ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women and girls because the signs aren't as obvious. They can also be mistaken for other conditions, which can delay the referral.
Signs of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females suffering from ADHD need to be investigated and treated as needed. The transitional phases of pregnancy or adolescence may reveal and increase the severity of ADHD in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is difficult to diagnose particularly for women. This is because many of the symptoms are different for females. While men are more active and impulsive, females often struggle to concentrate or sit still. They might be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
Doctors might not be aware with ADHD because it is more prevalent in males and boys. This could lead to delays in diagnosis since females often don't get referred as quickly. Girls also conceal their symptoms better than males. This makes them less likely be noticed by their teachers or parents. They may use coping techniques that include wearing make-up or putting on a show to conceal their emotions and behavior.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women experience perimenopausal or menopause. This is because they can be affected by hormonal changes that make them more prone to mood swings. It could also be challenging to follow routines and stay on top of their tasks. This can affect their ability to manage their work, home and other obligations.
While awareness of ADHD has soared thanks to prominent personalities such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, waiting times for tests are causing stress and frustration for those who aren't in a position to get the help they need. This can be particularly true for those who are on the NHS, as there is a small number of doctors who carry out ADHD assessments and it can take years to secure an appointment.
The first step towards getting a diagnosis is to see your GP. It is essential to tell your GP that you think you might have ADHD because they will need to take this seriously and request a referral. You should also explain the reasons behind why you think 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 could also get an evaluation from private healthcare.
2. Speak to your doctor
Women with ADHD are more difficult to recognize due to the fact that their symptoms, particularly as they age, may not be as evident. These strategies can be harmful since they can try to conceal their issues. Some of them include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis and trying to gain social support by participating in risky activities (e.g. Gangs, prostitution and criminal activity are all examples of high-risk behaviors. Girls with ADHD are also more likely to have a higher rate of sexually transmitted diseases, teens who are unplanned and have early-stage pregnancy.
The GPs will take any reports of ADHD extremely serious and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then refer you to a service that is the most appropriate for you. This is usually a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services are long and, in some instances it can be difficult to be referred because of the lack of seriousness with 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 difficulties are caused by other factors (such as depression, anxiety or abuse of substances) rather than ADHD symptoms.
After you've been referred to a therapist to a therapist, you must choose a therapist who understands the disorder and will work with your ADHD problems. Some therapists are trained cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for those suffering from ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms is a long-term process. Treatment and dietary changes can aid in reducing your symptoms. A diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms. A diet high in sugars and junk food can cause these symptoms to worsen.
It's also worth talking with your GP about whether mindfulness-based techniques such as meditation could be beneficial to you, as they can be extremely effective in helping people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques from a qualified teacher. You can locate a teacher near you using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD may have more subtle symptoms than males. This is likely due to the fact that females do not have as many symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This makes it more difficult to identify them. This doesn't mean they are not suffering from symptoms. In fact, they could have inattention ADHD symptoms which are more difficult to detect. navigate here may also have difficulties managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in broken relationships or even breakups particularly 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 the track of commitments. They can be unable to accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback at work. These challenges can lead to burnout which could have a negative impact on their work performance and their professional career.
Some of the most common symptoms and signs of adult ADHD for women are difficulty paying attention, easily forgetting things and a lack of organization. They could also be susceptible to self-doubt and depression. They may also have trouble in expressing their emotions and are often misunderstood. For example, mood changes could be interpreted as a sudden outburst anger or frustration.
Despite these difficulties there are many options for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective is an online support group specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups are available online and in person. They are great ways to get guidance on diagnosis routes for children and adults, and also how to manage your illness.
If you're looking for an adult ADHD support group, there are many in the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example is a weekly meeting at The Hideout St Judes. They offer a safe space for adults with ADHD who wish to talk about their challenges, goals and successes. The details of the meeting are available on their Facebook page and website. You can contact them with any questions or want to attend an scheduled event.
4. Exercise
Women who suffer from ADHD may face particular challenges that make it harder to manage their symptoms, like menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional symptoms like mood fluctuation and irritability.
Exercise can ease these symptoms, release of feel-good hormones and decreasing stress. It can also help to reduce excess energy and increase focus and improve attention. Try to include an exercise routine that you regularly do in your daily routine.
Exercise at home or, if your goal is to socialize, join a group or join a gym. Exercise can ease certain ADHD symptoms but it can't cure the symptoms. It should be combined with other strategies for managing symptoms. The goal should be 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.