ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women and girls because the symptoms are less obvious. They may also be mistaken for other disorders and this can delay referral.
The signs of depression, anxiety and eating disorders among females with ADHD need to be investigated and addressed as appropriate. The transitional phases of pregnancy and adolescence can unmask and exacerbate ADHD symptoms in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be difficult to recognize in adulthood, particularly for women. A lot of the symptoms are different for women. For example, while men tend to have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, most women have difficulty in concentrating or staying still. They might be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
ADHD is more frequently observed in men and boys and doctors may not be knowledgeable about the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis because females aren't seen by doctors as often. Girls also tend to conceal their symptoms better than boys, making them less likely to be recognized by teachers or parents. They may resort to strategies to cope, like concealing their appearance with makeup or acting out, to hide their behavior and emotions.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women are going through menopause or perimenopause. This is due to hormonal fluctuations that can cause them to be more prone to mood swings. It can also be difficult for them to follow routines and stay on top of their tasks. This could affect how they manage their work, home and other responsibilities.
Waiting times for assessments can cause stress and frustration to those who aren't able to receive the help they require. This is particularly true for those who are on the NHS since there are only a few doctors who can conduct ADHD tests. It can take a long time to make an appointment.
The first step in getting the diagnosis is to visit your GP. You should tell your GP you believe you may have ADHD. They will take this seriously and ask for a referral. You should also explain the reasons why you think you may be suffering from ADHD. You can download a help letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP, which can help speed up the process. You may also get an evaluation from private healthcare.
2. Speak with your doctor
Women with ADHD are often harder to diagnose than men, in part because the symptoms are not as evident, especially when they are adults. They may develop compensatory strategies to hide their problems and they can be very damaging. A few of these include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis and trying to gain social support by participating in risky activities (e.g. adult add in women , gangs, and criminal activity are all examples of high-risk behaviors. Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be involved in criminal activities, gangs, and promiscuity. rates of sexually transmitted diseases and teenage, early and unplanned pregnancies.
Doctors will take any complaint of ADHD seriously, and should ask you about your symptoms. They will then recommend a treatment that is most suitable for you. This is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for the services may be long In some instances, it is difficult to get referrals because the issue is not taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP isn't aware of adult ADHD or believe that the individual's issues are due to something else (like depression, anxiety, or abuse of drugs) and not caused by their ADHD symptoms.
If you've been recommended to a therapist, you must choose a therapist who understands the condition, and is willing to tackle your ADHD difficulties. Certain therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for people suffering from ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms is a lifelong process. Treatment and dietary changes can aid in reducing your symptoms. For example, eating an a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can make your symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less noticeable. On the other the other hand, a diet rich in junk food and sugar can worsen the symptoms.
It is also advisable to ask your GP to determine if mindfulness-based practices, such as meditation, might be helpful for you. They can be very helpful in helping those with ADHD manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques by a trained instructor. You can find a teacher near you using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD might exhibit less apparent symptoms than men. This could be due to the fact that females don't have as many hyperactive, impulsive symptoms as their male counterparts. This makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. However, this does not mean they don't have symptoms. In reality, they may have inattentive ADHD symptoms that are harder to recognize. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to broken relationships or even breakups, especially with men.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD are more likely to struggle with work and school. They may have trouble adhering to instructions or deadlines, as well as keeping track of commitments. They may also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or constructive feedback. These challenges can lead them to burnout that can have a negative impact on 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 poor organisation. They are also susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. They may also have difficulties in expressing their emotions and are often misinterpreted. For instance, mood swings can be seen as an expression of anger or frustration.
Despite these issues there are many options 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 online 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 condition.
There are many adult ADHD support groups throughout the UK. For example, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe and secure environment for adults with ADHD who want to discuss their struggles, goals and accomplishments. The information about the meeting are available on their Facebook page and website. You can reach them with any questions or would like to attend an upcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, which includes menstrual cycles and menopause. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional issues like mood swings and anger.
Exercise can help reduce these symptoms by releasing feel-good hormones and reduce stress. Additionally, it can help reduce excess energy and improve focus and attention. Therefore, you should try to incorporate a regular exercise routine into your day.
Exercise at home or, if you'd like to socialize, join a group or join a gym. Remember that although exercise can alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD however, it will not fix them completely by itself - it must be combined with other strategies for managing symptoms. It is recommended to aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.