ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often not properly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are less obvious. They can also be mistaken for other conditions, which could delay the referral.
The signs of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females with ADHD need to be investigated and treated as needed. Adolescence, pregnancy or adolescence can reveal and worsen ADHD in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD isn't easy to diagnose in adulthood, especially for women. The symptoms differ for women. For instance, while males tend to have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. They could be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.
ADHD is often seen in boys and men So doctors may not be knowledgeable about the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis because females aren't often referred to as frequently. Girls are also able to hide their symptoms better than boys. This makes them less likely get noticed by teachers or parents. They might use strategies for coping, such as concealing their appearance with makeup or acting out to cover up their actions and feelings.
The symptoms of ADHD can worsen when women are going through menopause or perimenopausal. This is because they be affected by hormonal changes that make them more prone to mood swings. They might also find it harder to keep track of things and stick to routines. This can impact how they manage their work, home and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has risen due to celebrities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, the long wait for assessments is causing stress and frustration for those who haven't been able to access the assistance they require. This is especially the case for those on the NHS and have a small number of doctors that can carry out ADHD assessments and it can take years to obtain an appointment.
The first step in getting a diagnosis is seeing your GP. You should tell your GP you believe you may have ADHD. They will be able to take this seriously and ask for an appointment. You should also explain the reasons you believe you might have ADHD. You can download a letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to speed up the process. You can also consider obtaining an assessment through the private healthcare route.
2. Speak with your doctor
Women with ADHD are more difficult to diagnose than men, partly because the symptoms are not as evident, especially when they are adults. They might develop strategies to cover up their problems, and these could be detrimental to their health. A few of these include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and trying to gain social support by participating in risky activities (e.g. gangs, promiscuity and criminal activities). Girls with ADHD are also more likely to experience more sexually transmitted illnesses and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.
Doctors take reports of ADHD very seriously and will ask about your symptoms. They will then recommend a treatment that is best suited to you. This is usually a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
attention deficit disorder in women waiting times for these services are lengthy and in some cases it can be difficult to be referred due to the lack of seriousness with which the problem is dealt with. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of adult ADHD or believes the person's difficulties are caused by other factors (such as depression, anxiety or addiction to drugs) rather than ADHD symptoms.
After you've been referred to a therapist to a therapist, it's important to select a therapist that is aware of the condition, and is willing to work with your ADHD difficulties. Certain therapists specialize in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people with ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms is a continuous process that can last for a lifetime. The use of medication can reduce some of your symptoms, and diet changes can help. For example, eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits can make the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less noticeable. On the other the other hand, a diet rich in sugar and junk foods can increase these symptoms.
It is also worth speaking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation could be beneficial to you because they can be very efficient in helping those suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques with a certified instructor. You can find a teacher near you by using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to find their symptoms less obvious than males. This is probably due to the fact that females don't have as many symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This makes it more difficult for them to get diagnosed. But, that's not to say that they don't have any symptoms. In fact, they may be afflicted with inattention ADHD symptoms that are harder to recognise. Additionally, they may have a hard time managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to difficult relationships, especially with men.
Women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to experience problems at school and at work. They may have difficulty following directions, keeping track of deadlines and keeping promises. They might also be unable to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These challenges can lead to burnout which could negatively impact their job and career.
The most frequent symptoms and signs of adult ADHD among women include difficulties paying attention, easily forgetting things and a lack of organization. They can also be prone to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. Additionally, they can have trouble with their emotions and are frequently misunderstood by others. For instance mood swings can be interpreted as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these difficulties, there are plenty of resources available for adults with ADHD. One of the best is an online support group specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups can be found on the internet and in person. They are an excellent way to receive guidance on diagnosis routes for children and adults, as well as 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 suffering from ADHD to talk about their challenges, achievements and aspirations. The meeting details on their website and their Facebook page. Contact them if you have any questions or want to attend an forthcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, including menstrual cycles and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional problems such as mood swings, and anger.
Exercise can reduce these symptoms, release of feel-good hormones and decreasing stress. In addition, it helps reduce excess energy and improve concentration and focus. Try to include regular exercise into your daily routine.
Try exercising at your home, or if prefer a more social environment, join a group class or gym. attention deficit disorder in women can alleviate certain ADHD symptoms however it cannot eliminate the symptoms. It should be incorporated with other strategies for managing symptoms. The ideal goal is to get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity workout each week.