ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women are often not being diagnosed with ADHD since symptoms are more evident in females. It is possible to misdiagnose them as other conditions which may delay the diagnosis.
It is essential to investigate and manage the symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders among women suffering from ADHD. Transitional periods such as pregnancy and adolescence may cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be difficult to identify in adulthood, particularly for women. This is due to the fact that many symptoms are different for females. For instance, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, a lot of women have difficulty being able to concentrate or sit still. This means that they can be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression.
ADHD is often observed in high functioning adhd in women and females, so doctors might not be knowledgeable about the condition. This could lead to delays in diagnosis because females often don't get referred as quickly. Girls also tend to conceal their symptoms better than males which makes them less likely to be noticed by teachers or parents. They might resort to coping strategies like wearing make-up or acting out to hide their feelings and behaviour.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women go through perimenopause or menopausal. This is because hormonal fluctuations can cause them to be more prone to mood swings. It could also be challenging to follow routines and stay on top of their tasks. This could affect how they manage their work, home and other obligations.
While awareness of ADHD has risen due to prominent personalities such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, long wait times for assessments are frustrating and stressful for people who haven't been in a position to get the help they need. This is especially relevant for those who are who are on the NHS since there are only a few doctors who are able to conduct ADHD tests. It can take a long time to get an appointment.
The first step in getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. It is important to inform your GP that you think you might be suffering from ADHD because they'll need to take this seriously and ask for a referral. You must also state the reasons why you think you be suffering from ADHD. You can download a supportive letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP, which can aid in speeding up the process. Alternately, you can attempt to obtain an assessment via the private healthcare route.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women with ADHD are more difficult to identify due to the fact that their symptoms, particularly when they are adults aren't always evident. These strategies can be harmful, as they may try to cover up their issues. Some of these include excessive drinking, smoking cannabis and trying to gain social support by participating in risky activities (e.g. gangs, promiscuity and criminal activities). Girls with ADHD are also more likely to experience an increased risk of developing sexually transmitted illnesses and teens who are unplanned and have early-stage pregnancy.
GPs take reports of ADHD very seriously and will ask about your symptoms. They will then direct you to a program 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 long and in some instances it can be difficult to get referred because the problem isn't treated with enough seriousness. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of adult ADHD or believes that the individual's difficulties are due to other causes (such as depression, anxiety or abuse of substances) instead of ADHD symptoms.
It is important that you select a therapist with ADHD experience who is willing to work with you in addressing your ADHD challenges. Certain therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms is a long-term process that can last for a lifetime. The use of medication and diet changes can help to reduce the symptoms. A diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms. On the other hand, a diet high in sugar and junk food can worsen the symptoms.
It's also worth talking with your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation could be beneficial for you, as they can be very efficient in helping those suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods by a trained teacher. The NHS service locator can help you locate an NHS provider close to you.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD might have less apparent symptoms than men. This is likely due to the fact that females do not have as many hyperactive, impulsive symptoms as their male counterparts. This can make it difficult for them to get diagnosed. However, this isn't to suggest that they don't have any symptoms. They might have ADHD symptoms that are difficult to detect, such as inattention ADHD. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in ruptures or broken relationships, especially with men.
Women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to experience difficulties at school and work. They can have trouble adhering to instructions, keeping track of deadlines and keeping promises. They can also have a hard time accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback at work. These issues can lead to burnout which can negatively impact their job and career.
Some of the most common symptoms and signs of adult ADHD among women include difficulties paying attention, a tendency to forget things easily and a lack of organization. They are also susceptible to self-doubt, depression, and anxiety. Additionally, they can struggle with their emotions and are often not understood by others. For instance, mood swings can be perceived as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these issues, there are plenty of resources available for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective options is an intervention program designed specifically for adults with ADHD. These groups are offered both online as well as in person. They are an excellent way to receive guidance on diagnosis routes for both adults and children as well as how to manage your condition.
If you're looking for an adult ADHD support group, there are several in the UK. For example the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults suffering from ADHD to discuss their challenges, achievements and goals. The information about the meeting can be found on their Facebook page and website. You can also reach them with questions if you'd like to attend a future event.
4. Exercise
Women who suffer from ADHD have unique issues that make it more difficult to manage their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes may cause or worsen emotional issues such as mood swings, and irritation.
Exercise can ease the symptoms by producing feel-good hormones and decreasing stress. In addition, it helps reduce excess energy and improve focus and attention. Try to incorporate regular exercise into your day.
You can exercise at home or, if your goal is to be social, join a group or join a gym. Exercise can alleviate certain ADHD symptoms however it cannot eliminate them. It should be incorporated with other strategies to treat symptoms. The goal should be 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.