ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls often go not being diagnosed with ADHD as symptoms are less obvious for females. They are also often misdiagnosed as other conditions, which can delay referral.
Signs of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females with ADHD need to be investigated and addressed as appropriate. Periods of transition such as adolescence and pregnancy can also reveal and worsen ADHD symptoms in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be hard to diagnose in adulthood, particularly for women. This is because many symptoms are different in females. For example, while men tend to have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, a lot of women have trouble concentrating or sitting still. They could be misdiagnosed as having mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
Doctors might not be aware with ADHD because it is more common in men and boys. This can lead to delays in diagnosis, since females are not referred to doctors as frequently. Girls are also able to hide their symptoms better than boys. This makes them less likely to get noticed by parents or teachers. They may resort to coping methods like hiding behind make-up or acting out to hide their feelings and behaviour.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women are experiencing menopausal or perimenopausal. This is because they experience hormonal fluctuations that cause them to be more susceptible to mood swings. It can also be difficult to keep track of routines and keep track of their tasks. This could affect how they manage their work, home and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has risen due to high profile personalities like 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 able to access the help they need. This is particularly relevant for those who are who are on the NHS since there are only a few doctors who can conduct ADHD assessments. It can take a long time to get an appointment.
The first step towards receiving a diagnosis is to visit your GP. You should tell your GP that you think you have ADHD. They will consider this a serious matter and ask for a referral. You should also explain the reasons why you think you may have ADHD. You can download a supportive letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP to help speed up the process. You can also try to get an evaluation through private healthcare.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women with ADHD are more difficult to recognize than men, partly because the symptoms are not as obvious, especially when they are adults. These strategies can be harmful as they may try to conceal their problems. Some of them include excessive drinking smoking cannabis, or trying to create social connections by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. Gangs, prostitution and criminal activity are all examples of high-risk activities. Girls with ADHD are also more likely to have an increased risk of developing sexually transmitted illnesses and teens who are unplanned and have early pregnancy.
Doctors will take any complaint of ADHD seriously and will ask you about your symptoms. Then they will direct you to the most appropriate service for you - this is usually a community mental health service or a specialist Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services are long and in some cases it can be difficult to be referred because of the lack of seriousness with which the problem is treated. This could be due to the fact that the GP doesn't know about adult ADHD, or because they think that the person's challenges are due to something else (like anxiety, depression or abuse of substances) and not by their ADHD symptoms.
After you've been referred to a therapist to a therapist, you must select a therapist who is knowledgeable about the condition, and will work with your ADHD problems. Some therapists are trained cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms requires a lifetime commitment. The use of medication can reduce some of your symptoms and diet modifications can help. A diet high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms. On the other hand, a diet high in sugar and junk food can exacerbate these symptoms.
It is also advisable to ask your GP whether mindfulness-based methods, such as meditation, might be beneficial to you. They can be very beneficial in helping those suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods by a trained instructor. You can find a teacher near you using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD might have more subtle symptoms than males. This could be due to the fact that females do not have as many symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This can make it harder to diagnose them. This doesn't mean they do not have symptoms. In fact, they could have inattentive ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to detect. Additionally, they may have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause tensions in relationships, especially with men.
Women who are not attentive ADHD are more likely to have difficulties at work and school. They can have trouble following directions, keeping track of deadlines and keeping promises. They might be unable to accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback from their workplace. These issues can lead to burnout which could have a negative impact on their job performance and career.
The most frequent signs and symptoms of adult ADHD in women include difficulty paying attention, easily forgetting things and having a poor organization. They are also susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. They may also have trouble in expressing their emotions and are often misinterpreted. For instance, mood swings could be interpreted as a sudden rage or anger.
Despite these challenges, there are still many options for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective is a support group specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups can be found on the internet and in person. These groups are a great place to receive advice on the diagnosis options for children and adults, as well how to manage your condition.
There are many adult ADHD support groups across the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example, meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They offer a safe place for adults with ADHD to talk about their challenges, successes and aspirations. The information on the meeting on their website and their Facebook page. You can reach them with any questions or wish to attend an scheduled event.
4. Exercise
Women who suffer from ADHD can face unique issues that make it more difficult to manage their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes may cause or exacerbate emotional issues such as mood swings, and irritation.
Exercise can reduce these symptoms by releasing happy hormones and reduce stress. It can also help to control excess energy, increase focus and improve attention. Try to incorporate Highly recommended Resource site in your day.
Try exercising at home, or if you prefer a more social environment take part in a group class or a gym. Be aware that although exercise can alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD, it won't cure them all on its own. It should be paired with other symptom-management strategies. Ideally, you should aim to complete 150 minutes of moderate-intensity workout every week.