ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women are often undiagnosed for ADHD as symptoms are less apparent in females. They are also often misdiagnosed as other disorders, which can delay referral.
The signs of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females with ADHD should be explored and addressed as appropriate. adhd in women signs , pregnancy or adolescence may reveal and worsen ADHD in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is a difficult condition to diagnose particularly in women. Many of the symptoms are different for women. For instance, while men tend to have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, a lot of women have trouble being able to concentrate or sit still. Because of this, they can be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems such as anxiety or depression.
Doctors may not be familiarized with ADHD because it is more common in men and boys. This can cause delays in diagnosis because females aren't seen by doctors as often. Girls also tend to conceal their symptoms better than boys which makes them less likely to be observed by parents or teachers. They might resort to coping strategies, such as hiding behind makeup or acting out, to hide their behavior and emotions.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women experience perimenopausal or menopausal. This is due to hormonal fluctuations that can make them more susceptible to mood swings. It can also be difficult to keep track of routines and stay on top of their tasks. This can affect their ability to 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, the long wait times for tests are causing stress and frustration for those who haven't been successful in getting the assistance they require. This can be particularly the case for those on the NHS and have a limited number of doctors who carry out ADHD tests and it could take years to obtain an appointment.
The first step in obtaining the diagnosis is to visit your GP. You should tell your GP that you think you have ADHD. They will be able to take this seriously and request a referral. You must also provide the reasons you believe you might have ADHD. You can download a help letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP, which can help speed up the process. You can also try to get an evaluation through private healthcare.
2. Speak to your doctor
Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult to diagnose, in part because their symptoms, especially as they age, may not be as evident. These strategies can be harmful, since they can try to cover up their problems. These include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and seeking to build support for their friends by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs, and criminal activity are all examples of high-risk behaviors. Girls who suffer from ADHD can also have increased incidences of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.
The GP will take any reports of ADHD seriously and will ask you about your symptoms. Then they will direct you to the most appropriate service for you - this usually is a mental health clinic or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services are long and in some cases, it is difficult to refer someone due to the lack of seriousness which the problem is treated. This could be because the GP does not know about adult ADHD or believe that the person's problems are due to something else (like depression, anxiety, or abuse of drugs) and not due to their ADHD symptoms.
Once you've been referred, it is important to select a therapist who is knowledgeable about the issue and will work with your ADHD issues. Certain therapists specialize in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is especially beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms is a lifelong process that can last for a lifetime. Medication can help to reduce some of your symptoms and dietary changes can help. A diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms. On the other side, a diet that is high in junk food and sugar can exacerbate these symptoms.
It's also worth talking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods like meditation could be beneficial to you because they can be extremely efficient in helping those suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques by a trained teacher. The NHS service locator can help you locate an NHS provider close to you.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD might exhibit less obvious symptoms than men. This is probably 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 say that they don't have any signs. They may even have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to spot, like inattentive ADHD. In addition, they could have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in ruptures or broken relationships particularly with males.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD might be more likely to have difficulties with school and work. They may have trouble following directions, meeting deadlines, and keeping track of commitments. They can also have a hard time accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback from their workplace. These challenges can lead to burnout which could negatively impact their career and job performance.
Women who suffer from adult ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused, forgetting easily and are not organized. They may also be prone depression and self-doubt. They can also have difficulty communicating their feelings, and are often misinterpreted. For instance, changes in mood can be misinterpreted as sudden eruption of anger or frustration.
Despite these difficulties, there are still many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective is a support group that is specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups can be found on the internet and in person. They are great ways to get advice on diagnosis routes for children and adults, and also how to manage your condition.
There are many 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 and secure environment for adults with ADHD who wish to talk about their challenges, goals and successes. You can find the meeting details on their website or their Facebook page. You can reach them with any questions or would like to attend an scheduled event.
4. Exercise
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulties managing their symptoms, including menstrual cycles and menopause. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional problems like mood swings and irritation.
Exercise can help reduce the symptoms of these conditions by releasing positive hormones and reducing stress. It can also help control excess energy, improve focus and attention. Therefore, try to incorporate a regular exercise routine into your daily.
You can exercise at home or, if you'd like to socialize join a club or join a gym. Exercise can help with certain ADHD symptoms, but it will not solve them. It should be incorporated with other strategies for managing symptoms. Ideally, you should aim to do 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.