ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls often go undiagnosed for ADHD since symptoms are more obvious for females. They are also often misdiagnosed as other conditions, which can delay the referral.
It is crucial to understand and address the symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders among women suffering from ADHD. The transitional phases of pregnancy and adolescence can cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be hard to diagnose in adulthood, especially for women. A lot of the symptoms differ for women. For instance, while men tend to have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, most women have trouble concentrating or sitting still. They might be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression.
ADHD is often seen in boys and men, so doctors might not be aware of the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis because females are not referred to doctors as quickly. Girls also tend to conceal their symptoms better than males, making them less likely to be recognized by teachers or parents. They may use coping techniques, such as hiding behind make-up or acting out to hide their feelings and behaviour.
The symptoms of ADHD are more severe in women who are going through menopause or perimenopause. This is due to hormonal fluctuations that can cause them to be more prone to mood swings. It may also be difficult to follow routines and manage their tasks. This can affect their ability to manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
The waiting time for assessments can be stressful and cause frustration to those who aren't able to receive the help they require. This is particularly true for those who are on the NHS, as there is only a handful of doctors that can carry out ADHD assessments and it can take years to obtain an appointment.
The first step to getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. It is essential to tell your GP that you think you might have ADHD since they will have to be attentive and ask for a referral. It is also important to explain why you believe you might have ADHD. You can download an official letter from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. You may also get an assessment through private healthcare.
2. Speak with your doctor
Women with ADHD can be harder to diagnose than men, partly because the symptoms are not so obvious, particularly in adulthood. These strategies can be harmful, because they might try to cover up their problems. Some of them include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis and trying to gain social support by participating in risky activities (e.g. Gangs, prostitution and criminal activities are just a few examples of high-risk actions. Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be involved in a higher rate of sexually transmitted illnesses and teenage, unplanned and early-stage pregnancy.
The GPs will take any reports of ADHD very serious and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then recommend a treatment that is most suitable for you. This is usually a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services are 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 because the GP isn't aware of adult ADHD, or because they think that the person's challenges are due to other factors (like depression, anxiety or abuse of drugs) and not caused by their ADHD symptoms.
Once you've been referred to a therapist, you must choose a therapist who understands the issue and is willing to work with your ADHD problems. Some therapists specialize in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for people with ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms is a long-term process. Medication can help to reduce some of your symptoms and dietary changes can help. A diet high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can help reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. A diet that is high in sugars and junk food may exacerbate these symptoms.
It's also worth talking with your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation might be beneficial for you as they can be extremely effective in helping people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods by a trained teacher. The NHS service locator can help you find a provider near you.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD might have less apparent symptoms than men. This is likely due to the fact that females don't have as many hyperactive, impulsive symptoms as their male counterparts. This can make it difficult for them to get diagnosed. This doesn't mean they do not have symptoms. They could have ADHD symptoms that are harder to detect, such as inattention ADHD. In addition, they can have a hard time managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause ruptures or broken relationships, especially with men.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD may be more likely to struggle with work and school. They may have trouble adhering to instructions or deadlines, as well as keeping the track of their commitments. They might also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or constructive feedback. These issues can lead to burnout, which can have a negative impact on their job performance and their career.
Women who suffer from adult ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused, forgetting easily and aren't organized. They could also be susceptible to depression and self-doubt. They may also have trouble with their emotions and are frequently misunderstood by others. For adhd in women treatment , mood changes can be misinterpreted as a sudden outburst anger or frustration.
Despite these challenges, there are still many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best is a support group specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups can be found on the internet and in person. They are an excellent way to receive guidance on diagnosis routes for adults and children, as well as how to manage your illness.
There are numerous adult ADHD support groups in the UK. For instance, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults with ADHD who want to share their challenges, goals and successes. The details of the meeting are available on their Facebook page or website. You can also reach them with any questions you may have if you'd like to attend an upcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, including menstrual cycles and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional problems such as mood swings and irritation.
Exercise can reduce these symptoms by releasing happy hormones and reduce stress. It also helps control excess energy, improve focus and attention. Try to incorporate regular exercise into your day.
Try exercising at home, or if you prefer a social atmosphere take part in a group class or gym. Exercise can alleviate certain ADHD symptoms, but it will not eliminate the symptoms. It should be incorporated with other strategies for managing symptoms. Ideally, you should aim to do 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.