ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls often go undiagnosed for ADHD since symptoms are more obvious in females. They can also be mistaken for other conditions and this can delay the diagnosis.
It is important to explore and manage the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and eating disorders among females with ADHD. The transitional phases of pregnancy and adolescence can reveal and worsen ADHD symptoms in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD isn't easy to identify in adulthood, especially for women. The symptoms differ for women. For instance, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, a lot of women have difficulty being able to concentrate or sit still. They could be misdiagnosed as having mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.
Doctors might not be aware with ADHD, as it is more prevalent in males and boys. This could lead to delays in diagnosis because females often don't get referred as quickly. Girls are also able to hide their symptoms better than boys. This makes them less likely to get noticed by their teachers or parents. They may resort to coping strategies, such as hiding behind makeup or acting out to cover up their actions and emotions.
The symptoms of ADHD can get worse when women experience perimenopausal or menopause. This is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more susceptible to mood swings. It may also be difficult to keep track of routines and manage their tasks. This can impact how they manage their work, home and other responsibilities.
Waiting times for assessments can cause stress and frustration to those who aren't able to receive the assistance they need. This is especially applicable to those on the NHS as there are only a handful of doctors who are able to conduct ADHD tests. It can take a long time to secure an appointment.
The first step in getting a diagnosis 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 why you think you may have ADHD. You can download a help letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP to assist in the speedy process. You could also obtain an assessment through private healthcare.
2. Speak with your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to identify, in part because their symptoms, particularly as they age, may not be as evident. They may develop strategies to cover up their problems and they can be very damaging. A few of these include excessive drinking, smoking cannabis and trying to build social support by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. gangs, promiscuity and criminal activities). Girls with ADHD are also more likely to have more sexually transmitted diseases, teenage, unplanned and early pregnancy.
GPs take reports of ADHD very serious and will inquire about your symptoms. Then, they will refer you to the appropriate service for you - this typically a community mental health service or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services are long and, in some instances, it is difficult to refer someone due to the lack of seriousness with how the issue is addressed. 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 addiction to drugs) instead of ADHD symptoms.
It is important that you select a therapist with ADHD experience who is able to collaborate with your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists are trained cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people with ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms is a lifelong process. The use of medication can reduce some of your symptoms and diet modifications can make a difference too. For example, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can make the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less noticeable. A diet that is high in sugars and junk food can cause these symptoms to worsen.
It is also worth speaking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based practices such as meditation might be beneficial to you, as they can be extremely effective in helping people suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a trained teacher. The NHS service locator can help you find a provider near you.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD might have more subtle symptoms than males. 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 be diagnosed. But, that's not to say that they aren't suffering from any symptoms. They might have ADHD symptoms that are harder to spot, like inattentive ADHD. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause tensions in relationships, especially with males.
Women who are not attentive ADHD are more likely to have difficulties at school and work. inattentive add in women can have trouble adhering to instructions, keeping track of deadlines and keeping promises. They might also be unable to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These challenges can cause burnout, which could have a negative impact on their performance at work and career.
Women who suffer from adult ADHD frequently have difficulty keeping track of their attention, are easily distracted, and are not well organized. They might also be prone to self-doubt and depression. They may also struggle with their emotions and are frequently thought of as a victim by other people. For instance, changes in mood can be misinterpreted as sudden outburst anger or frustration.
Despite these issues there are many resources available for adults with ADHD. One of the best is a support group that is specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are available on the internet as well as in person. They are great ways to get advice on diagnosis routes for both adults and children and also how to manage your condition.
If you're looking for an adult ADHD support group, there are many in the UK. For instance, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They offer a safe place for adults with ADHD to talk about their challenges, achievements and hopes. You can find the information on the meeting on their website and Facebook page. You can also reach them with questions if you'd like to attend the next event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD might have difficulties managing their symptoms, including menstrual cycles as well as menopausal changes. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional symptoms, such as mood fluctuations and irritability.
Exercise can help reduce these symptoms, producing feel-good hormones and decreasing stress. It can also help reduce excess energy and increase focus and concentration. So, try to incorporate a regular exercise routine into your daily.
Exercise at home or, if you'd like to socialize take part in a group or join a gym. Remember that although exercising can help alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD however, it will not fix them completely by itself - it should be paired with other symptom-management strategies. The ideal goal is to complete 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week.