ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls often go undiagnosed for ADHD as symptoms are less evident for females. They can also be mistaken for other conditions and this can delay the referral.
Signs of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females with ADHD should be investigated and addressed as appropriate. Adolescence, adolescence or pregnancy can also reveal and exacerbate ADHD in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be hard to identify in adulthood, particularly for women. This is because a lot symptoms are different for females. For instance, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have difficulty being able to concentrate or sit still. As a result, they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
Doctors may not be well-versed with ADHD because it's more prevalent in men and boys. This can cause delays in diagnosis, as females are not referred to doctors as frequently. Girls also tend to conceal their symptoms better than men and are 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 emotions and behavior.
The symptoms of ADHD are more severe in women who are going through menopause or perimenopause. This is because they can experience hormonal fluctuations that cause them to be more susceptible to mood swings. They may also have difficulty to keep track of things and stick to routines. This can impact how they manage their work, home and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has soared thanks to celebrities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, waiting times for tests are creating stress and frustration for people who haven't been in a position to get the help they need. This is particularly relevant for those who are on the NHS as there are only a handful of doctors who can perform ADHD tests. It can take a long time to make an appointment.
The first step in getting a diagnosis is to see your GP. It is essential to mention to your GP that you think you might have ADHD because they will need to take this seriously and ask for a referral. It is also important to explain the reasons you believe you may have ADHD. You can download a supportive letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP, which can help speed up the process. You could also receive an assessment through private healthcare.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women with ADHD are more difficult to diagnose, in part because their symptoms, particularly when they reach adulthood might not be as evident. They might develop strategies to hide their problems and they can be very damaging. Some of them include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis and trying to gain social support by participating in risky activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs and other criminal activities are just a few examples of high-risk activities. Girls who suffer from ADHD can also have increased incidences of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, early and unplanned pregnancies.
GPs take reports of ADHD extremely seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then direct you to a program that is best suited to you. This is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services can be long, and in some cases it can be difficult to get diagnosed because the issue is not taken seriously enough. This could be because the GP doesn't know about adult ADHD, or because they think that the person's challenges are due to something else (like anxiety, depression or abuse of drugs) and not due to their ADHD symptoms.
It is essential to choose a therapist with ADHD experience who is able to work alongside your ADHD challenges. Some therapists specialise in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for people with ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms is a long-term process. Medication and dietary changes may help reduce your symptoms. For example, eating an a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits can make your symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less pronounced. On adhd women uk , a diet high in junk food and sugar can worsen the symptoms.
It is also advisable to ask your GP whether mindfulness-based methods, such as meditation, might be helpful for you. They can be very useful in helping people with ADHD manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques by a trained teacher. You can locate a teacher near you by using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD might exhibit less obvious symptoms than men. This is likely because females don't exhibit as many hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. This makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. This doesn't mean they don't have symptoms. In fact, they could have inattention ADHD symptoms which are more difficult to recognise. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause difficult relationships, especially with males.
Women with inattention ADHD are more likely to have problems at school and at work. They may have trouble adhering to instructions in completing deadlines and keeping the track of commitments. They might also be unable to accept constructive criticism or constructive feedback. These issues can cause burnout, which could have a negative impact on their job performance and their career.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms and signs of adult ADHD for women are difficulty paying attention, a tendency to forget things easily and having a poor organization. They might also be prone to self-doubt and depression. Additionally, they can struggle with their emotions and are often thought of as a victim by other people. For example, mood changes can be misinterpreted as a sudden outburst anger or frustration.
Despite these difficulties, there are still many resources available for adults with ADHD. One of the most effective is a support group that is specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are available on the internet as well as in person. They are an excellent way to receive information on the diagnosis process for both adults and children as well as how to manage your condition.
If you're looking for an adult ADHD support group, there are several in the UK. For example, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults with ADHD to talk about their struggles, successes and aspirations. The details of the meeting are available on their Facebook page and website. You can contact them with any questions or want to attend an upcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, including menstrual cycles and menopause. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional symptoms, such as mood fluctuations and irritability.
Exercise can ease the symptoms by release of feel-good hormones and decreasing stress. It can also help to reduce excess energy and increase focus and concentration. Therefore, try to include a regular workout routine into your daily.
Try exercising at your home, or if prefer a social atmosphere you can join a class or a gym. Remember that although exercise can alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD but it's not going to fix them completely on its own - it should be paired with other symptom-management strategies. You should aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.