ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls often go undiagnosed for ADHD because the symptoms are less obvious for females. They can also be misdiagnosed as other disorders and delay referral.
Symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders among females with ADHD need to be investigated and addressed as appropriate. The transitional phases of pregnancy and adolescence may reveal and worsen 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 of the symptoms are different for females. For instance, while males tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, a lot of women have difficulty being able to concentrate or sit still. As a result, they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems like depression or anxiety.
ADHD is often observed in males and females So doctors may not be knowledgeable about the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis because women aren't referred as quickly. Girls also tend to conceal their symptoms better than males, making them less likely to be noticed by teachers or parents. They might resort to coping strategies like wearing make-up or acting out to hide their feelings and behaviour.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women experience perimenopausal or menopausal. This is because hormonal fluctuations can cause them to be more prone to mood swings. They might also find it harder to keep track of things and follow routines. This can impact their ability to manage their work, home and other obligations.
While awareness of ADHD has risen due to high profile personalities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, long wait times for tests are frustrating and stressful for people who haven't been successful in getting the assistance they require. This is especially true for those who are on the NHS, as there is a small number of doctors that can carry out ADHD assessments and it can take years to get an appointment.
The first step to get an assessment is to see your GP. You should tell your GP you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. They will consider this a serious matter and request an appointment. You must also provide the reasons behind why you think you may be suffering from ADHD. You can download a letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. Alternately, you can try to get an assessment through the private healthcare route.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women with ADHD can be harder to diagnose than men, partly because the signs aren't as evident, especially when they are adults. They might develop strategies to hide their problems and they could be detrimental to their health. They may do this by drinking excessively or smoking cannabis, as well as seeking to build social support through high risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs and other criminal activities are just a few examples of high-risk actions. Girls with ADHD are also more likely to experience a higher rate of sexually transmitted diseases, teens, unplanned and early-stage pregnancy.
The GP will take any reports of ADHD seriously, and should inquire about the symptoms you are experiencing. They will then recommend a treatment that is best suited to you. It is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services can be long and in some cases it can be difficult to refer someone due to the lack of seriousness with which the problem is dealt with. This could be due to the fact that the GP is not aware of adult ADHD or believes the person's issues are due to other causes (such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse) rather than ADHD symptoms.
If you've been recommended to a therapist, it's important to choose a therapist who understands the issue and is willing to work with your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists specialise in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is especially beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. Treatment and dietary changes can aid in reducing your symptoms. For example, eating an a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits can make your symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less apparent. On the other the other hand, a diet rich in junk food and sugar 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 are beneficial in helping those suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques by a trained instructor. The NHS service locator can help you locate the nearest provider.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to notice their symptoms are less apparent than men. This could be because females don't exhibit as many hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to be diagnosed. However, this is not to say that they aren't suffering from any symptoms. In fact, they may have inattention ADHD symptoms that are harder to recognise. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause strained or dissolved relationships particularly with men.
Women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to face problems at school and at work. They may have difficulty following instructions and keeping track of deadlines and meeting commitments. They might also have a hard time accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback at work. These challenges can lead to burnout that can negatively impact their career and job performance.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms and signs of ADHD among women include difficulties paying attention, easily forgetting things, and poor organisation. They are also susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. In addition, they may be troubled by their emotions and are often thought of as a victim by other people. For example mood swings can be interpreted as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these difficulties, there are many resources for adults with ADHD. One of the best is a support group that is specifically designed for people 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 how to manage your condition.
There are a variety of adult ADHD support groups across the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example, meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults suffering from ADHD to discuss their challenges, successes and aspirations. The meeting details are available on their Facebook page or on their website. You can also reach them with questions in the event that you'd like to join the next event.
4. Exercise
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulties managing their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles as well as menopausal changes. These hormonal changes may cause or worsen emotional issues such as mood swings, and anger.
Exercise can reduce the symptoms by release of feel-good hormones and reducing the stress. It can also help to control excess energy, increase focus and concentration. Therefore, you should try to include a regular workout routine into your daily.
Try exercising at home, or if you prefer a more social environment you can join a class or gym. Exercise can alleviate some ADHD symptoms, but it will not eliminate the symptoms. related internet page is best to combine it with other strategies for managing symptoms. It is recommended to aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.