ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women often go undiagnosed for ADHD because the symptoms are less evident for females. It is possible to mistake them for other disorders and this can delay the diagnosis.
Symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females suffering from ADHD need to be investigated and treated in the appropriate way. related internet page as adolescence and pregnancy can also unmask and exacerbate ADHD symptoms in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is difficult to identify particularly for women. This is because a lot of the symptoms differ in females. For example, while men tend to have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, a lot of women have difficulty being able to concentrate or sit still. They may be misdiagnosed as having mental health issues, like depression or anxiety.
Doctors may not be well-versed with ADHD because it's more prevalent in males and boys. This can cause delays in diagnosis, since females aren't seen by doctors as quickly. Girls also conceal their symptoms better than boys. This means they are less likely to get noticed by their teachers or parents. They might resort to coping strategies, such as hiding behind make-up or acting out to disguise their emotions and behavior.
The symptoms of ADHD can worsen when women are experiencing menopausal or perimenopause. This is because hormonal fluctuations can cause them to be more prone to mood swings. They may be unable to stay on top of things and stick to routines. This can affect 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, the long wait times for assessments are creating stress and frustration for those who aren't successful in getting the help they need. This is particularly relevant for those who are who are on the NHS as there are only a few doctors who can conduct ADHD assessments. It can take years to get an appointment.
The first step in receiving a diagnosis is to visit your GP. It is crucial to tell your GP that you believe you may have ADHD because they'll need to be attentive and ask for a referral. You must also provide the reasons why you think you may be suffering from ADHD. You can download a supportive letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP and help speed up the process. You can also try to obtain an evaluation through private healthcare.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women with ADHD are more difficult to recognize, in part because their symptoms, especially when they are adults, may not be as evident. These strategies can be harmful, because they might attempt to hide their issues. They may do this by drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and trying to build social support through high-risk activities (e.g. prostitution, gangs and other criminal activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD may also be more susceptible to increased incidences of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.
The GPs will take any reports of ADHD very serious and will inquire about your symptoms. Then, they will refer you to the appropriate service for you - this typically a community mental health clinic or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services can be long and in some instances it can be difficult to be diagnosed because the issue is not taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP isn't aware of adult ADHD or they believe that the individual's issues are due to other factors (like anxiety, depression or abuse of substances) and not due to their ADHD symptoms.
It is essential to choose a therapist with ADHD experience who is willing to collaborate with your ADHD challenges. Some therapists specialise in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is particularly beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms requires a long-term commitment. Medication can help to reduce certain symptoms, and dietary changes can also make a difference. A diet high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can reduce the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. A diet high in sugars and junk foods can exacerbate these symptoms.
It's also worth talking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based practices such as meditation might be beneficial for you as they are extremely effective in helping people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques by a trained teacher. The NHS service locator can help you locate an NHS provider close to you.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD might exhibit less obvious symptoms than men. This could be due to the fact that females don't have as many symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This can make it difficult to diagnose them. This does not mean that they do not have symptoms. They could have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to spot, like inattentive ADHD. Additionally, they may have a hard time managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to strained relationships, particularly with men.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD are more likely to struggle with work and school. They may have difficulty following instructions and keeping track of deadlines and meeting commitments. They may also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or constructive feedback. These issues can lead to burnout that can have a negative impact on their job and career.
Women who suffer from adult ADHD often have trouble paying attention, forgetting easily and are not organized. They can also be prone to self-doubt, depression, and anxiety. They may also have trouble communicating their feelings, and are often not understood. For example, mood changes could be interpreted as a sudden rage or anger.
Despite these difficulties there are many options for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best options is an intervention program specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups can be found online and in person. They are a great way to get guidance on diagnosis routes for children and adults, and also how to manage your condition.
There are a variety of 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 environment for adults with ADHD to talk about their challenges, successes and hopes. You can find the meeting details on their website or their Facebook page. You can contact them if you have any questions or want to attend an scheduled event.
4. Exercise
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, which includes menstrual cycles and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional problems such as mood swings and irritation.
Exercise can help alleviate these symptoms by releasing feel-good hormones and reduce stress. In addition, it helps reduce 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 socialize take part in a group or join a gym. Exercise can ease some ADHD symptoms but it can't eliminate the symptoms. It is best to combine it with other strategies to treat symptoms. The goal should be 150 minutes of moderate intensity workout per week.