ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women and girls because the symptoms are less obvious. They may also be mistaken for other disorders and this could delay the referral.
It is essential to investigate and treat the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders among females suffering from ADHD. The transitional phases of pregnancy and adolescence can reveal and worsen ADHD symptoms in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is difficult to diagnose particularly for women. A lot of the symptoms differ for women. For instance, while males tend to have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have trouble in concentrating or staying still. As a result, they could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
Doctors might not be aware with ADHD because it is more prevalent in men and boys. This could lead to delays in diagnosis because females aren't seen by doctors as often. Girls can also hide their symptoms better than boys and are less likely to be observed by parents or teachers. They might resort to strategies for coping, such as hiding behind makeup or acting out to disguise their behaviour and feelings.
The symptoms of ADHD are more severe in women who are experiencing menopausal or perimenopause. This is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more prone to mood swings. They may be unable to stay on top of things and follow routines. This could affect their ability to manage their work, home and other obligations.
While awareness of ADHD has soared thanks to celebrities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, long wait times for assessments are frustrating and stressful for people who haven't been in a position to get the help they need. This is especially relevant for those who are on the NHS since there are only a handful of doctors who can perform ADHD assessments. It can take years to make an appointment.
The first step in obtaining an assessment is to see your GP. It is crucial to inform your GP that you think you may have ADHD since they will have to be attentive and request a referral. You should also explain the reasons you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. You can download a help letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP, which can assist in the speedy process. You could also receive an assessment through private healthcare.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to identify than men, partly because the symptoms are not so obvious, particularly in adulthood. They might develop strategies to cover up their problems which could be detrimental to their health. A few of these include excessive drinking smoking cannabis, or trying to build social support by engaging in risky activities (e.g. prostitution, gangs and other criminal activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to have an increased risk of developing sexually transmitted illnesses and teens who are unplanned and have early pregnancies.
Doctors take reports of ADHD extremely serious and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then recommend the most appropriate service for you - this usually is a mental health service or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for the services may be long and 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 doesn't know about adult ADHD or think that the person's challenges are due to something else (like depression, anxiety, or abuse of substances) and not by their ADHD symptoms.
It is essential to choose a therapist who has ADHD experience who is able to work with you in addressing your ADHD issues. Some therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. Medication and dietary changes may aid in reducing your symptoms. A diet high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can help to reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. On the other the other hand, a diet rich in sugar and junk foods can increase these symptoms.
You should also inquire with your GP whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation might be beneficial to you. They are beneficial in helping those suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught by a trained instructor. The NHS service locator can help you find an NHS provider close to you.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD often have less visible symptoms than men. This could be due to the fact that females do not have as many symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This can make it difficult to diagnose them. But, that's not to say that they aren't suffering from any signs. They might have ADHD symptoms that are difficult to recognize, such as inattentive ADHD. In addition, they could have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause strained or dissolved relationships particularly with men.
Women with inattention ADHD are more likely to experience difficulties at school and work. They may have difficulty following directions and juggling deadlines and meeting commitments. They may also have a hard time accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback from their workplace. signs of add in adult women can lead to burnout which can have a negative effect on their performance at work and their career.
Women with adult ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused, forgetting easily and are not organized. They can also be prone to self-doubt, depression, and anxiety. Additionally, they can struggle with their emotions and are frequently not understood by others. For example, mood swings can be seen as an expression of anger or frustration.
Despite these difficulties, there are a lot of resources available to adults with ADHD. One of the most effective options is a support program designed specifically for adults with ADHD. These groups are offered both online as well as in person. They are a great way to get information on the diagnosis process for both adults and children and also how to manage your condition.
There are a variety of adult ADHD support groups in the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example, meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults suffering from ADHD to share their challenges, successes and hopes. The meeting details can be found on their Facebook page and website. You can also contact them with any questions you may have if you'd like to attend an upcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD may face challenges in managing their symptoms, including menstrual cycles and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes may cause or exacerbate emotional issues such as mood swings, and anger.
Exercise can reduce these symptoms, releasing feel good hormones and reducing stress. It also helps manage excess energy, and increase focus and concentration. Try to incorporate a regular exercise routine in your day.
Try exercising at your home, or, if you prefer a more social environment you can join a class or a gym. Remember that although exercise can alleviate some of the symptoms of ADHD however, it will not cure them all on its own - it is best to combine it with other strategies to manage symptoms. Ideally, you should aim to get 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.