ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women and girls because the signs aren't as obvious. They can also be misdiagnosed as other disorders which may delay the diagnosis.
It is important to explore and manage the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and eating disorders among females with ADHD. Adolescence, pregnancy or adolescence can reveal and exacerbate ADHD in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is difficult to identify particularly in women. A lot of the symptoms are different for women. While men are more active and impulsive, females often have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. They may be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression.
Doctors might not be aware with ADHD, as it is more prevalent in men and boys. This could lead to delays in diagnosis, as females aren't seen by doctors as frequently. Girls also conceal their symptoms better than boys. This makes them less likely to get noticed by parents or teachers. They may use coping techniques, such as hiding behind make-up or putting on a show to conceal their feelings and behaviors.
Symptoms of ADHD are more severe when women experience perimenopausal or menopausal. This is because hormonal fluctuations can cause them to be more prone to mood swings. It could also be challenging to keep track of routines and stay on top of their tasks. This can affect how well they manage their home, work and other obligations.
While awareness of ADHD has risen due to celebrities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, waiting times for tests are creating stress and frustration for those who aren't successful in getting the assistance they require. This is particularly applicable to those on the NHS since there are only a few doctors who are able to conduct ADHD assessments. It can take years to get an appointment.
The first step in getting an assessment is to see your GP. It is crucial to mention to your GP that you believe you might be suffering from ADHD because they will need to be attentive and request an appointment. You must also state the reasons why you think you have ADHD. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP to assist in the speedy process. Alternatively, you can attempt to obtain an assessment through the private healthcare route.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult to identify due to the fact that their symptoms, especially when they are adults, may not be as obvious. They may develop compensatory strategies to conceal their issues, and these could be detrimental to their health. Some of these include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and trying to create social connections by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. Gangs, prostitution and criminal activity are all examples of high-risk behaviors. Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to experience a higher rate of sexually transmitted diseases, teenage, unplanned and early-stage pregnancy.
The GP will take any reports of ADHD seriously, and should inquire about the symptoms you are experiencing. Then, they will refer you to the best service for you. This is usually a community mental health service or a specialist Neurodevelopmental Service.
Waiting times for these services can be long and in some instances it can be difficult to get diagnosed because the issue isn't treated with enough seriousness. attention deficit disorder in women 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 addiction to drugs) rather than ADHD symptoms.
It is important that you choose a therapist who has ADHD experience who is able to work alongside your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists are trained cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for people suffering from ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms is a continuous process. Medication can help to reduce some of your symptoms, and dietary changes can help. For instance, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can make your symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less noticeable. On the other hand, a diet high in sugar and junk foods can increase these symptoms.
It is also worth speaking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods like meditation could be beneficial for you, as they are extremely efficient in helping those suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques from a qualified teacher. You can find a teacher near you using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD might exhibit less apparent symptoms than men. This could be due to the fact that females do not have as many symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This can make it difficult to diagnose them. This doesn't mean they do not have symptoms. In fact, they may have inattentive ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to recognize. Additionally, they may struggle with managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in difficult relationships, especially with men.
Women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to face problems at school and at work. They may have difficulty following instructions, keeping track of deadlines and meeting commitments. They can also have a hard time accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback at work. These challenges can lead to burnout, which can have a negative impact on their career and job performance.
Women with adult ADHD often have trouble staying focused, forgetting easily, and are not well organized. They may also be prone depression and self-doubt. In addition, they may have trouble with their emotions and are often not understood by others. For example mood swings could be seen as an expression of anger or frustration.
Despite these challenges, there are still many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective options is a support program that is specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are available online as well as in person. They are great ways to get information on the diagnosis process for adults and children, as well as tips on how to manage your illness.
There are many adult ADHD support groups throughout the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults suffering from ADHD to talk about their struggles, successes and goals. The information about the meeting can be found on their Facebook page and website. You can also reach them with any questions you may have in the event that you'd like to join the next event.
4. Exercise
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulties managing their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes may cause or exacerbate emotional issues such as mood swings, and irritability.
Exercise can reduce these symptoms by releasing feel-good hormones and reduce stress. It can also help manage excess energy, and increase focus and improve attention. Make sure to incorporate a regular exercise routine in your daily routine.
Try exercising at home, or if you prefer a more social environment take part in a group class or gym. Exercise can ease some ADHD symptoms, but it will not cure them. It should be combined with other strategies for managing symptoms. The ideal goal is to do 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every week.