ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often not properly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are less obvious. They can also be mistaken for other conditions and this could delay referral.
Signs of anxiety, depression and eating disorders among females with ADHD need to be investigated and addressed as appropriate. The transitional phases of pregnancy or adolescence can reveal and worsen ADHD in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be hard to diagnose in adulthood, particularly for women. The symptoms are different for women. For instance, while males tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, most women have difficulty being able to concentrate or sit still. They could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
Doctors may not be well-versed with ADHD because it's more prevalent in males and boys. This can lead to delays in diagnosis because females aren't referred to doctors as frequently. Girls may also conceal their symptoms better than males and are less likely to be recognized by teachers or parents. They might resort to coping strategies that include concealing their face with makeup or acting out to hide their feelings and behaviors.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women are going through menopausal changes or perimenopausal. This is because they can experience hormonal fluctuations that make them more prone to mood swings. They might also find it harder to stay on top of things and adhere to routines. This could affect how they manage their work, home and other obligations.
While awareness of ADHD has risen due to prominent personalities such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, waiting times for assessments are frustrating and stressful for those who haven't been in a position to get the assistance they require. This is particularly applicable to those on the NHS since there are only a handful of doctors who can perform ADHD assessments. It can take years to get an appointment.
The first step to get a diagnosis is seeing your GP. It is essential to inform your GP that you believe you may have ADHD because they will need to take this seriously and request a referral. You should also explain the reasons why you think 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. Talk with your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to recognize due to the fact that their symptoms, particularly when they reach adulthood aren't always obvious. They may develop strategies to cover up their problems and they can be very damaging. Some of them include drinking excessively smoking cannabis, or trying to build social support by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. gangs, promiscuity and criminal activities). Girls with ADHD may also be more susceptible to increased rates of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, early and unplanned pregnancies.
Doctors take reports of ADHD very seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then refer you to a service that is best suited to you. It is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for the services may be long and in some instances it is difficult to get referred because the problem isn't treated with enough seriousness. This could be due to the fact that the GP does not know about adult ADHD, or because they believe that the person's problems are caused by other factors (like depression, anxiety, 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 work alongside your ADHD difficulties. 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 that can last for a lifetime. Medication can help to reduce some of your symptoms and diet modifications can also make a difference. A diet high in fruits, vegetables 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 exacerbate these symptoms.
You should also inquire with your GP whether mindfulness-based methods like meditation might be helpful for you. They can be extremely helpful in helping those with ADHD manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques from a qualified teacher. The NHS service locator can help you find an NHS provider close to you.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to have less visible symptoms than men. This is probably due to the fact that females don't have as many hyperactive, impulsive symptoms as their male counterparts. This can make it difficult for them to be diagnosed. However, this does not mean they don't have symptoms. In reality, they may be afflicted with inattention ADHD symptoms which are more difficult to recognize. They may also have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in tensions in relationships, especially with males.
Women with inattention ADHD are more likely to experience problems at school and at work. signs of adhd in women may have difficulty following instructions, keeping track of deadlines and keeping promises. They might also be unable to accept constructive criticism or constructive feedback. These issues can lead to burnout which could negatively impact their career and job performance.
Women who suffer from adult ADHD frequently have difficulty paying attention, forgetting easily, and are not well organized. They can also be prone to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. In addition, they may have trouble with their emotions and are frequently not understood by others. For instance, changes in mood could be interpreted as a sudden eruption of anger or frustration.
Despite these issues There are still plenty of resources available for adults with ADHD. One of the best is a support group specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are available on the internet and in person. They are an excellent way to receive guidance on diagnosis routes for children and adults, as well as tips on how to manage your condition.
There are many adult ADHD support groups across the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example, meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults with ADHD who want to share their challenges, goals, and successes. You can find the information on the meeting on their website or Facebook page. Contact them if you have any questions or would like to attend an scheduled event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD may face particular issues that make it more difficult to manage their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional symptoms like mood fluctuations and irritability.
Exercise can help reduce these symptoms, by releasing feel good hormones and reducing the stress. It can also help to control excess energy, increase focus and improve attention. So, try to incorporate a regular fitness routine into your daily.
Try exercising at home, or if you prefer a social setting take part in a group class or a gym. Be aware that although exercise can alleviate some of the symptoms of ADHD but it's not going to fix them completely on its own - it is best to combine it with other symptom-management strategies. The goal should be 150 minutes of moderate intensity workout per week.