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 misdiagnose them as other conditions which may delay the referral.
It is important to explore and manage the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and eating disorders among women suffering from ADHD. Adolescence, pregnancy or adolescence may reveal and worsen ADHD in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be hard to diagnose in adulthood, particularly for women. A lot of the symptoms are different for women. While men are more active and impulsive, women typically have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. Because of this, they could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
ADHD is more frequently observed in men and boys So doctors may not be knowledgeable about the condition. This can cause delays in diagnosis, as females aren't seen by doctors as frequently. Girls also conceal their symptoms better than boys. This means they are less likely to be noticed by teachers or parents. They may use coping techniques, such as hiding behind make-up or acting out to hide their feelings and behaviors.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women go through perimenopause or menopause. This is because they can have hormonal fluctuations that can make them more prone to mood swings. They may also have difficulty to keep track of things and follow routines. This can affect their ability to manage their work, home and other responsibilities.
The waiting time for assessments can be stressful and cause frustration for those who are unable to get the help they need. This is especially true for those on the NHS since there are only a handful of doctors who are able to conduct ADHD tests. It can take a long time to secure an appointment.
The first step in getting a diagnosis is seeing your GP. It is important to tell your GP that you believe you may have ADHD because they'll need to take it seriously and ask for an appointment. It is also important to explain the reasons why you think you be suffering from ADHD. You can download the letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. You can also try to get an evaluation from private healthcare.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women with ADHD are often harder to diagnose than men, mainly because the symptoms are not as obvious, especially as an adult. These strategies can be harmful since they can try to cover up their problems. These include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and trying to build social support through high-risk activities (e.g. gangs, promiscuity and criminal activities). Girls with ADHD are also more likely to be involved in more sexually transmitted illnesses and teens who are unplanned and have early pregnancies.
GPs take reports of ADHD very seriously and will ask about your symptoms. Then, they will refer you to the appropriate service for you - this usually is a mental health service or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services can be lengthy, and in some cases it is difficult to get referrals because the issue isn't taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP doesn't know about adult ADHD, or because they believe that the individual's issues are due to other factors (like anxiety, depression or abuse of substances) and not due to their ADHD symptoms.
related internet page is crucial to choose a therapist who has ADHD experience who is able to collaborate with your ADHD issues. Some therapists specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is especially beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms requires a long-term commitment. Medication and dietary changes may aid in reducing your symptoms. A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. On the other side, a diet that is high in sugar and junk food can increase these symptoms.
You should also inquire with your GP if mindfulness-based techniques, such as meditation, might be beneficial to you. They can be very useful in helping people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught by a certified teacher. The NHS service locator can help you locate a provider near you.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD might exhibit less obvious symptoms than men. This is probably due to the fact that females don't have as many symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This makes it more difficult to identify them. However, this isn't to say that they aren't suffering from any symptoms. In fact, they could have inattention ADHD symptoms which are more difficult to recognize. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in strained relationships, particularly with men.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD are more likely to have difficulties with school and work. They may have difficulty following instructions and keeping track of deadlines and completing commitments. They may also have a hard time accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback from their workplace. These challenges can lead them to burnout that can negatively impact their career and job performance.
Women with adult ADHD often have trouble paying attention, forgetting easily and aren't organized. They can also be prone to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. In addition, they may struggle with their emotions and are frequently thought of as a victim by other people. For instance, mood swings could be interpreted as a sudden rage or anger.
Despite these difficulties, there are many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best is an online support group specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups are accessible on the internet as well as in person. These groups are a great way to seek advice on the diagnosis options for adults and children, and also how to manage your illness.
If you're looking for an adult ADHD support group, there are a number in the UK. For instance, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe and secure environment for adults with ADHD who want to discuss their challenges, goals and successes. You can find the information on the meeting on their website and their Facebook page. You can reach them if you have any questions or would like to attend an forthcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD have unique issues that make it more difficult to manage their symptoms, like menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopausal changes. These hormonal changes may trigger or exacerbate emotional problems like mood swings and anger.
Exercise can help reduce the symptoms by releasing feel good hormones and decreasing stress. Additionally, it can help control excess energy and improve focus and attention. So, try to include a regular workout routine into your day.
You can exercise at home or, if your goal is to be social, join a group or gym. Be aware that although exercise can reduce some of the symptoms of ADHD however, it will not solve them all by itself - it must be combined with other strategies to manage symptoms. Ideally, you should aim to do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity workout every week.