ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often not properly diagnosed in girls and women because the signs aren't as evident. It is possible to misdiagnose them as other disorders, which can delay the referral.
The signs of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females with ADHD should be explored and treated in the appropriate way. The transitional phases of pregnancy and adolescence can cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is difficult to diagnose particularly for women. This is because many symptoms are different for females. For instance, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have difficulty in concentrating or staying still. adult adhd symptoms women could be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
ADHD is often seen in boys and men and doctors may not be aware of the condition. This could lead to delays in diagnosis since females aren't often referred to as swiftly. Girls are also able to hide their symptoms better than males. This makes them less likely to be noticed by their teachers or parents. They might resort to coping strategies, such as concealing their appearance with makeup or acting out, to cover up their actions and emotions.
Symptoms of ADHD are more severe as women enter perimenopausal or menopause. It is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more susceptible to mood swings. They may also find it harder to keep track of their activities and adhere to routines. This can affect their ability to manage their home, work and other obligations.
Assessments that are delayed for a long time can cause stress and anger for those who are unable to receive the help they require. This is especially relevant for those who are on the NHS as there are only a few doctors who can perform ADHD tests. It can take years to make an appointment.
The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is seeing your GP. You should tell your GP you believe you may have ADHD. They will be able to take this seriously and ask for an appointment. It is also important to explain why you believe you might have ADHD. You can download a supportive letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP and help speed up the process. You can also try to obtain an assessment through private healthcare.
2. Speak with your doctor
Women with ADHD can be harder to identify than men, mainly because the signs aren't as obvious, especially as an adult. They might develop strategies to hide their problems which can be very damaging. Some of these include 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 are also more likely to experience an increased risk of developing sexually transmitted illnesses and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.
Doctors will take any complaint of ADHD seriously, and should ask you about your symptoms. They will then refer you to a service that is most suitable for 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 instances, it is difficult to get referred because of the lack of seriousness with which the problem is treated. This could be because the GP does not know about adult ADHD, or because they believe that the individual's issues are due to something else (like depression, anxiety, or abuse of drugs) and not by their ADHD symptoms.
It is crucial to choose a therapist with ADHD experience who is able to work alongside your ADHD difficulties. Certain therapists specialize in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for people with ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms requires a lifetime commitment. The use of medication and diet changes can help reduce your symptoms. For example, eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits can make your symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less pronounced. A diet rich in sugars and junk foods can increase the severity of these symptoms.
It's also worth talking with your GP about whether mindfulness-based practices such as meditation could be useful for you as they can be extremely effective in helping people suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a trained instructor. You can find a teacher near you by using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD may have more subtle symptoms than males. This is likely because females don't have as many impulsive and hyperactive symptoms. This makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. However, this isn't to say that they don't have any signs. In fact, they may be afflicted with inattention ADHD symptoms that are harder to recognize. Additionally, they may have a hard time managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in broken relationships or even breakups particularly with men.
Women who are not attentive ADHD are more likely to experience difficulties at school and work. They may have difficulty following directions, meeting deadlines, and keeping on top of their commitments. They might also be unable to accept constructive criticism or constructive feedback. These challenges can cause burnout, which can have a negative impact on their job performance and their professional career.
Some of the most prevalent signs and symptoms of adult ADHD in women include difficulty paying attention, forgetting things easily and having a poor organization. They may also be susceptible to self-doubt, depression, and anxiety. They may also be troubled by their emotions and are often not understood by others. For instance mood swings could be seen as an expression of anger or frustration.
Despite these issues, there are plenty of resources available for adults with ADHD. One of the best is a support group specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups can be found online and in person. They are an excellent way to receive guidance on diagnosis routes for adults and children, and also how to manage your illness.
If you're looking for an adult ADHD support group, there are several in the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They offer a safe space for adults with ADHD who wish to talk about their challenges, goals and achievements. The meeting details on their website and Facebook page. You can also contact them with questions if you'd like to attend the next event.
4. Exercise
Women suffering from ADHD may face challenges in managing their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles as well as menopausal changes. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional issues such as mood swings, and anger.
Exercise can help reduce these symptoms, release of feel-good hormones and reducing stress. Plus, it can help control excess energy and improve concentration and focus. Therefore, try to incorporate a regular fitness routine into your daily.
Try exercising at home, or if you prefer a more social environment you can join a class or a gym. Be aware that although exercise can reduce certain symptoms of ADHD however, it will not cure them all on its own - it is best to combine it with other symptom-management strategies. The goal should be 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.