ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often mistakenly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are not as evident. They can also be mistaken for other conditions and this can delay referral.
Signs of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females suffering from ADHD need to be investigated and treated in the appropriate way. Adolescence, pregnancy or adolescence may reveal and increase the severity of ADHD in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is difficult to identify particularly in women. The symptoms are different for women. For example, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, a lot of women have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. They may be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression.
ADHD is also more often observed in males and females and doctors may not be knowledgeable about the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis as females often don't get referred as swiftly. Girls can also hide symptoms better than boys. This makes them less likely to get noticed by their teachers or parents. They may resort to strategies to cope, like concealing their appearance with makeup or acting out, to disguise their behaviour and feelings.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women are experiencing menopausal or perimenopausal. This is due to the fact that they have hormonal fluctuations that can cause mood swings. It can also be difficult to follow routines and manage their tasks. This could affect their ability to manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has soared thanks to celebrities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, the long wait times for assessments are causing stress and frustration for those who aren't in a position to get the help they need. This is especially true for those who are on the NHS as there are only a handful of doctors who can perform ADHD tests. It can take years to secure an appointment.
The first step in getting a diagnosis is seeing your GP. It is crucial to tell your GP that you think you may have ADHD because they'll need to be attentive and request an appointment. You must also provide the reasons behind why you think 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 try to get an evaluation through private healthcare.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women with ADHD are more difficult to diagnose due to the fact that their symptoms, particularly when they reach adulthood might not be as evident. They may develop compensatory strategies to conceal their issues and they can be very damaging. Some of these include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis and trying to build social support by engaging in risky activities (e.g. Gangs, prostitution and criminal activity are all examples of high-risk actions. Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to experience an increased risk of developing sexually transmitted illnesses and teens, unplanned and early pregnancy.
GPs will take any report of ADHD seriously, and should inquire about the symptoms you are experiencing. Then, they will refer you to the most appropriate service for your needs. This usually is a mental health clinic or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services can be long In some instances, it is difficult to get referrals because the issue isn't treated with enough seriousness. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of the existence of adult ADHD or believes the person's issues are caused by other factors (such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse) rather than ADHD symptoms.
It is crucial to choose a therapist who has ADHD experience who is able to work with you in addressing your ADHD challenges. Some therapists specialize in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for people with ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms is a lifelong process. The use of medication and diet changes can aid in reducing your symptoms. A diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help reduce the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. On the other the other hand, a diet rich in sugar and junk foods can exacerbate these symptoms.
It's also worth talking with your GP about whether mindfulness-based techniques such as meditation might be useful for you because they can be extremely efficient in helping those suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught by a trained instructor. You can find one near you by using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD may have less obvious symptoms than men. This is likely because females don't exhibit as many hyperactive or impulsive symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to be diagnosed. This doesn't mean they do not have symptoms. They may even have ADHD symptoms that are difficult to recognize, such as inattention ADHD. They may also have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause broken relationships or even breakups particularly with males.
Women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to face difficulties at work and school. They may have trouble following instructions in completing deadlines and keeping the track of their commitments. They might also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or constructive feedback. These issues can cause burnout, which could have a negative impact on their performance at work and their career.
Some of the most prevalent signs and symptoms of adult ADHD among women include difficulties paying attention, easily forgetting things and having a poor organization. They could also be susceptible to depression and self-doubt. They may also have trouble communicating their feelings, and are often not understood. For example, mood changes can be misinterpreted as a sudden outburst anger or frustration.
Despite these issues There are still plenty of resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective options is a support program that is designed specifically for adults with ADHD. These groups are available online or in person. They are great ways to get information on the diagnosis process for children and adults, as well as tips on how to manage your condition.
If you're seeking an adult ADHD support group, there are a number in the UK. For instance the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe and secure environment for adults with ADHD who wish to talk about their challenges, goals, and successes. The meeting details on their website or their Facebook page. You can also reach them with any questions you may have in the event that you'd like to join an upcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, including menstrual cycles and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes may trigger or exacerbate emotional problems such as mood swings and anger.
Exercise can help alleviate the symptoms of these conditions by releasing positive hormones and reduce stress. Additionally, it can help to reduce stress and increase focus and attention. Therefore, you should try to include a regular workout routine into your daily.
Try exercising at your home, or if prefer a social atmosphere, join a group class or gym. click the up coming post can help with certain ADHD symptoms, but it will not eliminate them. It should be combined with other strategies to treat symptoms. Ideally, you should aim to do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity workout every week.