ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women are often not being diagnosed with ADHD as symptoms are less evident in females. adhd women uk can also be mistaken for other conditions and this could delay the diagnosis.
It is essential to investigate and address the symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females with ADHD. Transitional periods such as pregnancy and adolescence can cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be difficult to diagnose in adulthood, especially for women. This is due to the fact that many of the symptoms differ for females. For instance, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, a lot of women have trouble concentrating or sitting still. Because of this, they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
ADHD is also more often observed in males and females So doctors may not be knowledgeable about the condition. This could lead to delays in diagnosis because females aren't referred to doctors as quickly. Girls also tend to conceal their symptoms better than males which makes them less likely to be recognized by teachers or parents. They may resort to coping methods, such as wearing make-up or acting out to hide their emotions and behavior.
The symptoms of ADHD are more severe in women who are going through menopause or perimenopause. 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 stay on top of their tasks. This can affect their ability to manage their work, home and other obligations.
The waiting time for assessments can be stressful and cause frustration for those who are unable to receive the assistance they require. This is particularly applicable to those on the NHS as there are only a handful of doctors who can conduct ADHD assessments. It can take years to make an appointment.
The first step to get a diagnosis is seeing your GP. It is important to inform your GP you believe you may have ADHD. They will be able to take this seriously and will request a referral. It is also important to explain why you believe you might be suffering from ADHD. You can download a letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. You could also obtain an evaluation from private healthcare.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult to recognize due to the fact that their symptoms, especially when they are adults, may not be as obvious. They may develop strategies to hide their problems, and these could be detrimental to their health. They may do this by drinking excessively or smoking cannabis, as well as trying to build social support through high risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs and other criminal activities are just a few examples of high-risk activities. Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to experience an increased risk of developing sexually transmitted diseases and teens, unplanned and early-stage pregnancy.
GPs take reports of ADHD extremely seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then refer you to a service that is best suited to you. This is usually a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
Waiting times for these services can be long In some instances, it can be difficult to be referred because the problem isn't treated with enough seriousness. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of the existence of adult ADHD or believes that the individual's issues are due to other causes (such as anxiety, depression or abuse of substances) rather than ADHD symptoms.
It is crucial to select a therapist with ADHD experience who is able to work with you in addressing your ADHD challenges. Some therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for people with ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. Treatment and dietary changes can help reduce your symptoms. For example, eating a diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits can make your symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less pronounced. On the other side, a diet that is high in sugar and junk foods can worsen the symptoms.
It's also worth talking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation might be beneficial to you, as they can be extremely efficient in helping those suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods by a trained teacher. The NHS service locator can help you locate the nearest provider.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD often notice their symptoms are less apparent than those with ADHD. This is probably due to the fact that females don't have as many hyperactive, impulsive symptoms as their male counterparts. This makes it more difficult to identify them. This does not mean that they do not have symptoms. They could have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to spot, like inattentive ADHD. In addition, they can have a hard time managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to ruptures or broken relationships, especially with men.
Women with inattention ADHD might be more likely to struggle at school and work. They may have difficulty adhering to instructions or deadlines, as well as keeping track of their commitments. They might also have a hard time accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback at work. These issues can cause burnout, which could have a negative impact on their work performance and career.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms and signs of adult ADHD in women include difficulty paying attention, a tendency to forget things easily, and poor organisation. They may also be susceptible to self-doubt, depression, and anxiety. They may also have trouble in expressing their emotions and are often misinterpreted. For instance, mood swings can be misinterpreted as sudden outburst anger or frustration.
Despite these issues, there are many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best is a support group that is specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups are available both online as well as in person. They are an excellent way to receive information on the diagnosis process for both adults and children as well as how to manage your illness.
If you're looking for an adult ADHD support group, there are several in the UK. For instance, 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 share their struggles, goals and achievements. The information on the meeting on their website and Facebook page. You can reach them with any questions or would like to attend an forthcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles and menopause. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional symptoms, such as mood fluctuation and irritability.
Exercise can reduce these symptoms, by releasing feel good hormones and decreasing stress. It can also help to control excess energy, increase focus and concentration. Try to include an exercise routine that you regularly do in your daily routine.
You can exercise at home or, if your goal is to socialize take part in a group or join a gym. Remember that although exercising can help alleviate some of the symptoms of ADHD but it's not going to solve them all on its own - it should be paired with other strategies for managing symptoms. The goal should be 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.