ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women and girls because the symptoms are not as obvious. adhd in adults women is possible to mistake them for other conditions, which could delay the diagnosis.
It is crucial to understand and address the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders among females with ADHD. The transitional phases of adolescence and pregnancy can also unmask and exacerbate ADHD symptoms in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD isn't easy to identify in adulthood, particularly for women. The symptoms are different for women. For instance, while males tend to have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, most women have trouble in concentrating or staying still. Because of this, they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems like depression or anxiety.
Doctors may not be familiarized with ADHD because it is more prevalent in males and boys. This can cause delays in diagnosis, as females are not referred to doctors as often. Girls may also conceal their symptoms better than men and are less likely to be recognized by teachers or parents. They may resort to coping methods, such as hiding behind make-up or acting out to disguise their feelings and behaviors.
Symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women experience perimenopausal or menopause. This is because they can be affected by hormonal changes that cause them to be more susceptible to mood swings. It can also be difficult to follow routines and keep track of their tasks. This can impact how they manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
Waiting times for assessments can cause stress and anger to those who aren't able to receive the assistance they require. This is particularly applicable to those on the NHS since there are only a handful of doctors who are able to conduct ADHD tests. It can take a long time to make an appointment.
The first step towards getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. It is important to inform your GP you believe you may have ADHD. They will take this seriously and will request a referral. It is also important to explain the reasons why you think you have ADHD. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP to help speed up the process. You could also obtain an evaluation from private healthcare.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to identify, in part because their symptoms, especially as they age, may not be as evident. They may develop compensatory strategies to conceal their issues which could be detrimental to their health. They may do this by drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and trying to build social support by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. gangs, promiscuity and criminal activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD may also be more susceptible to increased rates of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.
Doctors take reports of ADHD very seriously and will ask about your symptoms. They will then recommend the appropriate service for your needs. This is usually a community mental health service or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services can be lengthy In some instances, it can be difficult to get referrals because the issue isn't taken seriously enough. This could be because the GP doesn't know about adult ADHD or think that the person's challenges are caused by something else (like depression, anxiety, or abuse of drugs) and not due to their ADHD symptoms.
It is important that you choose a therapist who has ADHD experience who is willing to work alongside your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists specialise in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms is a long-term process. The use of medication can reduce some of your symptoms, and diet changes can also make a difference. For example, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can make your symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less pronounced. On the other side, a diet that is high in sugar and junk food can exacerbate these symptoms.
It's also worth talking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation could be useful for you as they can be extremely effective in helping people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a certified instructor. The NHS service locator will help you locate a provider near you.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD may have less obvious symptoms than men. This is probably due to the fact that females don't display as many hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. This makes it more difficult to identify them. However, this isn't to say that they don't have any signs. They may even have ADHD symptoms that are difficult to recognize, such as inattention ADHD. In addition, they can struggle with managing their emotions and relationships. add adult women can result in broken relationships or even breakups, especially with men.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD may be more likely to struggle with school and work. They can have trouble following directions and keeping track of deadlines and keeping promises. They might also have difficulty accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback at work. These challenges can lead to burnout which can have a negative effect on their job performance and their career.
Women with adult ADHD frequently have difficulty paying attention, forgetting easily, and are not well organized. They can also be prone to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. They may also struggle with their emotions and are often misunderstood by others. For instance, mood swings could be interpreted as a sudden eruption of anger or frustration.
Despite these difficulties, there are a lot of resources available to adults with ADHD. One of the best is an online support group specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups are accessible both online as well as in person. They are a great way to get information on the diagnosis process for children and adults, as well as tips on how to manage your illness.
If you're looking for an adult ADHD support group, there are many in the UK. For instance, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults with ADHD to share their challenges, achievements and hopes. The information on the meeting on their website and Facebook page. Contact adhd in adult women with any questions or wish to attend an upcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD might have difficulties managing their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles as well as menopausal changes. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional symptoms like mood fluctuations and irritability.
Exercise can ease these symptoms, producing feel-good hormones and decreasing stress. In addition, it helps to reduce stress and increase concentration and attention. Try to include regular exercise into your day.
Do your exercise at home, or, if your goal is to socialize, join a group or join a gym. Exercise can ease some ADHD symptoms but it can't cure the symptoms. It should be incorporated with other strategies to manage symptoms. The goal should be 150 minutes of moderate intensity workout per week.