ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often mistakenly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are less obvious. They are also often misdiagnosed as other disorders which may delay the referral.
The signs of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females suffering from ADHD need to be investigated and treated as needed. Adolescence, pregnancy or adolescence can reveal and worsen ADHD in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be hard to identify in adulthood, particularly for women. The symptoms differ for women. For example, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, most women have trouble in concentrating or staying still. They might be misdiagnosed as having other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
Doctors may not be familiarized with ADHD because it's more prevalent in males and boys. This could lead to delays in diagnosis, as females aren't seen by doctors 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 use strategies for coping, such as concealing their appearance with makeup or acting out, to disguise their behaviour and feelings.
The symptoms of ADHD can worsen when women are experiencing menopausal or perimenopausal. This is due to hormonal fluctuations that can make them more susceptible to mood swings. It could also be challenging to follow routines and keep track of their tasks. This can affect their ability to manage their work, home and other obligations.
While awareness of ADHD has soared thanks to high profile personalities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, waiting for assessments is creating stress and frustration for those who haven't been able to access the assistance they require. This is especially true for those on the NHS since there are only a few doctors who can perform ADHD assessments. It can take a long time to make an appointment.
The first step to get the diagnosis is to visit your GP. You should tell your GP you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. They will take this seriously and will request a referral. You must also provide the reasons behind why you think you may have ADHD. You can download an official letter from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to speed up the process. You can also try to receive an evaluation from private healthcare.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to diagnose, in part because their symptoms, especially when they reach adulthood aren't always obvious. They might develop strategies to cover up their problems, and these can be extremely damaging. Some of them include excessive drinking, smoking cannabis, and trying to build social support by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. Gangs, prostitution and criminal activity are all examples of high-risk activities. Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be involved in more sexually transmitted diseases and teens, unplanned and early-stage pregnancy.
Doctors will take any complaint of ADHD seriously and will ask you about your symptoms. Then they will direct you to the appropriate service for you - this is usually a community mental health clinic or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services can be long and in some instances it can be difficult to be referred because the problem is not taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP is not aware of adult ADHD or believes that the person's difficulties are due to other causes (such as depression, anxiety or abuse of substances) instead of ADHD symptoms.
After you've been referred to a therapist, it is important to select a therapist that is aware of the disorder and is willing to tackle your ADHD issues. Some therapists specialise in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is particularly beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms requires a lifetime commitment. Medication and dietary changes may help reduce your symptoms. adhd symptoms in women in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. A diet high in sugars and junk food can increase the severity of these symptoms.
adhd symptoms for women 's also worth talking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based practices such as meditation might be useful for you because they can be very efficient in helping those suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a certified teacher. You can find one near you by using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD may have more subtle symptoms than males. This is probably due to the fact that females don't have as many symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This makes it more difficult for them to get diagnosed. However, this does not mean they do not have symptoms. In reality, they may be afflicted with inattention ADHD symptoms that are harder to recognize. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in difficult relationships, especially with men.
Women who have inattentive ADHD might be more likely to struggle at school and work. They may have difficulty adhering to instructions, keeping track of deadlines and completing commitments. They can be unable to accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback at work. These challenges can lead to burnout which can have a negative effect on their work performance and career.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms and signs of adult ADHD for women are difficulty paying attention, a tendency to forget things easily and having a poor organization. They could also be susceptible to self-doubt and depression. Additionally, they can struggle with their emotions and are frequently thought of as a victim by other people. For example, mood swings can be interpreted as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these issues, there are still many resources available for adults with ADHD. One of the best is a support group specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups are accessible on the internet as well as in person. They are great ways to get guidance on diagnosis routes for adults and children, as well as tips on how to manage your illness.
If you're seeking an adult ADHD support group, there are several in the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example is a weekly meeting at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe and secure environment for adults with ADHD who wish to talk about their challenges, goals, and successes. You can find the information on the meeting on their website or Facebook page. Contact them if you have any questions or would like to attend an scheduled event.
4. Exercise
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, which includes menstrual cycles and menopause. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional problems like mood swings and anger.
Exercise can help reduce these symptoms, by releasing feel good hormones and decreasing stress. Plus, it can help reduce excess energy and improve concentration and focus. Make sure to incorporate a regular exercise routine in your daily routine.
Try exercising at your home, or, if you prefer a social atmosphere, join a group class or gym. Be aware that although exercise can reduce some of the symptoms of ADHD, it won't solve them all by itself - it should be paired with other strategies to manage symptoms. It is recommended to aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity workout per week.