ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often not properly diagnosed in girls and women because the signs aren't as evident. They are also often misdiagnosed as other conditions and delay the diagnosis.
It is important to explore and manage the symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders among women suffering from ADHD. Transitional periods such as pregnancy and adolescence may unmask and exacerbate ADHD symptoms in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be difficult to identify in adulthood, particularly for women. The symptoms are different for women. For example, while men tend to have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, a lot of women have trouble in concentrating or staying still. As a result, they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems such as depression or anxiety.
Doctors may not be familiarized with ADHD because it's more common in men and boys. This could lead to delays in diagnosis because females often don't get referred as quickly. Girls may also conceal their symptoms better than boys, making them less likely to be observed by parents or teachers. They may use coping techniques like hiding behind make-up or putting on a show to conceal their feelings and behaviour.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe as women enter perimenopausal or menopause. This is due to the fact that they be affected by hormonal changes that cause mood swings. It can also be difficult to keep track of routines and stay on top of their tasks. This can impact their ability to manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
The waiting time for assessments can cause stress and anger for those who are unable to receive the help they require. This is particularly applicable to those who are on the NHS as there are only a few doctors who can conduct ADHD assessments. It can take a long time to make an appointment.
The first step to getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. It is important to mention to your GP that you believe you might have ADHD because they will need to take it seriously and request a referral. You must also provide the reasons behind why you think you may have ADHD. You can download a help letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP and aid in speeding up the process. Alternatively, you can try to get an assessment through the private healthcare route.
2. Speak to your doctor
Women with ADHD are often harder to recognize than men, in part because the symptoms are not as evident, especially in adulthood. They may develop strategies to cover up their problems, and these could be detrimental to their health. These include drinking excessively or smoking cannabis, as well as trying to build social support by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. crime, gangs, and promiscuity activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD can also have increased rates of sexually transmitted diseases and teens, early and unplanned pregnancies.
Doctors will take any complaint of ADHD seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. Then they will refer you to the most appropriate service for your needs. This typically a community mental health clinic or a specialist Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services are long and in some cases it can be difficult to refer someone due to the lack of seriousness how the issue is addressed. This could be due to the fact that the GP isn't aware of adult ADHD, or because they believe that the individual's issues are caused by other factors (like depression, anxiety, or substance misuse) and not caused by their ADHD symptoms.
Once you've been referred to a therapist, it's important to select a therapist who is knowledgeable about 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 with ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms requires a lifetime commitment. Medication can help to reduce some of your symptoms, and dietary changes can help. For example, eating an a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits can make the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less pronounced. On the other side, a diet that is high in sugar and junk foods can worsen the symptoms.
It's also worth talking with your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation could be beneficial to you because they are extremely effective in helping people suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. adhd test for women can learn these techniques from a qualified teacher. You can find one near you using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD may have less obvious symptoms than men. This is probably due to the fact that females do not have as many symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This can make it difficult for them to be diagnosed. This does not mean that they do not have symptoms. They may even have ADHD symptoms that are harder to recognize, such as inattentive ADHD. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause ruptures or broken relationships, especially with men.
Women who have inattentive ADHD are more likely to have difficulties with school and work. 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 positive feedback. These challenges can lead to burnout, which can have a negative impact on their job and career.
Women who suffer from adult ADHD often have trouble paying attention, forgetting easily and are not organized. They could also be susceptible to depression and self-doubt. They can also have difficulty expressing their emotions, and are often misinterpreted. For instance, changes in mood can be misinterpreted as sudden outburst anger or frustration.
Despite these challenges there are a lot of resources available to adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective options is an intervention program specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups are offered both online and in person. They are great ways to get guidance on diagnosis routes for children and adults, as well as how to manage your illness.
There are numerous adult ADHD support groups throughout the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example is a weekly meeting at The Hideout St Judes. They offer a safe place for adults with ADHD to discuss their challenges, achievements and goals. The details of the meeting on their website and their Facebook page. You can contact them with any questions or want to attend an scheduled event.
4. Exercise
Women suffering from ADHD may face challenges in managing their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional symptoms like mood fluctuation and irritability.
Exercise can help alleviate these symptoms by releasing feel-good hormones and decreasing stress. In addition, it helps reduce excess energy and improve concentration and attention. So, try to incorporate a regular fitness routine into your day.
Do inattentive adhd in women at home, or, if your goal is to be social take part in a group or gym. Exercise can ease some ADHD symptoms but it can't solve the symptoms. It is best to combine it with other strategies for managing symptoms. You should aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.