ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women and girls because the symptoms are not as evident. It is possible to misdiagnose them as other conditions which may delay the referral.
Signs of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females with ADHD should be explored and treated as needed. Transitional periods such as pregnancy or adolescence may reveal and worsen ADHD in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be hard to identify in adulthood, particularly for women. Many of the symptoms are different for women. While men are more hyperactive and impulsive, women often struggle to concentrate or sit still. They may be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression.
ADHD is often seen in boys and men and doctors may not be aware of the condition. This could lead to delays in diagnosis because females aren't referred to doctors as frequently. Girls can also hide symptoms better than males. This makes them less likely to be noticed by their teachers or parents. They may resort to strategies to cope, like concealing their appearance with makeup or acting out to disguise their behaviour and emotions.
The symptoms of ADHD are more severe when women go through perimenopause or menopausal. click the up coming post is because they be affected by hormonal changes that make them more prone to mood swings. It could also be challenging to follow routines and manage their tasks. This can affect how well they manage their work, home and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has soared thanks to prominent personalities such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, the long wait for assessments is creating stress and frustration for those who haven't been able to access the help they need. This is especially relevant for those who are on the NHS as there are only a few doctors who can conduct ADHD tests. It can take years to make an appointment.
The first step towards receiving a diagnosis is to visit your GP. You must inform your GP that you think you have ADHD. They will take this seriously and request a referral. 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 speed up the process. You can also attempt to obtain an assessment through the private healthcare route.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD can be harder to identify than men, mainly because the signs aren't so obvious, particularly in adulthood. These strategies can be harmful, since they can try to conceal their problems. Some of these include drinking excessively smoking cannabis, or trying to gain social support by participating in risky activities (e.g. crime, gangs, and promiscuity activities). Girls with ADHD are also more likely to experience more sexually transmitted diseases and teens who are unplanned and have early pregnancy.
GPs will take any report of ADHD seriously and will ask you about your symptoms. They will then direct you to a program 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 long and in some cases it can be difficult to be referred due to the lack of seriousness which the problem is treated. 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 due to other factors (like depression, anxiety, or substance misuse) and not by their ADHD symptoms.
After you've been referred to a therapist to a therapist, you must select a therapist who is knowledgeable about the issue and will work with your ADHD problems. Some therapists specialise in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is especially beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms requires a lifetime commitment. Treatment can ease some of your symptoms and dietary changes can also make a difference. A diet high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can help reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. On the other the other hand, a diet rich in junk food and sugar can worsen the symptoms.
You should also inquire with your GP whether mindfulness-based methods like meditation might be helpful for you. They can be extremely beneficial in helping those suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a trained instructor. The NHS service locator can help you find a provider near you.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD may have less apparent symptoms than men. This is likely because females don't exhibit as many hyperactive or impulsive symptoms. This makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. This does not mean that they don't have symptoms. In reality, they may be afflicted with inattention ADHD symptoms which are more difficult to recognize. In addition, they can have a hard time managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to difficult relationships, especially with men.
Women who have inattentive ADHD are more likely to have difficulties with school and work. They can have trouble following directions and juggling deadlines and meeting commitments. They might also be unable to accept constructive criticism or constructive feedback. These issues can cause burnout, which can have a negative effect on their work performance and their professional career.
The most frequent symptoms and signs of ADHD among women include difficulties paying attention, easily forgetting things and having a poor organization. They are also susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. They may also be troubled by their emotions and are frequently misunderstood by others. For example, mood swings can be seen as an expression of anger or frustration.
Despite these challenges There are still plenty of options for adults suffering from ADHD. adhd symptoms for women of the best is a support group that is specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups can be found online and in person. These groups are a great way to get advice about diagnostic methods for adults and children, and also how to manage your illness.
There are a variety of adult ADHD support groups in the UK. For instance, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They offer a safe place for adults with ADHD to talk about their challenges, achievements and hopes. The meeting details can be found on their Facebook page or website. You can also contact them with questions or if you'd like the opportunity to attend the next event.
4. Exercise
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles as well as menopausal changes. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional issues such as mood swings and irritation.
Exercise can help reduce these symptoms, release of feel-good hormones and decreasing stress. In addition, it helps to reduce stress and increase focus and attention. Try to include a regular exercise routine in your day.
Try exercising at your home, or if prefer a social setting you can join a class or gym. Exercise can alleviate some ADHD symptoms, but it will not solve them. It should be incorporated with other strategies to treat symptoms. You should aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.