ADHD in Women and Girls

Girls and women are often undiagnosed for ADHD since symptoms are more evident in females. They can also be misdiagnosed as other conditions which may delay referral.

The signs of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females suffering from ADHD should be explored and treated in the appropriate way. Periods of transition such as pregnancy and adolescence can unmask and exacerbate ADHD symptoms in certain women.

1. Get a diagnosis

ADHD is difficult to identify particularly for women. This is due to the fact that many of the symptoms are different in females. For instance, while males tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have trouble being able to concentrate or sit still. Because of this, they can be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems such as depression or anxiety.

Doctors may not be well-versed with ADHD because it is more prevalent in men and boys. This can cause delays in diagnosis since women aren't referred as swiftly. Girls are also able to hide their symptoms better than males. This makes them less likely to get noticed by their teachers or parents. They may resort to coping methods that include hiding behind make-up or acting out to disguise their feelings and behaviors.

Symptoms of ADHD are more severe when women experience perimenopausal or menopause. This is because they can experience hormonal fluctuations that cause them to be more susceptible to mood swings. They may also find it harder to keep track of things and follow routines. adult adhd in women can affect how well they manage their home, work and other responsibilities.

Assessments that are delayed for a long time can cause stress and anger to those who aren't able to receive the help they require. This is especially applicable to those who are on the NHS since there are only a few doctors who are able to conduct ADHD assessments. It can take years to make an appointment.

The first step to get an assessment is to see your GP. You should tell your GP that you think you have ADHD. They will consider this a serious matter and ask for an appointment. You should also explain why you believe you might have ADHD. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP to aid in speeding up the process. Alternatively, you can try to get an assessment through the private healthcare route.


2. Talk with your doctor

Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult to identify due to the fact that their symptoms, especially when they are adults aren't always obvious. These strategies can be harmful, as they may try to cover up their issues. Some of them include excessive drinking smoking cannabis, or trying to build social support by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs and other criminal activity are all examples of high-risk actions. 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 very seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then direct you to a program that is the most appropriate for you. This is usually a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.

The waiting times for these services can be long and, in some instances it can be difficult to be referred because of the lack of seriousness with which the problem is treated. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of adult ADHD or believes that the person's problems are due to other causes (such as depression, anxiety or abuse of substances) instead of ADHD symptoms.

It is important that you select a therapist with ADHD experience who is able to work with you in addressing your ADHD challenges. Some therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is particularly helpful for those suffering from ADHD.

Managing ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. Treatment and dietary changes can help reduce your symptoms. A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. On the other side, a diet that is high in sugar and junk foods can increase these symptoms.

It is also advisable to ask your GP to determine if mindfulness-based practices like meditation might be beneficial to you. They can be very useful in helping people with ADHD manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods by a trained teacher. You can find one near you by using the NHS service locator.

3. Find a support group

Women with ADHD tend to notice their symptoms are less apparent than those with ADHD. This could be because females don't have as many hyperactive or impulsive symptoms. This makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. However, this does not mean they are not suffering from symptoms. They could have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to spot, like inattentive ADHD. Additionally, they may have a hard time managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause broken relationships or even breakups, especially with men.

Women who suffer from inattention ADHD might be more likely to have difficulties at school and work. They can have trouble adhering to instructions and juggling deadlines and meeting commitments. They might also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These challenges can lead to burnout that could negatively impact their job and career.

Some of the most common symptoms and signs of ADHD among women include difficulties paying attention, a tendency to forget things easily and a lack of organization. They might also be prone to self-doubt and depression. Additionally, they can struggle with their emotions and are often misunderstood by others. For instance, changes in mood could be interpreted as a sudden rage or anger.

Despite these challenges there are many options for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective is a support group specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups can be found online and in person. They are an excellent way to receive advice on diagnosis routes for children and adults, as well as how to manage your illness.

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 provide a safe environment for adults with ADHD who wish to talk about their challenges, goals and accomplishments. The meeting details are available on their Facebook page or on their website. Contact them with any questions or wish to attend an upcoming event.

4. Exercise

Women with ADHD can face particular issues that make it more difficult to manage their symptoms, like menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional symptoms, such as mood fluctuation and irritability.

Exercise can help alleviate these symptoms by releasing happy hormones and reduce stress. It also helps control excess energy, increase focus and concentration. Therefore, you should try to incorporate a regular fitness routine into your day.

Try exercising at your home, or if prefer a more social environment, join a group class or a gym. Just remember, that while exercise can reduce some of the symptoms of ADHD, it won't solve them all by itself - it must be combined with other strategies for managing symptoms. Ideally, you should aim to get 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.