ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women are often undiagnosed for ADHD since symptoms are more apparent in females. They can also be mistaken for other conditions, which could delay the diagnosis.
It is crucial to understand and treat the symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders among females with ADHD. Transitional periods such as pregnancy or adolescence can reveal and increase the severity of ADHD in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is difficult to identify particularly in women. This is because a lot of the symptoms are different for females. 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 could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression.
ADHD is also more often seen in boys and men So doctors may not be familiar with the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis as females often don't get referred as swiftly. Girls may also conceal their symptoms better than boys which makes them less likely to be noticed by teachers or parents. They might resort to coping strategies, such as hiding behind makeup or acting out, to cover up their actions and emotions.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women are going through menopausal changes or perimenopause. This is because they have hormonal fluctuations that can make them more prone to mood swings. It may also be difficult for them to follow routines and stay on top of their tasks. This could affect how they manage their work, home and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has increased due to prominent personalities such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, waiting times for tests are creating stress and frustration for those who aren't able to access the assistance they require. This is especially relevant for those on the NHS since there are a small number of doctors that can perform ADHD tests and it could take years to obtain an appointment.
The first step in getting a diagnosis is to see your GP. It is important to tell your GP that you believe you may have ADHD because they will need to be attentive and request an appointment. It is also important to explain the reasons you believe you might have ADHD. You can download a help letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP to help speed up the process. Alternatively, you can consider obtaining an assessment via the private healthcare route.
2. Speak with your doctor
Women with ADHD are often harder to diagnose than men, in part because the symptoms are not as obvious, especially when they are adults. They may develop strategies to cover up their problems which can be extremely damaging. Some of them include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis and trying to build social support by engaging in risky activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs, and criminal activities are just a few examples of high-risk actions. Girls with ADHD are also more likely to experience more sexually transmitted illnesses and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.
GPs take reports of ADHD very seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then direct you to a program that is most suitable for you. It is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services can be lengthy, and in some cases 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 the existence of adult ADHD or believes the person's problems are caused by other factors (such as depression, anxiety or addiction to drugs) rather than ADHD symptoms.
Once you've been referred to a therapist, it's important to select a therapist that is aware of the disorder and is willing to tackle your ADHD difficulties. Certain therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is particularly beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms is a long-term process that can last for a lifetime. The use of medication and diet changes can help reduce your symptoms. For instance, a diet rich in vegetables and fruits can make the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less apparent. A diet high in sugars and junk food can increase the severity of these symptoms.
You should also inquire with your GP to determine if mindfulness-based practices like meditation could be beneficial for you. They can be very beneficial in helping those suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods by a trained teacher. The NHS service locator will help you locate the nearest provider.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD might have less apparent symptoms than men. This is likely because females don't exhibit as many impulsive and hyperactive symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to get diagnosed. However, this isn't to say that they aren't suffering from any symptoms. In reality, they may have inattention ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to detect. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to strained relationships, particularly with males.
Women who are not attentive ADHD are more likely to face difficulties at school and work. visit my web site may have trouble following instructions in completing deadlines and keeping track of their commitments. They might be unable to accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback at work. These challenges can lead to burnout, which can have a negative impact on their performance at work and their career.
Women who suffer from adult ADHD often have trouble paying attention, forgetting easily, and are not well organized. They are also susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. In addition, they may have trouble with their emotions and are often thought of as a victim by other people. For example mood swings can be interpreted as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these issues, there are a lot of resources available to adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best options is a support program specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are accessible online and in person. They are a great way to get guidance on diagnosis routes for adults and children, and also how to manage your condition.
If you're looking for an adult ADHD support group, there are several in the UK. please click the following article , for example is a weekly meeting at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults with ADHD who wish to talk about their struggles, goals and successes. The meeting details on their website or their Facebook page. You can reach them if you have any questions or want to attend an upcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, which includes menstrual cycles as well as menopausal changes. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional issues such as mood swings and irritability.
Exercise can ease the symptoms by producing feel-good hormones and reducing the stress. It also helps manage excess energy, and improve focus and attention. Therefore, you should try to incorporate a regular fitness routine into your daily.
Try exercising at your home, or if prefer a social setting, join a group class or gym. Exercise can alleviate some ADHD symptoms, but it will not solve them. It should be incorporated with other strategies for managing symptoms. The goal should be 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.