ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women often go not being diagnosed with ADHD since symptoms are more obvious in females. It is possible to misdiagnose them as other disorders which may delay the referral.
Signs of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females suffering from ADHD should be investigated and treated as needed. Transitional periods such as pregnancy or adolescence can reveal and exacerbate ADHD in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is a difficult condition to diagnose, especially in women. This is because many symptoms are different for females. For instance, while males tend to have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. They might be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
ADHD is also more often observed in men and boys, so doctors might not be aware of the condition. This can cause delays in diagnosis, as females aren't referred to doctors as quickly. Girls may also conceal their symptoms better than males and are less likely to be recognized by teachers or parents. They may use coping techniques, such as wearing make-up or acting out to hide their feelings and behaviors.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women are experiencing menopausal or perimenopause. This is because hormonal fluctuations can cause them to be more prone to mood swings. They may also find it harder to keep track of their activities and follow routines. This can affect how well they manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has increased due to celebrities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, waiting times for assessments are frustrating and stressful for those who aren't successful in getting the assistance they require. This is especially the case for those on the NHS since there are a limited number of doctors that can conduct ADHD assessments. It can take years to secure an appointment.
The first step in obtaining the diagnosis is to visit your GP. It is important to inform your GP that you think you be suffering from ADHD. They will be able to take this seriously and ask for an appointment. You should also explain the reasons why you think you might have ADHD. You can download the letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. Alternatively, you can consider obtaining an assessment via the private healthcare route.
2. Speak with your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to identify than men, in part because the symptoms are not so obvious, particularly as an adult. Recommended Resource site might develop strategies to cover up their problems, and these could be detrimental to their health. Some of them include drinking excessively smoking cannabis, or trying to build social support by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs and other criminal activities are just a few examples of high-risk activities. Girls with ADHD may also be more susceptible to increased rates of sexually transmitted diseases and teenage, early and unplanned pregnancies.
Doctors take reports of ADHD extremely seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. Then they will refer you to the most appropriate service for you - this typically a community mental health clinic or a specialist Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services are lengthy and in some cases it can be difficult to be referred because of the lack of seriousness which the problem is dealt with. This could be because the GP isn't aware of adult ADHD or they believe that the person's problems are caused by something else (like anxiety, depression or abuse of drugs) and not due to their ADHD symptoms.
After you've been referred to a therapist to a therapist, you must select a therapist that is aware of the issue and will work with your ADHD issues. Some therapists are trained cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people with ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms is a continuous process that can last for a lifetime. Medication can help to reduce some of your symptoms, and dietary changes can also make a difference. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can help reduce the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. On the other hand, a diet high in sugar and junk foods can worsen the symptoms.
It is also advisable to ask your GP to determine if mindfulness-based practices like meditation might be beneficial to you. They can be extremely useful in helping people with ADHD manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods with a certified teacher. You can find one near you using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD often notice their symptoms are less apparent than men. This is probably due to the fact that females don't display as many hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. This makes it more difficult for them to get diagnosed. This doesn't mean they are not suffering from symptoms. In fact, they may have inattentive ADHD symptoms that are harder to recognize. Additionally, they may have a hard time managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in ruptures or broken relationships, especially with men.
Women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to face difficulties at work and school. They may have difficulty following instructions, keeping track of deadlines and keeping promises. They can also have difficulty accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback from their workplace. These challenges can cause burnout, which could have a negative impact on their job performance and career.
Women who suffer from adult ADHD often have trouble paying attention, forgetting easily and aren't organized. They may also be susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. Additionally, they can be troubled by their emotions and are frequently not understood by others. For example mood swings could be interpreted as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these difficulties, there are many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best is an online support group specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups can be found online and in person. They are an excellent way to receive guidance on diagnosis routes for adults and children, and also how to manage your condition.
If you're seeking an adult ADHD support group, there are a number in 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 share their challenges, goals and successes. The information about the meeting are available on their Facebook page and website. You can contact them if you have any questions or wish to attend an scheduled event.
4. Exercise
Women who suffer from ADHD can face particular challenges that make it harder to manage their symptoms, like menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can cause or exacerbate emotional issues such as mood swings, and anger.
Exercise can help alleviate these symptoms by releasing happy hormones and decreasing stress. In addition, it helps control excess energy and improve concentration and focus. Therefore, you should try to incorporate a regular exercise routine into your daily.
Try exercising at your home, or, if you prefer a social setting you can join a class or gym. Exercise can ease some ADHD symptoms, but it will not cure the symptoms. It should be combined with other strategies for managing symptoms. The goal should be 150 minutes of moderate intensity workout per week.