ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often not properly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are not as evident. They can also be misdiagnosed as other disorders, which can delay the referral.
Signs of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females with ADHD need to be investigated and treated in the appropriate way. Transitional periods such as adolescence and pregnancy can also unmask and exacerbate ADHD symptoms in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be difficult to identify in adulthood, particularly for women. This is because many symptoms are different in females. For example, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, most women have difficulty being able to concentrate or sit still. Because of this, they can be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
Doctors may not be familiarized with ADHD, as it is more prevalent in males and boys. This can cause delays in diagnosis as females aren't often referred to as swiftly. Girls may also conceal their symptoms better than men which makes them less likely to be observed by parents or teachers. They might use coping strategies, such as hiding behind makeup or acting out, to cover up their actions and emotions.
The symptoms of ADHD are more severe in women who are experiencing menopausal or perimenopausal. It is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more susceptible to mood swings. They may also have difficulty to stay on top of things and adhere to routines. This can impact their ability to manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has soared thanks to prominent personalities such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, waiting times for assessments are causing stress and frustration for those who aren't successful in getting the help they need. This is particularly relevant for those who are who are on the NHS as there are only a handful of doctors who are able to conduct ADHD tests. It can take years to secure an appointment.
The first step in obtaining an assessment is to see your GP. You should tell your GP you believe you may have ADHD. They will consider this a serious matter and will request an appointment. You must also provide the reasons behind why you think you may be suffering from ADHD. You can download a supportive letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP to help speed up the process. Alternatively, you can consider obtaining an assessment via the private healthcare route.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult to recognize due to the fact that their symptoms, particularly when they are adults might not be as evident. These strategies can be harmful because they might attempt to hide their problems. Some of these include drinking excessively smoking cannabis, or trying to build social support by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. crime, gangs, and promiscuity activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD may also be more susceptible to increased rates of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.
Doctors will take any complaint of ADHD seriously and will inquire about the symptoms you are experiencing. They will then refer you to a service that is most suitable for you. This is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services can be lengthy In some instances, it can be difficult to be diagnosed because the issue isn't taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP is not aware of adult ADHD or believes that the person's issues are due to other causes (such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse) instead of ADHD symptoms.
It is crucial to select a therapist with ADHD experience who is able to collaborate with your ADHD challenges. Certain therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is particularly beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms is a long-term process. Medication can help to reduce certain symptoms, and diet modifications can make a difference too. For example, eating an a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits can make the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less noticeable. On the other hand, a diet high in junk food and sugar can worsen the symptoms.
It's also worth talking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based techniques such as meditation could be beneficial to you because they can be very efficient in helping those suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught by a qualified teacher. The NHS service locator can help you locate a provider near you.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to find their symptoms less obvious than those with ADHD. This could be because females don't exhibit as many impulsive and hyperactive symptoms. This can make it harder to diagnose them. This does not mean that they do not have symptoms. In fact, they could be afflicted with inattention ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to recognise. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to strained relationships, particularly with males.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD are more likely to struggle at school and work. They may have difficulty following instructions in completing deadlines and keeping the track of commitments. They may also have difficulty accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback at work. These issues can lead to burnout, which could have a negative impact on their performance at work and their career.
adhd in adult women test and signs of ADHD among women include difficulties paying attention, a tendency to forget things easily and having a poor organization. They might also be prone to depression and self-doubt. They can also have difficulty communicating their feelings, and are often not understood. For instance, changes in mood could be interpreted as a sudden outburst anger or frustration.
Despite these difficulties, there are plenty of resources available for adults with ADHD. adhd in adult women test of the best options is a support program that is specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are available both online as well as in person. These groups are a great way to seek advice on the diagnosis options for both children and adults and also how to manage your condition.
There are many adult ADHD support groups across the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example is a weekly meeting at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults with ADHD who wish to talk about their challenges, goals, and accomplishments. The information about the meeting can be found on their Facebook page and website. You can contact them if you have any questions or would like to attend an forthcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women who suffer from ADHD have unique challenges that make it harder to manage their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopausal changes. signs of add in adult women can cause or worsen emotional issues such as mood swings, and anger.
Exercise can ease these symptoms, release of feel-good hormones and decreasing stress. It also helps control excess energy, increase focus and concentration. Try to include an exercise routine that you regularly do in your daily routine.
Try exercising at home, or if you prefer a social atmosphere take part in a group class or gym. Be aware that although exercising can help alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD, it won't solve them all on its own - it is best to combine it with other strategies for managing symptoms. The ideal goal is to get 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.