ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women often go not being diagnosed with ADHD since symptoms are more apparent in females. They are also often misdiagnosed as other disorders, which can delay the diagnosis.
It is essential to investigate and treat the symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in women suffering from ADHD. Adolescence, adolescence or pregnancy can also reveal and exacerbate ADHD in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is a difficult condition to diagnose particularly in women. adhd in adult women test are different for women. For instance, while males tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, a lot of women have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. Because of this, they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.
ADHD is often seen in boys and men and doctors may not be familiar with the condition. This can cause delays in diagnosis as women aren't referred as quickly. Girls are also able to hide their symptoms better than boys. This makes them less likely to be noticed by teachers or parents. They may resort to coping methods like hiding behind make-up or acting out to disguise their feelings and behaviour.
The symptoms of ADHD are more severe when women go through perimenopause or menopause. This is due to the fact that they be affected by hormonal changes that cause mood swings. They might be unable to keep track of their activities and stick to routines. This can affect how well they manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has increased due to high profile personalities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, waiting times for assessments are frustrating and stressful for people who haven't been in a position to get the assistance they require. This is particularly relevant for those who are who are on the NHS as there are only a few doctors who can perform ADHD tests. It can take years to secure an appointment.
The first step in getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. You should tell your GP you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. They will be able to take this seriously and request an appointment. You must also state why you believe you be suffering from ADHD. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP, which can assist in the speedy process. You can also try to obtain an evaluation through private healthcare.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are often harder to identify than men, partly because the signs aren't so obvious, particularly as an adult. They may develop compensatory strategies to conceal their issues and they can be extremely damaging. 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 behaviors. Girls who suffer from ADHD may also be more susceptible to increased rates of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, early and unplanned pregnancies.
GPs take reports of ADHD very serious and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then recommend the best service for you - this usually is a mental health clinic or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services are long and, in some instances, it is difficult to get referred because of the lack of seriousness with how the issue is addressed. This could be because the GP isn't aware of adult ADHD or they believe that the person's problems are caused by other factors (like depression, anxiety, or abuse of substances) and not caused by their ADHD symptoms.
It is crucial to select a therapist with ADHD experience who is willing to collaborate with your ADHD challenges. Some therapists specialise in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for people with ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms is a continuous process that can last for a lifetime. Treatment and dietary changes can help to reduce the symptoms. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms. A diet high in sugars and junk food can cause these symptoms to worsen.
You should also inquire with your GP whether mindfulness-based methods, such as meditation, might be beneficial to you. They are helpful in helping those with ADHD manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques with a certified instructor. The NHS service locator will help you locate an NHS provider close to you.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD may have less obvious symptoms than men. This is probably due to the fact that females don't display as many hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. This makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. However, this does not mean they are not suffering from symptoms. In fact, they may have inattentive ADHD symptoms which are more difficult to recognize. Additionally, they may struggle with managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause ruptures or broken relationships, especially with men.
Women who have inattentive ADHD might be more likely to have difficulties at school and work. They may have difficulty adhering to instructions, keeping track of deadlines and meeting commitments. They might also be unable to accept constructive criticism or constructive feedback. These issues can lead to burnout which can have a negative impact on their performance at work and their professional career.
The most frequent symptoms and signs of adult ADHD in women include difficulty paying attention, a tendency to forget things easily and a lack of organization. They may also be susceptible to self-doubt, depression, and anxiety. They may also have trouble in expressing their emotions and are often misinterpreted. For example, mood changes could be interpreted as a sudden eruption of anger or frustration.
Despite these difficulties There are still plenty of options for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best options is a support program that is designed specifically for adults with ADHD. These groups are accessible on the internet and in person. They are great ways to get information on the diagnosis process for both adults and children as well as 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 place for adults suffering from ADHD to discuss their struggles, successes and goals. The meeting details can be found on their Facebook page or on their website. You can also reach them with questions if you'd like to attend an upcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women who suffer from ADHD have particular issues that make it more difficult to manage their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional issues such as mood swings, and irritability.
Exercise can help reduce the symptoms of these conditions by releasing positive hormones and decreasing stress. Additionally, it can help control excess energy and improve concentration and attention. Try to incorporate a regular exercise routine in your daily routine.
Do your exercise at home, or, if you want to be social join a club or gym. Just remember, that while exercise can reduce certain symptoms of ADHD, it won't fix them completely by itself - it should be paired with other strategies for managing symptoms. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week.