ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often mistakenly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are less evident. It is possible to mistake them for other conditions, which could delay referral.
It is essential to investigate and manage the symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females with ADHD. undiagnosed adhd in women of pregnancy and adolescence may unmask and exacerbate ADHD symptoms in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be difficult to identify in adulthood, particularly for women. This is because a lot of the symptoms differ in females. While men are more active and impulsive, women often have trouble concentrating or sitting still. As a result, they can be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.
ADHD is more frequently observed in males and females and doctors may not be familiar with the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis, since females aren't referred to doctors as frequently. Girls can also hide their symptoms better than men, making them less likely to be observed by parents or teachers. They might use strategies to cope, like hiding behind makeup or acting out to cover up their actions and emotions.
Symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women experience perimenopausal or menopause. This is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more susceptible to mood swings. They might also have difficulty to keep track of their activities and stick to routines. This can affect their ability to manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has risen due to prominent personalities such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, long wait times for tests are creating stress and frustration for people who haven't been able to access the assistance they require. This can be particularly relevant for those on the NHS since there are only a handful of doctors that can perform ADHD tests and it could take years to get an appointment.
The first step in obtaining the diagnosis is to visit your GP. It is essential to inform your GP that you think you might be suffering from ADHD because they'll need to take this seriously and ask for a referral. You must also provide the reasons why you think you may have ADHD. You can download a help letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP and assist in the speedy process. You could also get an evaluation through private healthcare.
2. Speak with your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to recognize than men, mainly because the signs aren't as obvious, especially as an adult. They might develop strategies to hide their problems, and these could be detrimental to their health. Some of these include drinking excessively smoking cannabis, or trying to gain social support by participating in high-risk activities (e.g. gangs, promiscuity and criminal activities). Girls with ADHD can also have increased rates of sexually transmitted diseases and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.
The GPs will take any reports of ADHD very seriously and will ask about your symptoms. They will then refer you to the best service for your needs. This usually is a mental health service or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services can be long In some instances, it is difficult to get referred because the problem isn't treated with enough seriousness. This could be due to the fact that the GP doesn't know about adult ADHD or they believe that the individual's issues are caused by something else (like depression, anxiety or abuse of substances) and not by their ADHD symptoms.
It is important that you choose a therapist who has ADHD experience who is willing to work alongside your ADHD challenges. Some therapists specialize in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people with ADHD.
adhd in older women of ADHD symptoms is a long-term process. Treatment can ease certain symptoms, and dietary changes can also make a difference. A diet high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms. On the other side, a diet that is high in sugar and junk foods can exacerbate these symptoms.
You should also ask your GP to determine if mindfulness-based practices such as meditation might be beneficial to you. They can be extremely beneficial in helping those suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods with a certified teacher. You can find one near you by using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD tend to have less visible symptoms than those with ADHD. This could be due to the fact that females don't have as many symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This can make it difficult for them to get diagnosed. This doesn't mean they do not have symptoms. In fact, they could have inattentive ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to detect. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in tensions in relationships, especially with males.
Women who are not attentive ADHD are more likely to experience difficulties at work and school. They can have trouble following directions, keeping track of deadlines and completing commitments. They may be unable to accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback from their workplace. These challenges can lead to burnout that could negatively impact their job and career.
Women with adult ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused, forgetting easily and aren't organized. They may also be susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. adhd in older women may also have trouble in expressing their emotions and are often misunderstood. For instance, mood swings can be seen as an expression of anger or frustration.
Despite these issues, there are a lot of resources available to adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective options is a support program designed specifically for adults with ADHD. These groups are available on the internet and in person. These groups are a great place to receive advice on diagnosis routes for both children and adults and also 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 is a weekly meeting at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe and secure environment for adults with ADHD who want to discuss their challenges, goals and successes. 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 as well as menopausal changes. These hormonal changes may cause or worsen emotional issues such as mood swings, and irritability.
Exercise can ease these symptoms, producing feel-good hormones and reducing the stress. In addition, it helps reduce excess energy and improve concentration and focus. Try to include an exercise routine that you regularly do in your daily routine.
Do your exercise at home, or, if you want to socialize take part in a group or gym. Exercise can help with certain ADHD symptoms, but it will not eliminate them. It should be incorporated with other strategies to treat symptoms. The ideal goal is to complete 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.