ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often mistakenly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are less obvious. They may also be mistaken for other conditions, which can delay referral.
It is essential to investigate and address the symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders among females with ADHD. Periods of transition such as pregnancy and adolescence can unmask and exacerbate ADHD symptoms in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is difficult to identify particularly in women. This is because a lot symptoms are different in females. For instance, while males tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, most women have trouble being able to concentrate or sit still. Because of this, they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems like depression or anxiety.
ADHD is more frequently seen in boys and men, so doctors might not be familiar with the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis since females often don't get referred as frequently. Girls may also conceal their symptoms better than men and are less likely to be recognized by teachers or parents. They might resort to coping strategies, such as hiding behind make-up or acting out to hide their feelings and behaviors.
The symptoms of ADHD are more severe in women who are going through menopause or perimenopausal. This is due to the fact that they have hormonal fluctuations that can cause them to be more susceptible to mood swings. They might be unable to keep track of things and stick to routines. This can impact how they 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, waiting for assessments is causing stress and frustration for those who haven't been in a position to get the assistance they require. high functioning adhd in women is especially applicable to those who are on the NHS as there are only a few doctors who can conduct ADHD assessments. It can take a long time to make an appointment.
The first step to getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. It is important to inform your GP that you believe you may have ADHD because they will need to be attentive and ask for an appointment. It is also important to explain the reasons why you think you might have ADHD. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP and help speed up the process. Alternatively, you can consider obtaining an assessment through the private healthcare route.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women with ADHD are often harder to recognize than men, mainly because the symptoms are not as obvious, especially as an adult. These strategies can be harmful since they can attempt to hide their issues. Some of these include excessive drinking, smoking cannabis and trying to create social connections by engaging in risky activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs and other criminal activities are just a few examples of high-risk activities. Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be involved in an increased risk of developing sexually transmitted diseases and teens who are unplanned and have early pregnancies.
Doctors will take any complaint of ADHD seriously and will ask you about your symptoms. Then, they will refer you to the appropriate service for you. This is usually a community mental health service or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services are lengthy and in some cases it can be difficult to get referred because of the lack of seriousness with how the issue is addressed. This could be because the GP doesn't know about adult ADHD or believe that the individual's issues are caused by something else (like depression, anxiety, or abuse of drugs) and not caused by their ADHD symptoms.
If you've been recommended to a therapist, it's important to select a therapist that is aware of the issue and is willing to tackle your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists are trained cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is especially helpful for people suffering from ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms requires a lifetime commitment. Treatment can ease some of your symptoms, and dietary changes can also make a difference. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help reduce the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. On the other hand, a diet high in sugar and junk food can increase these symptoms.
You should also inquire with your GP whether mindfulness-based methods like meditation might be beneficial to you. They can be very helpful in helping those 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 typically have less visible symptoms than men. This is probably because females don't exhibit as many hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. This makes it more difficult to identify them. However, this isn't to say that they aren't suffering from any signs. In fact, they could have inattentive ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to recognise. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in tensions in relationships, especially with men.
Women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to experience problems at school and at work. They may have trouble following directions, meeting deadlines, and keeping on top of commitments. They might also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These challenges can lead to burnout which could have a negative impact on their job performance and career.
Women with adult ADHD often have trouble keeping track of their attention, are easily distracted and aren't organized. They can also be prone to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. In addition, they may have trouble with their emotions and are often thought of as a victim by other people. For example, mood swings can be perceived as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these issues, there are plenty of resources available for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best options is an intervention program designed specifically for adults with ADHD. These groups are accessible both online and in person. They are great ways to get guidance on diagnosis routes for both adults and children as well as how to manage your condition.
There are numerous adult ADHD support groups across the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example is a weekly meeting at The Hideout St Judes. They offer a safe place for adults with ADHD to discuss their challenges, successes and aspirations. You can find the meeting details on their website or their Facebook page. You can reach them with any questions or wish to attend an scheduled event.
4. Exercise
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulties managing their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles and menopause. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional symptoms like mood fluctuations and irritability.
Exercise can reduce the symptoms of these conditions by releasing positive hormones and reducing stress. Plus, it can help to reduce stress and increase focus and attention. Make sure to incorporate a regular exercise routine in your daily routine.
Try exercising at your home, or if prefer a more social environment take part in a group class or a gym. Remember that although exercising can help alleviate some of the symptoms of ADHD however, it will not fix them completely on its own. It is best to combine it with other symptom-management strategies. It is recommended to aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity workout per week.