ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often mistakenly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are less evident. They can also be mistaken for other disorders and this can delay the referral.
The signs of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females with ADHD need to be investigated and treated in the appropriate way. Transitional periods such as adolescence or pregnancy can also reveal and increase the severity of ADHD in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD isn't easy to identify in adulthood, particularly for women. Many of the symptoms differ for women. While men are more active and impulsive, females often struggle to concentrate or sit still. As a result, they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.
Doctors may not be familiarized with ADHD, as it is more common in men and boys. This can lead to delays in diagnosis as women aren't referred as quickly. Girls can also hide symptoms better than males. This makes them less likely be noticed by their teachers or parents. They may resort to coping methods, such as hiding behind 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 can be affected by hormonal changes that make them more prone to mood swings. They may also find it harder to keep track of their activities and follow routines. This could affect their ability to manage their home, work and other obligations.
While awareness of ADHD has increased due to celebrities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, waiting for assessments is creating stress and frustration for those who aren't successful in getting the help they need. This is especially applicable to those on the NHS as there are only a few doctors who can perform ADHD assessments. It can take years to secure an appointment.
The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is seeing your GP. You must inform your GP you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. They will consider this a serious matter and will request a referral. It is also important to explain the reasons you believe you might have ADHD. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP to help speed up the process. Alternatively, you can attempt to obtain an assessment via the private healthcare route.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to identify due to the fact that their symptoms, especially when they are adults aren't always evident. These strategies can be harmful because they might try to conceal their problems. They may do this by drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and seeking to build support for their friends through high-risk activities (e.g. crime, gangs, and promiscuity activities). Girls with ADHD are also more likely to be involved in criminal activities, gangs, and promiscuity. rates of sexually transmitted infections and teens, early and unplanned pregnancies.
The GP will take any reports of ADHD seriously and will inquire about the symptoms you are experiencing. They will then refer you to a service that is most suitable for you. This is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for the services may be long and in some instances it can be difficult to get referrals because the issue isn't treated with enough seriousness. This could be because the GP isn't aware of adult ADHD or they believe that the individual's issues are caused by other factors (like depression, anxiety or substance misuse) and not due to their ADHD symptoms.
If you've been recommended to a therapist, it's important to choose a therapist who understands the condition, and is willing to tackle your ADHD issues. Some therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms requires a lifetime commitment. The use of medication and diet changes can help to reduce the symptoms. For instance, a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables can make your symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less apparent. A diet rich in sugars and junk food may increase the severity of these symptoms.
It's also worth talking with your GP about whether mindfulness-based practices such as meditation might be beneficial to you as they can be very efficient in helping those suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods from a qualified instructor. The NHS service locator will help you locate an NHS provider close to you.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD typically have less visible symptoms than men. This is probably because females don't have as many hyperactive or impulsive symptoms. This makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. This does not mean that they do not have symptoms. In fact, they may have inattentive ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to detect. In addition, they could have a hard time managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to ruptures or broken relationships, especially with men.
Women who have inattentive ADHD are more likely to have difficulties with work and school. They can have trouble following instructions, keeping track of deadlines and completing commitments. They can be unable to accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback from their workplace. These issues can lead to burnout which can have a negative impact on their job and career.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms and signs of ADHD for women are difficulty paying attention, forgetting things easily and having a poor organization. They can also be prone to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. They can also have difficulty expressing their emotions, and are often misunderstood. For example, mood changes can be misinterpreted as a sudden outburst anger or frustration.
Despite these issues, there are a lot of resources available to adults suffering from ADHD. adhd in women uk of the best options is a support program designed specifically for adults with ADHD. These groups are available online and in person. These groups are a great place to get advice about diagnosis routes for adults and children, as well as how to manage your illness.
There are many adult ADHD support groups in the UK. For instance the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They offer a safe space for adults with ADHD who want to discuss their challenges, goals, and achievements. The details of the meeting can be found on their Facebook page or on their website. Contact them with any questions or would like to attend an upcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD might have difficulties managing their symptoms, which includes menstrual cycles and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional symptoms like mood fluctuation and irritability.
Exercise can help reduce the symptoms of these conditions by releasing positive hormones and decreasing stress. In addition, it helps to reduce stress and increase concentration and attention. Try to incorporate an exercise routine that you regularly do in your daily routine.
Try exercising at your home, or if prefer a social atmosphere, join a group class or a gym. Exercise can ease some ADHD symptoms but it can't eliminate the symptoms. It should be incorporated with other strategies to manage symptoms. It is recommended to aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.