ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women often go undiagnosed for ADHD since symptoms are more obvious in females. It is possible to misdiagnose them as other conditions and delay referral.
Symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females suffering from ADHD should be explored and treated as needed. Periods of transition such as pregnancy and adolescence can reveal and worsen ADHD symptoms in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be difficult to diagnose in adulthood, particularly for women. Many of the symptoms differ for women. While men are more active and impulsive, women typically have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. They might be misdiagnosed as having mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.
Doctors might not be aware with ADHD because it is more common in men and boys. This can cause delays in diagnosis since females aren't often referred to as frequently. Girls also tend to conceal their symptoms better than men and are less likely to be observed by parents or teachers. They may use coping techniques like hiding behind make-up or acting out to disguise their feelings and behaviors.
Symptoms of ADHD are more severe when women go through perimenopause or menopausal. This is because they experience hormonal fluctuations that cause mood swings. They might be unable to stay on top of things and adhere to routines. This can affect their ability to manage their work, home and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has soared thanks to high profile personalities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, long wait times for tests are creating stress and frustration for those who aren't in a position to get the assistance they require. This is particularly the case for those on the NHS since there are a small number of doctors who conduct ADHD assessments. It can take years to get an appointment.
The first step in obtaining an assessment is to see your GP. It is important to inform your GP that you think you be suffering from ADHD. They will consider this a serious matter and will request an appointment. It is also important to explain the reasons behind why you think you might have ADHD. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP and aid in speeding up the process. You could also obtain an evaluation from private healthcare.
2. Speak with your doctor
Women with ADHD can be harder to recognize than men, mainly because the symptoms are not as evident, especially when they are adults. These strategies can be harmful since they can attempt to hide their problems. Some of these include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis and trying to create social connections by engaging in risky activities (e.g. gangs, promiscuity and criminal activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD may also be more susceptible to increased rates of sexually transmitted infections and teens, early and unplanned pregnancies.
GPs will take any report of ADHD seriously and will inquire about the symptoms you are experiencing. They will then recommend a treatment that is the most appropriate for you. It is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services can be lengthy, and in some cases it can be difficult to be referrals because the issue 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 individual's issues are caused by other factors (such as depression, anxiety or abuse of substances) instead of ADHD symptoms.
After you've been referred to a therapist to a therapist, you must choose a therapist who understands 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.
Controlling ADHD symptoms requires a lifetime commitment. adhd in women uk of medication and diet changes can help to reduce the symptoms. A diet high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can help to reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. A diet rich in sugars and junk food may exacerbate these symptoms.
It is also advisable to ask your GP whether mindfulness-based methods like meditation could be beneficial for you. They can be extremely useful in helping people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a qualified instructor. The NHS service locator will help you locate an NHS provider close to you.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD often notice their symptoms are less apparent than those with ADHD. This is probably because females don't have as many hyperactive or impulsive symptoms. This makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. However, this isn't to say that they don't have any symptoms. They could have ADHD symptoms that are harder to recognize, such as inattentive ADHD. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in ruptures or broken relationships particularly with men.
Women who have inattentive ADHD may be more likely to struggle with school and work. They can have trouble adhering to instructions and keeping track of deadlines and meeting commitments. They can also have difficulty accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback from their workplace. These issues can lead to burnout that can negatively impact their career and job performance.
Women with adult ADHD frequently have difficulty paying attention, forgetting easily and are not organized. They might also be prone to depression and self-doubt. They may also have difficulties expressing their emotions, and are often not understood. For instance, mood swings can be misinterpreted as sudden outburst anger or frustration.
Despite these challenges there are many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective is a support group that is specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups are available on the internet and in person. These groups are a great way to seek advice on diagnosis routes for both children and adults as well how to manage your condition.
There are numerous adult ADHD support groups throughout the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults with ADHD who want to discuss their challenges, goals and successes. The information about the meeting are available on their Facebook page or website. You can reach them with any questions or want to attend an scheduled event.
4. Exercise
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, including menstrual cycles as well as menopausal changes. These hormonal changes can trigger or intensify emotional symptoms, such as mood fluctuation and irritability.
Exercise can reduce the symptoms of these conditions by releasing positive hormones and reduce stress. It also helps manage excess energy, and increase focus and improve attention. Therefore, try to incorporate a regular exercise routine into your daily.
Exercise at home or, if your goal is to socialize, join a group or gym. Remember that although exercise can alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD, it won't cure them all by itself - it is best to combine it with other strategies to manage symptoms. The ideal goal is to do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week.