ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls often go undiagnosed for ADHD since symptoms are more evident in females. They are also often misdiagnosed as other conditions which may delay the diagnosis.
It is essential to investigate and treat the symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders among women suffering from ADHD. The transitional phases of pregnancy and adolescence can reveal and worsen ADHD symptoms in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD isn't easy to identify in adulthood, especially for women. This is due to the fact that many of the symptoms differ for females. While men are more active and impulsive, females often have trouble concentrating or sitting still. Because of this, they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.
Doctors may not be familiarized with ADHD because it is more prevalent in males and boys. This can cause delays in diagnosis because females often don't get referred as swiftly. Girls also tend to conceal their symptoms better than males and are less likely to be noticed by teachers or parents. They might resort to strategies for coping, such as concealing their appearance with makeup or acting out to hide their behavior and feelings.
The symptoms of ADHD can worsen when women are experiencing menopausal or perimenopausal. This is due to the fact that they experience hormonal fluctuations that cause mood swings. They might also have difficulty to keep track of their activities and follow routines. This could affect how they manage their work, home and other obligations.
While awareness of ADHD has increased due to prominent personalities such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, the long wait times for assessments are causing stress and frustration for those who haven't been in a position to get the assistance they require. attention deficit in women is especially true for those who are on the NHS since there are only a handful of doctors that can carry out ADHD assessments and it can take years to get an appointment.
The first step towards getting a diagnosis is to see your GP. You should tell your GP you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. They will take this seriously and will request a referral. You should also explain the reasons you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. You can download an official letter from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to speed up the process. You may also get an evaluation from private healthcare.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD can be harder to recognize than men, in part because the signs aren't as obvious, especially as an adult. They may develop compensatory strategies to hide their problems, and these can be very damaging. Some of these include excessive drinking smoking cannabis, or trying to build social support by engaging in risky activities (e.g. crime, gangs, and promiscuity activities). Girls with ADHD can also have increased incidences of sexually transmitted infections and teens, early and unplanned pregnancies.
The GPs will take any reports of ADHD extremely seriously and will ask about your symptoms. Then, they will recommend the appropriate service for you. This typically a community mental health clinic or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services can be long and in some cases, it is difficult to refer someone due to the lack of seriousness with which the problem is treated. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of adult ADHD or believes that the individual's difficulties are due to other causes (such as depression, anxiety or abuse of substances) instead of ADHD symptoms.
It is essential to select a therapist with ADHD experience who is able to collaborate with your ADHD issues. Some therapists are trained cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
Controlling Highly recommended Resource site requires a lifetime commitment. The use of medication can reduce some of your symptoms, and diet changes can help. A diet high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can help reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. A diet that is high in sugars and junk food can increase the severity of these symptoms.
It's also worth talking with your GP about whether mindfulness-based techniques like meditation could be beneficial to you as they can be very effective in helping people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods with a certified instructor. The NHS service locator can help you find the nearest provider.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD might exhibit more subtle symptoms than males. This is likely due to the fact that females don't have as many hyperactive, impulsive symptoms as their male counterparts. This makes it more difficult for them to get diagnosed. However, this does not mean they do not have symptoms. They might have ADHD symptoms that are harder to detect, such as inattention ADHD. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause strained or dissolved relationships particularly with men.
Women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to experience difficulties at school and work. They may have difficulty following instructions and keeping track of deadlines and meeting commitments. They might also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These challenges can lead them to burnout which can negatively impact their career and job performance.
The most frequent symptoms and signs of ADHD for women are difficulty paying attention, easily forgetting things and having a poor organization. They are also susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. In addition, they may be troubled by their emotions and are frequently thought of as a victim by other people. For instance, mood swings can be misinterpreted as sudden rage or anger.
Despite these challenges there are many options for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective is a support group that is specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups are available online and in person. These groups are a great place to receive advice on diagnostic methods for adults and children, as well how to manage your condition.
If you're seeking an adult ADHD support group, there are a number 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 struggles, goals and successes. You can find the details of the meeting on their website and Facebook page. Contact them with any questions or would like to attend an scheduled event.
4. Exercise
Women who suffer from ADHD may face unique issues that make it more difficult to manage their symptoms, like menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional symptoms, such as mood fluctuation and irritability.
Exercise can reduce these symptoms by releasing happy hormones and reduce stress. In addition, it helps control excess energy and improve concentration and attention. Try to incorporate an exercise routine that you regularly do in your daily routine.
Exercise at home or, if your goal is to be social, join a group or gym. Exercise can ease certain ADHD symptoms but it can't solve them. It should be combined with other strategies for managing symptoms. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to complete 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week.