ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women and girls because the symptoms are less evident. They can also be misdiagnosed as other conditions which may delay the diagnosis.
Symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders among females with ADHD need to be investigated and addressed as appropriate. Adolescence, pregnancy or adolescence can reveal and worsen ADHD in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is difficult to identify, especially in women. This is because many of the symptoms differ in females. While men are more hyperactive and impulsive, females often have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. Because of this, they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems like anxiety or depression.
ADHD is more frequently observed in men and boys and doctors may not be familiar with the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis because females are not referred to doctors as quickly. Girls may also conceal their symptoms better than men which makes them less likely to be recognized by teachers or parents. They might resort to coping strategies that include concealing their face with makeup or putting on a show to conceal their feelings and behaviour.
The symptoms of ADHD can worsen when women are going through menopausal changes or perimenopause. This is because they have hormonal fluctuations that can cause them to be more susceptible to mood swings. It may also be difficult to follow routines and stay on top of their tasks. This can affect their ability to manage their work, home and other obligations.
While awareness of ADHD has risen due to prominent personalities such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, long wait for assessments is frustrating and stressful for those who haven't been successful in getting the assistance they require. This is especially applicable to those who are on the NHS since there are only a few doctors who are able to conduct ADHD assessments. It can take years to make an appointment.
The first step in getting an assessment is to see your GP. You should tell your GP you believe you may have ADHD. They will consider this a serious matter 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 and aid in speeding up the process. You could also get an evaluation from private healthcare.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to diagnose, in part because their symptoms, especially as they age, may not be as evident. They may develop strategies to cover up their problems and they can be very damaging. A few of these include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and trying to gain social support by participating in risky activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs and other criminal activity are all examples of high-risk actions. Girls with ADHD are also more likely to be involved in criminal activities, gangs, and promiscuity. rates of sexually transmitted diseases and teens, early and unplanned pregnancies.
The GP will take any reports of ADHD seriously and will ask you about your symptoms. They will then refer you to a service that is most suitable for you. It is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services can be long In some instances, it can be difficult to be referred because the problem isn't taken seriously enough. This could be because the GP does not know about adult ADHD or believe that the person's problems are caused by other factors (like depression, anxiety, or abuse of substances) and not due to their ADHD symptoms.
After you've been referred to a therapist to a therapist, it's important to select a therapist that is aware of the disorder and is willing to work with your ADHD problems. Certain therapists specialize in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is especially beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. Treatment can ease some of your symptoms and diet modifications can help. For example, eating a diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits can make your symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less pronounced. A diet high in sugars and junk food may cause these symptoms to worsen.
It's also worth talking with your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation might be useful for you, as they can be extremely efficient in helping those suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a qualified teacher. The NHS service locator can help you locate the nearest provider.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD might have less obvious symptoms than men. 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 can make it difficult for them to be diagnosed. However, this does not mean they are not suffering from symptoms. They may even have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to detect, such as inattentive ADHD. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in broken relationships or even breakups particularly with men.
Women who have inattentive ADHD might be more likely to struggle with school and work. They may have difficulty following directions, meeting deadlines, and keeping the track of commitments. They may also have difficulty accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback from their workplace. These challenges can lead them to burnout that can negatively impact their career and job performance.
Women with adult ADHD often have trouble keeping track of their attention, are easily distracted and are not organized. They might also be prone to self-doubt and depression. They may also have trouble in expressing their emotions and are often misinterpreted. For instance mood swings can be interpreted as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these difficulties, there are many resources for adults with ADHD. One of the most effective is a support group specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are available on the internet and in person. These groups are an excellent way to seek advice on diagnostic methods for children and adults, and also how to manage your condition.
There are many adult ADHD support groups throughout the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They offer a safe place for adults suffering from ADHD to share their challenges, achievements and hopes. The meeting details on their website or their Facebook page. You can contact them with any questions or would like to attend an scheduled event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD have particular issues that make it more difficult to manage their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional symptoms, such as mood fluctuations and irritability.
Exercise can help reduce these symptoms by releasing happy hormones and reduce stress. In addition, it helps reduce excess energy and improve concentration and focus. Therefore, adhd in adult women treatment should try to include a regular workout routine into your day.
Try exercising at home, or if you prefer a social atmosphere take part in a group class or gym. Be aware that although exercise can alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD but it's not going to cure them all by itself - it must be combined with other strategies to manage symptoms. Ideally, you should aim to do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity workout each week.