ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls often go not being diagnosed with ADHD as symptoms are less evident in females. They may also be mistaken for other disorders and this can delay referral.
It is important to explore and address the symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders among women suffering from ADHD. Periods of transition such as pregnancy and adolescence may reveal and worsen ADHD symptoms in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD isn't easy to diagnose in adulthood, particularly for women. The symptoms are different for women. While men are more hyperactive and impulsive, women typically struggle to concentrate or sit still. As a result, they could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health problems such as depression or anxiety.
ADHD is often seen in boys and men and doctors may not be knowledgeable about the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis as women aren't referred as frequently. Girls can also hide symptoms better than males. This makes them less likely to get noticed by parents or teachers. They may resort to coping methods, such as wearing make-up or acting out to disguise their feelings and behaviour.
The symptoms of ADHD are more severe in women who are experiencing menopausal or perimenopause. This is due to hormonal fluctuations that can make them more susceptible to mood swings. It could also be challenging for them to follow routines and manage their tasks. This could affect how they manage their home, work and other obligations.
Waiting times for assessments can cause stress and frustration for those who are unable to receive the assistance they require. This is especially relevant for those on the NHS and have a limited number of doctors that can conduct ADHD tests and it could take years to obtain an appointment.
The first step to getting a diagnosis is to see your GP. It is important to inform your GP that you think you be suffering from ADHD. They will be able to take this seriously and ask for an appointment. You must also provide the reasons why you think you might have ADHD. You can download an official letter from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. You could also receive an evaluation from private healthcare.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to recognize than men, in part because the symptoms are not so obvious, particularly when they are adults. They might develop strategies to cover up their problems which can be extremely damaging. These include drinking excessively or smoking cannabis, as well as seeking to build social support through high-risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs and other criminal activities are just a few examples of high-risk actions. Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to have a higher rate of sexually transmitted illnesses and teens who are unplanned and have early-stage pregnancy.
GPs take reports of ADHD very serious and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then refer you to a service that is the most appropriate for you. This is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services are long and in some cases it can be difficult to get referred because of the lack of seriousness with which the problem is treated. This could be due to the fact that the GP is not aware of adult ADHD or believes that the person's issues are due to other causes (such as depression, anxiety or abuse of substances) rather than ADHD symptoms.
It is important that you choose a therapist with ADHD experience who is willing to work alongside your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people with ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms is a continuous process. Medication and dietary changes may help reduce your symptoms. For instance, a diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits can make the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less pronounced. A diet that is high in sugars and junk foods can exacerbate these symptoms.
It's also worth talking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based practices like meditation could be beneficial for you because they can be extremely effective in helping people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a qualified instructor. You can find one near you by using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD often find their symptoms less obvious than men. This could be 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 harder to identify them. undiagnosed adhd in women doesn't mean they don't have symptoms. In reality, they may have inattention ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to recognise. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in broken relationships or even breakups particularly with males.
Women who have inattentive ADHD are more likely to have difficulties with school and work. They can have trouble following instructions and juggling deadlines and keeping promises. They may also have difficulty accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback at work. adhd in older women can lead to burnout, which could have a negative impact on their performance at work and their career.
Women with adult ADHD frequently have difficulty paying attention, forgetting easily and aren't organized. They could also be susceptible to depression and self-doubt. In addition, they may be troubled by their emotions and are frequently misunderstood by others. For example, mood changes can be misinterpreted as sudden outburst anger or frustration.
Despite these issues, there are still many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best is a support group that is 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 children and adults, as well as how to manage your illness.
If you're seeking 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 and secure environment for adults with ADHD who want to discuss their challenges, goals, and achievements. You can find the details of the meeting on their website or Facebook page. You can also contact them with any questions if you'd like to attend a future event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD have unique issues that make it more difficult to manage their symptoms, including menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes may cause or exacerbate emotional issues such as mood swings, and anger.
Exercise can help alleviate these symptoms by releasing happy hormones and decreasing stress. It can also help control excess energy, increase focus and concentration. Therefore, try to incorporate a regular exercise routine into your daily.
You can exercise at home or, if you'd like to be social, join a group or gym. Exercise can ease certain ADHD symptoms but it can't eliminate the symptoms. It is best to combine it with other strategies to treat symptoms. The goal should be 150 minutes of moderate intensity workout per week.