ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls often go undiagnosed for ADHD since symptoms are more apparent in females. They can also be misdiagnosed as other conditions which may delay referral.
It is crucial to understand and manage the symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females suffering from ADHD. Adolescence, adolescence or pregnancy can also reveal and exacerbate ADHD in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be difficult to identify in adulthood, especially for women. This is because many symptoms are different for females. While men are more active and impulsive, women often have trouble concentrating or sitting still. This means that they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems such as anxiety or depression.
Doctors may not be familiarized with ADHD because it is more common in men and boys. This could lead to delays in diagnosis as females often don't get referred as swiftly. Girls also conceal their symptoms better than boys. This makes them less likely get noticed by their teachers or parents. They may resort to coping methods that include concealing their face with makeup or putting on a show to conceal their feelings and behaviors.
The symptoms of ADHD can worsen when women are experiencing menopausal or perimenopause. It is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more prone to mood swings. They might also find it harder to keep track of their activities and follow routines. This can affect how well they manage their home, work and other obligations.
While awareness of ADHD has soared thanks to celebrities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, waiting times for tests are creating stress and frustration for those who aren't able to access the assistance they require. This can be particularly the case for those on the NHS, as there is only a handful of doctors that can perform ADHD assessments and it can take years to secure an appointment.
The first step towards getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. You should tell your GP that you think you be suffering from ADHD. They will take this seriously and request a referral. You must also state the reasons why you think you have ADHD. You can download a letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. You could also receive an assessment through private healthcare.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women with ADHD are more difficult to diagnose, in part because their symptoms, particularly when they are adults might not be as obvious. They may develop compensatory strategies to conceal their issues and they can be extremely damaging. Some of these include excessive drinking, smoking cannabis, and trying to create social connections by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs and other criminal activities are just a few examples of high-risk activities. Girls with ADHD are also more likely to experience a higher rate of sexually transmitted illnesses and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancy.
GPs will take any report of ADHD seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. Then they will recommend the best service for you - this is usually a community mental health clinic or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services can be long and, in some instances, it is difficult to be referred because of the lack of seriousness which the problem is treated. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of adult ADHD or believes that the individual's difficulties are due to other causes (such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse) instead of ADHD symptoms.
It is important that you select a therapist with ADHD experience who is willing to work with you in addressing your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is particularly beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. Medication can help to reduce some of your symptoms and diet modifications can make a difference too. A diet 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.
It's also worth talking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based techniques like meditation could be useful for you because they are extremely effective in helping people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques by a trained instructor. You can find a teacher near you by using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD may have less obvious symptoms than men. This is probably due to the fact that females do not have as many hyperactive, impulsive symptoms as their male counterparts. This can make it difficult for them to get diagnosed. However, this is not to suggest that they don't have any symptoms. They could have ADHD symptoms that are difficult to detect, such as inattentive ADHD. Additionally, they may struggle with managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to difficult relationships, especially with males.
Women with inattention ADHD are more likely to struggle at school and work. They may have trouble following instructions or deadlines, as well as keeping the track of commitments. They can also have difficulty accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback from their workplace. These challenges can lead to burnout which can have a negative impact on their career and job performance.
Women who suffer from adult ADHD often have trouble paying attention, forgetting easily and are not organized. They are also susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. click the up coming post may also have difficulties communicating their feelings, and are often not understood. For example, mood changes could be interpreted as a sudden rage or anger.
Despite these issues there are many resources available for adults with ADHD. One of the best is an online support group specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are available on the internet and in person. They are great ways to get advice on diagnosis routes for both adults and children as well as tips on how to manage your illness.
There are many adult ADHD support groups in 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 talk about their challenges, achievements and goals. The details of the meeting can be found on their Facebook page or on their website. You can also reach them with any questions you may have or if you'd like the opportunity to attend the next event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, including menstrual cycles and menopause. These hormonal changes may cause or exacerbate emotional issues like mood swings and irritability.
Exercise can reduce these symptoms by releasing feel-good hormones and decreasing stress. Additionally, it can help to reduce stress and increase focus and attention. Try to include an exercise routine that you regularly do in your daily routine.
Exercise at home or, if you want to socialize join a club or join a gym. Exercise can alleviate certain ADHD symptoms but it can't solve them. It should be incorporated with other strategies to treat symptoms. The goal should be 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.
