ADHD in Women and Girls

Girls and women often go undiagnosed for ADHD because the symptoms are less obvious in females. It is possible to misdiagnose them as other conditions and delay referral.

Symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females suffering from ADHD need to be investigated and treated in the appropriate way. The transitional phases of pregnancy or adolescence may reveal and worsen ADHD in some women.

1. Get a diagnosis

ADHD can be hard to diagnose in adulthood, especially for women. This is because many symptoms are different in females. While men are more hyperactive and impulsive, women typically struggle to concentrate or sit still. As a result, they could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.

ADHD is more frequently observed in men and boys So doctors may not be familiar with the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis as females often don't get referred as swiftly. Girls also conceal their symptoms better than males. This makes them less likely be noticed by parents or teachers. They might resort to strategies to cope, like hiding behind makeup or acting out to disguise their behaviour and emotions.

Symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women experience perimenopausal or menopause. This is because they be affected by hormonal changes that make them more prone to mood swings. It could also be challenging for them to follow routines and manage their tasks. This can impact how they manage their work, home and other responsibilities.

While awareness of ADHD has soared thanks to high profile personalities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, long wait for assessments is creating stress and frustration for those who haven't been able to access the help they need. This is particularly true for those on the NHS since there are only a few doctors who can perform ADHD tests. It can take a long time to make an appointment.

The first step in obtaining an assessment is to see your GP. It is crucial to inform your GP that you think you may have ADHD because they will need to take this seriously and request an appointment. It is also important to explain the reasons behind why you think you may have ADHD. You can download an official letter from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. You can also try to get an evaluation through private healthcare.

2. Talk to your doctor

Women with ADHD are more difficult to recognize than men, in part because the signs aren't as obvious, especially as an adult adhd symptoms women. They might develop strategies to conceal their issues, and these can be very damaging. This includes drinking heavily or smoking cannabis, as well as seeking to build support for their friends by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. prostitution, gangs and other criminal activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to have an increased risk of developing sexually transmitted diseases and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancy.

The GP will take any reports of ADHD seriously, and should ask you about your symptoms. They will then direct you to the most appropriate service for your needs. This is usually a community mental health service or a specialist Neurodevelopmental Service.

The waiting times for these services can be long and in some cases it can be difficult to be referred because of the lack of seriousness how the issue is addressed. This could be due to the fact that the GP isn't aware of adult ADHD or believe that the person's problems are caused by other factors (like anxiety, depression or abuse of drugs) and not caused by their ADHD symptoms.

After you've been referred to a therapist, it is important to select a therapist who is knowledgeable about the issue and is willing to tackle your Adhd Is Different For women issues. Certain therapists specialize in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people with ADHD.

Controlling ADHD symptoms requires a long-term commitment. Medication and dietary changes may help to reduce the symptoms. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. A diet rich in sugars and junk food may cause these symptoms to worsen.

You should also ask your GP whether mindfulness-based methods, such as meditation, might be helpful for you. They can be very helpful in helping those with ADHD manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques with a certified instructor. You can find one near you using the NHS service locator.

3. Find a support group

Women with ADHD tend to have less visible symptoms than men. This is probably due to the fact that females don't have as many symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This can make it difficult for them to get diagnosed. However, this is not to say that they don't have any signs of add in adult women. They could have adhd diagnosis in adult women symptoms that are harder to spot, like inattention ADHD. In addition, they could have a hard time managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in strained or dissolved relationships particularly with males.

Women who suffer from inattention ADHD may be more likely to have difficulties with work and school. They may have trouble following instructions or deadlines, as well as keeping track of commitments. They might be unable to accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback from their workplace. These issues can lead to burnout that can have a negative impact on their job and career.

Women with adult ADHD often have trouble keeping track of their attention, are easily distracted and aren't organized. They could also be susceptible to self-doubt and depression. They may also have difficulties in expressing their emotions and are often misinterpreted. For instance, mood swings can be seen as an expression of anger or frustration.

Despite these difficulties, there are plenty of resources available for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best options is a support program that is specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are available on the internet and in person. These groups are a great way to get advice about the diagnosis options for both children and adults as well how to manage your illness.

There are a variety of adult ADHD support groups across 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 achievements. The details of the meeting can be found on their Facebook page or website. You can also reach them with any questions or if you'd like the opportunity to attend a future event.

4. Exercise

Women with ADHD have particular challenges that make it harder to manage their symptoms, including menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional issues like mood swings and irritation.

Exercise can help alleviate the symptoms of these conditions by releasing positive hormones and decreasing stress. Plus, it can help control excess energy and improve concentration and attention. Therefore, you should try to incorporate a regular fitness routine into your daily.

Exercise at home or, if you want to socialize take part in a group or join a gym. Exercise can alleviate some ADHD symptoms, but it will not eliminate them. It should be incorporated with other strategies for managing symptoms. Ideally, you should aim to complete 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week.