ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often mistakenly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are not as evident. It is possible to mistake them for other disorders and this can delay referral.
It is important to explore and address the symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders among women suffering from ADHD. The transitional phases of pregnancy and adolescence can reveal and worsen ADHD symptoms in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD isn't easy to diagnose in adulthood, especially for women. Many of the symptoms are different for women. For instance, while men tend to have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have trouble in concentrating or staying still. They may be misdiagnosed as having other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.
Doctors may not be well-versed with ADHD because it's more prevalent in males and boys. This can cause delays in diagnosis, as females are not referred to doctors as quickly. Girls can also hide symptoms better than boys. This makes them less likely get noticed by their teachers or parents. They might use strategies to cope, like hiding behind makeup or acting out, to cover up their actions and feelings.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women are experiencing menopausal or perimenopausal. This is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more prone to mood swings. It could also be challenging to follow routines and stay on top of their tasks. This can affect how well they manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
The waiting time for assessments can cause stress and frustration for those who are unable to receive the help they require. This is particularly true for those who are on the NHS and have a limited number of doctors who carry out ADHD assessments and it can take years to secure an appointment.
The first step in obtaining the diagnosis is to visit your GP. It is important to mention to your GP that you believe you might have ADHD since they will have to take it seriously and ask for a referral. You should also explain the reasons why you think you may have 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 obtain an assessment through private healthcare.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult to diagnose due to the fact that their symptoms, particularly when they reach adulthood might not be as obvious. They may develop strategies to hide their problems, and these can be very damaging. They may do this by drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and seeking to build social support through high-risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs, and criminal activities are just a few examples of high-risk behaviors. Girls with ADHD can also have increased rates of sexually transmitted infections and teens, early and unplanned pregnancies.
Doctors will take any complaint of ADHD seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then refer you to a service that is the most appropriate for you. This is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services are long and in some cases it can be difficult to be referred due to the lack of seriousness which the problem is treated. This could be due to the fact that the GP does not know about adult ADHD or believe that the individual's issues are caused by other factors (like depression, anxiety or abuse of drugs) and not caused by their ADHD symptoms.
After you've been referred to a therapist to a therapist, you must choose a therapist who understands the issue and is willing to tackle your ADHD issues. Some therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is particularly helpful for those suffering from ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms requires a long-term commitment. Treatment can ease some of your symptoms and dietary changes can also make a difference. For instance, an a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can make the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less noticeable. A diet that is high in sugars and junk food can increase the severity of these symptoms.
It is also worth speaking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based techniques like meditation could be useful for you because they are extremely effective in helping people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught by a qualified instructor. You can find one near you by using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD might have more subtle symptoms than males. This is probably because females don't exhibit as many impulsive and hyperactive symptoms. This makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. However, this isn't to say that they don't have any symptoms. They may even have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to recognize, such as inattentive ADHD. Additionally, they may have a hard time managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in strained or dissolved relationships particularly with men.
Women with inattention ADHD might be more likely to struggle with work and school. They may have trouble adhering to instructions or deadlines, as well as keeping track of commitments. They might also be unable to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These issues can lead to burnout, which could have a negative impact on their work performance and career.
Women who suffer from adult ADHD frequently have difficulty keeping track of their attention, are easily distracted and aren't organized. They could also be susceptible to self-doubt and depression. They may also be troubled by their emotions and are frequently not understood by others. For instance, mood swings can be misinterpreted as a sudden rage or anger.
Despite these issues, there are plenty of resources available for adults with ADHD. One of the best options is a support program designed specifically for adults with ADHD. These groups are available on the internet as well as in person. These groups are an excellent way to receive advice on the diagnosis options for children and adults, as well as how to manage your condition.
There are many adult ADHD support groups throughout the UK. navigate here , for example is a weekly meeting at The Hideout St Judes. They offer a safe place for adults suffering from ADHD to talk about their challenges, achievements and aspirations. The details of the meeting on their website or their Facebook page. You can also reach them with any questions you may have in the event that you'd like to join an upcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, which includes menstrual cycles and menopause. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional symptoms such as mood swings and irritability.
Exercise can help reduce the symptoms by producing feel-good hormones and reducing the stress. In addition, it helps control excess energy and improve concentration and focus. Therefore, try to incorporate a regular exercise routine into your daily.
Do your exercise at home, or, if your goal is to socialize join a club or gym. Be aware that although exercising can help alleviate some of the symptoms of ADHD however, it will not cure them all by itself - it is best to combine it with other strategies for managing symptoms. You should aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.