ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women are often undiagnosed for ADHD because the symptoms are less obvious for females. They can also be mistaken for other disorders and this could delay the referral.
It is crucial to understand and treat the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and eating disorders among females suffering from ADHD. The transitional phases of adolescence or pregnancy can also reveal and increase the severity of ADHD in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be hard to recognize in adulthood, especially for women. Many of 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. They might be misdiagnosed as having mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
ADHD is also more often observed in men and boys So doctors may not be familiar with the condition. This could lead to delays in diagnosis since females aren't often referred to as quickly. Girls also conceal their symptoms better than males. This makes them less likely get noticed by their teachers or parents. They may use coping techniques like concealing their face with makeup or putting on a show to conceal their feelings and behaviour.
Symptoms of ADHD are more severe when women go through perimenopause or menopausal. This is due to hormonal fluctuations that can cause them to be more prone to mood swings. They may also find it harder to stay on top of things and stick to routines. This can affect how well they manage their work, home and other responsibilities.
Waiting times for assessments can be stressful and cause frustration for those who are unable to receive the help they need. This is especially applicable to those who are on the NHS since there are only a few doctors who can conduct ADHD assessments. It can take years to make an appointment.
The first step towards getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. You should tell your GP that you think you have ADHD. They will be able to take this seriously and will request a referral. You should also explain why you believe you might have ADHD. You can download a supportive letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP, which can help speed up the process. You can also try to get an assessment through private healthcare.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to diagnose, in part because their symptoms, especially when they reach adulthood aren't always evident. They may develop compensatory strategies to cover up their problems which could be detrimental to their health. They may do this by drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and seeking to build social support by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. prostitution, gangs and other criminal activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to have an increased risk of developing sexually transmitted illnesses and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancy.
Doctors will take any complaint of ADHD seriously and will ask you about your symptoms. They will then direct you to a program that is most suitable for you. This is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services can be long and in some cases, it is difficult to be referred because of the lack of seriousness with 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 believe that the individual's issues are caused by other factors (like depression, anxiety or substance misuse) and not due to their ADHD symptoms.
Once you've been referred to a therapist, you must select a therapist that is aware of the issue and is willing to tackle your ADHD issues. Some therapists specialise in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is especially beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms requires a lifetime commitment. Medication can help to reduce some of your symptoms and diet changes can make a difference too. add adult women that is rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can help reduce the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. A diet rich in sugars and junk food can exacerbate these symptoms.
It's also worth talking with your GP about whether mindfulness-based practices such as meditation could be useful for you because they can be very effective in helping people suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods by a trained instructor. The NHS service locator can help you find an NHS provider close to you.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD might have less apparent symptoms than men. This could be because females don't have as many hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to be diagnosed. However, this does not mean they do not have symptoms. In fact, they may have inattention ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to detect. In addition, they can have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in difficult relationships, especially with men.
Women with inattention ADHD may be more likely to have difficulties with work and school. They may have difficulty adhering to instructions or deadlines, as well as keeping the track of their commitments. They might also be unable to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These issues can cause burnout, which can have a negative effect on their job performance and career.
Women who suffer from adult ADHD frequently have difficulty keeping track of their attention, are easily distracted, and are not well organized. They might also be prone to depression and self-doubt. They may also struggle with their emotions and are frequently not understood by others. For instance, mood swings can be misinterpreted as sudden eruption of anger or frustration.
Despite these challenges there are plenty of resources available for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective is an online support group specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups can be found online and in person. They are great ways to get information on the diagnosis process for adults and children, as well as tips on how to manage your illness.
There are many adult ADHD support groups across the UK. For example, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They offer a safe place for adults suffering from ADHD to talk about their challenges, successes and hopes. You can find the details of the meeting on their website or their Facebook page. You can also reach them with any questions you may have in the event that you'd like to join the next event.
4. Exercise
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, including menstrual cycles and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional symptoms like mood fluctuations and irritability.
Exercise can help reduce these symptoms by releasing happy hormones and reduce stress. Plus, it can help reduce excess energy and improve concentration and attention. Try to include regular exercise into your day.
You can exercise at home or, if you'd like to be social join a club or gym. Remember that although exercise can reduce some of the symptoms of ADHD but it's not going to cure them all on its own. It should be paired with other strategies for managing symptoms. The ideal goal is to do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity workout each week.