ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women and girls because the signs aren't as obvious. It is possible to mistake them for other disorders and this could delay referral.
The signs of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females suffering from ADHD need to be investigated and treated as needed. The transitional phases of pregnancy and adolescence may cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be difficult to diagnose in adulthood, especially for women. This is because a lot of the symptoms are different in females. For instance, while males tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, most women have trouble in concentrating or staying still. This means that they could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health problems such as anxiety or depression.
Doctors might not be aware with ADHD, as it is more prevalent in men and boys. This could lead to delays in diagnosis since females often don't get referred as quickly. Girls can also hide symptoms better than males. This means they are less likely to be noticed by their teachers or parents. They might resort to coping strategies like concealing their face with makeup or acting out to hide their feelings and behaviour.
Symptoms of ADHD can get worse when women experience perimenopausal or menopause. This is due to hormonal fluctuations that can cause them to be more prone to mood swings. It can also be difficult to follow routines and stay on top of their tasks. This can impact their ability to manage their home, work and other obligations.
Waiting times for assessments can be stressful and cause frustration to those who aren't able to receive the assistance they need. This is especially true for those who are on the NHS since there are a limited number of doctors who can conduct ADHD assessments. It can take years to secure an appointment.
The first step in obtaining an assessment is to see your GP. It is important to mention to your GP that you think you might have ADHD since they will have to take this seriously and request an appointment. You must also state why you believe you might have ADHD. You can download an official letter from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to speed up the process. You could also obtain an assessment through private healthcare.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women with ADHD are more difficult to identify, in part because their symptoms, especially when they are adults, may not be as obvious. These strategies can be harmful as they may attempt to hide their issues. adhd in women treatment of these include excessive drinking, smoking cannabis, and trying to gain social support by participating in risky activities (e.g. prostitution, gangs and other criminal activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD can also have increased rates of sexually transmitted diseases and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.
The GP will take any reports of ADHD seriously and will inquire about the symptoms you are experiencing. Then they will direct you to the best service for you. This usually is a mental health clinic or a specialist Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services are long and in some cases it can be difficult to be referred because of the lack of seriousness with how the issue is addressed. This could be due to the fact that the GP isn't aware of adult ADHD or believe that the person's problems are due to something else (like anxiety, depression or abuse of substances) and not caused by their ADHD symptoms.
If you've been recommended to a therapist, it's important to select a therapist who is knowledgeable about the issue and is willing to work with your ADHD issues. Certain therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for people with ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms is a continuous process that can last for a lifetime. The use of medication can reduce some of your symptoms, and diet modifications can make a difference too. For example, eating an a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can make your symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less pronounced. A diet high in sugars and junk foods can increase the severity of these symptoms.
It is also advisable to ask your GP if mindfulness-based techniques like meditation might be helpful for you. They are useful in helping people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a qualified instructor. The NHS service locator can help you locate the nearest provider.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD might have less obvious symptoms than men. This is likely due to the fact that females do not have as many symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This can make it difficult to identify them. This does not mean that they don't have symptoms. In fact, they may have inattention ADHD symptoms that are harder to recognise. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause strained relationships, particularly with men.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD are more likely to struggle at school and work. They can have trouble adhering to instructions and juggling deadlines and completing commitments. They may also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or constructive feedback. These issues can lead to burnout which can have a negative effect on their job performance and their professional career.
The most frequent symptoms and signs of ADHD in women include difficulty paying attention, easily forgetting things and having a poor organization. They are also susceptible to self-doubt, depression, and anxiety. They may also have trouble in expressing their emotions and are often misinterpreted. For instance, changes in mood can be misinterpreted as a sudden outburst anger or frustration.
Despite high functioning adhd in women , there are a lot of resources available to adults with ADHD. One of the best options is a support program designed specifically for adults with ADHD. These groups are offered online and in person. These groups are a great way to receive advice on diagnosis routes for adults and children, and also how to manage your illness.
There are many adult ADHD support groups in the UK. For example the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They offer a safe space for adults with ADHD who want to share their challenges, goals, and achievements. You can find the meeting details on their website and their Facebook page. You can also reach them with questions in the event that you'd like to join an upcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women who suffer from ADHD have unique challenges that make it harder to manage their symptoms, including menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause. These hormonal changes may cause or worsen emotional issues like mood swings and irritation.
Exercise can reduce these symptoms, release of feel-good hormones and reducing the stress. It also helps reduce excess energy and increase focus and concentration. Therefore, try to include a regular workout routine into your day.
Try exercising at your home, or if prefer a more social environment you can join a class or a gym. Just remember, that while exercise can reduce some of the symptoms of ADHD but it's not going to solve them all on its own - it is best to combine it with other strategies for managing symptoms. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity workout every week.