ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls often go undiagnosed for ADHD because the symptoms are less apparent for females. It is possible to misdiagnose them as other disorders and delay referral.
Signs of depression, anxiety and eating disorders among females with ADHD should be investigated and treated in the appropriate way. Adolescence, adolescence or pregnancy can also reveal and exacerbate ADHD in some women.
1. Get undiagnosed adhd in women can be difficult to diagnose in adulthood, especially for women. This is due to the fact that many of the symptoms differ in females. While men are more hyperactive and impulsive, women typically have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. As a result, they could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
Doctors might not be aware with ADHD, as it is more prevalent in men and boys. This can lead to delays in diagnosis since women aren't referred as swiftly. Girls also tend to conceal their symptoms better than boys which makes them less likely to be noticed by teachers or parents. They might resort to coping strategies like wearing make-up or putting on a show to conceal their feelings and behaviour.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women are experiencing menopausal or perimenopausal. This is because they be affected by hormonal changes that cause 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.
Assessments that are delayed for a long time can be stressful and cause frustration to those who aren't able to receive the help they require. This is especially true for those who are on the NHS and have a limited number of doctors that can conduct ADHD assessments and it can take years to get an appointment.
The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is seeing your GP. It is essential to inform your GP that you believe you might have ADHD because they'll need to be attentive and request a referral. You should also explain the reasons you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. You can download an official letter from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to speed up the process. You can also try to get an assessment through private healthcare.
2. Speak with your doctor
Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult to identify, in part because their symptoms, especially as they age, may not be as obvious. They may develop compensatory strategies to cover up their problems, and these could be detrimental to their health. This includes drinking heavily or smoking cannabis, as well as trying to build social support by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. prostitution, gangs and other criminal activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD can also have 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. They will then refer you to the appropriate service for you. This usually is a mental health clinic or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
Waiting times for these services can be lengthy In some instances, it is difficult to get diagnosed because the issue 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 individual's issues are caused by something else (like anxiety, depression or abuse of drugs) and not caused by their ADHD symptoms.
It is important that you choose a therapist with ADHD experience who is willing to collaborate with your ADHD issues. Some therapists specialise in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is especially beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. Treatment can ease some of your symptoms and diet changes 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 pronounced. On the other hand, a diet high in junk food and sugar can increase these symptoms.
You should also inquire with your GP if mindfulness-based techniques like meditation might be beneficial to you. They can be extremely beneficial in helping those suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods with a certified teacher. You can find one near you by using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD might have less obvious symptoms than men. This is probably because females don't exhibit as many hyperactive or impulsive symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to be diagnosed. However, this is not to say that they don't have any symptoms. In reality, they may have inattentive ADHD symptoms that are harder to recognise. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in broken relationships or even breakups, especially with men.
Women who have inattentive ADHD might be more likely to have difficulties with work and school. They may have trouble adhering to instructions or deadlines, as well as keeping on top of their commitments. They might also be unable to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These challenges can cause burnout, which could have a negative impact on their work performance and their career.
The most frequent signs and symptoms of adult ADHD for women are difficulty paying attention, easily forgetting things, and poor organisation. They could also be susceptible to depression and self-doubt. Additionally, they can have trouble with their emotions and are often misunderstood by others. For example mood swings can be perceived as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these issues, there are a lot of resources available to adults with ADHD. One of the best options is a support program specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are available online and in person. These groups are a great way to get advice about the diagnosis options for children and adults, as well how to manage your condition.
If you're seeking an adult ADHD support group, there are a number in the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example is a weekly meeting at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe space for adults with ADHD to share their struggles, successes and goals. The meeting details can be found on their Facebook page or on their website. You can contact them if you have any questions or would like to attend an forthcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD can face unique issues that make it more difficult to manage their symptoms, like menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional issues such as mood swings, and irritability.
Exercise can help reduce these symptoms by releasing happy hormones and reducing stress. Additionally, it can help control excess energy and improve concentration and focus. Try to incorporate a regular exercise routine in your daily routine.
Exercise at home or, if you'd like to socialize take part in a group or gym. Remember that although exercise can reduce certain symptoms of ADHD, it won't solve them all on its own. It must be combined with other symptom-management strategies. Ideally, you should aim to get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity workout every week.