ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often not properly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are less evident. They can also be misdiagnosed as other disorders, which can delay the referral.
It is essential to investigate and treat the symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females suffering from ADHD. Adolescence, pregnancy or adolescence can reveal and exacerbate ADHD in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is difficult to identify, especially in women. This is because many symptoms are different for females. For instance, while males tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, most women have difficulty being able to concentrate or sit still. They may be misdiagnosed as having other mental health issues, like depression or anxiety.
ADHD is more frequently seen in boys and men and doctors may not be knowledgeable about the condition. This can cause delays in diagnosis as females aren't often referred to as swiftly. Girls may also conceal their symptoms better than men which makes them less likely to be observed by parents or teachers. They may resort to coping methods, such as hiding behind make-up or putting on a show to conceal their feelings and behaviour.
The symptoms of ADHD are more severe when women go through perimenopause or menopausal. This is because they can experience hormonal fluctuations that cause them to be more susceptible to mood swings. It may also be difficult for them to follow routines and stay on top of their tasks. This can affect how well they manage their home, work and other obligations.
While awareness of ADHD has increased due to prominent personalities such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, waiting times for tests are creating stress and frustration for people who haven't been successful in getting the assistance they require. This is especially relevant for those on the NHS since there are a limited number of doctors who can conduct ADHD assessments. It can take years to secure an appointment.
The first step towards getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. You must inform your GP that you think you have ADHD. They will consider this a serious matter and will request a referral. It is also important to explain why you believe you might be suffering from ADHD. You can download a help letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP to assist in the speedy process. You could also get an evaluation from private healthcare.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women with ADHD are more difficult to identify due to the fact that their symptoms, especially when they reach adulthood might not be as evident. They might develop strategies to conceal their issues which can be very damaging. Some 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 are also more likely to have more sexually transmitted diseases and teens, unplanned and early-stage pregnancy.
The GP will take any reports of ADHD seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then refer you to a service that is best suited to you. This is usually a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services can be long and, in some instances it can be difficult to refer someone due to the lack of seriousness which the problem is dealt with. This could be due to the fact that the GP is not aware of adult ADHD or believes that the person's issues are due to other causes (such as anxiety, depression or abuse of substances) rather than ADHD symptoms.
It is crucial to choose a therapist who has ADHD experience who is willing to collaborate with your ADHD difficulties. adhd symptoms women are trained cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is particularly beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms requires a lifetime commitment. Medication can help to reduce some of your symptoms and diet changes can also make a difference. For instance, an a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits can make your symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less apparent. A diet rich in sugars and junk food may exacerbate these symptoms.
It is also worth speaking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation could be useful for you as they can be extremely efficient in helping those suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques by a trained teacher. The NHS service locator will help you locate a provider near you.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD typically have less visible symptoms than men. This is likely due to the fact that females don't display as many hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. This can make it difficult to diagnose them. However, this isn't to suggest that they don't have any symptoms. They could have ADHD symptoms that are difficult to spot, like inattentive ADHD. In addition, they can have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in difficult relationships, especially with males.
Women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to have difficulties at work and school. They may have difficulty following instructions and keeping track of deadlines and completing commitments. They may also have a hard time accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback from their workplace. These issues can lead to burnout that can have a negative impact on their career and job performance.
Some of the most prevalent signs and symptoms of adult ADHD among women include difficulties paying attention, easily forgetting things, and poor organisation. They can also be prone to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. They may also have difficulties expressing their emotions, and are often not understood. For example, mood changes can be misinterpreted as sudden rage or anger.
Despite these challenges there are many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best is a support group specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups are available online and in person. These groups are a great place to seek advice on diagnostic methods for adults and children, and also how to manage your condition.
If you're looking for an adult ADHD support group, there are several in the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They offer a safe space for adults with ADHD who wish to talk about their challenges, goals, and accomplishments. The meeting details are available on their Facebook page and website. You can contact them if you have any questions or wish to attend an forthcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles and menopausal symptoms. adhd symptoms women can cause or worsen emotional issues such as mood swings, and irritability.
Exercise can help reduce these symptoms by releasing happy hormones and reduce stress. It also helps manage excess energy, and improve focus and attention. Try to incorporate an exercise routine that you regularly do in your daily routine.
Exercise at home or, if you'd like to socialize take part in a group or join a gym. Remember that although exercising can help alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD however, it will not fix them completely by itself - it should be paired with other strategies to manage symptoms. Ideally, you should aim to do 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every week.