ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often not properly diagnosed in girls and women because the signs aren't as evident. They can also be mistaken for other disorders and this can delay referral.
It is crucial to understand and treat the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and eating disorders among females suffering from ADHD. Transitional periods such as adolescence and pregnancy can also reveal and worsen ADHD symptoms in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is a difficult condition to diagnose, especially in women. The symptoms differ for women. While men are more hyperactive and impulsive, women often have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. As a result, they could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.
ADHD is often seen in boys and men and doctors may not be familiar with the condition. This can cause delays in diagnosis since females aren't often referred to as frequently. Girls can also hide their symptoms better than men, making them less likely to be recognized by teachers or parents. They may resort to coping methods like wearing make-up or acting out to disguise their feelings and behaviour.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women are going through menopause or perimenopausal. This is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more susceptible to mood swings. They might be unable to keep track of their activities and stick to routines. This can affect their ability to manage their home, work and other obligations.
The waiting time for assessments can cause stress and anger for those who are unable to receive the help they need. This is particularly true for those who are on the NHS since there are only a few doctors who are able to conduct ADHD assessments. It can take years to get an appointment.
The first step to getting a diagnosis is to see your GP. It is important to inform your GP you believe you may have ADHD. They will take this seriously and ask for an appointment. You must also state why you believe you might have ADHD. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP to aid in speeding up the process. Alternatively, you can attempt to obtain an assessment via the private healthcare route.
2. Speak to your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to recognize, in part because their symptoms, especially when they are adults aren't always evident. They may develop strategies to hide their problems and they can be very damaging. Some of these include drinking excessively smoking cannabis, or trying to create social connections by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs, and criminal activity are all examples of high-risk activities. Girls with ADHD are also more likely to experience a higher rate of sexually transmitted diseases and teens, unplanned and early-stage pregnancy.
GPs take reports of ADHD extremely seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. Then they will refer you to the appropriate service for you - this is usually a community mental health service or a specialist Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services are long and, in some instances it can be difficult to get referred due to the lack of seriousness how the issue is addressed. This could be due to the fact that the GP is not aware of adult ADHD or believes that the individual's difficulties are caused by other factors (such as anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs) rather than ADHD symptoms.
Once you've been referred to a therapist, it's important to select a therapist who is knowledgeable about the issue and is willing to work with your ADHD difficulties. Certain therapists specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is especially beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. Medication can help to reduce some of your symptoms, and dietary changes can make a difference too. For example, eating a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables can make your symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less apparent. A diet high in sugars and junk food can exacerbate these symptoms.
It is also worth speaking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based techniques like meditation could be beneficial to you, as they can be very effective in helping people suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a trained instructor. You can find a teacher near you using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD may have less apparent symptoms than men. This is probably 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 harder to identify them. However, this does not mean they do not have symptoms. In reality, they may have inattention ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to recognise. In addition, they can have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to strained relationships, particularly with males.
Women with inattention ADHD are more likely to have difficulties at work and school. They may have difficulty following directions and keeping track of deadlines and meeting commitments. They can also have a hard time accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback from their workplace. These issues can lead to burnout, which can have a negative impact on their work performance and their career.
Women with adult ADHD frequently have difficulty paying attention, forgetting easily and aren't organized. They may also be prone self-doubt and depression. They can also have difficulty communicating their feelings, and are often misinterpreted. For example, mood swings can be interpreted as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these challenges, there are still many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective is a support group specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups can be found on the internet and in person. These groups are a great place to get advice about diagnostic methods for adults and children, as well how to manage your illness.
If you're seeking an adult ADHD support group, there are several in the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example, meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They offer a safe space for adults with ADHD who want to discuss their challenges, goals, and accomplishments. The information about the meeting can be found on their Facebook page or on their website. You can contact them with any questions or want to attend an scheduled event.
4. Exercise
Women who suffer from ADHD have particular issues that make it more difficult to manage their symptoms, including menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional problems like mood swings and irritability.
Exercise can help reduce these symptoms, by release of feel-good hormones and reducing the stress. It also helps manage excess energy, and increase focus and concentration. Make browse around here to incorporate a regular exercise routine in your day.
Try exercising at home, or if you prefer a more social environment take part in a group class or gym. Be aware that although exercising can help alleviate some of the symptoms of ADHD but it's not going to fix them completely by itself - it must be combined with other symptom-management strategies. Ideally, you should aim to do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week.