ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often mistakenly diagnosed in girls and women because the signs aren't as obvious. They are also often misdiagnosed as other conditions which may delay the diagnosis.
It is important to explore and treat the symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females suffering from ADHD. Adolescence, adolescence or pregnancy can also reveal and increase the severity of ADHD in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be difficult to diagnose in adulthood, particularly for women. This is because many symptoms are different in females. For example, while men tend to have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, most women have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. This means that they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
ADHD is more frequently seen in boys and men, so doctors might not be aware of the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis since females aren't often referred to as frequently. Girls also conceal their symptoms better than boys. This means they are less likely to be noticed by their teachers or parents. They might use strategies to cope, like hiding behind makeup or acting out to disguise their behaviour and emotions.
The symptoms of ADHD are more severe in women who are going through menopause or perimenopausal. It is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more prone to mood swings. They might be unable to keep track of things and adhere to routines. This can impact how they manage their work, home and other obligations.
The waiting time for assessments can be stressful and cause frustration to those who aren't able to receive the assistance they require. This is particularly the case for those on the NHS since there are only a handful of doctors who conduct ADHD assessments. It can take years to obtain an appointment.
The first step to get a diagnosis is seeing your GP. It is essential to mention to your GP that you believe you might be suffering from ADHD because they'll need to take it seriously and request an appointment. You must also provide the reasons you believe you may have ADHD. You can download the letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to speed up the process. You may also obtain an assessment through private healthcare.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women with ADHD are more difficult to identify than men, mainly because the symptoms are not as obvious, especially as an adult. These strategies can be harmful, as they may try to cover up their issues. This includes drinking heavily, smoking cannabis, and seeking to build social support by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs, and criminal activity are all examples of high-risk actions. Girls with ADHD may also be more susceptible to increased incidences of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.
The GPs will take any reports of ADHD very seriously and will ask about your symptoms. They will then direct you to the appropriate service for you. This is usually a community mental health service or a specialist Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting 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 is not aware of adult ADHD or believes that the individual's issues are caused by other factors (such as anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs) instead of ADHD symptoms.
After you've been referred to a therapist, it is important to choose a therapist who understands the disorder and is willing to tackle your ADHD issues. Certain therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people suffering from ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms is a long-term process. Medication and dietary changes may help to reduce the symptoms. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. A diet high in sugars and junk food can increase the severity of these symptoms.
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 by a trained instructor. The NHS service locator can help you locate a provider near you.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD might have less apparent symptoms than men. This could be because females don't have as many impulsive and hyperactive symptoms. This can make it harder for them to be diagnosed. However, this is not to say that they don't have any signs. They might have ADHD symptoms that are difficult to spot, like inattentive ADHD. In addition, they can have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to difficult relationships, especially with men.
Women who have inattentive ADHD might be more likely to struggle with work and school. They may have difficulty adhering to instructions and juggling deadlines and keeping promises. They might also have difficulty accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback at work. These issues can lead to burnout that can negatively impact their career and job performance.
Women who suffer from adult ADHD often have trouble paying attention, forgetting easily, and are not well organized. They may also be susceptible to self-doubt, depression, and anxiety. They can also have difficulty in expressing their emotions and are often not understood. For example mood swings could be perceived as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these difficulties there are many options for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best options is an intervention program specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups can be found on the internet and in person. They are a great way to get information on the diagnosis process for both adults and children as well as tips on how to manage your illness.
If you're seeking an adult ADHD support group, there are several in the UK. For instance the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They offer a safe space for adults with ADHD who want to discuss their challenges, goals, and achievements. You can find the details of the meeting on their website and their Facebook page. You can also contact them with questions or if you'd like the opportunity to attend the next event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles and menopause. These hormonal changes may trigger or exacerbate emotional problems such as mood swings and anger.
Exercise can ease these symptoms, by release of feel-good hormones and reducing the stress. It can also help reduce excess energy and increase focus and improve attention. So, try to include a regular workout routine into your daily.
Exercise at home or, if your goal is to be social join a club or gym. Remember that although exercise can reduce some of the symptoms of ADHD but it's not going to solve them all on its own - it must be combined with other strategies for managing symptoms. In great site , you'll want to get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity workout each week.