ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often mistakenly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are not as obvious. It is possible to misdiagnose them as other conditions which may delay the diagnosis.
It is essential to investigate and treat the symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in women suffering from ADHD. The transitional phases of adolescence and pregnancy can also cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be difficult to diagnose in adulthood, especially for women. Many of the symptoms differ for women. For instance, while males tend to have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have difficulty in concentrating or staying still. They may be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression.
ADHD is also more often observed in men and boys, so doctors might not be familiar with the condition. This can cause delays in diagnosis, as females aren't referred to doctors 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 may use coping techniques that include concealing their face with makeup or acting out to hide their feelings and behaviors.
The symptoms of ADHD can worsen when women are going through menopause or perimenopausal. This is due to the fact that they be affected by hormonal changes that make them more prone to mood swings. It could also be challenging for them to follow routines and manage their tasks. This can affect how well they manage their work, home and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has soared thanks to prominent personalities such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, the long wait for assessments is creating stress and frustration for those who aren't successful in getting the help they need. This is especially the case 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 towards getting a diagnosis is to see your GP. It is crucial to inform your GP that you think you might be suffering from ADHD since they will have to take it seriously and request an appointment. It is also important to explain why you believe you might be suffering from ADHD. You can download a letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. You may also receive an assessment through private healthcare.
2. Speak to your doctor
Women with ADHD can be harder to diagnose than men, in part because the symptoms are not as obvious, especially when they are adults. These strategies can be harmful, as they may attempt to hide their issues. This includes drinking heavily or smoking cannabis, as well as seeking to build social support through high-risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs and other criminal activities are just a few examples of high-risk activities. Girls with ADHD are also more likely to experience an increased risk of developing sexually transmitted diseases and teens, unplanned and early pregnancies.
The GP will take any reports of ADHD seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. Then they will direct you to the appropriate service for you. This is usually a community mental health clinic or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
Waiting adult add women for the services may be long and in some instances it is difficult to get referred because the problem isn't taken seriously enough. This could be because the GP isn't aware of adult ADHD or they believe that the person's problems are due to something else (like depression, anxiety or substance misuse) and not caused by their ADHD symptoms.
It is essential to select a therapist with ADHD experience who is able to work with you in addressing your ADHD issues. Some therapists specialize in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is particularly beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms is a lifelong process. Treatment can ease some of your symptoms, and diet modifications can help. For example, eating an a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can make your symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less pronounced. A diet that is high in sugars and junk food can increase the severity of these symptoms.
You should also inquire with your GP to determine if mindfulness-based practices, such as meditation, could be beneficial for you. They can be extremely beneficial in helping those suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught by a trained teacher. You can locate a teacher near you by using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD might exhibit less obvious symptoms than men. This is probably 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. This doesn't mean they are not suffering from symptoms. They might have ADHD symptoms that are harder to detect, such as inattentive ADHD. In addition, they can struggle with managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in difficult relationships, especially with men.
adult add women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to experience problems at school and at work. They may have difficulty following directions and juggling deadlines and completing commitments. They can also have a hard time accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback from their workplace. These challenges can cause burnout, which could have a negative impact on their job performance and their career.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms and signs of adult ADHD among women include difficulties paying attention, forgetting things easily and having a poor organization. They may also be prone depression and self-doubt. They may also have trouble communicating their feelings, and are often misunderstood. For instance, mood swings can be interpreted as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these difficulties, there are many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective is an online support group specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are available on the internet and in person. They are great ways to get information on the diagnosis process for adults and children, as well as how to manage your illness.
There are a variety of adult ADHD support groups throughout the UK. For example the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They offer a safe place for adults suffering from ADHD to talk about their challenges, successes and hopes. The meeting details on their website or Facebook page. You can also reach them with questions in the event that you'd like to join a future event.
4. Exercise
Women who suffer from ADHD have unique issues that make it more difficult to manage their symptoms, including menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopausal changes. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional issues like mood swings and irritation.
Exercise can reduce the symptoms of these conditions by releasing positive hormones and decreasing stress. Additionally, it can help reduce excess energy and improve concentration and focus. So, try to incorporate a regular fitness routine into your daily.
You can exercise at home or, if you'd like to socialize take part in a group or gym. Exercise can help with some ADHD symptoms, but it will not cure the symptoms. It should be incorporated with other strategies to manage symptoms. The goal should be 150 minutes of moderate intensity workout per week.