ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often not properly diagnosed in girls and women because the signs aren't as obvious. They can also be mistaken for other disorders and this can delay the diagnosis.
It is essential to investigate and treat the symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in women suffering from ADHD. Transitional periods such as adolescence or pregnancy can also reveal and increase the severity of ADHD in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be hard to recognize in adulthood, particularly for women. This is due to the fact that many of the symptoms differ in females. While men tend to be more hyperactive and impulsive, women typically have trouble concentrating or sitting still. This means that they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
Doctors might not be aware with ADHD, as it is more common in men and boys. This can cause delays in diagnosis because females aren't often referred to as quickly. Girls are also able to hide their symptoms better than males. This makes them less likely be noticed by parents or teachers. They might resort to coping strategies like hiding behind make-up or putting on a show to conceal their feelings and behaviour.
Symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women experience perimenopausal or menopausal. This is because they be affected by hormonal changes that cause them to be more susceptible to mood swings. It may also be difficult for them to follow routines and keep track of their tasks. This can impact their ability to manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has risen due to high profile personalities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, the long wait times for assessments are frustrating and stressful for those who aren't in a position to get the help they need. This is especially relevant for those who are who are on the NHS since there are only a handful of doctors who can conduct ADHD tests. It can take a long time to make an appointment.
The first step in obtaining the diagnosis is to visit your GP. It is essential to tell your GP that you think you may have ADHD because they will need to take it seriously and request an appointment. You must also provide the reasons you believe you may have ADHD. You can download the letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to speed up the process. You can also consider obtaining an assessment via the private healthcare route.
2. Speak to your doctor
Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult to recognize due to the fact that their symptoms, particularly when they reach adulthood might not be as evident. These strategies can be harmful, as they may try to cover up their problems. Some of these include drinking excessively, 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 are also more likely to experience a higher rate of sexually transmitted diseases and teens who are unplanned and have early pregnancy.
The GPs will take any reports of ADHD very serious and will inquire about your symptoms. Then, they will direct you to the appropriate service for you. This typically a community mental health clinic or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services can be long and in some cases it can be difficult to refer someone due to the lack of seriousness how the issue is addressed. This could be because the GP does not know about adult ADHD, or because they think that the person's challenges are due to other factors (like depression, anxiety, or substance misuse) and not caused by their ADHD symptoms.
If you've been recommended to a therapist, you must choose a therapist who understands the issue and will work with your ADHD problems. Some therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is particularly helpful for people suffering from ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms requires a lifetime commitment. Treatment can ease certain symptoms, and diet modifications can help. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help to reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. A diet high in sugars and junk food can increase the severity of these symptoms.
It's also worth talking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based techniques such as meditation could be beneficial for you as they are extremely effective in helping people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. high functioning adhd in women can be taught to you by a certified instructor. You can find one near you by using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD tend to notice their symptoms are less apparent than men. This could be due to the fact that females don't display as many impulsive and hyperactive symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to be diagnosed. However, this is not to say that they aren't suffering from any signs. They might have ADHD symptoms that are harder to recognize, such as inattention ADHD. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in strained relationships, particularly with men.
Women with inattention ADHD are more likely to experience difficulties at work and school. They may have trouble following directions, meeting deadlines, and keeping the track of commitments. They may also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These issues can lead to burnout, which can have a negative impact on their job and career.
Women who suffer from adult ADHD often have trouble paying attention, forgetting easily and aren't organized. They may also be susceptible to self-doubt, depression, and anxiety. They may also have trouble with their emotions and are often not understood by others. For example mood swings could be seen as an expression of anger or frustration.
Despite these challenges There are still plenty of options for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best is a support group that is specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups are available on the internet and in person. They are an excellent way to receive information on the diagnosis process for adults and children, and also how to manage your illness.
If you're looking for an adult ADHD support group, there are several in the UK. For instance, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They offer a safe place for adults with ADHD to share their struggles, successes and hopes. You can find the information on the meeting on their website and Facebook page. You can contact them with any questions or would like to attend an upcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD have unique difficulties that make it difficult to manage their symptoms, like menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause. These hormonal changes can trigger or intensify emotional symptoms such as mood fluctuations and irritability.
Exercise can ease the symptoms by release of feel-good hormones and reducing the stress. undiagnosed adhd in women can also help reduce excess energy and increase focus and improve attention. Therefore, try to include a regular workout routine into your day.
Exercise at home or, if you'd like to socialize, join a group or join a gym. Remember that although exercising can help alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD, it won't cure them all by itself - it must be combined with other symptom-management strategies. The ideal goal is to complete 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.