ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often not properly diagnosed in girls and women because the signs aren't as obvious. They can also be mistaken for other conditions and this can delay the referral.
The signs of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females with ADHD should be investigated and addressed as appropriate. Periods of transition such as adolescence and pregnancy can also unmask and exacerbate ADHD symptoms in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is difficult to identify particularly for women. This is because many symptoms are different in females. For instance, while males tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, most women have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. They could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.
Doctors might not be aware with ADHD, as it is more common in men and boys. This could lead to delays in diagnosis, since females aren't referred to doctors as often. Girls are also able to hide their symptoms better than males. This makes them less likely to get noticed by teachers or parents. They may resort to strategies to cope, like hiding behind makeup or acting out, to cover up their actions and emotions.
The symptoms of ADHD can get worse when women experience perimenopausal or menopause. This is because they have hormonal fluctuations that can cause them to be more susceptible to mood swings. It could also be challenging for them to follow routines and stay on top of their tasks. This can affect their ability to manage their work, home and other obligations.
The waiting time for assessments can be stressful and cause frustration for those who are unable to get the help they need. This is particularly true for those on the NHS as there are only a few doctors who can conduct ADHD assessments. It can take a long time to make an appointment.
The first step to get the diagnosis is to visit your GP. It is essential to tell your GP that you believe you might have ADHD since they will have to take it seriously and request an appointment. You should also explain why you believe you have ADHD. You can download a letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. You can also try to get an evaluation from private healthcare.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women with ADHD can be harder to identify than men, in part because the signs aren't as obvious, especially as an adult. These strategies can be harmful, since they can attempt to hide their problems. A few of these include drinking excessively smoking cannabis, or trying to build social support by engaging in risky activities (e.g. gangs, promiscuity and criminal activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be involved in an increased risk of developing sexually transmitted illnesses and teens, unplanned and early-stage pregnancy.
GPs take reports of ADHD extremely seriously and will ask about your symptoms. They will then refer you to the best service for you. This is usually a community mental health clinic or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services are long and in some cases it can be difficult to get referred because of the lack of seriousness with which the problem is treated. This could be due to the fact that the GP isn't aware of adult ADHD, or because they believe that the person's problems are caused by something else (like depression, anxiety, or abuse of drugs) and not caused by their ADHD symptoms.
It is important that you select a therapist with ADHD experience who is able to work with you in addressing your ADHD difficulties. adhd in adult women test are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is particularly beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms is a long-term process that can last for a lifetime. The use of medication can reduce certain symptoms, and dietary changes can make a difference too. A diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help reduce the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. A diet high in sugars and junk food may cause these symptoms to worsen.
It is also worth speaking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based practices such as meditation might be beneficial for you as they can be extremely effective in helping people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a certified teacher. You can locate a teacher near you using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD might exhibit more subtle symptoms than males. This is likely because females don't exhibit as many hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to be diagnosed. This doesn't mean they don't have symptoms. They might have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to spot, like inattentive ADHD. They may also have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause tensions in relationships, especially with men.
Women with inattention ADHD might be more likely to struggle with school and work. They may have difficulty adhering to instructions in completing deadlines and keeping track of commitments. They may also have a hard time accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback at work. These challenges can lead them to burnout which can negatively impact their job and career.
Women who suffer from adult ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused, forgetting easily and are not organized. They could also be susceptible to depression and self-doubt. Additionally, they can struggle with their emotions and are often thought of as a victim by other people. For instance, changes in mood can be misinterpreted as a sudden eruption of anger or frustration.
Despite these issues, there are many resources for adults with ADHD. One of the most effective is a support group that is specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups can be found on the internet and in person. These groups are a great way to get advice about diagnosis routes for both children and adults as well how to manage your condition.
There are many adult ADHD support groups in the UK. For example, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They offer a safe place for adults suffering from ADHD to talk about their challenges, successes and hopes. The details of the meeting are available on their Facebook page or website. You can contact them with any questions or wish to attend an upcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD can face particular issues that make it more difficult to manage their symptoms, including menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional symptoms such as mood swings and irritability.
Exercise can help alleviate these symptoms by releasing happy hormones and decreasing stress. Additionally, it can help reduce excess energy and improve concentration and attention. So, try to incorporate a regular exercise routine into your daily.
Try exercising at your home, or, if you prefer a social atmosphere you can join a class or gym. Just remember, that while exercise can alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD but it's not going to cure them all by itself - it is best to combine it with other symptom-management strategies. Ideally, you should aim to complete 150 minutes of moderate-intensity workout each week.