ADHD in Women and Girls

Women and girls often go not being diagnosed with ADHD as symptoms are less apparent in females. They are also often misdiagnosed as other conditions which may delay the diagnosis.

It is crucial to understand and manage the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and eating disorders among females suffering from ADHD. The transitional phases of pregnancy or adolescence can reveal and worsen ADHD in certain women.


1. Get a diagnosis

ADHD is a difficult condition to diagnose particularly in women. Many of the symptoms are different for women. For instance, while males tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, a lot of women have trouble in concentrating or staying still. Because of this, they could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.

ADHD is often seen in boys and men So doctors may not be familiar with the condition. This can cause delays in diagnosis, as females are not referred to doctors as often. Girls may also conceal their symptoms better than men and are less likely to be observed by parents or teachers. They might resort to coping strategies like concealing their face with makeup or acting out to hide their feelings and behaviors.

The symptoms of ADHD are more severe as women enter perimenopausal or menopausal. This is because they have hormonal fluctuations that can cause them to be more susceptible to mood swings. It may also be difficult to follow routines and stay on top of their tasks. This could affect their ability to manage their work, home and other responsibilities.

Waiting times for assessments can cause stress and frustration for those who are unable to receive the help they require. This is especially true for those who are on the NHS since there are only a few doctors who can conduct ADHD assessments. It can take years to secure an appointment.

The first step in obtaining the diagnosis is to visit your GP. You should tell your GP that you think you have ADHD. They will consider this a serious matter and request a referral. You must also state why you believe you have ADHD. You can download a help letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP to help speed up the process. You could also receive an assessment through private healthcare.

2. Speak with your doctor

Women with ADHD are often harder to recognize than men, mainly because the signs aren't as evident, especially in adulthood. They might develop strategies to conceal their issues which can be very damaging. These include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and trying to build social support through high-risk activities (e.g. crime, gangs, and promiscuity activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be involved in criminal activities, gangs, and promiscuity. rates of sexually transmitted diseases and teenage, early and unplanned pregnancies.

Doctors will take any complaint of ADHD seriously, and should inquire about the symptoms you are experiencing. They will then refer you to the appropriate service for you - this typically a community mental health clinic or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.

The wait times for these services can be long and in some instances it is difficult to get referrals because the issue isn't taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP doesn't know about adult ADHD, or because they believe that the individual's issues are caused by other factors (like anxiety, depression or abuse of drugs) and not due to their ADHD symptoms.

Once you've been referred, it is important to choose a therapist who understands the disorder and is willing to tackle your ADHD issues. Certain therapists specialize in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people with ADHD.

Managing ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. The use of medication can reduce certain symptoms, and dietary changes can help. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. 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 could be beneficial to you as they can be very efficient in helping those suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught by a trained teacher. You can find a teacher near you by using the NHS service locator.

3. Find a support group

Women with ADHD may have less obvious symptoms than men. This could be because females don't have as many hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. This can make it difficult to identify them. This does not mean that they do not have symptoms. They may even have ADHD symptoms that are harder to recognize, such as inattentive ADHD. In addition, they could have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to difficult relationships, especially with males.

Women who suffer from inattention ADHD may be more likely to have difficulties at school and work. They may have difficulty following instructions and juggling deadlines and keeping promises. They may also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or constructive feedback. These challenges can lead to burnout which can have a negative impact on their job and career.

Some of the most prevalent signs and symptoms of adult ADHD among women include difficulties paying attention, forgetting things easily and having a poor organization. They might also be prone to self-doubt and depression. In addition, they may have trouble with their emotions and are frequently misunderstood by others. For instance, mood swings could be interpreted as a sudden rage or anger.

Despite these challenges There are still plenty of resources available for adults with ADHD. One of the best is an online support group specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups are offered both online as well as in person. These groups are a great place to get advice about the diagnosis options for adults and children, as well how to manage your condition.

There are numerous adult ADHD support groups throughout the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They offer a safe space for adults with ADHD who want to share their struggles, goals and accomplishments. You can find the information on the meeting on their website or Facebook page. You can reach them with any questions or wish to attend an forthcoming event.

4. Exercise

Women with ADHD might have difficulties managing their symptoms, which includes menstrual cycles and menopause. These hormonal changes may trigger or exacerbate emotional problems such as mood swings and irritability.

adhd in young women can reduce these symptoms by releasing feel-good hormones and decreasing stress. It can also help to control excess energy, improve focus and attention. So, try to incorporate a regular fitness routine into your daily.

Exercise at home or, if your goal is to be social join a club or join a gym. Be aware that although exercise can alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD, it won't fix them completely on its own. It is best to combine it with other strategies to manage symptoms. It is recommended to aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.