ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often not properly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are not as obvious. It is possible to mistake them for other conditions and this can delay referral.
It is essential to investigate and manage the symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in women suffering from ADHD. Adolescence, adolescence or pregnancy can also reveal and exacerbate ADHD in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is difficult to diagnose particularly for women. Many of the symptoms differ for women. For example, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, a lot of women have trouble concentrating or sitting still. As a result, they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
ADHD is also more often observed in men and boys and doctors may not be aware of the condition. This could lead to delays in diagnosis, since females are not referred to doctors as quickly. Girls may also conceal their symptoms better than men which makes them less likely to be observed by parents or teachers. They might resort to coping strategies that include concealing their face with makeup or acting out to disguise their feelings and behaviour.
The symptoms of ADHD are more severe in women who are going through menopause or perimenopause. This is because they have hormonal fluctuations that can cause mood swings. They may also have difficulty to keep track of their activities and adhere to routines. This could affect their ability to manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has risen due to high profile personalities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, long wait for assessments is creating stress and frustration for those who aren't in a position to get the help they need. This is especially relevant for those on the NHS and have only a handful of doctors who perform ADHD assessments and it can take years to obtain an appointment.
The first step in getting an assessment is to see your GP. It is essential to mention to your GP that you think you might have ADHD because they will need to take this seriously and ask for an appointment. You must also state why you believe you be suffering from ADHD. You can download a letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to speed up the process. Alternately, you can consider obtaining an assessment through private healthcare.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult to identify, in part because their symptoms, especially as they age, may not be as evident. These strategies can be harmful because they might try to cover up their problems. Some of these include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and trying to create social connections by engaging in risky activities (e.g. prostitution, gangs and other criminal activities). Girls with ADHD are also more likely to have more sexually transmitted diseases and teens, unplanned and early pregnancies.
GPs take reports of ADHD very seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then direct you to a program that is the most appropriate for you. This is usually a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
Waiting times for the services may be long, and in some cases it can be difficult to be referred because the problem is not taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP isn't aware of adult ADHD or they think that the person's challenges are due to other factors (like anxiety, depression or substance misuse) and not by their ADHD symptoms.
If you've been recommended to a therapist, it's important to choose a therapist who understands the issue and is willing to tackle your ADHD problems. Some therapists specialize in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is especially beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms is a lifelong process. Medication can help to reduce certain symptoms, and diet changes can make a difference too. For example, eating an a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits can make your symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less noticeable. A diet rich in sugars and junk foods can exacerbate these symptoms.
You should also inquire with your GP whether mindfulness-based methods like meditation might be helpful for you. They can be extremely useful in helping people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught by a trained teacher. The NHS service locator can help you find the nearest provider.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD might have less obvious symptoms than men. This is probably because females don't have as many hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to get diagnosed. However, this is not to suggest that they don't have any signs. They could have ADHD symptoms that are difficult to spot, like inattention ADHD. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in tensions in relationships, especially with men.
Women who have inattentive ADHD may be more likely to struggle with school and work. They may have difficulty following instructions and juggling deadlines and completing commitments. They might also have difficulty accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback from their workplace. These challenges can lead to burnout, which can have a negative impact on their career and job performance.
Some of the most common symptoms and signs of adult ADHD for women are difficulty paying attention, forgetting things easily, and poor organisation. They might also be prone to self-doubt and depression. They may also be troubled by their emotions and are often not understood by others. For example, mood changes could be interpreted as a sudden eruption of anger or frustration.
Despite these issues There are still plenty of resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best is an online support group specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups are available on the internet and in person. These groups are a great way to seek advice on diagnosis routes for adults and children, and also how to manage your illness.
If you're 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 and secure environment for adults with ADHD who want to discuss their challenges, goals and successes. adhd in women symptoms about the meeting can be found on their Facebook page or website. You can also contact them with questions or if you'd like the opportunity to attend an upcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles as well as menopausal changes. These hormonal changes can trigger or intensify emotional symptoms like mood fluctuations and irritability.
Exercise can help reduce these symptoms by releasing happy hormones and reducing stress. Plus, it can help control excess energy and improve concentration and attention. Therefore, you should try to include a regular workout routine into your day.
Do your exercise at home, or, if your goal is to socialize join a club or gym. Just remember, that while exercise can reduce some of the symptoms of ADHD, it won't solve them all by itself - it must be combined with other strategies for managing symptoms. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to do 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every week.