ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often not properly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are not as evident. They can also be misdiagnosed as other conditions which may delay the diagnosis.
It is crucial to understand and manage the symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in women suffering from ADHD. The transitional phases of pregnancy or adolescence can reveal and worsen ADHD in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is difficult to diagnose, especially in women. A lot of the symptoms differ for women. While men tend to be more hyperactive and impulsive, women often struggle to concentrate or sit still. This means that they could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
ADHD is more frequently seen in boys and men, so doctors might not be knowledgeable about the condition. This could lead to delays in diagnosis, since females are not referred to doctors as frequently. Girls can also hide symptoms better than males. This makes them less likely to get noticed by parents or teachers. They might use strategies to cope, like hiding behind makeup or acting out, to hide their behavior and feelings.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women are going through menopause or perimenopause. This is because hormonal fluctuations can cause them to be more prone to mood swings. inattentive adhd in women may be unable to keep track of their activities and follow routines. This can affect their ability to manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
Assessments that are delayed for a long time can cause stress and anger to those who aren't able to receive the help they need. This can be particularly the case for those on the NHS and have a small number of doctors who carry out ADHD tests and it could take years to get an appointment.
The first step in getting the diagnosis is to visit your GP. It is crucial to mention to your GP that you think you may have ADHD since they will have to take it seriously and request an appointment. You should also explain why you believe you might have ADHD. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP, which can help speed up the process. You may also get an evaluation from private healthcare.
2. Speak to your doctor
Women with ADHD are more difficult to identify than men, mainly because the signs aren't as obvious, especially in adulthood. They may develop strategies to hide their problems which could be detrimental to their health. Some of them include drinking excessively smoking cannabis, or trying to create social connections by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. gangs, promiscuity and criminal activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD can also have increased incidences of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.
GPs will take any report of ADHD seriously and will ask you about your symptoms. They will then direct you to a program that is best suited to you. This is usually a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services can be lengthy, and in some cases it can be difficult to be referred because the problem is not taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP doesn't know about adult ADHD, or because they believe that the individual's issues are caused by something else (like depression, anxiety, or abuse of substances) and not due to their ADHD symptoms.
It is important that you choose a therapist with ADHD experience who is willing to work alongside your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people suffering from ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms requires a long-term commitment. The use of medication can reduce certain symptoms, and diet changes can also make a difference. A diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms. On the other side, a diet that is high in junk food and sugar can exacerbate these symptoms.
You should also inquire with your GP to determine if mindfulness-based practices such as meditation might be helpful for you. They can be extremely beneficial in helping those suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a qualified instructor. adhd test for women can find a teacher near you by 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 likely because females don't have as many hyperactive or impulsive symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to get diagnosed. This does not mean that they do not have symptoms. In fact, they may have inattention ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to recognize. Additionally, they may struggle with managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause strained or dissolved relationships particularly with men.
Women with inattention ADHD might be more likely to have difficulties with work and school. They may have difficulty following directions or deadlines, as well as keeping on top of commitments. They might also have a hard time accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback at work. These challenges can lead to burnout, which can have a negative effect on their work performance and their career.
Women with adult ADHD often have trouble keeping track of their attention, are easily distracted, and are not well organized. They are also susceptible to self-doubt, depression, and anxiety. They may also have difficulties communicating their feelings, and are often misunderstood. For instance mood swings could be perceived as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these issues, there are many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective options is a support program that is designed specifically for adults with ADHD. These groups are available on the internet and in person. These groups are an excellent way to get advice about diagnostic methods for both children and adults as well how to manage your illness.
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 to discuss their challenges, achievements and hopes. The information about the meeting are available on their Facebook page and website. You can also reach them with questions in the event that you'd like to join an upcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD have unique difficulties that make it difficult to manage their symptoms, like menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause. These hormonal changes can trigger or intensify emotional symptoms like mood fluctuation and irritability.
Exercise can reduce the symptoms by producing feel-good hormones and reducing stress. It also helps reduce excess energy and improve focus and attention. Therefore, you should try to incorporate a regular exercise routine into your daily.
Do your exercise at home, or, if you want to be social join a club or join a gym. Exercise can help with some ADHD symptoms but it can't cure them. It is best to combine it with other strategies for managing symptoms. The goal should be 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.