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 mistaken for other disorders and this could delay the diagnosis.
It is important to explore and address the symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders among females with ADHD. Periods of transition such as pregnancy and adolescence may cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be hard to diagnose in adulthood, particularly for women. Many of the symptoms differ for women. While men are more active and impulsive, women typically struggle to concentrate or sit still. They might be misdiagnosed as having other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression.
Doctors might not be aware with ADHD because it is more common in men and boys. This can cause delays in diagnosis, since females are not referred to doctors as often. Girls may also conceal their symptoms better than males which makes them less likely to be observed by parents or teachers. They may resort to strategies to cope, like hiding behind makeup or acting out, to cover up their actions and emotions.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women are going through menopause or perimenopause. This is due to hormonal fluctuations that can make them more susceptible to mood swings. It can also be difficult to keep track of routines and stay on top of their tasks. This can affect how well they manage their work, home and other responsibilities.
Waiting times for assessments can be stressful and cause frustration to those who aren't able to get the help they require. This is particularly true for those on the NHS since there are only a few doctors who can perform ADHD assessments. It can take years to make an appointment.
The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is seeing your GP. It is crucial to tell your GP that you believe you might have ADHD because they'll need to take this seriously and ask for a referral. It is also important to explain the reasons behind why you think you might have ADHD. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP to help speed up the process. You may also get an assessment through private healthcare.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women with ADHD are more difficult to recognize than men, in part because the signs aren't so obvious, particularly as an adult. They may develop compensatory strategies to hide their problems and they can be very damaging. Some of them include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and trying to build social support by engaging in risky activities (e.g. crime, gangs, and promiscuity activities). Girls with ADHD can also have increased rates of sexually transmitted diseases and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.
GPs will take any report of ADHD seriously, and should ask you about your symptoms. They will then direct you to a program that is the most appropriate for you. This is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
Waiting times for the services may be long and in some instances it can be difficult to get referrals because the issue is not taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of adult ADHD or believes that the individual's issues are due to other causes (such as anxiety, depression or abuse of substances) instead of ADHD symptoms.
It is crucial to choose a therapist with ADHD experience who is willing to work alongside your ADHD issues. Some therapists are trained cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is particularly beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms is a long-term process. Treatment and dietary changes can help to reduce the symptoms. A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help to reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. A diet that is high in sugars and junk food may increase the severity of these symptoms.
It is also worth speaking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based practices such as meditation could be beneficial for you as they can be very effective in helping people suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught by a certified teacher. You can locate a teacher near you by using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD might exhibit less obvious symptoms than men. This is probably 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 suggest that they don't have any signs. In fact, they could be afflicted with inattention ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to detect. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in ruptures or broken relationships, especially with men.
Women who have inattentive ADHD may be more likely to struggle with work and school. They may have trouble following directions, meeting deadlines, and keeping on top of commitments. They might also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These issues can lead to burnout, which can have a negative impact on their work performance and their career.
adhd in women checklist and symptoms of adult ADHD for women are difficulty paying attention, forgetting things easily and a lack of organization. They are also susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. They may also be troubled by their emotions and are frequently not understood by others. For instance, mood swings can be misinterpreted as a sudden rage or anger.
Despite these difficulties, there are plenty of resources available for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best options is a support program that is designed specifically for adults with ADHD. These groups can be found on the internet and in person. They are an excellent way to receive guidance on diagnosis routes for adults and children, as well as how to manage your illness.
There are a variety of adult ADHD support groups throughout the UK. For example the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe space for adults with ADHD to talk about their struggles, successes and aspirations. The details of the meeting on their website or their Facebook page. You can contact them with any questions or would like to attend an forthcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD may face challenges in managing their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional issues like mood swings and anger.
Exercise can ease these symptoms, by producing feel-good hormones and reducing stress. Plus, it can help reduce excess energy and improve concentration and attention. Make sure to incorporate an exercise routine that you regularly do in your daily routine.
Do your exercise at home, or, if you'd like to be social, join a group or gym. Remember that although exercise can reduce some of the symptoms of ADHD but it's not going to cure them all by itself - it must be combined with other strategies to manage symptoms. The goal should be 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.