ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often not properly diagnosed in girls and women because the signs aren't as evident. It is possible to mistake them for other conditions and this can delay referral.
Signs of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females suffering from ADHD should be explored and treated as needed. The transitional phases of adolescence and pregnancy can also reveal and worsen ADHD symptoms in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be difficult to identify in adulthood, particularly for women. This is due to the fact that many symptoms are different for females. While men are more active and impulsive, females often struggle to concentrate or sit still. They might be misdiagnosed as having other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression.
ADHD is more frequently seen in boys and men and doctors may not be aware of the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis, since females are not referred to doctors as often. Girls also tend to conceal their symptoms better than men and are less likely to be recognized by teachers or parents. They may use coping techniques like wearing make-up or acting out to disguise their feelings and behaviors.
Symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women experience perimenopausal or menopause. This is because they can experience hormonal fluctuations that cause them to be more susceptible to mood swings. They may also find it harder to keep track of their activities and stick to routines. This can impact their ability to manage their work, home and other obligations.
While awareness of ADHD has risen due to prominent personalities such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, the long wait times for assessments are creating stress and frustration for people who haven't been successful in getting the assistance they require. This is especially relevant for those on the NHS and have a limited number of doctors that can carry out ADHD assessments. It can take years to secure an appointment.
The first step in getting the diagnosis is to visit your GP. You should tell your GP you believe you may have ADHD. They will consider this a serious matter and ask for a referral. You must also state why you believe you have ADHD. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP, which can help speed up the process. You can also try to get an assessment through private healthcare.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are often harder to recognize than men, mainly because the signs aren't as evident, especially in adulthood. They may develop strategies to conceal their issues which can be extremely damaging. These include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and seeking to build social support through high-risk activities (e.g. prostitution, gangs and other criminal activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be involved in a higher rate of sexually transmitted diseases and teens, unplanned and early pregnancy.
GPs will take any report of ADHD seriously, and should inquire about the symptoms you are experiencing. Then, they will direct you to the most appropriate service for you - this usually is a mental health clinic or a specialist Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services can be long and, in some instances, it is difficult to refer someone due to the lack of seriousness with which the problem is dealt with. This could be because the GP isn't aware of adult ADHD or they believe that the person's problems are caused by other factors (like depression, anxiety, or abuse of substances) and not due to their ADHD symptoms.
It is important that you select a therapist with ADHD experience who is willing to work alongside your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for those suffering from ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms is a continuous process. Medication can help to reduce some of your symptoms and dietary changes can make a difference too. For example, eating a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables can make the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less pronounced. A diet high in sugars and junk foods can increase the severity of these symptoms.
It is also worth speaking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based techniques such as meditation could be beneficial to you as they can be extremely effective in helping people suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods from a qualified instructor. You can find a teacher near you by using the NHS service locator.
3. Find inattentive adhd in women who suffer from ADHD might have more subtle symptoms than males. This is likely because females don't have as many impulsive and hyperactive symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to be diagnosed. This doesn't mean they do not have symptoms. In reality, they may have inattentive ADHD symptoms that are harder to recognise. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in broken relationships or even breakups particularly with males.
Women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to have difficulties at work and school. They may have trouble following directions or deadlines, as well as keeping track of their commitments. They may also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These issues can cause burnout, which could have a negative impact on their work performance and their career.
signs of adhd in women of the most common symptoms and signs of adult ADHD for women are difficulty paying attention, a tendency to forget things easily, and poor organisation. They are also susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. In addition, they may have trouble with their emotions and are frequently thought of as a victim by other people. For instance mood swings can be perceived as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these difficulties, there are a lot of resources available to adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective options is a support program specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are available online or in person. These groups are a great way to seek advice on diagnosis routes for children and adults, and also how to manage your illness.
There are a variety of adult ADHD support groups throughout the UK. For instance the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe space for adults suffering from ADHD to share their challenges, achievements and goals. The meeting details are available on their Facebook page and website. You can contact them with any questions or wish to attend an forthcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD can face particular difficulties that make it difficult to manage their symptoms, including menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional issues like mood swings and irritability.
Exercise can help reduce these symptoms, releasing feel good hormones and reducing the stress. It can also help to manage excess energy, and improve focus and attention. Therefore, try to include a regular workout routine into your daily.
You can exercise at home or, if you'd like to socialize, join a group or join a gym. Exercise can help with certain ADHD symptoms however it cannot eliminate them. It should be incorporated with other strategies to treat symptoms. Ideally, you should aim to get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity workout each week.