ADHD in Women and Girls

ADHD is often mistakenly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are less evident. It is possible to mistake them for other conditions and this can delay the referral.

The signs of adhd in women of depression, anxiety and eating disorders among females with ADHD should be investigated and treated as needed. The transitional phases of adolescence and pregnancy can also unmask and exacerbate ADHD symptoms in some women.

1. Get a diagnosis

ADHD is difficult to identify, especially in women. The symptoms are different for women. While men tend to be more hyperactive and impulsive, women adhd checklist (her explanation) typically struggle to concentrate or sit still. This means that they can be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.

Doctors may not be well-versed with ADHD because it is more prevalent in males and boys. This can lead to delays in diagnosis because females often don't get referred as frequently. Girls can also hide their symptoms better than men which makes them less likely to be noticed by teachers or parents. They might resort to strategies to cope, like concealing their appearance with makeup or acting out, to disguise their behaviour and feelings.

Symptoms of ADHD can get worse when women experience perimenopausal or menopause. This is due to the fact that they have hormonal fluctuations that can cause them to be more susceptible to mood swings. It could also be challenging to follow routines and keep track of their tasks. This can affect their ability to 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 times for assessments are creating stress and frustration for those who haven't been successful in getting the assistance they require. This can be particularly true for those who are on the NHS, as there is a limited number of doctors that can conduct ADHD assessments. It can take years to obtain an appointment.

The first step to getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. It is crucial to mention to your GP that you believe you might be suffering from adhd assessment for adult women because they'll need to take it seriously and ask for an appointment. It is also important to explain the reasons behind why you think you may be suffering from ADHD. You can download a letter of support 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. Talk to your doctor

Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to identify due to the fact that their symptoms, especially when they reach adulthood aren't always evident. They may develop compensatory strategies to hide their problems and they could be detrimental to their health. This includes drinking heavily or smoking cannabis, as well as trying to build social support through high-risk activities (e.g. crime, gangs, and promiscuity activities). Girls with ADHD can also have increased rates of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, early and unplanned pregnancies.

The GPs will take any reports of ADHD extremely serious and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then refer you to a service that is best suited to you. It is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.

The waiting times for these services can be lengthy In some instances, it can be difficult to be diagnosed because the issue is not taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of the existence of adult adhd adult women treatment or believes that the individual's problems are caused by other factors (such as depression, anxiety or abuse of substances) instead of ADHD symptoms.

It is important that you choose a therapist who has ADHD experience who is willing to work alongside your ADHD difficulties. Certain therapists specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is especially beneficial for those suffering from adhd in middle aged women.

Managing ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. The use of medication and diet changes can help reduce your symptoms. For instance, a diet rich in vegetables and fruits can make the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less pronounced. A diet high in sugars and junk foods can increase the severity of these symptoms.

It is also advisable to ask your GP if mindfulness-based techniques such as meditation could be beneficial for you. They are beneficial in helping those suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a trained instructor. You can find a teacher near you using the NHS service locator.

3. Find a support group

Women with ADHD might have less obvious symptoms than men. This is probably because females don't have as many hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to be diagnosed. This doesn't mean they do not have symptoms. They could have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to recognize, such as inattentive ADHD. They may also have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause ruptures or broken relationships particularly with men.

Women who are not attentive ADHD are more likely to experience difficulties at work and school. They may have difficulty following directions and Women Adhd checklist juggling deadlines and completing commitments. They might also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or constructive feedback. These challenges can lead to burnout which can have a negative effect on their work performance and their career.

Some of the most common symptoms and signs of ADHD among women include difficulties paying attention, easily forgetting things, and poor organisation. They can also be prone to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. In addition, they may have trouble with their emotions and are often misunderstood by others. For instance, mood swings could be interpreted as a sudden eruption of anger or frustration.

Despite these difficulties, there are a lot of resources available to adults with ADHD. One of the most effective options is an intervention program designed specifically for adults with ADHD. These groups are offered online and in person. These groups are a great way to get advice about diagnostic methods for children and adults, and also how to manage your condition.

There are numerous adult ADHD support groups across the UK. For example the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They offer a safe place for adults suffering from ADHD to talk about their challenges, successes and goals. You can find the information on the meeting on their website and Facebook page. Contact them if you have any questions or wish to attend an scheduled event.

4. Exercise

Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, which includes menstrual cycles and menopause. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional problems such as mood swings, and irritation.

Exercise can ease these symptoms, by releasing feel good hormones and decreasing stress. In addition, it helps to reduce stress and increase focus and attention. Therefore, you should try to include a regular workout routine into your day.

Try exercising at home, or if you prefer a social atmosphere you can join a class or a gym. Just remember, that while exercising can help alleviate some of the symptoms of ADHD, it won't solve them all on its own. It must be combined with other strategies to manage symptoms. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity workout every week.