ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women and girls because the signs aren't as obvious. They can also be mistaken for other conditions, which can delay referral.
It is crucial to understand and manage the symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females with ADHD. Periods of transition such as adolescence and pregnancy can also reveal and worsen ADHD symptoms in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be difficult to identify in adulthood, especially for women. The symptoms differ for women. For example, while men tend to have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have difficulty in concentrating or staying still. As a result, they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
Doctors might not be aware with ADHD because it is more prevalent in men and boys. This can lead to delays in diagnosis as females often don't get referred as frequently. Girls are also able to hide their symptoms better than boys. This makes them less likely to be noticed by parents or teachers. They might resort to coping strategies like wearing make-up or putting on a show to conceal their emotions and behavior.
The symptoms of ADHD are more severe in women who are going through menopausal changes or perimenopause. It is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more prone to mood swings. They might be unable to keep track of their activities and stick to routines. This can affect how well they manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has increased due to high profile personalities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, the long wait for assessments is frustrating and stressful for people who haven't been able to access 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 can perform ADHD tests. It can take years to get an appointment.
The first step to get an assessment is to see your GP. You should tell your GP you believe you may have ADHD. They will take this seriously and will request a referral. You must also provide the reasons you believe you might have ADHD. add women can download an official letter from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. Alternately, you can try to get an assessment via the private healthcare route.
2. Speak to your doctor
Women with ADHD are more difficult to identify due to the fact that their symptoms, particularly when they are adults, may not be as obvious. These strategies can be harmful, as they may attempt to hide their issues. Some of them include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis and trying to create social connections by engaging in risky activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs, and criminal activities are just a few examples of high-risk behaviors. Girls who suffer from ADHD can also have increased incidences of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, early and unplanned pregnancies.
GPs will take any report of ADHD seriously, and should inquire about your symptoms. Then, they will refer you to the appropriate service for you. This typically a community mental health service or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for the services may be long and in some instances it can be difficult to get referred because the problem is not taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP does not know about adult ADHD, or because they think that the person's challenges are due to other factors (like depression, anxiety or substance misuse) and not caused by their ADHD symptoms.
Once you've been referred, it is important to select a therapist that is aware of the condition, and will work with your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists specialise in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people with ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms is a lifelong process. Treatment and dietary changes can help reduce your symptoms. For instance, a diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits can make your symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less noticeable. On the other side, a diet that is high in sugar and junk foods can exacerbate these symptoms.
You should also ask your GP to determine if mindfulness-based practices like meditation could be beneficial for you. They can be extremely useful in helping people with ADHD manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques by a trained instructor. The NHS service locator will help you locate a provider near you.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD may have less obvious symptoms than men. This could be because females don't exhibit as many hyperactive or impulsive symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to get diagnosed. However, this isn't to say that they aren't suffering from any symptoms. In fact, they may be afflicted with inattention ADHD symptoms that are harder to recognize. Additionally, they may struggle with managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in difficult relationships, especially with males.
Women with inattention ADHD may be more likely to have difficulties with work and school. They can have trouble following directions and juggling deadlines and meeting commitments. They might also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These challenges can lead to burnout, which can have a negative impact on their performance at work and career.
The most frequent symptoms and signs of adult ADHD in women include difficulty paying attention, easily forgetting things and having a poor organization. They could also be susceptible to self-doubt and depression. Additionally, they can struggle with their emotions and are often thought of as a victim by other people. For example, mood changes can be misinterpreted as a sudden outburst anger or frustration.
Despite these challenges, there are still many resources available for adults with ADHD. One of the most effective is a support group that is specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are accessible online and in person. These groups are a great way to get advice about the diagnosis options for both children and adults 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 is a weekly meeting at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe and secure environment for adults with ADHD who want to share their struggles, goals and successes. The meeting details are available on their Facebook page and website. Contact them if you have any questions or want to attend an upcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can cause or exacerbate emotional issues like mood swings and irritability.
Exercise can reduce the symptoms of these conditions by releasing positive hormones and reducing stress. Additionally, it can help reduce excess energy and improve concentration and attention. Try to incorporate an exercise routine that you regularly do in your day.
Try exercising at home, or if you prefer a social setting you can join a class or gym. Just remember, that while exercising can help alleviate some of the symptoms of ADHD, it won't cure them all on its own. It should be paired with other symptom-management strategies. The goal should be 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.