ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women are often not being diagnosed with ADHD as symptoms are less evident for females. They can also be misdiagnosed as other disorders which may delay the diagnosis.
It is essential to investigate and address the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders among females with ADHD. Transitional periods such as pregnancy or adolescence may reveal and increase the severity of ADHD in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be hard to identify in adulthood, particularly for women. The symptoms are different for women. For example, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have trouble in concentrating or staying still. This means that they can be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems like anxiety or depression.
ADHD is also more often observed in males and females So doctors may not be knowledgeable about the condition. This can cause delays in diagnosis since females often don't get referred as quickly. Girls are also able to hide their symptoms better than males. This makes them less likely get noticed by teachers or parents. They may use coping techniques like concealing their face with makeup or putting on a show to conceal their feelings and behaviour.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women experience perimenopausal or menopausal. This is due to hormonal fluctuations that can make them more susceptible to mood swings. It could also be challenging to keep track of routines and manage their tasks. This could affect their ability to manage their work, home and other responsibilities.
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 creating stress and frustration for people who haven't been successful in getting the assistance they require. This is particularly true for those on the NHS since there are only a handful of doctors who are able to conduct ADHD assessments. It can take years to make an appointment.
The first step in getting an assessment is to see your GP. You should tell your GP that you think you have ADHD. They will be able to take this seriously and ask for a referral. You should also explain the reasons behind why you think you may have ADHD. You can download a letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to speed up the process. You could also receive an evaluation through private healthcare.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women with ADHD are more difficult to recognize than men, in part because the symptoms are not as evident, especially when they are adults. They may develop strategies to hide their problems which could be detrimental to their health. Some of these include excessive drinking, smoking cannabis and trying to create social connections by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs and other criminal activity are all examples of high-risk behaviors. Girls with ADHD are also more likely to experience a higher rate of sexually transmitted diseases, teenage, unplanned and early-stage pregnancy.
The GPs will take any reports of ADHD extremely serious and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then refer you to a service that is best suited to you. This is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services can be long and in some cases it can be difficult to be referred because of the lack of seriousness with how the issue is addressed. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of the existence of adult ADHD or believes the person's problems are caused by other factors (such as depression, anxiety or addiction to drugs) rather than ADHD symptoms.
It is crucial to choose a therapist with ADHD experience who is able to work with you in addressing your ADHD challenges. Some therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is particularly helpful for people with ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. Medication can help to reduce some of your symptoms and diet changes can help. For instance, a diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits can make your symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less pronounced. A diet rich in sugars and junk foods can exacerbate these symptoms.
It is also advisable to ask your GP to determine if mindfulness-based practices like meditation could be beneficial for you. They are helpful in helping those with ADHD manage their symptoms. adhd traits in women can learn these methods from a qualified teacher. You can find a teacher near you using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD tend to notice their symptoms are less apparent than those with ADHD. 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 for them to get diagnosed. However, this isn't to say that they aren't suffering from any symptoms. In fact, they could have inattention ADHD symptoms which are more difficult to detect. In addition, they can have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause strained or dissolved relationships particularly with males.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD may be more likely to have difficulties at school and work. They can have trouble following directions, keeping track of deadlines and keeping promises. They might also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or constructive feedback. These issues can cause burnout, which can have a negative effect on their performance at work and their career.
Women who suffer from adult ADHD often have trouble staying focused, forgetting easily, and are not well organized. They can also be prone to self-doubt, depression, and anxiety. Additionally, they can struggle with their emotions and are often misunderstood by others. For example, mood changes can be misinterpreted as a sudden eruption of anger or frustration.
Despite these challenges there are many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best is an online support group specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups are offered online as well as in person. They are a great way to get advice on diagnosis routes for both adults and children as well as how to manage your condition.
If you're seeking an adult ADHD support group, there are several in the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example is a weekly meeting at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe and secure environment for adults with ADHD who want to discuss their struggles, goals and accomplishments. The meeting details are available on their Facebook page and website. You can reach them if you have any questions or want to attend an forthcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD can face particular difficulties that make it difficult to manage their symptoms, like menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopausal changes. These hormonal changes may trigger or exacerbate emotional problems such as mood swings and anger.
Exercise can reduce these symptoms by releasing feel-good hormones and reduce stress. Additionally, it can help to reduce stress and increase concentration and focus. Try to include an exercise routine that you regularly do in your day.
Exercise at home or, if you want to socialize join a club or join a gym. Exercise can help with some ADHD symptoms however it cannot eliminate them. It is best to combine it with other strategies to manage symptoms. It is recommended to aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.