ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women are often not being diagnosed with ADHD since symptoms are more obvious for females. They may also be mistaken for other conditions, which can delay the diagnosis.
It is crucial to understand and address the symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in women suffering from ADHD. Periods of transition such as pregnancy and adolescence may cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be difficult to recognize in adulthood, particularly for women. This is due to the fact that many of the symptoms are different in females. While men are more hyperactive and impulsive, women typically struggle to concentrate or sit still. Because of this, they could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
Doctors might not be aware with ADHD because it is more common in men and boys. This could lead to delays in diagnosis as females aren't often referred to as swiftly. Girls may also conceal their symptoms better than men, making them less likely to be noticed by teachers or parents. They may use coping techniques, such as concealing their face with makeup or acting out to disguise their feelings and behaviors.
The symptoms of ADHD are more severe when women experience perimenopausal or menopause. This is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more susceptible to mood swings. They might also find it harder to keep track of things and adhere to routines. This can impact how they manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
Assessments that are delayed for a long time can be stressful and cause frustration for those who are unable to receive the assistance they need. This is especially relevant for those on the NHS since there are a limited number of doctors that can conduct ADHD assessments and it can take years to get an appointment.
The first step towards getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. It is essential to tell your GP that you think you may have ADHD since they will have to take it seriously and ask for an appointment. It is also important to explain the reasons you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP, which can help speed up the process. Alternatively, you can consider obtaining an assessment through private healthcare.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are often harder to diagnose than men, in part because the symptoms are not as obvious, especially in adulthood. These strategies can be harmful, since they can try to cover up their problems. Some of these include excessive drinking smoking cannabis, or trying to gain social support by participating in high-risk activities (e.g. prostitution, gangs and other criminal activities). Girls with ADHD are also more likely to be involved in more sexually transmitted diseases, teens who are unplanned and have early pregnancies.
GPs take reports of ADHD very seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. Then they will direct you to the best service for you. This usually is a mental health clinic or a specialist Neurodevelopmental Service.
Waiting times for these services can be long, and in some cases it can be difficult to get referred because the problem is not taken seriously enough. 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 due to something else (like depression, anxiety, or substance misuse) and not due to their ADHD symptoms.
It is essential to choose a therapist with ADHD experience who is willing to work with you in addressing your ADHD issues. Some therapists are trained cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms requires a long-term commitment. Medication and dietary changes may aid in reducing your symptoms. For example, eating an a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits can make the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less noticeable. A diet rich in sugars and junk foods can increase the severity of these symptoms.
You should also inquire with your GP to determine if mindfulness-based practices such as meditation could be beneficial for you. They can be extremely helpful in helping those with ADHD manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught by a trained teacher. You can find a teacher near you by using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD might have 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 harder for them to be diagnosed. But, that's not to say that they don't have any symptoms. In fact, they may be afflicted with inattention ADHD symptoms that are harder to detect. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause broken relationships or even breakups particularly with men.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD might be more likely to struggle with work and school. They may have trouble following instructions or deadlines, as well as keeping the track of commitments. They might also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These challenges can lead to burnout which could have a negative impact on their performance at work and their professional career.
The most frequent signs and symptoms of adult ADHD in women include difficulty paying attention, easily forgetting things and having a poor organization. They may also be susceptible to self-doubt, depression, and anxiety. Additionally, they can be troubled by their emotions and are frequently misunderstood by others. For example, mood changes can be misinterpreted as a sudden outburst anger or frustration.
Despite these challenges there are a lot of resources available to adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective is a support group that is specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups are available online as well as in person. They are great ways to get guidance on diagnosis routes for adults and children, as well as tips on how to manage your condition.
If you're seeking an adult ADHD support group, there are a number in the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example, meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They offer a safe space for adults with ADHD who want to share their struggles, goals and accomplishments. The information about the meeting can be found on their Facebook page or on their website. Contact adhd in young women with any questions or want to attend an scheduled event.
4. Exercise
Women who suffer from ADHD may face particular difficulties that make it difficult to manage their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopausal changes. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional problems like mood swings and irritation.
Exercise can reduce these symptoms, by release of feel-good hormones and decreasing stress. It also helps manage excess energy, and improve focus and attention. Try to incorporate regular exercise into your day.
Try exercising at home, or if you prefer a social setting, join a group class or gym. Be aware that although exercising can help alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD however, it will not cure them all by itself - it is best to combine it with other strategies for managing symptoms. The ideal goal is to get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week.