ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often not properly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are less evident. It is possible to mistake them for other disorders and this can delay the referral.
It is important to explore and treat the symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in women suffering from ADHD. Periods of transition such as pregnancy and adolescence may cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is difficult to identify particularly in women. A lot of the symptoms are different for women. For instance, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, most women have difficulty being able to concentrate or sit still. They could be misdiagnosed as having mental health issues, like depression or anxiety.
Doctors might not be aware with ADHD, as it is more prevalent in males and boys. This can cause delays in diagnosis, since females aren't referred to doctors as frequently. Girls are also able to hide their symptoms better than boys. This means they are less likely to get noticed by parents or teachers. They might resort to coping strategies, such as hiding behind make-up or acting out to disguise their emotions and behavior.
Symptoms of ADHD can become more severe as women enter perimenopausal or menopause. This is because they experience hormonal fluctuations that cause them to be more susceptible to mood swings. It could also be challenging for them to follow routines and manage their tasks. This can affect their ability to 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, the long wait times for tests are creating stress and frustration for those who haven't been in a position to get the help they need. This is especially true for those who are on the NHS since there are only a handful of doctors that can carry out ADHD tests and it could take years to get an appointment.
The first step in obtaining the diagnosis is to visit your GP. You must inform your GP you believe you may have ADHD. They will consider this a serious matter and ask for a referral. You must also state why you believe you be suffering from ADHD. You can download the letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to speed up the process. You could also get an evaluation through private healthcare.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD can be harder to identify than men, partly because the symptoms are not so obvious, particularly as an adult. They might develop strategies to conceal their issues and they could be detrimental to their health. They may do this by drinking excessively or smoking cannabis, as well as seeking to build social support by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs, and criminal activity are all examples of high-risk behaviors. Girls with ADHD are also more likely to be involved in criminal activities, gangs, and promiscuity. rates of sexually transmitted diseases and teens, early and unplanned pregnancies.
The GP will take any reports of ADHD seriously, and should inquire about your symptoms. They will then refer you to the most appropriate service for your needs. This usually is a mental health service or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services are long and, in some instances, it is difficult to be referred due to the lack of seriousness with how the issue is addressed. This could be because the GP doesn't know about adult ADHD, or because they believe that the person's problems are caused by other factors (like depression, anxiety or abuse of substances) and not by their ADHD symptoms.
Once you've been referred to a therapist, it's important to select a therapist who is knowledgeable about the disorder and is willing to work with your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists are trained cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is particularly beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms requires a lifetime commitment. The use of medication and diet changes can help reduce your symptoms. For example, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can make the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less pronounced. A diet high in sugars and junk foods can increase the severity of these symptoms.
adhd in older women 's also worth talking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation could be useful for you because they can be extremely effective in helping people suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques from a qualified instructor. The NHS service locator can help you locate an NHS provider close to you.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD often have less visible symptoms than males. This is likely due to the fact that females don't have as many hyperactive, impulsive symptoms as their male counterparts. women and adhd makes it more difficult for them to get diagnosed. This does not mean that they are not suffering from symptoms. They might have ADHD symptoms that are harder to detect, such as inattentive ADHD. They may also have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause broken relationships or even breakups particularly with males.
Women with inattention ADHD are more likely to have difficulties at school and work. They may have difficulty adhering to instructions in completing deadlines and keeping on top of their commitments. They might also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or constructive feedback. These challenges can lead them to burnout, which can negatively impact their job and career.
Some of the most common symptoms and signs of adult ADHD in women include difficulty paying attention, forgetting things easily and a lack of organization. They are also susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. Additionally, they can be troubled by their emotions and are often not understood by others. For example, mood changes could be interpreted as a sudden eruption of anger or frustration.
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 and 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 several in the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example, meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults suffering from ADHD to discuss their struggles, successes and goals. You can find the information on the meeting on their website and Facebook page. You can also reach them with any questions if you'd like to attend an upcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD might have difficulties managing their symptoms, which includes menstrual cycles and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can cause or exacerbate emotional issues such as mood swings, and anger.
Exercise can reduce these symptoms, by producing feel-good hormones and decreasing stress. It can also help reduce excess energy and increase focus and concentration. Try to include a regular exercise routine in your day.
Do your exercise at home, or, if you'd like to be social take part in a group or gym. Exercise can help with certain ADHD symptoms but it can't cure the symptoms. It is best to combine it with other strategies for managing symptoms. Ideally, you should aim to complete 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week.