ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women are often undiagnosed for ADHD since symptoms are more obvious in females. They may also be mistaken for other disorders and this could delay the diagnosis.
Signs of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females suffering from ADHD should be investigated and addressed as appropriate. Periods of transition such as pregnancy and adolescence can unmask and exacerbate ADHD symptoms in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be hard to diagnose in adulthood, particularly for women. A lot of the symptoms are different for women. For example, while men tend to have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, most women have trouble concentrating or sitting still. They may be misdiagnosed as having 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 because females aren't seen by doctors as quickly. Girls can also hide symptoms better than males. This makes them less likely to be noticed by teachers or parents. They might use strategies to cope, like concealing their appearance with makeup or acting out, to hide their behavior and emotions.
The symptoms of ADHD can worsen when women are going through menopausal changes or perimenopausal. This is due to the fact that they have hormonal fluctuations that can cause them to be more susceptible to mood swings. It may also be difficult to keep track of routines and stay on top of their tasks. This could affect how they manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has risen due to celebrities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, long wait times for assessments are causing stress and frustration for those who haven't been able to access the help they need. This is especially relevant for those on the NHS since there are only a handful of doctors who perform ADHD tests and it could take years to obtain an appointment.
The first step to get a diagnosis is seeing your GP. You should tell your GP you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. They will be able to take this seriously and request a referral. You should also explain why you believe you be suffering from 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 receive an evaluation from private healthcare.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to identify than men, mainly because the symptoms are not so obvious, particularly in adulthood. They might develop strategies to hide their problems which can be extremely damaging. These include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and seeking to build social support through high-risk activities (e.g. gangs, promiscuity and criminal activities). Girls with ADHD are also more likely to be involved in criminal activities, gangs, and promiscuity. rates of sexually transmitted infections and teens, early and unplanned pregnancies.
The GPs will take any reports of ADHD very serious and will inquire about your symptoms. adhd in adult women test will then direct you to the appropriate service for you - this typically a community mental health service or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services are lengthy and, in some instances it can be difficult to get referred because of the lack of seriousness with which the problem is dealt with. This could be due to the fact that the GP does not know about adult ADHD or they think that the person's challenges are due to other factors (like anxiety, depression or abuse of drugs) and not caused by their ADHD symptoms.
It is crucial to select a therapist with ADHD experience who is able to collaborate with your ADHD challenges. Some therapists are trained cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for people with ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms is a continuous process that can last for a lifetime. The use of medication and diet changes can help to reduce the symptoms. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can help to reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms. On the other the other hand, a diet rich in sugar and junk food can increase these symptoms.
It's also worth talking with your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation could be beneficial to you, as they can be very effective in helping people suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques by a trained teacher. The NHS service locator can help you locate a provider near you.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD typically find their symptoms less obvious than men. This is likely 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 harder for them to be diagnosed. But, that's not to say that they aren't suffering from any signs. They may even have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to detect, such as inattention ADHD. In addition, they could have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in strained or dissolved relationships, especially with men.
Women with inattention ADHD might be more likely to struggle with school and work. They may have difficulty following directions or deadlines, as well as keeping track of commitments. They can also have a hard time accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback from their workplace. These challenges can lead to burnout, which can negatively impact their career and job performance.
Women with adult ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused, forgetting easily and aren't organized. They may also be susceptible to self-doubt, depression, and anxiety. Additionally, they can struggle with their emotions and are often misunderstood by others. For instance, mood swings can be perceived as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these challenges there are many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best is a support group that is specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups are available online and in person. They are great ways to get information on the diagnosis process for children and adults, and also how to manage your condition.
If you're looking for an adult ADHD support group, there are many in the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example, meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe and secure environment for adults with ADHD who wish to talk about their struggles, goals and achievements. The information about the meeting can be found on their Facebook page or website. You can reach them if you have any questions or would like to attend an upcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD may face unique issues that make it more difficult to manage their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopausal changes. These hormonal changes may cause or exacerbate emotional issues such as mood swings and irritation.
Exercise can reduce these symptoms, by producing feel-good hormones and reducing stress. In addition, it helps reduce excess energy and improve concentration and focus. So, try to incorporate a regular fitness routine into your day.
Exercise at home or, if you'd like to socialize join a club or join a gym. Remember that although exercising can help alleviate some of the symptoms of ADHD, it won't cure them all on its own. It must be combined with other strategies to manage symptoms. The goal should be 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.