ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls often go not being diagnosed with ADHD because the symptoms are less evident for females. They can also be misdiagnosed as other conditions which may delay the referral.
It is essential to investigate and address the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders among females suffering from ADHD. signs of add in adult women of adolescence or pregnancy can also reveal and exacerbate ADHD in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be hard to diagnose in adulthood, particularly for women. This is because a lot of the symptoms differ for females. While men tend to be more hyperactive and impulsive, females often have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. This means that they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems like depression or anxiety.
Doctors may not be well-versed with ADHD, as it is more common in men and boys. This can cause delays in diagnosis as women aren't referred as quickly. Girls can also hide symptoms better than boys. This means they are less likely to get noticed by their teachers or parents. They may resort to coping methods, such as concealing their face with makeup or acting out to hide their emotions and behavior.
Symptoms of ADHD can get worse as women enter perimenopausal or menopausal. This is due to the fact that they be affected by hormonal changes that make them more prone to mood swings. They might also have difficulty to keep track of their activities and stick to routines. This could affect their ability to manage their work, home and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has risen due to celebrities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, long wait for assessments is creating stress and frustration for those who haven't been able to access the assistance they require. This is especially applicable to those who are on the NHS as there are only a few doctors who are able to conduct ADHD assessments. It can take years to secure an appointment.
The first step to getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. It is essential to inform your GP that you think you might have ADHD since they will have to be attentive and ask for a referral. It is also important to explain why you believe you might have ADHD. You can download a letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to speed up the process. You can also try to obtain an evaluation through private healthcare.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women with ADHD are more difficult to diagnose than men, in part because the symptoms are not as obvious, especially when they are adults. They might develop strategies to hide their problems and they can be very damaging. A few of these include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and trying to build social support by engaging in risky activities (e.g. gangs, promiscuity and criminal activities). Girls with ADHD are also more likely to have a higher rate of sexually transmitted diseases, teens who are unplanned and have early pregnancies.
Doctors take reports of ADHD extremely serious and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then recommend a treatment that is the most appropriate for you. It is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
Waiting times for the services may be long In some instances, it can be difficult to be diagnosed because the issue isn't taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of adult ADHD or believes the person's difficulties are due to other causes (such as anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs) rather than ADHD symptoms.
Once you've been referred to a therapist, you must select a therapist who is knowledgeable about the issue and is willing to work with your ADHD problems. Some therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is especially helpful for people with ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms is a long-term process that can last for a lifetime. The use of medication can reduce some of your symptoms and diet changes can help. For instance, an a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits can make your symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less pronounced. A diet rich in sugars and junk food can increase the severity of these symptoms.
You should also ask your GP to determine if mindfulness-based practices such as meditation could be beneficial for you. They are useful in helping people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a qualified instructor. The NHS service locator can help you find a provider near you.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD may have more subtle symptoms than males. This is likely because females don't exhibit as many hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. This can make it harder for them to be diagnosed. However, this does not mean they do not have symptoms. They might have ADHD symptoms that are harder to recognize, such as inattention ADHD. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in strained or dissolved relationships particularly with males.
Women who are not attentive ADHD are more likely to face difficulties at school and work. They can have trouble following directions and keeping track of deadlines and keeping promises. They might be unable to accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback from their workplace. These issues can lead to burnout which can have a negative effect on their work performance and their professional career.
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of adult ADHD in women include difficulty paying attention, easily forgetting things and having a poor organization. They might also be prone to depression and self-doubt. They may also have trouble expressing their emotions, and are often misunderstood. For instance, mood swings could be interpreted as a sudden outburst anger or frustration.
Despite these difficulties, there are plenty of resources available for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective is an online support group specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups are available online or in person. These groups are a great way to seek advice on the diagnosis options for adults and children, as well how to manage your illness.
If you're seeking an adult ADHD support group, there are many in the UK. For instance 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 accomplishments. The meeting details can be found on their Facebook page or website. You can contact them if you have any questions or want to attend an forthcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD have unique difficulties that make it difficult to manage their symptoms, including menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause. inattentive add in women can trigger or intensify emotional symptoms like mood fluctuation and irritability.
Exercise can ease the symptoms by release of feel-good hormones and reducing stress. It also helps manage excess energy, and increase focus and improve attention. Try to incorporate an exercise routine that you regularly do in your daily routine.
Try exercising at home, or if you prefer a social atmosphere, join a group class or gym. Exercise can ease certain ADHD symptoms however it cannot solve 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 each week.