ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women and girls because the signs aren't as obvious. They are also often misdiagnosed as other conditions which may delay referral.
It is important to explore and treat the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders among women suffering from ADHD. Periods of transition such as pregnancy and adolescence can reveal and worsen ADHD symptoms in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD isn't easy to recognize in adulthood, especially for women. This is because a lot of the symptoms differ in females. For instance, while males tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. Because of this, they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems such as anxiety or depression.
ADHD is also more often observed in men and boys and doctors may not be familiar with the condition. This could lead to delays in diagnosis because females aren't seen by doctors as frequently. Girls can also hide symptoms better than males. This means they are less likely to be noticed by their teachers or parents. They might use strategies to cope, like concealing their appearance with makeup or acting out to cover up their actions and feelings.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women go through perimenopause or menopausal. This is because they experience hormonal fluctuations that cause them to be more susceptible to mood swings. It could also be challenging to follow routines and stay on top of their tasks. This could affect how they manage their home, work and other obligations.
Waiting times for assessments can cause stress and anger for those who are unable to receive the help they need. This is particularly relevant for those who are who are on the NHS as there are only a handful of doctors who can perform ADHD tests. It can take years to secure an appointment.
The first step to getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. It is important to inform your GP that you believe you might have ADHD because they will need to take this seriously and ask for a referral. You must also state why you believe you might have ADHD. You can download an official letter from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. You can also try to obtain an assessment through private healthcare.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to recognize due to the fact that their symptoms, particularly as they age might not be as evident. They may develop strategies to cover up their problems and they can be extremely damaging. These include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and seeking to build social support through high-risk activities (e.g. crime, gangs, and promiscuity activities). Girls with ADHD may also be more susceptible to increased incidences of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, early and unplanned pregnancies.
The GPs will take any reports of ADHD very seriously and will ask about your symptoms. They will then refer you to a service that is best suited to you. This is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services can be lengthy, and in some cases it can be difficult to get referred because the problem isn't treated with enough seriousness. This could be due to the fact that the GP isn't aware of adult ADHD, or because they think that the person's challenges are caused by other factors (like depression, anxiety, or abuse of drugs) and not due to their ADHD symptoms.
After you've been referred to a therapist, it is important to select a therapist who is knowledgeable about the disorder and is willing to tackle your ADHD issues. Some therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for those suffering from ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms is a long-term process that can last for a lifetime. The use of medication and diet changes can help to reduce the symptoms. A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help to reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms. On the other the other hand, a diet rich in sugar and junk foods can exacerbate these symptoms.
It's also worth talking with your GP about whether mindfulness-based techniques such as meditation could be beneficial for you, as they are extremely efficient in helping those suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught by a certified teacher. The NHS service locator will help you locate an NHS provider close to you.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD may have less apparent symptoms than men. This is likely due to the fact that females do not have as many hyperactive, impulsive symptoms as their male counterparts. This can make it harder for them to be diagnosed. However, this does not mean they are not suffering from symptoms. In fact, they may have inattention ADHD symptoms that are harder to recognize. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause strained or dissolved relationships particularly with men.
Women who are not attentive ADHD are more likely to face difficulties at school and work. They may have trouble following instructions, meeting deadlines, and keeping on top of commitments. They might also have difficulty accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback from their workplace. These challenges can lead to burnout, which could have a negative impact on their work performance and career.
The most frequent symptoms and signs of ADHD for women are difficulty paying attention, a tendency to forget things easily and a lack of organization. They might also be prone to self-doubt and depression. They may also have difficulties communicating their feelings, and are often not understood. For example, mood changes can be misinterpreted as sudden outburst anger or frustration.
Despite these difficulties there are many options for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best options is an intervention program designed specifically for adults with ADHD. These groups are available on the internet and 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 adhd in women treatment seeking an adult ADHD support group, there are a number 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 to share their challenges, achievements and aspirations. The meeting details can be found on their Facebook page and website. You can also contact them with any questions you may have in the event that you'd like to join a future event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD can face particular challenges that make it harder to manage their symptoms, including menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional symptoms like mood fluctuation and irritability.
Exercise can ease the symptoms by producing feel-good hormones and reducing the stress. It can also help reduce excess energy and increase focus and concentration. Try to incorporate an exercise routine that you regularly do in your day.
Try exercising at home, or if you prefer a social setting you can join a class or gym. Exercise can alleviate some ADHD symptoms, but it will not solve the symptoms. It should be incorporated with other strategies to manage symptoms. It is recommended to aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.