ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often not properly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are not as evident. It is possible to mistake them for other conditions and this can delay the referral.
It is essential to investigate and treat the symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders among females with ADHD. Periods of transition such as adolescence and pregnancy can also cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be hard to identify in adulthood, particularly for women. This is due to the fact that many symptoms are different for females. While men are more hyperactive and impulsive, women typically have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. This means that they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems like depression or anxiety.
ADHD is also more often seen in boys and men, so doctors might not be knowledgeable about the condition. This could lead to 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 be noticed by parents or teachers. Home might use strategies for coping, such as concealing their appearance with makeup or acting out to disguise their behaviour and feelings.
The symptoms of ADHD are more severe in women who are going through menopause or perimenopause. It is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more prone to mood swings. It could also be challenging to keep track of routines and stay on top of their tasks. This can impact how they manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has risen due to high profile personalities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, waiting for assessments is creating stress and frustration for those who haven't been successful in getting the assistance they require. This is especially true for those on the NHS as there are only a handful of doctors who are able to conduct ADHD assessments. It can take years to make an appointment.
The first step in getting the diagnosis is to visit your GP. It is crucial to inform your GP that you believe you may have ADHD because they'll need to take this seriously and request a referral. You should also explain the reasons behind why you think you may have ADHD. You can download the letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. You could also receive an evaluation from private healthcare.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD can be harder to diagnose than men, mainly because the symptoms are not as obvious, especially in adulthood. These strategies can be harmful since they can try to conceal their problems. These include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and seeking to build social support by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. Gangs, prostitution and criminal activity are all examples of high-risk activities. Girls with ADHD are also more likely to experience an increased risk of developing sexually transmitted illnesses and teens, unplanned and early pregnancies.
Doctors will take any complaint of ADHD seriously, and should inquire about the symptoms you are experiencing. Then, they will recommend the appropriate service for you. This typically a community mental health service or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services can be lengthy and in some instances it is difficult to get referred because the problem isn't taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP is not aware of adult ADHD or believes the person's issues are caused by other factors (such as anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs) rather than ADHD symptoms.
It is important that you choose a therapist with ADHD experience who is able to work alongside your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people suffering from ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms requires a lifetime commitment. Treatment and dietary changes can help reduce your symptoms. For instance, a diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits can make the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less pronounced. On the other side, a diet that is high in sugar and junk foods can exacerbate these symptoms.
It is also advisable to ask your GP to determine if mindfulness-based practices such as meditation might be beneficial to you. They are useful in helping people with ADHD manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques by a trained teacher. You can find a teacher near you using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD might exhibit less obvious symptoms than men. This could be because females don't exhibit as many impulsive and hyperactive symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to get diagnosed. This doesn't mean they do not have symptoms. In fact, they could have inattention ADHD symptoms which are more difficult to recognize. In addition, they can have a hard time managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to difficult relationships, especially with men.
Women who are not attentive ADHD are more likely to have difficulties at work and school. They may have difficulty following instructions and juggling deadlines and keeping promises. They might also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or constructive feedback. These challenges can lead to burnout, which could have a negative impact on their performance at work and their career.
Women with adult ADHD often have trouble staying focused, forgetting easily and are not organized. They may also be prone self-doubt and depression. In addition, they may struggle with their emotions and are frequently not understood by others. For instance, changes in mood can be misinterpreted as a sudden rage or anger.
Despite these issues, there are still many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective is a support group that is specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups can be found online and in person. They are an excellent way to receive information on the diagnosis process for children and adults, as well as tips on how to manage your illness.
There are a variety of adult ADHD support groups throughout 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 successes. The details of the meeting can be found on their Facebook page or website. Home can also reach them with any questions you may have in the event that you'd like to join the next event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD can face unique issues that make it more difficult to manage their symptoms, including menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopausal changes. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional symptoms such as mood fluctuations and irritability.
Exercise can reduce these symptoms by releasing feel-good hormones and reduce stress. It can also help reduce excess energy and increase focus and improve attention. Try to include an exercise routine that you regularly do in your daily routine.
Exercise at home or, if you want to socialize join a club or gym. Remember that although exercise can alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD, it won't fix them completely on its own. It is best to combine it with other strategies to manage symptoms. It is recommended to aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.