ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women and girls because the symptoms are not as evident. They may also be mistaken for other conditions, which could delay the diagnosis.
Signs of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females suffering from ADHD should be investigated and treated in the appropriate way. The transitional phases of pregnancy or adolescence can reveal and exacerbate ADHD in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be difficult to identify in adulthood, especially for women. This is because many symptoms are different for females. For instance, while men tend to have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have difficulty being able to concentrate or sit still. adult adhd in women www.iampsychiatry.uk might be misdiagnosed as having mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
ADHD is more frequently observed in males and females So doctors may not be knowledgeable about the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis, as females are not referred to doctors as frequently. Girls are also able to hide their symptoms better than males. This makes them less likely be noticed by their teachers or parents. They may use coping techniques that include concealing their face with makeup or putting on a show to conceal their feelings and behaviors.
The symptoms of ADHD are more severe when women experience perimenopausal or menopause. This is because they can be affected by hormonal changes that make them more prone to mood swings. They may also find it harder to keep track of their activities and adhere to routines. This could affect how they 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, waiting times for assessments are frustrating and stressful for those who haven't been able to access the assistance they require. This is particularly relevant for those who are on the NHS as there are only a handful of doctors who can conduct ADHD assessments. It can take years to make an appointment.
The first step in getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. It is crucial to mention to your GP that you believe you might be suffering from ADHD because they'll need to take it seriously and request a referral. You must also provide the reasons you believe you might have ADHD. You can download an official letter from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. You may also get an evaluation from private healthcare.
2. Speak to your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD can be harder to identify than men, partly because the signs aren't so obvious, particularly in adulthood. These strategies can be harmful as they may try to conceal their problems. Some of these include excessive drinking smoking cannabis, or trying to gain social support by participating in risky activities (e.g. crime, gangs, and promiscuity activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to experience a higher rate of sexually transmitted illnesses and teens, unplanned and early pregnancies.
GPs take reports of ADHD very seriously and will ask about your symptoms. They will then recommend a treatment that is the most appropriate for you. It is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services are long and in some cases, it is difficult to get referred because of the lack of seriousness which the problem is treated. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of the existence of adult ADHD or believes that the individual's problems are due to other causes (such as anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs) rather than ADHD symptoms.
If you've been recommended to a therapist, you must choose a therapist who understands the issue and will work with your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists specialise in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for people with ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms requires a lifetime commitment. The use of medication and diet changes can help reduce your symptoms. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can help to reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms. On the other side, a diet that is high in sugar and junk foods can increase these symptoms.
You should also inquire with your GP to determine if mindfulness-based practices like meditation might be beneficial to you. They can be very helpful in helping those with ADHD manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught by a qualified teacher. The NHS service locator can help you locate an NHS provider close to you.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD often find their symptoms less obvious than men. This is probably because females don't exhibit as many hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. This makes it more difficult for them to get diagnosed. However, this does not mean they don't have symptoms. They may even have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to detect, such as inattentive ADHD. In addition, they can struggle with managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause broken relationships or even breakups particularly with men.
Women who are not attentive ADHD are more likely to face difficulties at work and school. They may have difficulty adhering to instructions or deadlines, as well as keeping on top of commitments. They can also have difficulty accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback at work. These challenges can lead to burnout, which can have a negative impact on their work performance and their career.
Women with adult ADHD frequently have difficulty keeping track of their attention, are easily distracted, and are not well organized. They are also susceptible to self-doubt, depression, and anxiety. In addition, they may be troubled by their emotions and are frequently not understood by others. For instance, changes in mood can be misinterpreted as sudden rage or anger.
Despite these issues there are many resources available for adults with ADHD. One of the most effective is a support group that is specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups are offered online and in person. These groups are an excellent way to get advice about diagnostic methods for adults and children, and also 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 and secure environment for adults with ADHD who wish to talk about their challenges, goals and successes. The details of the meeting on their website or their Facebook page. You can reach them if you have any questions or want to attend an upcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women who suffer from ADHD may face particular issues that make it more difficult to manage their symptoms, like menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopausal changes. These hormonal changes can trigger or intensify emotional symptoms like mood swings and irritability.
Exercise can ease these symptoms, release of feel-good hormones and reducing the stress. Plus, it can help to reduce stress and increase concentration and attention. Try to include regular exercise into your daily routine.
Try exercising at your home, or if prefer a social atmosphere you can join a class or gym. Be aware that although exercise can reduce some of the symptoms of ADHD but it's not going to solve them all on its own. It should be paired with other symptom-management strategies. You should aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity workout per week.