ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often mistakenly diagnosed in girls and women because the signs aren't as obvious. They can also be mistaken for other conditions and this can delay referral.
Symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females with ADHD should be investigated and addressed as appropriate. Adolescence, pregnancy or adolescence may reveal and worsen ADHD in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD isn't easy to recognize in adulthood, particularly for women. Many of the symptoms are different for women. While men are more active and impulsive, females often have trouble concentrating or sitting still. Because of this, they could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
ADHD is more frequently observed in males and females and doctors may not be familiar with the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis, since females aren't seen by doctors as frequently. Girls are also able to hide their symptoms better than boys. This makes them less likely to be noticed by parents or teachers. They might use strategies for coping, such as hiding behind makeup or acting out to disguise their behaviour and emotions.
The symptoms of ADHD can worsen when women are going through menopause or perimenopausal. This is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more susceptible to mood swings. It could also be challenging to keep track of routines and stay on top of their tasks. This can impact their ability to manage their home, work and other obligations.
While awareness of ADHD has soared thanks to prominent personalities such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, long wait times for tests are causing stress and frustration for those who haven't been able to access the assistance they require. This is especially relevant for those who are who are on the NHS since there are only a few doctors who can perform ADHD tests. It can take years to make an appointment.
The first step in obtaining an assessment is to see your GP. You should tell your GP you believe you may have ADHD. They will be able to take this seriously and request an appointment. You must also state the reasons why you think you have ADHD. You can download the letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. You can also try to receive an assessment through private healthcare.
2. Speak with your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are often harder to diagnose than men, partly because the signs aren't so obvious, particularly as an adult. These strategies can be harmful because they might attempt to hide their issues. This includes drinking heavily, smoking cannabis, and seeking to build social support by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs, and criminal activities are just a few examples of high-risk activities. Girls with ADHD may also be more susceptible to increased rates of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, early and unplanned pregnancies.
GPs take reports of ADHD very seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. Then, they will direct you to the most appropriate service for you - this is usually a community mental health clinic or a specialist Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services are lengthy and in some cases, it is difficult to be referred 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 due to other factors (like anxiety, depression or abuse of substances) and not caused by their ADHD symptoms.
It is important that you choose a therapist who has ADHD experience who is willing to work with you in addressing your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists are trained cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people with ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms requires a lifetime commitment. Medication and dietary changes may help to reduce the symptoms. A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. On the other side, a diet that is high in sugar and junk foods can exacerbate these symptoms.
You should also ask your GP whether mindfulness-based methods, such as meditation, might be helpful for you. They are helpful in helping those with ADHD manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a certified instructor. The NHS service locator will help you locate a provider near you.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD might have more subtle symptoms than males. This could be due to the fact that females don't have as many symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This makes it more difficult to diagnose them. However, this isn't to suggest that they don't have any signs. In fact, they may be afflicted with inattention ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to detect. Additionally, they may have a hard time managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in ruptures or broken relationships, especially with men.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD are more likely to have difficulties at school and work. They may have difficulty following directions and keeping track of deadlines and meeting commitments. They might also be unable to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These challenges can lead to burnout, which could negatively impact their job and career.
The most frequent signs and symptoms of adult ADHD for women are difficulty paying attention, a tendency to forget things easily, and poor organisation. They may also be susceptible to self-doubt, depression, and anxiety. In addition, they may be troubled by their emotions and are frequently misunderstood by others. For instance, mood swings can be seen as an expression of anger or frustration.
Despite these difficulties there are many resources available for adults with ADHD. One of the best is a support group specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups are available online as well as in person. These groups are an excellent way to get advice about diagnostic methods for children and adults, and also how to manage your condition.
There are many adult ADHD support groups throughout the UK. For example, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. adhd in older women provide a safe environment for adults with ADHD to discuss their struggles, successes and aspirations. You can find the details of the meeting on their website and Facebook page. You can also contact them with any questions or if you'd like the opportunity to attend an upcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women who suffer from ADHD can face unique challenges that make it harder to manage their symptoms, including menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional problems such as mood swings, and anger.
Exercise can help reduce the symptoms of these conditions by releasing positive hormones and reduce stress. It also helps control excess energy, increase focus and concentration. Therefore, try to incorporate a regular fitness routine into your day.
Exercise at home or, if you want to socialize take part in a group or gym. Be aware that although exercising can help alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD but it's not going to solve them all on its own. It is best to combine it with other strategies to manage symptoms. The ideal goal is to do 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every week.