ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often not properly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are less obvious. They can also be misdiagnosed as other disorders which may delay the diagnosis.
Signs of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females with ADHD should be investigated and treated in the appropriate way. Adolescence, pregnancy or adolescence may reveal and worsen ADHD in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is difficult to identify, especially in women. This is because a lot of the symptoms are different in females. For instance, while males tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have trouble in concentrating or staying still. This means that they can be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
ADHD is often observed in males and females, so doctors might not be aware of the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis because females aren't referred to doctors as quickly. Girls can also hide symptoms better than boys. This makes them less likely be noticed by their teachers or parents. They may use coping techniques like concealing their face with makeup or acting out to disguise their feelings and behaviour.
The symptoms of ADHD can worsen when women are experiencing menopausal or perimenopausal. It is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more prone to mood swings. It could also be challenging to follow routines and stay on top of their tasks. This can impact their ability to manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has increased due to prominent personalities such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, waiting for assessments is causing stress and frustration for those who haven't been successful in getting the help they need. This is particularly relevant for those on the NHS and have only a handful of doctors who perform ADHD assessments. It can take years to obtain an appointment.
The first step in getting a diagnosis is to see your GP. It is essential to inform your GP that you think you might be suffering from ADHD since they will have to be attentive and ask for a referral. It is also important to explain why you believe you be suffering from ADHD. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP to assist in the speedy process. Alternately, you can consider obtaining an assessment via the private healthcare route.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women with ADHD can be harder to recognize than men, mainly because the signs aren't as obvious, especially as an adult. They may develop compensatory strategies to cover up their problems, and these could be detrimental to their health. They may do this by drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and seeking to build support for their friends by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. prostitution, gangs and other criminal activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be involved in an increased risk of developing sexually transmitted diseases and teens who are unplanned and have early pregnancy.
GPs take reports of ADHD extremely seriously and will ask about your symptoms. They will then recommend a treatment that is most suitable for you. This is usually a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services can be long and in some cases it can be difficult to get referred because of the lack of seriousness with how the issue is addressed. This could be because the GP isn't aware of adult ADHD or believe that the person's problems are due to something else (like anxiety, depression or abuse of drugs) and not by their ADHD symptoms.
It is essential to choose a therapist who has ADHD experience who is able to work alongside your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is particularly helpful for those suffering from ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. Treatment can ease some of your symptoms, and dietary changes can help. For example, eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits can make your symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less noticeable. On the other hand, a diet high in sugar and junk food can worsen the symptoms.
It is also worth speaking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation might 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 with a certified teacher. The NHS service locator can help you locate a provider near you.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD typically have less visible symptoms than males. This could be because females don't exhibit as many impulsive and hyperactive symptoms. 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 difficult to recognize, such as inattention ADHD. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in strained or dissolved relationships particularly with males.
Women with inattention ADHD may be more likely to have difficulties with school and work. They may have trouble following instructions or deadlines, as well as keeping track of their commitments. They might also have difficulty accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback from their workplace. These issues can lead to burnout that can negatively impact their career and job performance.
Women who suffer from adult ADHD often have trouble paying attention, forgetting easily and aren't organized. They may also be susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. In addition, they may struggle with their emotions and are frequently misunderstood by others. For example mood swings could be interpreted as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these challenges there are a lot of resources available to adults with ADHD. One of the most effective options is a support program specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are accessible on the internet and in person. These groups are a great way to get advice about diagnostic methods for adults and children, as well as how to manage your illness.
If you're seeking an adult ADHD support group, there are a number in the UK. For example the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults with ADHD to share their struggles, successes and hopes. The information about the meeting can be found on their Facebook page or on their website. attention deficit disorder in women can also reach them with any questions if you'd like to attend the next event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD can face particular issues that make it more difficult to manage their symptoms, including menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional symptoms, such as mood fluctuation and irritability.
Exercise can reduce the symptoms of these conditions by releasing positive hormones and reduce stress. It also helps control excess energy, improve focus and attention. Try to incorporate a regular exercise routine in your day.
Do your exercise at home, or, if you'd like to socialize join a club or gym. Just remember, that while exercise can reduce certain symptoms of ADHD however, it will not solve them all by itself - it must be combined with other symptom-management strategies. You should aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.