ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women often go undiagnosed for ADHD as symptoms are less evident in females. They are also often misdiagnosed as other disorders which may delay the diagnosis.
It is essential to investigate and treat the symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females with ADHD. The transitional phases of adolescence and pregnancy can also cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be difficult to diagnose in adulthood, particularly for women. A lot of the symptoms are different for women. While men are more hyperactive and impulsive, women typically have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. They may be misdiagnosed as having mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.
Doctors may not be well-versed with ADHD because it is more common in men and boys. This can cause delays in diagnosis, since females aren't seen by doctors as often. Girls also tend to conceal their symptoms better than males, making them less likely to be observed by parents or teachers. They may resort to coping methods like wearing make-up or acting out to disguise their feelings and behaviors.
The symptoms of ADHD are more severe in women who are going through menopause or perimenopause. This is because they have hormonal fluctuations that can cause them to be more susceptible to mood swings. They may also find it harder to stay on top of things and follow routines. This can affect how well they manage their work, home and other obligations.
While awareness of ADHD has soared thanks to prominent personalities such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, long wait times for tests are frustrating and stressful for those who haven't been able to access the assistance they require. This can be particularly relevant for those on the NHS and have a small number of doctors who conduct ADHD assessments and it can take years to secure an appointment.
The first step to getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. You must inform your GP you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. They will take this seriously and ask for an appointment. You must also provide the reasons why you think you might have ADHD. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP, which can help speed up the process. Alternately, you can consider obtaining an assessment through the private healthcare route.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women with ADHD can be harder to identify than men, mainly because the symptoms are not as evident, especially as an adult. These strategies can be harmful, since they can try to conceal their problems. They may do this by drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and seeking to build support for their friends by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. Gangs, prostitution and criminal activities are just a few examples of high-risk activities. Girls who suffer from ADHD can also have increased incidences of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.
Doctors will take any complaint of ADHD seriously, and should ask you about your symptoms. Then, they will recommend the most appropriate service for you - this is usually a community mental health service or a specialist Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services can be long and in some instances it can be difficult to get diagnosed because the issue is not taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP does not know about adult ADHD or believe that the person's problems are due to something else (like depression, anxiety or abuse of drugs) and not by their ADHD symptoms.
It is important that you choose a therapist with ADHD experience who is able to work alongside your ADHD issues. Certain therapists specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is especially beneficial for people suffering from 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 that is rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can help reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. A diet rich in sugars and junk food can exacerbate these symptoms.
It is also advisable to ask your GP whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation might be beneficial to you. They can be extremely beneficial in helping those suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught by a trained instructor. You can find a teacher near you by using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD typically notice their symptoms are less apparent than men. This is probably due to the fact that females do not have as many hyperactive, impulsive symptoms as their male counterparts. This can make it difficult for them to be diagnosed. However, this isn't to say that they aren't suffering from any symptoms. They could have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to recognize, such as inattention ADHD. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in strained relationships, particularly with men.
Women with inattention ADHD are more likely to have difficulties at school and work. They may have difficulty adhering to instructions in completing deadlines and keeping track of their commitments. They might also have a hard time accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback from their workplace. add adult women can lead them to burnout which could negatively impact their job and career.
Women who suffer from adult ADHD often have trouble staying focused, 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 not understood by others. For example mood swings could be seen as an expression of anger or frustration.
Despite these difficulties, there are many resources for adults with ADHD. One of the most effective options is an intervention program specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups can be found online and in person. They are an excellent way to receive guidance on diagnosis routes for both adults and children and also how to manage your condition.
There are many adult ADHD support groups in the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example is a weekly meeting at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe and secure environment for adults with ADHD who wish to talk about their struggles, goals and achievements. You can find the details of the meeting on their website and Facebook page. Contact them if you have any questions or would like to attend an scheduled event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, including menstrual cycles and menopause. adhd in adults women can trigger or exacerbate emotional symptoms such as mood fluctuations and irritability.
Exercise can reduce these symptoms, by releasing feel good hormones and reducing the stress. Additionally, it can help control excess energy and improve focus and attention. Therefore, you should try to include a regular workout routine into your day.
Do your exercise at home, or, if you want to be social take part in a group or gym. Remember that although exercise can reduce some of the symptoms of ADHD but it's not going to solve them all by itself - it is best to combine it with other symptom-management strategies. The goal should be 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.