ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often not properly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are less evident. They are also often misdiagnosed as other conditions, which can delay referral.
Symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females suffering from ADHD need to be investigated and treated as needed. Adolescence, pregnancy or adolescence may reveal and exacerbate ADHD in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be difficult to diagnose in adulthood, particularly for women. This is because a lot of the symptoms are different for females. For instance, while males tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, a lot of women have trouble in concentrating or staying still. They may be misdiagnosed as having other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.
ADHD is often observed in males and females So doctors may not be familiar with the condition. This can cause delays in diagnosis, as females aren't seen by doctors as often. Girls also conceal their symptoms better than boys. This makes them less likely get noticed by their teachers or parents. They might use strategies to cope, like hiding behind makeup or acting out to cover up their actions and feelings.
The symptoms of ADHD can get worse when women experience perimenopausal or menopause. This is due to hormonal fluctuations that can cause them to be more prone to mood swings. They might be unable to stay on top of things and stick to routines. This can impact how they manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has increased due to celebrities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, waiting times for assessments are creating stress and frustration for people who haven't been in a position to get the assistance they require. This is especially the case for those on the NHS since there are only a handful of doctors that can conduct ADHD tests and it could take years to secure an appointment.
The first step in receiving a diagnosis is to visit your GP. You must inform your GP you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. They will consider this a serious matter and request a referral. You must also state the reasons why you think you have ADHD. You can download an official letter from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to speed up the process. You may also get an evaluation through private healthcare.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women with ADHD are more difficult to recognize due to the fact that their symptoms, particularly when they are adults, may not be as obvious. These strategies can be harmful because they might try to conceal their problems. Some of them include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and trying to gain social support by participating in risky activities (e.g. add in adult women , gangs, and criminal activities are just a few examples of high-risk actions. Girls with ADHD may also be more susceptible to increased rates of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.
GPs will take any report of ADHD seriously, and should ask you about your symptoms. They will then refer you to the most appropriate service for you - this is usually a community mental health clinic or a specialist Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services can be lengthy and in some instances it is difficult to get referrals because the issue is not taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP is not aware of adult ADHD or believes that the individual's difficulties are due to other causes (such as depression, anxiety or addiction to drugs) instead of ADHD symptoms.
If you've been recommended to a therapist, you must select a therapist that is aware of the issue and will work with your ADHD problems. Certain therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is particularly beneficial for people with ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms is a lifelong process. The use of medication can reduce some of your symptoms and diet changes can also make a difference. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can reduce the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. On the other hand, a diet high in junk food and sugar can exacerbate these symptoms.
It is also advisable to ask your GP if mindfulness-based techniques, such as meditation, might be helpful for you. They can be extremely helpful in helping those with ADHD manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques from a qualified instructor. The NHS service locator can help you find a provider near you.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD might exhibit less apparent symptoms than men. This is probably due to the fact that females do not have as many symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity 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. They might have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to detect, such as inattention ADHD. In addition, they can have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to strained or dissolved relationships, especially with men.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD may be more likely to have difficulties with school and work. They may have trouble following directions or deadlines, as well as keeping on top of commitments. They might also have a hard time accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback at work. These challenges can cause burnout, which can have a negative impact on their job performance and their career.
Women with adult ADHD often have trouble paying attention, forgetting easily and are not organized. They can also be prone to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. They can also have difficulty expressing their emotions, and are often misinterpreted. For example, mood swings can be interpreted as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these difficulties there are many options for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective options is a support program specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are available both online and in person. These groups are a great way to receive advice on the diagnosis options for both children and adults as well how to manage your illness.
There are many 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 environment for adults suffering from ADHD to talk about their struggles, successes and hopes. The information about the meeting are available on their Facebook page and website. mouse click the following article can also reach them with any questions in the event that you'd like to join the next event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD may face unique issues that make it more difficult to manage their symptoms, like menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopausal changes. These hormonal changes may cause or worsen emotional issues such as mood swings and anger.
Exercise can help reduce these symptoms by releasing feel-good hormones and reduce stress. It can also help to manage excess energy, and increase focus and improve attention. Try to include an exercise routine that you regularly do in your day.
You can exercise at home or, if you want to socialize take part in a group or join a gym. Exercise can help with certain ADHD symptoms but it can't solve them. It should be incorporated with other strategies for managing symptoms. You should aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.