ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women often go not being diagnosed with ADHD as symptoms are less apparent for females. They can also be misdiagnosed as other disorders and delay the referral.
Symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders among females with ADHD should be investigated and addressed as appropriate. Transitional periods such as adolescence and pregnancy can also reveal and worsen ADHD symptoms in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is difficult to diagnose, especially in women. Many of the symptoms differ for women. While men are more active and impulsive, women often have trouble concentrating or sitting still. This means that they could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
Doctors might not be aware with ADHD because it's more prevalent in males and boys. This can lead to delays in diagnosis because females often don't get referred as quickly. Girls may also conceal their symptoms better than males and are less likely to be recognized by teachers or parents. They might use strategies for coping, such as hiding behind makeup or acting out to disguise their behaviour and feelings.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women go through perimenopause or menopause. This is because they can experience hormonal fluctuations that cause them to be more susceptible to mood swings. It could also be challenging for them to follow routines and keep track of their tasks. This can impact how they manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has risen due to celebrities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, long wait times for tests are causing stress and frustration for those who aren't able to access the help they need. This is especially relevant for those who are on the NHS as there are only a handful of 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. You must inform 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 be suffering from ADHD. You can download a letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. You could also obtain an assessment through private healthcare.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women with ADHD are more difficult to recognize than men, in part because the symptoms are not as obvious, especially in adulthood. These strategies can be harmful, because they might try to cover up their problems. Some of these include excessive drinking, smoking cannabis and trying to create social connections by engaging in risky activities (e.g. Prostitution, 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, unplanned and early pregnancies.
GPs will take any report of ADHD seriously and will inquire about the symptoms you are experiencing. Then, they will recommend the appropriate service for you - this typically a community mental health clinic or a specialist Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services are long and, in some instances, it is difficult to refer someone due to the lack of seriousness with which the problem is dealt with. This could be due to the fact that the GP is not aware of adult ADHD or believes the person's issues are due to other causes (such as anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs) rather than ADHD symptoms.
It is crucial to choose a therapist who has ADHD experience who is willing to work alongside your ADHD challenges. Some therapists specialise in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for people with ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms requires a long-term commitment. The use of medication can reduce some of your symptoms, and diet changes can help. For example, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can make the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less pronounced. On the other side, a diet that is high in junk food and sugar can worsen the symptoms.
You should also ask your GP whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation could be beneficial for you. They can be extremely helpful in helping those with ADHD manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques from a qualified teacher. The NHS service locator can help you locate the nearest provider.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD might have more subtle symptoms than males. This is likely due to the fact that females don't have as many symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This makes it more difficult to diagnose them. However, this is not to say that they don't have any symptoms. They might have ADHD symptoms that are harder to detect, such as inattentive ADHD. They may also have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in ruptures or broken relationships particularly with men.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD are more likely to have difficulties at school and work. They may have difficulty following directions in completing deadlines and keeping the track of their commitments. They might also be unable to accept constructive criticism or constructive feedback. These challenges can lead to burnout that could negatively impact their job and career.
Women who suffer from adult ADHD frequently have difficulty keeping track of their attention, are easily distracted and are not organized. They can also be prone to self-doubt, depression, and anxiety. They can also have difficulty in expressing their emotions and are often not understood. For example, mood changes can be misinterpreted as a sudden rage or anger.
Despite these challenges There are still plenty of resources available for adults with ADHD. One of the most effective is an online support group specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups are available online and in person. They are a great way to get guidance on diagnosis routes for adults and children, and also how to manage your illness.
There are numerous adult ADHD support groups across 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 achievements. The meeting details can be found on their Facebook page and website. You can reach them if you have any questions or want to attend an scheduled event.
4. Exercise
Women who suffer from ADHD can face particular issues that make it more difficult to manage their symptoms, including menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopausal changes. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional issues such as mood swings, and irritation.
Exercise can ease these symptoms, releasing feel good hormones and reducing the stress. add test for women can also help to reduce excess energy and increase focus and improve attention. Therefore, try to incorporate a regular exercise routine into your daily.
Try exercising at your home, or if prefer a more social environment you can join a class or gym. Exercise can help with some ADHD symptoms but it can't eliminate the symptoms. It should be incorporated with other strategies for managing symptoms. It is recommended to aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity workout per week.