ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women are often undiagnosed for ADHD because the symptoms are less obvious for females. They may also be mistaken for other conditions and this could delay the diagnosis.
The signs of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females with ADHD should be investigated and treated as needed. The transitional phases of pregnancy and adolescence can unmask and exacerbate ADHD symptoms in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is a difficult condition to diagnose particularly for women. Many of the symptoms are different for women. While men are more hyperactive and impulsive, females often have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. Because of this, they could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.
ADHD is more frequently seen in boys and men and doctors may not be knowledgeable about the condition. This can cause delays in diagnosis because females are not referred to doctors as often. great site may also conceal their symptoms better than males which makes them less likely to be noticed by teachers or parents. They might use strategies for coping, such as hiding behind makeup or acting out to disguise their behaviour and emotions.
Symptoms of ADHD can get worse as women enter perimenopausal or menopause. This is due to hormonal fluctuations that can make them more susceptible to mood swings. They might be unable to keep track of things and stick to routines. This can affect their ability to manage their home, work and other obligations.
Waiting times for assessments can be stressful and cause frustration to those who aren't able to receive the help they need. This can be particularly true for those who are on the NHS, as there is a limited number of doctors that can conduct ADHD assessments and it can take years to obtain an appointment.
The first step in obtaining an assessment is to see your GP. It is important to inform your GP that you believe you might have ADHD because they'll need to take it seriously and ask for a referral. You must also state why you believe you might have ADHD. You can download a supportive letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP, which can aid in speeding up the process. You can also try to obtain an evaluation from private healthcare.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD can be harder to diagnose than men, partly because the signs aren't as obvious, especially as an adult. They might develop strategies to conceal their issues and they can be very damaging. Some of them include excessive drinking smoking cannabis, or trying to create social connections by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. crime, gangs, and promiscuity activities). Girls with ADHD can also have increased rates of sexually transmitted diseases and teens, early and unplanned pregnancies.
Doctors take reports of ADHD extremely serious and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then direct you to a program that is the most appropriate for you. This is usually a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services are lengthy and, in some instances it can be difficult to refer someone due to the lack of seriousness which the problem is dealt with. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of adult ADHD or believes the person's problems are due to other causes (such as anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs) instead of ADHD symptoms.
It is crucial to choose a therapist who has ADHD experience who is willing to work with you in addressing your ADHD challenges. Some therapists specialise in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people with ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. Medication and dietary changes may help to reduce the symptoms. For instance, a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables can make the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less pronounced. On the other side, a diet that is high in sugar and junk food can exacerbate these symptoms.
It is also worth speaking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based techniques such as meditation could be useful for you as they can be extremely effective in helping people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught by a qualified teacher. You can find one near you by using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to have less visible symptoms than those with ADHD. This is likely due to the fact that females don't display as many impulsive and hyperactive symptoms. This makes it more difficult for them to get diagnosed. However, this does not mean they are not suffering from symptoms. In fact, they may have inattentive ADHD symptoms that are harder to detect. Additionally, they may have a hard time managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause broken relationships or even breakups particularly with males.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD are more likely to struggle with school and work. They may have difficulty following directions in completing deadlines and keeping track of commitments. They may be unable to accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback from their workplace. These issues can lead to burnout that can have a negative impact on their career and job performance.
The most frequent symptoms and signs of adult ADHD among women include difficulties paying attention, forgetting things easily, and poor organisation. They are also susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. They can also have difficulty expressing their emotions, and are often misunderstood. For instance, mood swings can be misinterpreted as a sudden rage or anger.
Despite these difficulties, there are many resources for adults with ADHD. One of the best is an online support group specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups can be found online or in person. These groups are a great place to seek advice on diagnosis routes for children and adults, as well how to manage your illness.
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 provide a safe and secure environment for adults with ADHD who wish to talk about their challenges, goals, and successes. The details of the meeting can be found on their Facebook page or on their website. You can reach them if you have any questions or want to attend an forthcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women who suffer from ADHD can face unique difficulties that make it difficult to manage their symptoms, including menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopausal changes. These hormonal changes can trigger or intensify emotional symptoms like mood fluctuations and irritability.
Exercise can reduce the symptoms of these conditions by releasing positive hormones and reducing stress. Additionally, it can help reduce excess energy and improve focus and attention. Try to incorporate a regular exercise routine in your daily routine.
Exercise at home or, if you'd like to be social take part in a group or join a gym. Just remember, that while exercising can help alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD but it's not going to cure them all on its own - it must be combined with other strategies to manage symptoms. You should aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.