ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women are often not being diagnosed with ADHD because the symptoms are less obvious in females. They may also be mistaken for other conditions, which could delay the diagnosis.
It is essential to investigate and address the symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females with ADHD. Transitional periods such as pregnancy or adolescence can reveal and exacerbate ADHD in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be hard to recognize in adulthood, especially for women. This is because a lot symptoms are different in females. For instance, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, a lot of women have difficulty being able to concentrate or sit still. Because of this, they can be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression.
Doctors may not be well-versed with ADHD, as it is more prevalent in males and boys. This could lead to delays in diagnosis because females aren't referred to doctors as frequently. Girls can also hide symptoms better than boys. This makes them less likely be noticed by their teachers or parents. They might use strategies for coping, such as hiding behind makeup or acting out, to cover up their actions and emotions.
adhd symptoms in women test of ADHD are more severe in women who are going through menopausal changes or perimenopausal. This is because they experience hormonal fluctuations that cause them to be more susceptible to mood swings. It may also be difficult to follow routines and keep track of their tasks. This can impact how they manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has increased due to high profile personalities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, long wait times for tests are causing stress and frustration for those who haven't been 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 handful of doctors who can conduct ADHD assessments. It can take years to get an appointment.
The first step in obtaining the diagnosis is to visit your GP. It is essential to mention to your GP that you think you might be suffering from ADHD because they'll need to take it seriously and request an appointment. You should also explain the reasons you believe you might have ADHD. You can download a help letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP and assist in the speedy process. You can also try to get an evaluation from private healthcare.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to identify, in part because their symptoms, especially as they age aren't always evident. They might develop strategies to cover up their problems which can be very damaging. These include drinking excessively or smoking cannabis, as well as trying to build social support through high risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs and other criminal activity are all examples of high-risk actions. Girls with ADHD may also be more susceptible to increased rates of sexually transmitted diseases and teens, early and unplanned pregnancies.
Doctors take reports of ADHD very serious and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then refer you to a service that is most suitable for you. This is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services can be lengthy and in some instances it can be difficult to be referred because the problem isn't treated with enough seriousness. This could be because the GP does not know about adult ADHD or believe that the person's problems are caused by other factors (like depression, anxiety or abuse of substances) and not by their ADHD symptoms.
It is essential to choose a therapist with ADHD experience who is able to work with you in addressing your ADHD issues. Certain therapists specialize in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms is a long-term process that can last for a lifetime. Medication and dietary changes may help reduce your symptoms. A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can reduce the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. A diet high in sugars and junk foods can exacerbate these symptoms.
It is also advisable to ask your GP to determine if mindfulness-based practices such as meditation could be beneficial for you. They can be very helpful in helping those with ADHD manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a trained teacher. You can find a teacher near you using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD often find their symptoms less obvious than those with ADHD. This is probably due to the fact that females don't have as many hyperactive, impulsive symptoms as their male counterparts. This makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. However, this does not mean they don't have symptoms. They may even have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to recognize, such as inattentive ADHD. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to difficult relationships, especially with males.
Women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to experience difficulties at school and work. They may have difficulty following directions and keeping track of deadlines and keeping promises. They may also have difficulty accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback from their workplace. These issues can lead to burnout that can negatively impact their job and career.
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of adult ADHD for women are difficulty paying attention, easily forgetting things and a lack of organization. They may also be prone depression and self-doubt. They may also have trouble expressing their emotions, and are often misunderstood. For example, mood changes can be misinterpreted as a sudden outburst anger or frustration.
Despite these challenges there are a lot of resources available to adults suffering from ADHD. inattentive add in women of the most effective is a support group that is specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups are available online and in person. These groups are a great place to seek advice on diagnostic methods for both children and adults and also how to manage your condition.
If you're looking for an adult ADHD support group, there are many in the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults with ADHD who want to share their struggles, goals and achievements. The information about the meeting are available on their Facebook page and website. You can reach them if you have any questions or want to attend an scheduled event.
4. adhd symptoms in women test with ADHD have particular issues that make it more difficult to manage their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopausal changes. These hormonal changes can cause or exacerbate emotional issues like mood swings and irritability.
Exercise can reduce these symptoms, release of feel-good hormones and reducing stress. In addition, it helps to reduce stress and increase concentration and focus. Therefore, you should try to include a regular workout routine into your daily.
Try exercising at your home, or if prefer a more social environment you can join a class or gym. Just remember, that while exercising can help alleviate some of the symptoms of ADHD, it won't fix them completely by itself - it is best to combine it with other strategies to manage symptoms. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to get 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every week.