ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls often go undiagnosed for ADHD since symptoms are more obvious for females. They can also be misdiagnosed as other disorders, which can delay referral.
Signs of anxiety, depression and eating disorders among females with ADHD should be investigated and treated as needed. Transitional periods such as pregnancy and adolescence can reveal and worsen ADHD symptoms in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be difficult to identify in adulthood, especially for women. This is because many of the symptoms differ for females. While men are more hyperactive and impulsive, women typically struggle to concentrate or sit still. This means that they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
ADHD is often observed in men and boys and doctors may not be knowledgeable about the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis because females aren't referred to doctors as frequently. Girls can also hide their symptoms better than males and are less likely to be recognized by teachers or parents. They may use coping techniques like hiding behind make-up or putting on a show to conceal their feelings and behaviors.
The symptoms of ADHD are more severe in women who are experiencing menopausal or perimenopausal. This is because they be affected by hormonal changes that cause them to be more susceptible to mood swings. It could also be challenging for them to follow routines and manage their tasks. This could affect how they manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has risen due to celebrities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, long wait for assessments is creating stress and frustration for those who aren't able to access the help they need. This is especially relevant for those on the NHS and have only a handful of doctors that can carry out ADHD assessments. It can take years to obtain an appointment.
The first step towards receiving a 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 will request a referral. You should also explain the reasons why you think you 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. Talk with your doctor
Women with ADHD are more difficult to diagnose than men, partly because the symptoms are not so obvious, particularly as an adult. They may develop compensatory strategies to hide their problems and they could be detrimental to their health. Some of them include excessive drinking smoking cannabis, or trying to gain social support by participating in high-risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs and other criminal activity are all examples of high-risk behaviors. Girls with ADHD may also be more susceptible to increased rates of sexually transmitted diseases and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.
GPs take reports of ADHD very serious and will inquire about your symptoms. Then, they will recommend the most appropriate service for you - this typically a community mental health clinic or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services can be long, and in some cases it is difficult to get referred because the problem isn't treated with enough seriousness. This could be due to the fact that the GP isn't aware of adult ADHD, or because they believe that the individual's issues are due to other factors (like depression, anxiety or abuse of substances) and not by their ADHD symptoms.
After you've been referred to a therapist, it is important to select a therapist who is knowledgeable about the disorder and is willing to tackle your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists specialise in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people with ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms is a continuous process. The use of medication and diet changes can help to reduce the symptoms. A diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help to reduce the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. A diet high in sugars and junk foods can exacerbate these symptoms.
You should also ask your GP to determine if mindfulness-based practices such as meditation might be beneficial to you. They can be very helpful in helping those with ADHD manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a trained teacher. The NHS service locator can help you locate a provider near you.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD typically find their symptoms less obvious than males. This is probably due to the fact that females don't have as many hyperactive, impulsive symptoms as their male counterparts. This can make it difficult for them to be diagnosed. However, this is not to say that they don't have any signs. In reality, they may have inattentive ADHD symptoms which are more difficult to detect. In addition, they can have a hard time managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause strained or dissolved relationships particularly with males.
Women who are not attentive ADHD are more likely to have difficulties at work and school. They may have difficulty following directions and juggling deadlines and keeping promises. They might also be unable to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These issues can lead to burnout, which can have a negative impact on their job and career.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms and signs of adult ADHD among women include difficulties paying attention, a tendency to forget things easily and a lack of organization. attention deficit in women may also be susceptible to self-doubt, depression, and anxiety. They can also have difficulty expressing their emotions, and are often misunderstood. For instance mood swings can be perceived as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these challenges there are many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective options is a support program that is specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups are available online or in person. They are an excellent way to receive advice on diagnosis routes for children and adults, as well as how to manage your illness.
If you're seeking an adult ADHD support group, there are many in the UK. For instance the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They offer a safe space for adults with ADHD who want to discuss their challenges, goals and accomplishments. You can find the meeting details on their website or Facebook page. You can contact them if you have any questions or wish to attend an upcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women who suffer from ADHD can face particular challenges that make it harder to manage their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopausal changes. These hormonal changes can trigger or intensify emotional symptoms such as mood fluctuations and irritability.
Exercise can help reduce these symptoms, releasing feel good hormones and decreasing stress. In addition, it helps control excess energy and improve focus and attention. Therefore, try to include a regular workout routine into your day.
Try exercising at home, or if you prefer a social atmosphere you can join a class or a gym. Exercise can ease some ADHD symptoms, but it will not solve them. It should be incorporated with other strategies for managing symptoms. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week.