ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women often go not being diagnosed with ADHD as symptoms are less obvious in females. It is possible to misdiagnose them as other conditions which may delay the referral.
It is important to explore and treat the symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females with ADHD. Adolescence, pregnancy or adolescence can reveal and worsen ADHD in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is difficult to identify particularly for women. Many of the symptoms are different for women. While men are more hyperactive and impulsive, females 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.
Doctors may not be well-versed with ADHD, as it is more prevalent in men and boys. This can cause delays in diagnosis as females aren't often referred to as frequently. Girls also tend to conceal their symptoms better than males, making them less likely to be noticed by teachers or parents. They might resort to coping strategies like concealing their face with makeup or acting out to disguise their feelings and behaviour.
The symptoms of ADHD can worsen when women are going through menopausal changes or perimenopausal. This is due to hormonal fluctuations that can make them more prone to mood swings. It may also be difficult to keep track of routines and manage their tasks. This can impact their ability to manage their home, work and other obligations.
Assessments that are delayed for a long time can be stressful and cause frustration for those who are unable to receive the help they require. This is particularly true for those who are on the NHS, as there is a small number of doctors that can perform ADHD assessments. It can take years to obtain an appointment.
The first step in getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. You should tell your GP that you think you be suffering from ADHD. They will take this seriously and request a referral. You must also provide the reasons you believe you might have ADHD. You can download the letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to speed up the process. You may also receive an evaluation from private healthcare.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult to identify, in part because their symptoms, particularly as they age might not be as obvious. These strategies can be harmful as they may try to cover up their issues. This includes drinking heavily, smoking cannabis, and seeking to build support for their friends through high risk activities (e.g. crime, gangs, and promiscuity activities). Girls with ADHD can also have increased incidences of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.
The GP will take any reports of ADHD seriously, and should inquire about your symptoms. They will then recommend a treatment that is most suitable for you. This is usually a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services are long and, in some instances it can be difficult to refer someone due to the lack of seriousness how the issue is addressed. This could be due to the fact that the GP isn't aware of adult ADHD or they believe that the individual's issues are due to other factors (like anxiety, depression or abuse of drugs) and not by their ADHD symptoms.
After you've been referred to a therapist to a therapist, you must choose a therapist who understands the condition, and will work with your ADHD issues. Some therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. The use of medication and diet changes can help reduce your symptoms. A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms. On the other the other hand, a diet rich in sugar and junk foods can exacerbate these symptoms.
You should also inquire with your GP whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation could be beneficial for you. They are beneficial in helping those suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques from a qualified instructor. You can locate a teacher near you by using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD often find their symptoms less obvious than those with ADHD. adhd symptoms in women test could be due to the fact that females do not have as many hyperactive, impulsive symptoms as their male counterparts. This can make it difficult for them to be diagnosed. However, this does not mean they don't have symptoms. They may even have ADHD symptoms that are harder to spot, like inattention ADHD. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to ruptures or broken relationships, especially with men.
Women who have inattentive ADHD may be more likely to have difficulties with work and school. They can have trouble following instructions and juggling deadlines and keeping promises. They may also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or constructive feedback. These challenges can lead to burnout which could have a negative impact on their performance at work and career.
Women who suffer from adult ADHD often have trouble paying attention, forgetting easily and aren't organized. They are also susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. They may also have trouble in expressing their emotions and are often not understood. For instance mood swings could be interpreted as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these issues, there are plenty of resources available for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective is a support group specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups are available online as well as in person. These groups are a great place to receive advice on the diagnosis options for both children and adults as well as how to manage your illness.
If you're seeking 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 and secure environment for adults with ADHD who want to discuss their struggles, goals and successes. signs of add in adult women are available on their Facebook page or website. Contact them if you have any questions or would like to attend an scheduled event.
4. Exercise
Women who suffer from ADHD have particular challenges that make it harder to manage their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional problems such as mood swings and irritability.
Exercise can reduce the symptoms by producing feel-good hormones and decreasing stress. In addition, it helps reduce excess energy and improve focus and attention. Try to incorporate regular exercise into your day.
Try exercising at home, or if you prefer a more social environment you can join a class or a gym. Just remember, that while exercise can reduce certain symptoms of ADHD but it's not going to cure them all by itself - it must be combined with other symptom-management strategies. The ideal goal is to get 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every week.