ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women are often not being diagnosed with ADHD because the symptoms are less obvious in females. They can also be mistaken for other disorders and this could delay the referral.
The signs of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females with ADHD need to be investigated and treated as needed. Adolescence, adolescence or pregnancy can also reveal and exacerbate ADHD in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is difficult to identify, especially in women. Many of the symptoms differ for women. For instance, while males tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, most women have trouble concentrating or sitting still. They may be misdiagnosed as having mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
Doctors might not be aware with ADHD because it is more prevalent in men and boys. This could lead to delays in diagnosis, as females aren't seen by doctors as frequently. Girls also conceal their symptoms better than boys. This makes them less likely be noticed by their teachers or parents. They might resort to coping strategies, such as concealing their appearance with makeup or acting out, to hide their behavior and feelings.
The symptoms of ADHD are more severe in women who are going through menopause or perimenopause. This is due to the fact that they experience hormonal fluctuations that cause them to be more susceptible to mood swings. It may also be difficult to follow routines and manage their tasks. This could affect how they manage their home, work and other obligations.
While awareness of ADHD has soared thanks to prominent personalities such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, long wait times for tests are frustrating and stressful for people who haven't been able to access the assistance they require. This is especially true for those on the NHS since there are only a few doctors who are able to conduct ADHD assessments. It can take a long time to make an appointment.
The first step towards getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. It is essential to inform your GP that you believe you may have ADHD because they'll need to take it seriously and request an appointment. You should also explain the reasons why you think you have ADHD. You can download a letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. You could also receive an evaluation through private healthcare.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women with ADHD are more difficult to diagnose due to the fact that their symptoms, especially when they are adults might 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 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 with ADHD are also more likely to be involved in criminal activities, gangs, and promiscuity. rates of sexually transmitted diseases and teens, early and unplanned pregnancies.
related internet page will take any complaint of ADHD seriously and will ask you about your symptoms. They will then direct you to a program that is most suitable for you. It is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
Waiting times for these services can be lengthy In some instances, it can be difficult to get referred because the problem is not taken seriously enough. This could be because the GP isn't aware of adult ADHD, or because they believe that the individual's issues are caused by something else (like anxiety, depression or abuse of drugs) and not due to their ADHD symptoms.
It is crucial to choose a therapist who has ADHD experience who is able to work with you in addressing your ADHD difficulties. Certain therapists specialize in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms requires a long-term commitment. The use of medication can reduce some of your symptoms and diet modifications can also make a difference. For instance, a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables can make your symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less noticeable. A diet rich in sugars and junk food may exacerbate these symptoms.
It's also worth talking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods like meditation could be useful for you as they can be extremely efficient in helping those suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques by a trained instructor. You can find one near you using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD might exhibit less apparent symptoms than men. This is likely due to the fact that females do not have as many symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This makes it more difficult to diagnose them. This does not mean that they do not have symptoms. In fact, they could have inattention ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to recognise. They may also have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to strained or dissolved relationships particularly with males.
Women who have inattentive ADHD are more likely to have difficulties at school and work. They can have trouble following directions and juggling deadlines and keeping promises. They might be unable to accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback from their workplace. These challenges can cause burnout, which can have a negative effect on their job performance and career.
Women who suffer from adult ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused, forgetting easily and are not organized. They may also be susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. Additionally, they can have trouble with their emotions and are often not understood by others. For adult adhd in women , mood swings could be interpreted as a sudden outburst anger or frustration.
Despite these issues, there are a lot of resources available to adults with ADHD. One of the best options is a support program that is designed specifically 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 both adults and children as well as how to manage your condition.
If you're seeking an adult ADHD support group, there are many in the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults with ADHD who want to share their challenges, goals and achievements. The information about the meeting can be found on their Facebook page or website. You can also contact them with questions in the event that you'd like to join a future event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD have particular challenges that make it harder to manage their symptoms, including menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopausal changes. These hormonal changes may cause or exacerbate emotional issues such as mood swings and anger.
Exercise can help alleviate the symptoms of these conditions by releasing positive hormones and reducing stress. It also helps reduce excess energy and increase focus and concentration. Therefore, you should try to incorporate a regular fitness routine into your day.
You can exercise at home or, if you'd like to be social, join a group or gym. Remember that although exercise can alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD but it's not going to cure them all on its own. It must be combined with other strategies to manage symptoms. The goal should be 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.