ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often not properly diagnosed in girls and women because the signs aren't as evident. They can also be mistaken for other conditions and this could delay the diagnosis.
It is essential to investigate and manage the symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders among females suffering from ADHD. Adolescence, adolescence or pregnancy can also reveal and increase the severity of ADHD in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is difficult to identify particularly for women. Many of the symptoms are different for women. While men are more active and impulsive, females often have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. They may be misdiagnosed as having other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
Doctors may not be well-versed with ADHD because it is more common in men and boys. This could lead to delays in diagnosis as females often don't get referred as swiftly. Girls also conceal their symptoms better than males. This makes them less likely be noticed by their teachers or parents. They might resort to coping strategies that include wearing make-up or acting out to disguise their feelings and behaviors.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women are experiencing menopausal or perimenopausal. This is because they have hormonal fluctuations that can make them more prone to mood swings. It may also be difficult to keep track of routines and stay on top of their tasks. This can affect how well they manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
Assessments that are delayed for a long time can cause stress and frustration to those who aren't able to receive the help they require. This is especially true for those who are on the NHS, as there is a limited number of doctors that can perform ADHD tests and it could take years to get an appointment.
The first step in getting the diagnosis is to visit your GP. It is crucial to mention to your GP that you think you might be suffering from ADHD because they will need to take it seriously and ask for an appointment. It is also important to explain the reasons you believe you may have ADHD. You can download a letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. You could also obtain an evaluation through private healthcare.
2. Speak to your doctor
Women with ADHD can be harder to identify than men, in part because the signs aren't as obvious, especially when they are adults. These strategies can be harmful as they may try to cover up their issues. A few of these include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis and trying to gain social support by participating in high-risk activities (e.g. crime, gangs, and promiscuity activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD can also have increased rates of sexually transmitted diseases and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.
Doctors take reports of ADHD extremely serious and will inquire about your symptoms. Then they will refer you to the appropriate service for you - this is usually a community mental health clinic or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for the services may be long 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 is not aware of adult ADHD or believes that the individual's problems are caused by other factors (such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse) instead of ADHD symptoms.
It is essential to choose a therapist who has ADHD experience who is willing to work alongside your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists are trained cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is especially helpful for people suffering from ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms requires a lifetime commitment. Medication can help to reduce certain symptoms, and diet modifications can help. A diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help to reduce the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. A diet rich in sugars and junk foods can cause these symptoms to worsen.
It's also worth talking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based practices such as meditation might be beneficial to you, as they are extremely effective in helping people suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught by a trained teacher. You can find one near you by using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD might have more subtle symptoms than males. This is likely due to the fact that females don't display as many hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to be diagnosed. This does not mean that they are not suffering from symptoms. In reality, they may have inattention ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to detect. Additionally, they may have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in difficult relationships, especially with males.
Women who are not attentive ADHD are more likely to experience difficulties at work and school. They may have difficulty following instructions or deadlines, as well as keeping the track of commitments. They might also be unable to accept constructive criticism or constructive feedback. These challenges can lead them to burnout, which can negatively impact their career and job performance.
Women with adult ADHD often have trouble staying focused, forgetting easily and aren't organized. They can also be prone to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. They can also have difficulty expressing their emotions, and are often misunderstood. For example mood swings could be interpreted as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite adhd in women treatment , there are a lot of resources available to adults with ADHD. women and adhd of the best is a support group that is specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups can be found online and in person. They are a great way to get advice 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. 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 successes. The information about the meeting are available on their Facebook page or on their website. You can contact them if you have any questions or would like to attend an scheduled event.
4. Exercise
Women who suffer from ADHD can face particular difficulties that make it difficult to manage their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional symptoms such as mood swings and irritability.
Exercise can help alleviate the symptoms of these conditions by releasing positive hormones and reduce stress. It can also help control excess energy, increase focus and improve attention. Therefore, you should try to incorporate a regular exercise routine into your day.
Try exercising at your home, or if prefer a social setting, join a group class or a gym. Exercise can ease certain ADHD symptoms, but it will not solve them. It should be incorporated with other strategies to treat symptoms. The ideal goal is to get 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every week.