ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women and girls because the signs aren't as obvious. They are also often misdiagnosed as other disorders and delay the referral.
It is important to explore and manage the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders among women suffering from ADHD. Transitional periods such as adolescence and pregnancy can also reveal and worsen ADHD symptoms in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be hard to recognize in adulthood, especially for women. A lot of the symptoms are different for women. For instance, while males tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have difficulty in concentrating or staying still. Because of this, they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
ADHD is often seen in boys and men So doctors may not be knowledgeable about the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis, since females aren't referred to doctors as often. Girls also tend to conceal their symptoms better than men which makes them less likely to be recognized by teachers or parents. They may use coping techniques, such as wearing make-up or acting out to hide their feelings and behaviour.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women are experiencing menopausal or perimenopausal. inattentive add in women is due to the fact that they have hormonal fluctuations that can make them more prone to mood swings. It may also be difficult for them to follow routines and keep track of their tasks. This could affect their ability to manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
Waiting times for assessments can cause stress and anger for those who are unable to receive the assistance they require. This is particularly true for those who are on the NHS and have a small number of doctors who can carry out ADHD assessments and it can take years to get an appointment.
The first step in obtaining an assessment is to see your GP. It is essential to tell your GP that you think you might have ADHD since they will have to be attentive and request a referral. It is also important to explain why you believe you might have ADHD. You can download a letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. You may also obtain an evaluation from private healthcare.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women with ADHD are more difficult to identify than men, partly because the symptoms are not as evident, especially in adulthood. They may develop compensatory strategies to hide their problems and they could be detrimental to their health. 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 who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be involved in criminal activities, gangs, and promiscuity. incidences of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.
GPs will take any report of ADHD seriously, and should inquire about the symptoms you are experiencing. Then they will recommend the best service for you. This usually is a mental health service or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.
Waiting times for the services may be long, and in some cases it can be difficult to be diagnosed because the issue isn't treated with enough seriousness. This could be because the GP isn't aware of adult ADHD or they think that the person's challenges are caused by something else (like anxiety, depression or substance misuse) and not caused by their ADHD symptoms.
After you've been referred to a therapist, it is important to select a therapist that is aware of the disorder and is willing to tackle your ADHD issues. Some therapists specialize in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is especially beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms requires a long-term commitment. Medication can help to reduce some of your symptoms and dietary changes can make a difference too. For example, eating an a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can make the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less noticeable. A diet that is high in sugars and junk food can cause these symptoms to worsen.
It is also worth speaking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based practices such as meditation might be useful for you, as they can be very effective in helping people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods by a trained teacher. The NHS service locator will help you locate an NHS provider close to you.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD may have less apparent symptoms than men. This could be due to the fact that females don't display as many hyperactive or impulsive symptoms. This can make it harder to diagnose them. This does not mean that they don't have symptoms. In reality, they may have inattentive ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to detect. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to difficult relationships, especially with men.
Women with inattention ADHD might be more likely to have difficulties with work and school. They may have difficulty following instructions, keeping track of deadlines and keeping promises. They can also have a hard time accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback from their workplace. These issues can lead to burnout, which can negatively impact their job and career.
signs of add in adult women with adult ADHD frequently have difficulty paying attention, forgetting easily and aren't organized. They may also be prone depression and self-doubt. They may also have difficulties communicating their feelings, and are often misinterpreted. For example, mood changes could be interpreted as a sudden outburst anger or frustration.
Despite these issues, there are many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best options is an intervention program designed specifically for adults with ADHD. These groups are accessible both online as well as in person. These groups are an excellent way to seek advice on the diagnosis options for adults and children, and also how to manage your condition.
If you're seeking an adult ADHD support group, there are a number in the UK. For instance, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults suffering from ADHD to talk about their challenges, achievements and hopes. The meeting details can be found on their Facebook page and website. You can also reach them with any questions in the event that you'd like to join a future event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD have particular issues that make it more difficult to manage their symptoms, including menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopausal changes. These hormonal changes may cause or exacerbate emotional issues such as mood swings, and irritation.
Exercise can reduce these symptoms by releasing feel-good hormones and decreasing stress. It also helps control excess energy, increase focus and concentration. Therefore, you should try to incorporate a regular exercise routine into your daily.
Try exercising at your home, or if prefer a more social environment take part in a group class or gym. Exercise can alleviate certain ADHD symptoms, but it will not cure 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 each week.