ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls often go not being diagnosed with ADHD as symptoms are less obvious in females. They are also often misdiagnosed as other conditions, which can delay referral.
Signs of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females suffering from ADHD need to be investigated and treated in the appropriate way. The transitional phases of pregnancy or adolescence may reveal and increase the severity of ADHD in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD isn't easy to identify in adulthood, especially for women. adhd in adult women test is because many of the symptoms differ in females. For instance, while men tend to have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, a lot of women have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. As a result, they can be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems such as depression or anxiety.
Doctors may not be familiarized with ADHD because it's more prevalent in males and boys. This could lead to delays in diagnosis since females often don't get referred as quickly. Girls also conceal their symptoms better than males. This means they are less likely to be noticed by their teachers or parents. They might use strategies to cope, like hiding behind makeup or acting out, to disguise their behaviour and emotions.
Symptoms of ADHD can get worse when women go through perimenopause or menopause. It is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more prone to mood swings. They might also find it harder to keep track of their activities and follow routines. This can impact their ability to manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has risen due to prominent personalities such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, the long wait for assessments is creating stress and frustration for those who haven't been able to access the assistance they require. treatment for adhd in women is especially the case for those on the NHS since there are a small number of doctors who can carry out ADHD tests and it could take years to get an appointment.
The first step in getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. It is essential to mention to your GP that you believe you might be suffering from ADHD since they will have to take this seriously and request a referral. signs of add in adult women should also explain the reasons behind why you think you may be suffering from 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. Speak to your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD can be harder to recognize than men, partly because the symptoms are not so obvious, particularly as an adult. They might develop strategies to cover up their problems which can be very damaging. A few of these include excessive drinking, smoking cannabis and trying to gain social support by participating in risky activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs, and criminal activities are just a few examples of high-risk actions. Girls with ADHD are also more likely to have a higher rate of sexually transmitted diseases and teens, unplanned and early pregnancy.
GPs take reports of ADHD very seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then recommend a treatment that is most suitable for you. This is usually a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services can be long In some instances, it is difficult to get diagnosed because the issue is not taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of adult ADHD or believes that the individual's issues are caused by other factors (such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse) instead of ADHD symptoms.
It is important that you choose a therapist with ADHD experience who is willing to collaborate with your ADHD challenges. Some therapists specialize in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is especially beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms is a continuous process. Medication and dietary changes may help to reduce the symptoms. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help reduce the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. A diet rich in sugars and junk food can cause these symptoms to worsen.
It is also advisable to ask your GP whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation might be beneficial to you. They can be very helpful in helping those with ADHD manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques with a certified teacher. You can find a teacher near you using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD typically notice their symptoms are less apparent than men. This could be due to the fact that females don't have as many symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This makes it more difficult to diagnose them. This doesn't mean they don't have symptoms. In fact, they could have inattentive ADHD symptoms that are harder to detect. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in broken relationships or even breakups particularly with men.
Women with inattention ADHD are more likely to have difficulties at school and work. They can have trouble following instructions, keeping track of deadlines and meeting commitments. They might also have difficulty accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback at work. These issues can lead to burnout that can negatively impact their career and job performance.
Some of the most common symptoms and signs of ADHD for women are difficulty paying attention, forgetting things easily and having a poor organization. They might also be prone to depression and self-doubt. They can also have difficulty communicating their feelings, and are often misinterpreted. For instance, mood swings can be misinterpreted as sudden outburst anger or frustration.
Despite these difficulties, there are a lot of resources available to adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best options is an intervention program designed specifically for adults with ADHD. These groups can be found online and in person. They are an excellent way to receive advice on diagnosis routes for children and adults, and also how to manage your condition.
There are a variety of adult ADHD support groups throughout the UK. For instance, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults with ADHD to discuss their challenges, successes and goals. The meeting details can be found on their Facebook page or website. You can also contact them with any questions if you'd like to attend a future event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD might have difficulties managing their symptoms, which includes menstrual cycles and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes may cause or worsen emotional issues such as mood swings, and irritability.
Exercise can ease these symptoms, by producing feel-good hormones and reducing the stress. Additionally, it can help reduce excess energy and improve concentration and attention. So, try to incorporate a regular exercise routine into your daily.
Try exercising at home, or if you prefer a social atmosphere take part in a group class or a gym. Exercise can ease certain ADHD symptoms however it cannot eliminate the symptoms. It should be combined with other strategies to treat symptoms. The goal should be 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.