ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women often go not being diagnosed with ADHD because the symptoms are less evident for females. They can also be mistaken for other conditions, which can delay the referral.
It is crucial to understand and address the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and eating disorders among women suffering from ADHD. attention deficit disorder in women of transition such as pregnancy and adolescence can unmask and exacerbate ADHD symptoms in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is a difficult condition to diagnose particularly for women. This is because a lot symptoms are different in females. While men are more hyperactive and impulsive, females often have trouble concentrating or sitting still. They might be misdiagnosed as having other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
Doctors may not be well-versed with ADHD because it is more prevalent in men and boys. This can cause delays in diagnosis because females often don't get referred as quickly. Girls may also conceal their symptoms better than men which makes them less likely to be recognized by teachers or parents. They might resort to coping strategies, such as hiding behind make-up or putting on a show to conceal their emotions and behavior.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe as women enter perimenopausal or menopause. This is because they have hormonal fluctuations that can make them more prone to mood swings. It could also be challenging for them to follow routines and manage their tasks. This could affect their ability to manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
The waiting time for assessments can cause stress and frustration to those who aren't able to receive the assistance they require. This is especially true for those on the NHS since there are only a few doctors who can conduct ADHD tests. It can take a long time to secure an appointment.
The first step in getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. You should tell your GP you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. They will take this seriously and request a referral. You should also explain the reasons why you think you have ADHD. You can download a supportive letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP, which can help speed up the process. You may also obtain an assessment through private healthcare.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are often harder to identify than men, in part because the signs aren't as evident, especially when they are adults. These strategies can be harmful, as they may attempt to hide their issues. They may do this by drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and seeking to build support for their friends by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs and other criminal activity are all examples of high-risk actions. Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to have a higher rate of sexually transmitted diseases and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancy.
GPs take reports of ADHD extremely serious and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then refer you to a service that is the most appropriate for you. It is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services are lengthy and in some cases it can be difficult to get referred because of the lack of seriousness which the problem is dealt with. This could be due to the fact that the GP doesn't know about adult ADHD, or because they think that the person's challenges are caused by other factors (like depression, anxiety or substance misuse) and not by their ADHD symptoms.
It is crucial to select a therapist with ADHD experience who is able to collaborate with your ADHD issues. Some therapists are trained cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people suffering from ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms requires a long-term commitment. Treatment and dietary changes can help to reduce the symptoms. For instance, a diet rich in vegetables and fruits can make your symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less noticeable. A diet rich in sugars and junk food can cause these symptoms to worsen.
It's also worth talking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation could be beneficial to you as they are extremely effective in helping people suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a qualified teacher. The NHS service locator can help you find an NHS provider close to you.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD typically have less visible symptoms than those with ADHD. This is likely because females don't have as many impulsive and hyperactive symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to be diagnosed. However, this is not to say that they don't have any signs. In reality, they may have inattention ADHD symptoms that are harder to detect. They may also have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in strained or dissolved relationships particularly with males.
Women with inattention ADHD may be more likely to have difficulties with work and school. They may have trouble adhering to instructions in completing deadlines and keeping the track of commitments. They might also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These issues can lead to burnout that can negatively impact their career and job performance.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms and signs of adult ADHD among women include difficulties paying attention, forgetting things easily and having a poor organization. They might also be prone to depression and self-doubt. In addition, they may have trouble with their emotions and are frequently not understood by others. For instance, mood swings can be misinterpreted as a sudden eruption of anger or frustration.
Despite these difficulties, there are many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best is an online support group specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are available both online as well as in person. They are great ways to get information on the diagnosis process for adults and children, as well as how to manage your illness.
There are a variety of adult ADHD support groups across the UK. For example the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults with ADHD who wish to talk about their challenges, goals, and accomplishments. The meeting details are available on their Facebook page or on their website. You can also contact them with any questions you may have if you'd like to attend a future event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD may face challenges in managing their symptoms, including menstrual cycles and menopause. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional symptoms such as mood fluctuation and irritability.
Exercise can help reduce these symptoms by releasing happy hormones and decreasing stress. It can also help to manage excess energy, and improve focus and attention. Try to include regular exercise into your day.
Exercise at home or, if you want to be social take part in a group or join a gym. Remember that although exercise can reduce certain symptoms of ADHD but it's not going to cure them all on its own. It should be paired with other symptom-management strategies. The goal should be 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.