ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women and girls because the signs aren't as evident. They may also be mistaken for other conditions and this can delay referral.
It is essential to investigate and manage the symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders among women suffering from ADHD. Transitional periods such as adolescence and pregnancy can also reveal and worsen ADHD symptoms in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be difficult to identify in adulthood, especially for women. The symptoms are different for women. For instance, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have trouble being able to concentrate or sit still. Because of this, they can be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
ADHD is often seen in boys and men So doctors may not be knowledgeable about the condition. This could lead to delays in diagnosis because females aren't seen by doctors as often. Girls also tend to conceal their symptoms better than men and are less likely to be noticed by teachers or parents. They might use coping strategies, such as concealing their appearance with makeup or acting out, to cover up their actions and emotions.
The symptoms of ADHD can worsen when women are going through menopause or perimenopausal. This is due to the fact that they be affected by hormonal changes that cause them to be more susceptible to mood swings. It could also be challenging for them to follow routines and manage their tasks. This can affect how well they manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
Assessments that are delayed for a long time can cause stress and anger to those who aren't able to receive the assistance they need. This is particularly applicable to those who are on the NHS since there are only a handful of doctors who are able to conduct ADHD tests. It can take years to get an appointment.
The first step to get an assessment is to see your GP. You must inform your GP that you think you be suffering from ADHD. They will consider this a serious matter and request an appointment. You should also explain why you believe you be suffering from ADHD. You can download a supportive letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP, which can assist in the speedy process. Alternatively, you can try to get an assessment via the private healthcare route.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are often harder to recognize than men, partly because the signs aren't so obvious, particularly as an adult. They might develop strategies to cover up their problems and they can be very damaging. A few of these include excessive drinking smoking cannabis, or trying to create social connections by engaging in risky activities (e.g. prostitution, gangs and other criminal activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be involved in an increased risk of developing sexually transmitted diseases, teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.
Doctors will take any complaint of ADHD seriously, and should inquire about your symptoms. They will then refer you to a service that is best suited to you. This is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services are lengthy and, in some instances it can be difficult to get referred due to the lack of seriousness with which the problem is treated. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of the existence of adult ADHD or believes that the individual's difficulties are caused by other factors (such as anxiety, depression or abuse of substances) instead of ADHD symptoms.
If you've been recommended, it is important to select a therapist who is knowledgeable about the condition, and is willing to work with your ADHD problems. Some therapists specialise in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people with ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. The use of medication can reduce some of your symptoms, and diet modifications can make a difference too. For instance, an a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can make the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less apparent. A diet rich in sugars and junk food can cause these symptoms to worsen.
It's also worth talking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation could be beneficial to you, as they can be extremely efficient in helping those suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught by a trained teacher. You can find one near you by using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to find their symptoms less obvious than those with ADHD. This is likely due to the fact that females don't display as many hyperactive or impulsive symptoms. This can make it difficult to identify them. This does not mean that they do not have symptoms. In fact, they could be afflicted with inattention ADHD symptoms which are more difficult to recognize. In addition, they can struggle with managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause broken relationships or even breakups particularly with men.
Women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to have difficulties at school and work. They may have trouble following directions, meeting deadlines, and keeping track of commitments. They can also have difficulty accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback from their workplace. These challenges can lead them to burnout which can have a negative impact on their career and job performance.
Women who suffer from adult ADHD frequently have difficulty paying attention, forgetting easily, and are not well organized. They may also be prone depression and self-doubt. They may also be troubled by their emotions and are often misunderstood by others. For instance, mood swings can be seen as an expression of anger or frustration.
Despite these challenges there are a lot of resources available to adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best options is a support program that is designed specifically for adults with ADHD. These groups are accessible both online and in person. These groups are a great place to receive advice on diagnostic methods for adults and children, as well how to manage your condition.
If you're seeking an adult ADHD support group, there are several in the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example is a weekly meeting at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults suffering from ADHD to discuss their challenges, achievements and aspirations. The details of the meeting can be found on their Facebook page or on their website. You can contact them with any questions or would like to attend an scheduled event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD have unique challenges that make it harder to manage their symptoms, like menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional symptoms such as mood fluctuations and irritability.
Exercise can reduce these symptoms by releasing happy hormones and reducing stress. It also helps control excess energy, increase focus and improve attention. Make adult add women to incorporate regular exercise into your day.
Do your exercise at home, or, if your goal is to be social, join a group or gym. Just remember, that while exercise can reduce certain symptoms of ADHD however, it will not fix them completely on its own - it is best to combine it with other strategies for managing symptoms. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to complete 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week.