ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women often go undiagnosed for ADHD because the symptoms are less evident in females. They are also often misdiagnosed as other disorders, which can delay the referral.
Symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females suffering from ADHD need to be investigated and addressed as appropriate. Periods of transition such as pregnancy and adolescence can reveal and worsen ADHD symptoms in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is difficult to identify particularly for women. The symptoms differ 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. They might be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
ADHD is also more often observed in males and females So doctors may not be familiar with the condition. This could lead to delays in diagnosis as females aren't often referred to as frequently. Girls are also able to hide their symptoms better than boys. This means they are less likely to be noticed by parents or teachers. They might resort to coping strategies like hiding behind make-up or acting out to disguise their feelings and behaviour.
The symptoms of ADHD are more severe in women who are experiencing menopausal or perimenopausal. This is because they can experience hormonal fluctuations that cause mood swings. They might also find it harder to stay on top of things and adhere to routines. This can impact their ability to manage their work, home and other obligations.
Assessments that are delayed for a long time can cause stress and frustration to those who aren't able to get the help they require. This is especially applicable to those on the NHS as there are only a few doctors who can conduct ADHD tests. It can take a long time to secure an appointment.
The first step to receiving a 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 will request a referral. You must also provide the reasons you believe you may have ADHD. You can download an official letter from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. Alternatively, you can consider obtaining an assessment through the private healthcare route.
2. Speak with your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are often harder to diagnose than men, in part because the signs aren't so obvious, particularly when they are adults. They might develop strategies to cover up their problems and they could be detrimental to their health. A few of these include excessive drinking, smoking cannabis, and trying to gain social support by participating in risky activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs and other criminal activities are just a few examples of high-risk behaviors. Girls who suffer from ADHD may also be more susceptible to increased rates of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.
Doctors take reports of ADHD very seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then recommend a treatment that is the most appropriate for you. This is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services can be 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 they believe that the individual's issues are due to other factors (like anxiety, depression or substance misuse) and not by their ADHD symptoms.
It is important that you choose a therapist who has ADHD experience who is able to collaborate with your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is particularly beneficial for people with ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms is a continuous process. Treatment and dietary changes can help reduce your symptoms. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can reduce the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. 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 practices like meditation could be useful for you as they can be extremely effective in helping people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods by a trained instructor. The NHS service locator can help you find an NHS provider close to you.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD typically notice their symptoms are less apparent than those with ADHD. This could be because females don't have as many impulsive and hyperactive symptoms. This can make it harder to identify them. But, that's not to suggest that they don't have any signs. They might have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to recognize, such as inattentive ADHD. They may also have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in difficult relationships, especially with men.
Women who are not attentive ADHD are more likely to face difficulties at school and work. They can have trouble following directions, keeping track of deadlines and meeting commitments. They might also be unable to accept constructive criticism or constructive feedback. These challenges can lead to burnout, which could have a negative impact on their performance at work and their professional career.
Women with adult ADHD often have trouble paying attention, forgetting easily and are not organized. They can also be prone to self-doubt, depression, and anxiety. Additionally, they can have trouble with their emotions and are frequently misunderstood by others. For instance, changes in mood can be misinterpreted as sudden rage or anger.
Despite these challenges, there are still many options for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best is an online support group specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups can be found online and in person. adhd symptoms in women are a great way to get advice on diagnosis routes for children and adults, as well as tips on how to manage your illness.
If you're looking for 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 offer a safe place for adults with ADHD to share their challenges, achievements and hopes. The details of the meeting on their website and Facebook page. add in adult women can also reach them with any questions in the event that you'd like to join a future event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD may face challenges in managing their symptoms, which includes menstrual cycles and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional symptoms like mood fluctuation and irritability.
Exercise can help reduce these symptoms, by release of feel-good hormones and decreasing stress. It can also help to manage excess energy, and improve focus and attention. Therefore, try to incorporate a regular fitness routine into your day.
Do your exercise at home, or, if you'd like to socialize take part in a group or gym. Exercise can ease certain ADHD symptoms, but it will not eliminate them. It should be combined with other strategies to manage symptoms. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to get 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every week.