ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women are often not being diagnosed with ADHD since symptoms are more obvious for females. They may also be mistaken for other disorders and this can delay referral.
The signs of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females with ADHD should be investigated and addressed as appropriate. adhd in women adults of transition such as pregnancy and adolescence may unmask and exacerbate ADHD symptoms in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is difficult to identify particularly in women. A lot of the symptoms are different for women. For example, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, a lot of women have difficulty being able to concentrate or sit still. As a result, they could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
ADHD is often observed in men and boys and doctors may not be aware of the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis as females aren't often referred to as quickly. Girls may also conceal their symptoms better than boys which makes them less likely to be noticed by teachers or parents. They may resort to coping methods like concealing their face with makeup or acting out to disguise their emotions and behavior.
Symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women go through perimenopause or menopausal. This is because they have hormonal fluctuations that can make them more prone to mood swings. They might also have difficulty to keep track of their activities and follow routines. This could affect their ability to manage their work, home and other obligations.
Waiting times for assessments can cause stress and anger to those who aren't able to receive the assistance they require. This is especially true for those who are on the NHS, as there is only a handful of doctors that can perform ADHD tests and it could take years to get an appointment.
The first step to get a diagnosis is seeing your GP. It is important to inform your GP that you think you be suffering from ADHD. They will take this seriously and request an appointment. It is also important to explain the reasons behind why you think you may have ADHD. You can download the letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to speed up the process. You could also obtain an assessment through private healthcare.
2. Speak to your doctor
Women with ADHD can be harder to identify than men, mainly because the signs aren't as evident, especially when they are adults. They may develop compensatory strategies to conceal their issues which could be detrimental to their health. A few of these include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis and trying to build social support 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 are also more likely to be involved in more sexually transmitted illnesses and teens, unplanned and early-stage pregnancy.
Doctors 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 usually is a mental health service or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
Waiting times for these services can be long and in some instances it can be difficult to get referrals because the issue is not taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of adult ADHD or believes that the individual's difficulties are caused by other factors (such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse) instead of ADHD symptoms.
After you've been referred to a therapist to a therapist, you must choose a therapist who understands the issue and is willing to work with your ADHD difficulties. Certain therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people suffering from ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms requires a long-term commitment. Treatment can ease some of your symptoms and diet changes can make a difference too. For example, eating a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables can make your symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less noticeable. On the other side, a diet that is high in junk food and sugar can exacerbate these symptoms.
You should also ask your GP whether mindfulness-based methods, such as meditation, might be beneficial to you. They can be extremely useful in helping people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught by a qualified instructor. The NHS service locator can help you locate an NHS provider close to you.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD might have more subtle symptoms than males. adult adhd in women is likely due to the fact that females do not have as many symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. conversational tone makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. However, this does not mean they are not suffering from symptoms. They could have ADHD symptoms that are difficult to spot, like inattention ADHD. In addition, they can have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause tensions in relationships, especially with males.
Women with inattention ADHD may be more likely to struggle at school and work. They may have trouble following directions in completing deadlines and keeping on top of commitments. They might be unable to accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback at work. These issues can lead to burnout, which can have a negative effect on their job performance and their career.
Some of the most prevalent signs and symptoms of adult ADHD for women are difficulty paying attention, forgetting things easily and a lack of organization. They might also be prone to self-doubt and depression. Additionally, they can have trouble with their emotions and are frequently misunderstood by others. For instance, mood swings can be misinterpreted as a sudden rage or anger.
Despite these issues, there are plenty of resources available for adults with ADHD. One of the most effective options is a support program specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are available both online and in person. They are great ways to get advice on diagnosis routes for adults and children, and also how to manage your illness.
There are numerous adult ADHD support groups in the UK. For instance the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults with ADHD to discuss their challenges, achievements and goals. The information about the meeting can be found on their Facebook page or website. You can also contact them with any questions in the event that you'd like to join a future event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD might have difficulties managing their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles and menopause. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional symptoms such as mood fluctuations and irritability.
Exercise can help reduce these symptoms by releasing feel-good hormones and reduce stress. It can also help reduce excess energy and improve focus and attention. Therefore, try to incorporate a regular fitness routine into your daily.
Try exercising at home, or if you prefer a more social environment take part in a group class or gym. Exercise can alleviate some ADHD symptoms, but it will not eliminate them. It is best to combine it with other strategies for managing symptoms. Ideally, you should aim to get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity workout every week.