In fact, they could have inattention ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to recognise. In addition, they could struggle with managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause strained relationships, particularly with men.
Women with inattention ADHD are more likely to have difficulties with work and school. They can have trouble following instructions, keeping track of deadlines and meeting commitments. They can also have difficulty accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback at work. These challenges can lead to burnout that can negatively impact their career and job performance.
Some of the most common symptoms and signs of ADHD among women include difficulties paying attention, forgetting things easily and a lack of organization. They may also be prone self-doubt and depression. Additionally, they can be troubled by their emotions and are frequently not understood by others. For instance, changes in mood can be misinterpreted as sudden eruption of anger or frustration.
Despite these issues, there are a lot of resources available to adults with ADHD. One of the most effective options is an intervention program specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups are offered both online as well as in person. These groups are a great way to get advice about diagnostic methods for both children and adults and also how to manage your condition.
If you're seeking an adult ADHD support group, there are several in the UK. For instance the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults with ADHD who wish to talk about their challenges, goals, and successes. adult add women on the meeting on their website and Facebook page. You can also reach them with questions or if you'd like the opportunity to attend the next event.
4. Exercise
Women suffering from ADHD may face challenges in managing their symptoms, including menstrual cycles and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can trigger or intensify emotional symptoms like mood fluctuations and irritability.
Exercise can help reduce the symptoms by releasing feel good hormones and decreasing stress. It also helps manage excess energy, and increase focus and concentration. Make sure to incorporate a regular exercise routine in your daily routine.
Try exercising at your home, or, if you prefer a social setting, join a group class or a gym. Just remember, that while exercise can alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD however, it will not solve them all on its own - it must be combined with other strategies to manage symptoms. The goal should be 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.