ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women and girls because the symptoms are not as obvious. They can also be misdiagnosed as other conditions, which can delay referral.
Signs of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females suffering from ADHD should be explored and treated as needed. Transitional periods such as pregnancy or adolescence can reveal and exacerbate ADHD in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is a difficult condition to diagnose particularly in women. This is because a lot of the symptoms are different in females. For instance, while males tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have trouble concentrating or sitting still. They might be misdiagnosed as having mental health issues, like anxiety or depression.
ADHD is also more often observed in men and boys, so doctors might not be aware of the condition. This can cause delays in diagnosis since females often don't get referred as quickly. Girls can also hide symptoms better than males. This makes them less likely to get noticed by their teachers or parents. They might resort to strategies to cope, like hiding behind makeup or acting out, to cover up their actions and emotions.
The symptoms of ADHD can get worse when women experience perimenopausal or menopause. This is because hormonal fluctuations can cause them to be more prone to mood swings. It may also be difficult to follow routines and keep track of their tasks. This could affect their ability to manage their home, work and other obligations.
Waiting times for assessments can cause stress and anger to those who aren't able to get the help they require. This is especially relevant for those on the NHS since there are a limited number of doctors who can carry out ADHD tests and it could take years to get an appointment.
The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is seeing your GP. It is essential to inform your GP that you believe you might have ADHD since they will have to be attentive and ask for a referral. It is also important to explain the reasons you believe you might have ADHD. You can download a letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. Alternatively, you can consider obtaining an assessment through the private healthcare route.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to diagnose, in part because their symptoms, particularly when they reach adulthood, may not be as evident. They may develop compensatory strategies to cover up their problems which can be very damaging. They may do this by drinking excessively or smoking cannabis, as well as trying to build social support through high-risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs, and criminal activity are all examples of high-risk actions. Girls with ADHD are also more likely to experience more sexually transmitted illnesses and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.
The GP will take any reports of ADHD seriously, and should ask you about your symptoms. Then they will recommend the best service for your needs. This is usually a community mental health clinic or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services are long and in some cases it can be difficult to be referred because of the lack of seriousness with how the issue is addressed. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of the existence of adult ADHD or believes that the individual's problems are due to other causes (such as anxiety, depression or abuse of substances) rather than ADHD symptoms.
Once you've been referred to a therapist, it's important to select a therapist who is knowledgeable about the issue and will work with your ADHD problems. Certain therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is especially helpful for people with ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms is a lifelong process that can last for a lifetime. Treatment and dietary changes can aid in reducing your symptoms. A diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. adhd in women in sugars and junk food may exacerbate these symptoms.
It is also worth speaking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based practices like meditation could be beneficial for you because they are extremely effective in helping people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods by a trained instructor. You can find one near you using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD typically have less visible symptoms than those with ADHD. 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 for them to be diagnosed. However, this is not to say that they aren't suffering from any signs. In fact, they could have inattention ADHD symptoms that are harder to detect. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause tensions in relationships, especially with men.
Women who have inattentive ADHD are more likely to have difficulties with work and school. They may have difficulty following directions or deadlines, as well as keeping on top of commitments. They can be unable to accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback from their workplace. These challenges can cause burnout, which can have a negative effect on their work performance and career.
Women with adult ADHD often have trouble staying focused, forgetting easily and are not organized. They are also susceptible to self-doubt, depression, and anxiety. They can also have difficulty expressing their emotions, and are often misinterpreted. For example mood swings could be seen as an expression of anger or frustration.
Despite these difficulties There are still plenty of options for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best is a support group specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups are accessible on the internet and in person. These groups are an excellent way to receive advice on diagnostic methods for adults and children, and also how to manage your illness.
There are numerous adult ADHD support groups across the UK. For instance, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults with ADHD who wish to talk about their challenges, goals and accomplishments. You can find the information on the meeting on their website and their Facebook page. You can also contact them with questions if you'd like to attend an upcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD can face unique issues that make it more difficult to manage their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes may cause or worsen emotional issues such as mood swings, and anger.
Exercise can help reduce the symptoms of these conditions by releasing positive hormones and reducing stress. It can also help reduce excess energy and improve focus and attention. Try to incorporate a regular exercise routine in your daily routine.
Try exercising at home, or if you prefer a social setting take part in a group class or gym. Just remember, that while exercise can alleviate some of the symptoms of ADHD, it won't solve them all by itself - it is best to combine it with other strategies for managing symptoms. Ideally, you should aim to complete 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week.