ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women often go undiagnosed for ADHD because the symptoms are less evident for females. It is possible to mistake them for other conditions and this could delay the referral.
The signs of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females with ADHD should be explored and treated in the appropriate way. Adolescence, adolescence or pregnancy can also reveal and increase the severity of ADHD in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is difficult to identify particularly for women. This is because many of the symptoms differ for females. For instance, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have trouble in concentrating or staying still. Because of this, they could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health problems such as anxiety or depression.
ADHD is often observed in males and females So doctors may not be knowledgeable about the condition. This could lead to delays in diagnosis, since females aren't referred to doctors as quickly. Girls also tend to conceal their symptoms better than men and are less likely to be noticed by teachers or parents. They may resort to coping strategies, such as concealing their appearance with makeup or acting out, to cover up their actions and feelings.
Symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women experience perimenopausal or menopause. This is because they can be affected by hormonal changes that cause them to be more susceptible to mood swings. They may be unable to stay on top of things and stick to routines. This can affect their ability to manage their work, home and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has soared thanks to high profile personalities like 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 able to access the assistance they require. This is especially relevant for those who are who are on the NHS as there are only a handful of doctors who can conduct ADHD tests. It can take years to get an appointment.
The first step in getting a diagnosis is to see your GP. It is important to tell your GP that you think you may have ADHD because they will need to take this seriously and ask for an appointment. You should also explain the reasons why you think you might have ADHD. You can download a supportive letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP, which can help speed up the process. You may also receive an evaluation through private healthcare.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women with ADHD are often harder to identify than men, mainly because the symptoms are not as evident, especially as an adult. These strategies can be harmful, as they may try to cover up their problems. Some of them include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and trying to gain social support by participating in risky activities (e.g. gangs, promiscuity and criminal activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be involved in criminal activities, gangs, and promiscuity. incidences of sexually transmitted infections and teens, early and unplanned pregnancies.
The GP will take any reports of ADHD seriously and will ask you about your symptoms. Then they will refer you to the most appropriate service for your needs. This usually is a mental health service or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services are long and in some cases, it is difficult to be referred due to the lack of seriousness with how the issue is addressed. please click the following article could be due to the fact that the GP is not aware of adult ADHD or believes that the individual's problems are caused by other factors (such as depression, anxiety or abuse of substances) rather than ADHD symptoms.
It is crucial to select a therapist with ADHD experience who is willing to work with you in addressing your ADHD difficulties. Certain therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is particularly helpful for people with ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. The use of medication and diet changes can help reduce your symptoms. For example, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can make the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less noticeable. On the other side, a diet that is high in sugar and junk food can increase these symptoms.
It's also worth talking with your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation might be beneficial to you because they can be very effective in helping people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods from a qualified instructor. You can find a teacher near you using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD often have less visible symptoms than men. This is probably due to the fact that females don't display as many hyperactive or impulsive symptoms. This makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. This doesn't mean they are not suffering from symptoms. They may even have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to detect, such as inattentive ADHD. Additionally, they may have a hard time managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to strained relationships, particularly with males.
Women with inattention ADHD are more likely to face problems at school and at work. They can have trouble adhering to instructions, keeping track of deadlines and completing commitments. They might also be unable to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These challenges can lead to burnout, which could have a negative impact on their work performance and their professional career.
adhd in adults women who suffer from adult ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused, forgetting easily and are not organized. They are also susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. Additionally, they can be troubled by their emotions and are often misunderstood by others. For example mood swings could be perceived as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these difficulties, there are many resources for adults with ADHD. One of the best is a support group specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups can be found on the internet and in person. They are a great way to get advice on diagnosis routes for both adults and children and also how to manage your condition.
There are numerous adult ADHD support groups across the UK. For instance the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults with ADHD who want to discuss their challenges, goals and accomplishments. You can find the information on the meeting on their website or Facebook page. You can also contact them with any questions or if you'd like the opportunity to attend a future event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD have unique challenges that make it harder to manage their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopausal changes. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional symptoms such as mood fluctuations and irritability.
Exercise can reduce these symptoms, producing feel-good hormones and reducing 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 your goal is to socialize, join a group or gym. Exercise can ease some ADHD symptoms but it can't eliminate them. It should be combined with other strategies to treat symptoms. Ideally, you should aim to get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week.