ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often mistakenly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are not as evident. They are also often misdiagnosed as other conditions and delay the diagnosis.
Symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females with ADHD should be investigated and addressed as appropriate. Transitional periods such as adolescence and pregnancy can also unmask and exacerbate ADHD symptoms in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is difficult to diagnose particularly for women. This is due to the fact that many of the symptoms differ in females. While men are more hyperactive and impulsive, women often have trouble concentrating or sitting still. They might be misdiagnosed as having other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression.
Doctors might not be aware with ADHD because it's more prevalent in males and boys. This could lead to delays in diagnosis because females are not referred to doctors as frequently. Girls can also hide their symptoms better than males which makes them less likely to be recognized by teachers or parents. They might resort to coping strategies, such as wearing make-up or putting on a show to conceal their feelings and behaviour.
The symptoms of ADHD are more severe in women who are experiencing menopausal or perimenopausal. This is due to hormonal fluctuations that can cause them to be more prone to mood swings. It can also be difficult to keep track of routines and stay on top of their tasks. This could affect their ability to manage their work, home and other obligations.
Assessments that are delayed for a long time can be stressful and cause frustration to those who aren't able to receive the assistance they require. This can be particularly true for those who are on the NHS since there are a limited number of doctors that can conduct ADHD tests and it could take years to get an appointment.
The first step in getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. It is crucial to inform your GP that you believe you might be suffering from ADHD because they'll need to take this seriously and ask for an appointment. It is also important to explain the reasons why you think you be suffering from ADHD. You can download a letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to speed up the process. You may also receive an evaluation from private healthcare.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women with ADHD are often harder to recognize than men, in part because the symptoms are not as obvious, especially as an adult. They may develop compensatory strategies to cover up their problems which could be detrimental to their health. These include drinking excessively or smoking cannabis, as well as trying to build social support through high-risk activities (e.g. crime, gangs, and promiscuity activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be involved in criminal activities, gangs, and promiscuity. incidences of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.
The GP will take any reports of ADHD seriously and will ask you about your symptoms. Then, they will direct you to the best service for you - this usually is a mental health clinic or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services can be long and, in some instances, it is difficult to get referred because of the lack of seriousness with which the problem is treated. This could be due to the fact that the GP is not aware of adult ADHD or believes that the individual's problems are due to other causes (such as depression, anxiety or abuse of substances) instead of ADHD symptoms.
It is important that you choose a therapist with ADHD experience who is able to collaborate with your ADHD issues. Some therapists specialise in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for people with ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms is a continuous process that can last for a lifetime. Treatment can ease some of your symptoms, and diet changes can help. A diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms. A diet high in sugars and junk foods can increase the severity of these symptoms.
It's also worth talking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based practices like meditation could be useful for you as they can be very efficient in helping those suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques with a certified teacher. The NHS service locator will help you locate a provider near you.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD might exhibit less obvious symptoms than men. This is likely due to the fact that females don't display as many hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to be diagnosed. However, this is not to say that they aren't suffering from any signs. In fact, they may be afflicted with inattention ADHD symptoms that are harder to recognise. Additionally, they may have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause broken relationships or even breakups, especially with men.
Women with inattention ADHD may be more likely to struggle at school and work. They may have difficulty following directions and juggling deadlines and meeting commitments. They might also have difficulty accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback from their workplace. These issues can lead to burnout, which could have a negative impact on their job performance and career.
Women who suffer from adult ADHD frequently have difficulty keeping track of their attention, are easily distracted, and are not well organized. They may also be prone self-doubt and depression. They can also have difficulty communicating their feelings, and are often misunderstood. For example, mood changes could be interpreted as a sudden eruption of anger or frustration.
Despite these issues There are still plenty of resources available for adults with ADHD. One of the most effective is a support group that is specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups are offered on the internet as well as in person. These groups are a great way to seek advice on the diagnosis options for both children and adults as well how to manage your illness.
There are many adult ADHD support groups across the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example meets every Wednesday 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. The details of the meeting on their website or their Facebook page. You can reach them if you have any questions or want to attend an scheduled event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, which includes menstrual cycles and menopause. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional symptoms such as mood fluctuations and irritability.
Exercise can reduce the symptoms of these conditions by releasing positive hormones and decreasing stress. It can also help to control excess energy, increase focus and concentration. Therefore, you should try to incorporate a regular exercise routine into your daily.
adhd in young women at home or, if you want to socialize join a club or gym. Remember that although exercising can help alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD, it won't cure them all on its own. It must be combined with other strategies for managing symptoms. The ideal goal is to do 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every week.