ADHD in Women and Girls

Girls and women often go undiagnosed for ADHD as symptoms are less evident in females. They can also be misdiagnosed as other disorders and delay referral.

It is important to explore and treat the symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females with ADHD. The transitional phases of pregnancy or adolescence may reveal and increase the severity of ADHD in some women.

1. Get a diagnosis

ADHD isn't easy to diagnose in adulthood, particularly for women. A lot of the symptoms differ for women. While men are more active and impulsive, women typically have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. As a result, they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems like anxiety or depression.

ADHD is also more often observed in men and boys and doctors may not be knowledgeable about the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis because females aren't referred to doctors as quickly. Girls are also able to hide their symptoms better than males. adhd symptoms for women are less likely to get noticed by teachers or parents. They may use coping techniques like concealing their face with makeup or putting on a show to conceal their emotions and behavior.

Symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women go through perimenopause or menopausal. This is due to the fact that they experience hormonal fluctuations that make them more prone to mood swings. They might be unable to keep track of their activities and follow routines. 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 times for assessments are causing stress and frustration for those who aren't able to access the assistance they require. This is particularly true for those who are on the NHS as there are only a handful of doctors who can perform ADHD assessments. It can take a long time to get an appointment.

The first step to get the diagnosis is to visit your GP. You should tell your GP that you think you have ADHD. They will be able to take this seriously and will request a referral. You should also explain the reasons behind why you think you may be suffering from ADHD. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP to help speed up the process. You could also obtain an assessment through private healthcare.

2. Talk with your doctor

Women who suffer from ADHD are often harder to diagnose than men, in part because the symptoms are not as obvious, especially when they are adults. These strategies can be harmful, since they can try to cover up their problems. They may do this by drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and seeking to build social support by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. crime, gangs, and promiscuity activities). Girls with ADHD are also more likely to experience a higher rate of sexually transmitted diseases and teenage, unplanned and early 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 wait times for these services can be long In some instances, it can be difficult to be referrals 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 or believes the person's issues are caused by other factors (such as anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs) instead of ADHD symptoms.

After you've been referred to a therapist to a therapist, you must choose a therapist who understands the issue and is willing to tackle your ADHD difficulties. Certain therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is especially helpful for people suffering from ADHD.

Managing ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. The use of medication and diet changes can help reduce your symptoms. For example, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can make your symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less pronounced. On the other the other hand, a diet rich in sugar and junk foods can exacerbate these symptoms.

It's also worth talking with your GP about whether mindfulness-based practices such as meditation might be beneficial to you because they can be extremely effective in helping people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught by a qualified instructor. The NHS service locator will help you locate the nearest provider.

3. Find a support group

Women with ADHD might exhibit less obvious symptoms than men. This is likely because females don't exhibit as many hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. This makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. This doesn't mean they do not have symptoms. In fact, they could have inattention ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to recognise. In addition, they could have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in ruptures or broken relationships particularly with men.

Women with inattention ADHD are more likely to have difficulties with work and school. They may have difficulty adhering to instructions and juggling deadlines and completing commitments. They may also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These issues can lead to burnout, which can have a negative impact on their work performance and their professional career.

Women who suffer from adult ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused, forgetting easily, and are not well organized. They are also susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. They may also have trouble in expressing their emotions and are often misunderstood. For example, mood changes can be misinterpreted as a sudden eruption of anger or frustration.


Despite these difficulties there are many options for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective is a support group that is specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups are offered both online as well as in person. They are great ways to get information on the diagnosis process for both adults and children and also how to manage your condition.

There are a variety of adult ADHD support groups across the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example, meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults suffering from ADHD to discuss their struggles, successes and aspirations. You can find the meeting details on their website and Facebook page. You can also contact them with any questions or if you'd like the opportunity to attend an upcoming event.

4. Exercise

Women with ADHD have unique issues that make it more difficult to manage their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopausal changes. These hormonal changes may cause or worsen emotional issues like mood swings and anger.

Exercise can help alleviate these symptoms by releasing feel-good hormones and reduce stress. It can also help manage excess energy, and increase focus and improve attention. So, try to include a regular workout routine into your daily.

Try exercising at home, or if you prefer a social setting you can join a class or a gym. Exercise can help with certain ADHD symptoms however it cannot solve the symptoms. It should be incorporated with other strategies for managing symptoms. The ideal goal is to get 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every week.