ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women are often undiagnosed for ADHD because the symptoms are less apparent in females. They may also be mistaken for other disorders and this could delay the diagnosis.
Symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders among females with ADHD should be explored and treated in the appropriate way. The transitional phases of pregnancy or adolescence may reveal and worsen ADHD in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is a difficult condition to diagnose, especially in women. This is because a lot of the symptoms differ in females. For instance, while men tend to have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have trouble in concentrating or staying still. This means that they can be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems such as depression or anxiety.
Doctors might not be aware with ADHD, as it is more common in men and boys. This could lead to delays in diagnosis since women aren't referred as frequently. Girls also tend to conceal their symptoms better than males which makes them less likely to be recognized by teachers or parents. They might resort to coping strategies, such as hiding behind make-up or acting out to hide their feelings and behaviors.
Symptoms of ADHD can get worse when women experience perimenopausal or menopause. This is due to hormonal fluctuations that can make them more prone to mood swings. They may also find it harder to keep track of things and follow routines. This can affect how well they manage their work, home and other obligations.
Waiting times for assessments can be stressful and cause frustration to those who aren't able to get the help they need. This is particularly applicable to those on the NHS as there are only a handful of doctors who can perform ADHD assessments. It can take years to make an appointment.
The first step to get a diagnosis is seeing your GP. It is crucial to tell your GP that you believe you might be suffering from ADHD since they will have to take this seriously and ask for a referral. You must also state why you believe you be suffering from ADHD. You can download a supportive letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP to aid in speeding up the process. Alternately, you can consider obtaining an assessment through the private healthcare route.
2. Speak to your doctor
Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult to diagnose due to the fact that their symptoms, particularly when they are adults, may not be as evident. They may develop compensatory strategies to conceal their issues which can be very damaging. Some of them include excessive drinking, smoking cannabis and trying to build social support by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. prostitution, gangs and other criminal activities). Girls with ADHD may also be more susceptible to increased rates of sexually transmitted diseases and teenage, early and unplanned pregnancies.
GPs will take any report of ADHD seriously and will ask you about your symptoms. They will then direct you to a program that is most suitable for you. It is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for the services may be long, and in some cases it can be difficult to get referrals because the issue is not taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of the existence of adult ADHD or believes that the person's difficulties are due to other causes (such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse) rather than ADHD symptoms.
It is important that you select a therapist with ADHD experience who is able to collaborate with your ADHD issues. Certain therapists specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people with ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. Treatment can ease some of your symptoms, and diet changes can help. A diet high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can help reduce the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. On the other side, a diet that is high in sugar and junk foods can worsen the symptoms.
It is also advisable to ask your GP whether mindfulness-based methods like meditation could be beneficial for you. They can be extremely helpful in helping those with ADHD manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods by a trained teacher. You can locate a teacher near you by using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD might exhibit more subtle symptoms than males. This could be because females don't exhibit as many hyperactive or impulsive symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to be diagnosed. However, this isn't to say that they don't have any signs. They could have ADHD symptoms that are difficult to spot, like inattention ADHD. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause difficult relationships, especially with males.
adhd in adult women test with inattentive ADHD are more likely to face problems at school and at work. They may have difficulty following directions or deadlines, as well as keeping track of their commitments. They may also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These challenges can lead to burnout, which can have a negative effect on their work performance and career.
Women with adult ADHD often have trouble paying attention, forgetting easily and are not organized. They are also susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. In addition, they may be troubled by their emotions and are frequently not understood by others. For instance, mood swings can be seen as an expression of anger or frustration.
Despite these issues, there are a lot of resources available to adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective options is a support program that is specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are available on the internet and in person. They are great ways to get information on the diagnosis process for both adults and children as well as tips on how to manage your condition.
There are a variety of adult ADHD support groups throughout the UK. For example the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They offer a safe space for adults with ADHD who want to share their challenges, goals, and successes. The meeting details on their website or their Facebook page. You can reach them if you have any questions or want to attend an upcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women who suffer from ADHD may face particular issues that make it more difficult to manage their symptoms, including menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopausal changes. These hormonal changes may cause or exacerbate emotional issues like mood swings and irritability.
Exercise can help reduce the symptoms by producing feel-good hormones and reducing the stress. It can also help to reduce excess energy and increase focus and concentration. Try to incorporate a regular exercise routine in your day.
Try exercising at your home, or if prefer a social setting, join a group class or gym. Exercise can help with certain ADHD symptoms but it can't eliminate them. It is best to combine it with other strategies to treat symptoms. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week.